Aloha Everyone,
Today one can get training and get a Dog Walker Certificate all online. A person can join the IAPO, International Association of Professional Dog Walkers.
Certification courses are offered by numerous schools. It can take 4 to 6 weeks depending on one’s motivation and schedule.
Topics most of these courses cover are:
1. Planning dog walking routes & schedules
2. Health, safety, and security
3. Handling, transporting and supervising dogs at play
4. Health, safety and security
To operate as a business, one learns about budget, licensing, insurance, permits as well what one can charge for services, and the process of accepting payments.
Source: The International Association of Professions Career College (also known as IAP Career College)
J.J. and I’ve met quite a few dog walkers throughout the United States. As far as we know, these persons were non-licensed part-time dog walkers and received payments as tips or for “lunch money”.
This YouTube post about Ryan Stewart who makes over $100,000 a year as a full-time dog walker in NYC is interesting. With no college degree, but having 20 years of experience is indicative that this job could be lucrative.
Aloha -- Cathi