But remember that there are other things you need to know before becoming a professional dog walker. served basis, so we recommend that you register early for Make sure you don’t charge too much, or to little. There is no single entity for becoming a certified professional pet sitter. Click on “Ask Us a Question” at the bottom of this screen. In our accounting example, certification is obtained by a single exam, the Uniform CPA Exam issued by the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA). Check Your Rates with a Free Pet Insurance Quote — Visit Site >> Final Tips on How to Become a Dog Walker. If you also offer dog training, grooming, and professional kennel services, there are other certifications that you might want to look into pursuing. 3. Consider a website that allows users to book a time slot and services online. ", "It helped me make a decision on wanting to start a dog walking business. Don't undercut viciously; after all, you want to stay in this industry, not be cold-shouldered by your fellow dog-walkers. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics also predicts a roughly 11% jump in employment for animal care workers during the 10-year period from 2014 to 2024. Use social media to promote yourself. HOLIDAY SPECIAL: This all-inclusive registration package for the Dog Walker Certificate Course is priced as only $149 U.S. for the December 7, 2020 course. Start dog walking or pet sitting for friends and neighbors. You will also be responsible for checking on the dog’s water and food supply to ensure they are well-fed after the walk. This article was co-authored by David Levin. If they are a large dog or one with long hair, it will most likely not need any extra clothing. ", instead of trying to sign me up for annoying employment services. Very informative! Become A Professional Dog Walker - Tips And Tricks. By using our site, you agree to our. The course has been created to allow you to complete it without any teaching assistance, however as a student you have access to Faculty Members to provide you with personal teaching assistance and career advice. Is it possible to do dog walking at age 10? have previously been offered for a BorrowMyDoggy is a community of dog lovers. and professional membership – a total value of almost $377. }}, {"@type": "Question","name": "Do You Need a License to Be a Dog Walker? Have extra leashes, collars, dog toys, dog treats, water, etc. A certificate from the International Association of Professions Career College may give you: With the International Association of Professions Career College, you can earn a certificate online more quickly and affordably than many other educational options. You will get to be outside every day, enjoying the companionship of your favorite animals. Having the key to someone's home is a serious gesture of trust -- be as responsible to your new clients as you would yourself, your grandma, or the President. Dog walkers earned a median wage of $12 per hour in 2016, per Payscale.com. As owner of the business, you should make all arrangements for dog-walking directly with clients and then provide the instructions, keys etc. be notified when a new course date is scheduled. ", "Well, today I'm dog walking and I want to make a small business. David Levin. Group dog walking is where your money will come from. When you take a part-time online certificate course with IAP Career College, you can schedule your learning around your life - you can work at your own pace, at the best times for you and from the comfort of your own home. That way the pets can do all the hoop jumping for you (which will really only be when you're sitting or walking circus pets). There are also neighborhood-specific social media sites, such as Nextdoor.com, which are a great way to advertise to a local clientele. How can you determine what to charge your clients? Ask those in your neighborhood or family friends at even the slightest mention of a vacation or being too busy to walk the dog. What do you need to know before beginning your career as a professional dog walker? IAP Career College and affiliated company FabJob Inc (the leading online publisher of guide books on how to get started in a dream career) have served over half a million career changers on six continents since 1999." What is the Dog Walker Certificate Course? Keep your distance, stay calm, try to avoid other dogs/humans, and do not shout at or taunt the dog. Gentle persuasion and negotiation will often win the human client over! If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. There are few careers that offer so many benefits. Your local Humane Society may be another resource you can tap into. What are some tips on walking into a home without the owners and greeting a free moving dog? Explain what you will do with the dogs to keep them entertained and well-exercised - for example, that you are prepared to run with the dogs for exercise, that you will play ball/tug rope/fetch with the dogs etc. It can cost hundreds, You may walk a dog around the neighborhood alone if possible, but always tell your parents when you go out, and never walk on strange roads. For example, you can choose to walk all types of dogs, or you can specialize in particular dog breeds, sizes, or energy levels. All Rights Reserved. (We found courses based on old editions of our guides I love this website. More hours means more clients and a likelihood of referrals. Remember this is not your dog. The International Association of Professions Career College aims to offer the finest in affordable online certificate programs for dream careers. What qualifications does a dog walker require? You'll also need to consider your climate. In time, you won't have to do it at all. Is it possible to become a dog walker if I am twelve? 19 December 2019. The less you're driving around wasting money on gas, the better. Still, there are other things you need to know before becoming a professional dog walker. Formal instruction in basic training, dog body language, animal learning theory, aggression, leash handling, canine first aid, and pack management should be priorities. We are also happy to answer any of your questions to help you decide whether an online certificate course from the International Association of Professions Career College is right for you. Our dog training instructor program and dog walker programs will teach you to be a proficient and certified dog trainer or certified dog walker. How do you feel about rain? Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. If you know that you will be picking up a dog under such circumstances, talk to the owner and agree on a date prior to your first walk where they will be home to give his/her dog the "go ahead" signal with you. You find joy walking them, spending time with them and caring for them. Here are some suggestions on how to start your professional dog walking career. You might also consider agreeing upon a treat you can provide the dog (whether you purchase your own or use theirs is between you and your client to decide). {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/54\/Become-a-Professional-Dog-Walker-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Become-a-Professional-Dog-Walker-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/54\/Become-a-Professional-Dog-Walker-Step-1.jpg\/aid27654-v4-728px-Become-a-Professional-Dog-Walker-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

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\n<\/p><\/div>"}. Dog walkers in large cities tend to make more than those in the suburbs, but there’s far more competition for business in cities. Not exactly! Not quite! Make sure you have a backpack that has provisions for the dog as well as yourself. But to be a professional dog walker requires professional education and training. lower cost to you because of our expertise from almost ","acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer","text": "Earning a certificate as a dog walker will equip you with the principles and techniques for becoming a professional dog walker. Paul Mann, Founder, Fetch! If you want to develop a professional dog walking career rather than just pursue a hobby, then education, certification, and training is critical. The International Association of Professions Career College (IAP Career College) is a leading online career college offering affordable online certificate courses and professional certifications for non-traditional and "dream" careers. the Dog Walker Certificate Course online Not only can you visit with cute dogs, but you can learn a thing or 2! Bring enough water for both you and the dog(s), as well as a bowl to pour it in. 1. It'll bother you more than the dogs if it starts to pour. }}, {"@type": "Question","name": "What is the Dog Walker Certificate Course? This section of the article was written by Melissa Smith, a professional dog walker/pet sitter. If you want to know how to become a dog walker, the most obvious step is, of course, learning about dogs. Walk dogs solo, to build their trust, then gradually introduce new dogs, if group walks are desired. Not exactly! Walking dogs for a living is more than just pulling on a leash and getting some exercise. This isn't just about you but about the dog's energy levels, personality mix, and safety. You can check out their advertisements or simply ask them. The ways in which you will pay attention to nutritional and medical requirements of your canine charges. This part-time online Dog Walker Certificate Course has a recommended completion date of 6 weeks from the start of the program, however, you may choose to complete the course in as little as 4 weeks or as long as 12 weeks, depending on your schedule. It'll attract more than its fair share of attention and you'll need to be prepared. You may also choose to complete this course in any time from 4 to 12 weeks. It can cost hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars to take other certificate programs. You can use an agency but you'd probably have some success just advertising your services to friends and family first and building your business from there. You can walk dogs on your favorite scenic excursion or take dogs to an off-leash area for some playtime before bringing them home, tired and happy. If the owners have them, bring along a raincoat or jacket for the dog. Brush up on your knowledge of dogs. If you've built up relationships with people from past clients (security guards, doormen, maids), they may be a potential hot bed of business, too. Given this, here are some key steps to take as part of the process of becoming a certified dog walker: Two days are never the same, and you have the freedom to set your own schedule, be your own boss, and be playing with pets. registration fee of $297 U.S. and include a textbook You can get around it by building up your dog-walking network yourself. What are other dog-walkers charging in your area? Relax -- that can come with time. There is no harm in asking your first set of clients to refer you to their friends, colleagues, etc. References Do you know as much as possible about dogs? {"@type": "Question","name": "What is IAP Career College? Enhance it with images or even a video so people can get a real feel for you and your service. Student Service Center(For registered students only) If a veterinarian seems a bit hard to get work in with, the staff here may be a useful alternative. The online Dog Walker Certificate Course has been developed to meet high academic standards, ensuring that as a graduate you can display with pride the Dog Walker Certificate you will earn from the International Association of Professions Career College. Dog Training Coach. Charge a fair amount in return for good, reliable and professional services. Not necessarily! Try putting flyers at your local park with contact information. While the client may provide a higher figure than you anticipated, they could also provide a much lower one. Confirm walking details with the dog owner. For the first dog walk, go through the places you will walk the dog with your parents so they know where you will be - or they can go with you. [1] X Expert Source David Levin Dog Training Coach Expert Interview. For pet sitters and dog walkers, there are two main certification options — Pet Sitters International (PSI) and the National Association of Pet Sitters (NAPPS). A dog walker will take the dogs on a half hour or an hour-long walk. ", "It helped me on how to become a dog walker. Consider having criteria of certain breeds on your flyer. If you don't know the first thing about making a website, odds are you know half a dozen people who do. Learn all aspects of dog training, dog behavior, and dog handling from one of the country's best. Ask them if they are willing to divulge information to a potential competitor. Click on another answer to find the right one... Close! Join a professional organization or two that can keep you on the up-and-up when it comes to doggy care. }}] Lifestyle Expert Certificate Course Online, Dog Daycare Owner Certificate Course Online, Handling, Transporting, and Supervising Dogs at Play, Setting Your Prices and Accepting Payment, Attracting Customers and Getting Referrals, Registration for the Dog Walker Certificate Course Online (dog walking training), Access to a Faculty Member to provide you with personal teaching assistance and career advice, Downloadable Dog Walker Certificate personalized with your name and the seal of the International Association of Professions Career College, A competitive advantage when marketing your services, A credential for your resume when applying for jobs, Assurance to clients of your professionalism, Higher earnings (according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in Certificates: A fast track to careers). Not quite! When you take a part-time online certificate course with IAP Career College, you can schedule your learning around your life - you can work at your own pace, at the best times for you and from the comfort of your own home. Certain academies, like DogTec, will help you in starting your own business too (if that interests you) in addition to dog handling and protocol. Share. Do you know what to do if a dog is in heat? Self-motivation is key to working as a self-employed dog walker. Easy guidelines and recommendations. with registration fees of up to $999 and more.) A decent pair will make the new physical stressors much more manageable. If you’re a pet lover, learning how to become a dog walker may just be a “walk in the park.” The only downfall of this is that you're not your own boss. To learn how to get your licensure or certification in dog handling, keep reading! 1-403-949-0037. Where can you learn basic canine first aid? Don't be unreasonable, but make sure not to under-charge to keep your professional image and make it worth your time. IAPO International Association of Professional Dog Walkers. However, if you have questions or need assistance, you can receive help from a Faculty Member throughout the 6 weeks of the course. Tap Become a Rover sitter or walker. For example, if you live in San Francisco, you need to get certified to walk 4 or more dogs. There's information here I would not, "This article helped a ton! I was always interested in dog walking just wasn't sure about where to start. Of course. Consider taking them on a short walk that day. Instead, visit your local Humane Society. Also, you can run into trademark issues if your business and another's fall within the same category or are substantially similar. Thank you! Your city hall should be able to tell you if you need a license to work from home (may be known as a home occupation license) and, if so, where to get it." ","acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer","text": "The International Association of Professions Career College (IAP Career College) is a leading online career college offering affordable online certificate courses and professional certifications for non-traditional and 'dream' careers. But right now you're meeting people, networking, learning the ropes, and getting a feel for the dog walking market, not to mention beefing up your resume. (For registered students only) I am a teenager. Know your limit with the number of dogs you walk at any one time. Absolutely! }}, Thank you so much. These are important considerations that will either expand or limit your options and availability. to avoid disappointment. Take care of it like it is. Want to change. Consider the layout and design. If you are an animal lover then there can be few jobs as enjoyable as being a professional Dog Walker. Certain dogs are harder to walk than others. Be a pro. Unless your parents are in a canine-related career, they probably don't know the going rate for dog walkers. If the course is full, please email iapcollege@fabjob.com to Some customers prefer to book online rather than over the phone. Yet, it can be a rewarding job for a dedicated person who is well-organized, professional and human and furry client-oriented. {"@type": "Question","name": "How Much Can You Earn as a Dog Walker? Do I need to use an agency to become a professional dog watcher? You're partially right! Know as much as you can, not just from your own experience with them but also from reading and speaking to the owners and to your local vet. Alternatively, join an agency to gain experience, network, and get a feel for the dog-walking market. You can have all this for an incredible price. 20 years of producing the leading online guides In addition, realize that your human clients will have all sorts of expectations, based on their own beliefs in dog-care and often with a dose of guilt that they can't spare the time to do what you are doing for them. The business of dog walking is on the rise as more and more pet owners realize the value of having their pets cared for while they are at work. The International Association of Canine Professionals and the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters are two good places to start. CPDT- KA. This is an important consideration since you are entering their homes during their work hours to take Fluffy for a walk; you have access to their keys and everything else and they'll be. You can also offer to dog walk or pet sit for friends and neighbors as a way to build your experience and references. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. This article has been viewed 849,071 times. What happens if a dog I'm walking gets hurt through no fault of mine? Now, the founders of FabJob, the leader in online career guides for dream careers, along with a team of respected academics, have created online certificate programs, allowing you to study and earn a certificate from the comfort of your own home. Consider searching the internet to find the average costs in your area. Do you know which breeds of dogs might not be compatible or will be compatible with one another? Given the choice between dogs or humans, it’s dogs every time. I am currently 13 years old. Apart from it being a fantastic way to make some extra cash, you're resume building, too! What could be more fun? After a while, the word will get around and you'll start getting clients. Get a $10 discount code instantly when you sign up. If there's a neighborhood pets group on Facebook, that's a great place to post about your services and rates. Pick another answer! You should learn canine first aid before you begin walking dogs. Their classes last 4 days and are in locations all across the US and British Columbia. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Interview pet sitters, check them for reliability, train them and pay them. You'll absolutely need to know where your local dog parks are located, as well as regular parks or trails you can use. If they are happy with your work, many will be happy to do this. If this is going to be your main source of income, can you dog walk in the winter months? Some dog-walkers can walk as many as ten dogs at once, all shapes and sizes. Expert Interview. Due to the popularity of Waggy Walkys, more and more people are choosing to apply to become a dog walker for the business. or even thousands, of dollars to take other programs. However, any training in animal care will stand you in good stead both in practical terms and when you are advertising your services. If you are not a student you can email iapcollege@fabjob.com or use live chat for inquiries. ","acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer","text": "You are likely to require a business license from the local level of government (city, county, etc. You definitely need to check the dog-walking laws in your area before beginning your walks. Learn more about dogs. You don’t need any formal training and qualifications to become a dog walker. If there is no one competing, then use the internet to get some idea of the costs for your region. Some dog walkers walk multiple dogs at once, meaning it’s important to know their needs and have their best interests at heart. Don't let the dog off the leash until you have really gotten to know them and they listen well to you. Mention to your new network that you're considering making this a career, so if they could drop any of their other soon-to-be-departing or dog-owning friends of your interest, that'd be great! Right now a group walk fee in the U.S. and Canada falls in at about $15-$25, while a private walk can be anywhere from $20 to $40 an hour or more. Your own dog walking business can be anything you want it to be. This article was very helpful in, "This article is very helpful not only as a beginner walking for a neighbor, but also as someone considering a, "It provide so much information. You’ll need a general knowledge of the most popular breeds and their specific behavioural tendencies to become a dog walker. CPPS-Certified Professional Pet Sitter ® is a federally-trademarked certification mark PSI awards to professional pet sitters who successfully demonstrate their knowledge and skills by obtaining a passing score on the CPPS Exam and agreeing to adhere to PSI’s Recommended Quality Standards and Code of Conduct & Ethics. Be honest with a potential client and explain your availability, including the possibility that there may be certain times when you will be very busy and may need to reschedule temporarily at such times. If you want to start a permanent business, consider whether it is something you want to work 9 - 5 (or extended hours) 5 - 7 days a week, or is it something that only interests you part-time, say 2 - 3 days a week of a few hours here and there? Be sure to have a signed service agreement to be sure your business is covered against liabilities. Our online certificate courses % of people told us that this article helped them. Learn how to become a certified Dog Walker Here are just some of fascinating areas you'll touch on when you register to become a dog trainer at Anthony Jerone's Canine Education Academy. How much does it cost to become a dog walker on Rover? helping me to get started! IAP Career College and affiliated company FabJob Inc (the leading online publisher of guide books on how to get started in a dream career) have served over half a million career changers on six continents since 1999. Topics covered in the Dog Walker Certificate Course include the following: Through this online dog walking training, you will learn everything you need to know about how to become a dog walker. To ensure your complete satisfaction all certificate courses are backed by our full 100% money back guarantee. Tap Get Started to fill out your profile. ", "It helped me find out what to put on my business card, and how you have to keep the dog in good hands. Dog-sitting (either on client's premises or at yours if you have space for boarding kennels), Dog-training and/or dog-listening (if you are properly qualified only), Spending extra time after the walk at client's home with a dog to simply be with it, play with it, feed it etc; and. Our application process is intended to ensure applicants are the right fit to become a valued member of the Wag! I did everything it said, it's helpful. Read on for another quiz question. Information was easily understood. This is a fantastic industry to work in. Become educated and certified. You don't have to go running triathlons to get accustomed to it, but it is a good idea to get a nice pair of shoes so you don't go home every night crawling on all fours like FrouFrou over here.

2020 how to become a certified dog walker