CourseFinder logo – Australia’s leading course comparison site

How to Become a Dog Walker: Australian Careers in Animal Care

0 Course

On this page

What is a Dog Walker?

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

Resources

What is a Dog Walker?

A dog walker takes dogs out for daily walks. They give dogs the exercise and company that owners cannot always provide on busy work days. This role supports the health of pets across urban and suburban Australia.

Dog walkers handle dogs of all breeds and sizes. They manage leashes, watch for hazards, and keep dogs safe in public. Many also give basic care such as food, fresh water, and simple medications when owners ask.

Most dog walkers work flexible, self-managed hours. Many run their own client base through word of mouth. Others work for pet care businesses that send walkers across a suburb or city.

This career suits people who love animals and enjoy outdoor work. It offers variety, physical activity, and the daily reward of keeping dogs happy and healthy.

Icon

Career snapshots For Dog Walkers

Dog walking is part of the personal services and animal care sector in Australia. Based on SalaryExpert (2026), the average gross pay for a dog walker is around $49,301 per year. Most dog walkers work part-time or casual hours. Income varies by client numbers and hours worked each week.

Pet ownership in Australia is among the highest in the world. The Australian Veterinary Association (2024) reports that about 69% of Australian households own a pet, with dogs the most common. Rising pet numbers and longer work hours are driving steady demand for dog walking services.

Dog walking does not need a formal licence in most Australian states. However, relevant animal care training and public liability cover are widely advised. The field offers real scope for self-employment. Many walkers expand into related services such as dog sitting and basic training.

What will I do?

Dog walkers spend most of their working day outdoors, moving between clients and caring for dogs of all kinds. Each walk is shaped by the dog’s breed, energy level, and the owner’s instructions. This role calls for calm handling, good observation, and a reliable approach to every appointment.

  • Walk and supervise clients’ dogs on scheduled routes, giving each dog the exercise and fresh air they need.
  • Keep dogs safe on walks by watching for hazards and preventing unsafe contact with other animals.
  • Play with dogs to keep them mentally active and engaged between walks.
  • Provide food, water, and simple medications as directed by owners.
  • Update owners on their dog’s behaviour and wellbeing after each walk.
  • Clean up after dogs in public spaces to keep the environment tidy.
  • Manage multiple dogs at once, keeping each one calm, safe, and under control.
  • Adjust your approach to suit each dog’s personality, energy level, and individual needs.

What skills do I need?

Dog walkers need a practical mix of animal handling knowledge and personal reliability. An understanding of dog behaviour is essential. A good walker knows how different breeds react in public and can spot stress early. They keep dogs calm and focused on every walk.

Physical fitness is key. Dog walkers may cover several kilometres a day, often handling more than one dog at a time. Strong time management skills help them keep to a schedule across multiple clients.

Good communication with owners builds trust and helps the walker meet each pet’s needs. Patience with animals, a calm approach, and a commitment to safety are the marks of a reliable dog walker.

Skills/attributes

  • Understanding of dog behaviour and how different breeds react
  • Physical fitness for daily walking and handling multiple dogs
  • Time management to meet client schedules
  • Communication skills for clear, regular updates with owners
  • Ability to manage dogs of different sizes and temperaments
  • Basic knowledge of dog nutrition and health needs
  • Problem-solving skills for unexpected situations on walks
  • Patience and care when working with animals
  • Basic first aid knowledge for pets
  • Reliability and trustworthiness with clients and their pets
  • Ability to work independently and make sound decisions
  • Flexibility to meet varying client needs and schedules

CourseFinder makes every effort to ensure the information we provide is correct at the time of publication. We welcome your input to help keep our career profiles as accurate and up to date as possible. All queries and feedback will be taken into consideration as we conduct periodic reviews of our content. Add your voice to the conversation!

Career Outcomes

Related Searches