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How to Become a Pet Exerciser: Australian Careers in Animal Care

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What is a Pet Exerciser?

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

Resources

What is a Pet Exerciser?

A pet exerciser keeps pets active and healthy through regular walks, play, and fun activities. They work mainly with dogs but may also care for cats and other animals. This career suits people who love animals, enjoy being outdoors, and want a flexible work schedule.

Pet exercisers tailor each session to the animal’s age, breed, and fitness level. They may run single-dog walks or group sessions, and use games to keep pets mentally engaged. Keeping pets safe at all times is a core part of the role.

Day-to-day tasks include walking, playing, and watching each animal’s health. Pet exercisers keep records of each session and share updates with owners. They may also give basic training cues to reinforce good behaviour during exercise.

Demand for pet exercisers is growing as more Australians own pets and seek help with their care. The role can be self-employed or part of a pet care business. It offers real variety and the reward of making a positive difference to animals every day.

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Career snapshots For Pet Exercisers

Pet exercisers work within the animal attendants and trainers job group. Around 27,200 people work in this group across Australia, with a median age of 36 (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). The median weekly pay is $1,276, or around $66,000 per year (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025).

Nearly half of workers in this group, 48%, are in part-time roles (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). Women make up 74% of the workforce. Work is growing, adding around 1,300 new jobs each year. Future demand is rated as moderate (yourcareer.gov.au, 2025).

What will I do?

Pet exercisers help animals stay healthy and happy through daily activity and play. They work with dogs and other pets, running sessions that match each animal’s needs. This hands-on role keeps both the exerciser and the animals active.

  • Plan Exercise Sessions – Design daily walk and play schedules based on each pet’s age, breed, and fitness level.
  • Walk and Play with Pets – Take dogs on walks, play fetch, and run games that meet their exercise needs.
  • Monitor Health and Behaviour – Watch for signs of fatigue, injury, or stress during sessions and respond quickly.
  • Run Enrichment Activities – Use games, agility drills, and off-lead play to keep pets mentally active.
  • Update Pet Owners – Share notes on each session and flag any health or behaviour concerns.
  • Keep Records – Log session details, health observations, and any changes for future reference.
  • Ensure Safety – Check leads, collars, and exercise areas before every session.

What skills do I need?

A pet exerciser needs a mix of practical skills and personal qualities. Knowledge of animal behaviour is key and helps you read a dog’s mood and respond safely. Good fitness and stamina matter too, as the role involves long walks and outdoor work in all weather.

Strong talking skills are also important. Pet exercisers update owners often and need to explain what they see clearly. Time management helps when juggling multiple clients in a day. Basic first aid for animals is useful and can be a selling point with clients.

Skills/attributes

  • Animal behaviour knowledge
  • Physical fitness and outdoor stamina
  • Dog handling and leash skills
  • Patience and calm with animals
  • Clear communication with pet owners
  • Time management across multiple clients
  • Observation of animal health and behaviour
  • Basic pet first aid
  • Record keeping and client notes
  • Organisation and scheduling
  • Problem-solving in unexpected situations
  • Reliability and trustworthiness

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About the author

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.