Dog Walker - What would you pay?
By freeepeace
@freeepeace (62)
United States
February 18, 2007 9:06pm CST
I've been a dog walker for ten years. When I started, no one was in the business. I walked dogs for five and ten dollars an hour. Today it's a booming business - and very competitive. I'm in Los Angeles so I can only speak for this city. Some people drop their jaws when I tell them how much my clients pay for an hour romp at the dogpark. Others gasp at my reasonable rates, seeing how much work really goes into taking care of their precious furbabies.
Just curious - where you live, are there dog walkers? Would you hire a dog walker? What would you be willing to pay your dog walker for an hour's worth of group exercise (hike, walk, dog park visit).
I'm wondering how city demands for quality dog care compare to other parts of the country and around the world.
Thanks all. Peace.
4 responses
@blackbriar (9076)
• United States
19 Feb 07
I've heard of dog walkers but no clue if we have any in my area. I know we have pet-sitting services thou. If I was to go into the business, would prolly charge around $5 a dog here for an hours walk (no dog parks in my area either). If I was to bring them back to my house with a huge fenced in yard to romp with each other, I would prolly charge $10.
@freeepeace (62)
• United States
20 Feb 07
Hi Blackbriar - If you were to go into the business, and you had some experience with dogs (even just your own), I would suggest charging at least $10 for an individual walk. It takes time - Time that you could spend with multiple dogs.
If you bring them back to your yard - like a mini-doggie daycare - then you could charge the same: $10/dog. And you could have more than one at a time. If you had five dogs, you'd make 50 bucks in a day.
I don't know much about your area, but it could be a start.
@freeepeace (62)
• United States
20 Feb 07
Hey Chileman - check it out in your area. I know there are pet services down under. I don't know what the rates are, but they do exist. It's a good gig if you like animals and know how to earn their respect. :)
@freeepeace (62)
• United States
19 Feb 07
Hi Julie - thanks for your response. Actually, here in LA the average rate for an hour walk/hike is anywhere from $20-$30 for one dog.
1 person likes this
@JulieSkyRock (401)
• Canada
19 Feb 07
Wow! That's a lot of money just for dog walking! I am not tbe best person to give advice on this. I live in Canada, Montreal ;) Live cheaper here.
@freeepeace (62)
• United States
20 Feb 07
Montrael isn't such an inexpensive place to live! But Los Angeles is up there in the cost of living, that's for sure. I often feel bad for dog walkers in colder climates. I can't imagine doing this work in the freezing cold snowy days! I'm a wimp when it comes to cold weather.
Stay warm. :)
@john_essex (199)
•
19 Feb 07
Wow, that's amazing! What a fantastic job you have, getting paid for something that sounds completely stress free and fun (providing you like walks in the park).
I live in the UK, and while I have heard of dog walkers I have no idea what sort of rates they are charging. I would guess that the rates in London would be higher than the rest of the country. People like to pamper their pets!
@fallenangelmom (66)
• United States
19 Feb 07
okay... that is one of the coolest things I've heard in a while... you are a "dog walker"? what a great job to have! I live in Indiana and have never heard of this as a job. I do believe it's a good idea though and should be paid well, after all, they are entrusting you to care for and exercise their precious companions. If they are like alot of dog owners that I know, they pay quite a bit of money for many other less important things for their dogs. I dont know what a good price would be, because I dont know of anyone doing it. I think it's awesome though!
@freeepeace (62)
• United States
19 Feb 07
Hi - thanks for your response. Yeah, dog walkers are a dime a dozen in many cities throughout the US now. It's a great job. Demanding but not as stressful as sitting in an office all day long. :) In LA the going rate is $20-30 per dog for an hour romp. Can easily make a modest living with 6 or 7 dogs each day every week.
1 person likes this
