What if your morning exercise routine could actually pay your bills? Imagine getting paid to spend time with adorable dogs, soaking up sunshine, and staying active—all while building a flexible income stream that fits perfectly around your schedule.
For millions of dog lovers, this isn't a fantasy anymore. The dog walking industry has exploded into a $1.3 billion market in the United States alone, with busy pet owners desperately seeking reliable walkers to care for their furry friends. Whether you're a college student between classes, a retiree looking for extra income, or simply someone who needs more flexibility in their work life, the best apps to make money walking dogs daily can transform your love for animals into cold, hard cash.
In this guide, you'll discover the top-rated dog walking apps for 2025, learn exactly how much you can earn, and get insider tips to maximize your income. By the end, you'll know exactly which platform matches your goals and how to start booking walks as soon as tomorrow. Ready to turn tail wags into dollar signs? Let's dive in.
Why Dog Walking Apps Are Your Ticket to Flexible Income
Before we explore the best apps to make money walking dogs daily, let's talk about why this opportunity is so powerful right now.
The numbers tell a compelling story. Approximately 67% of American households—roughly 85 million families—own pets, with dogs being the most popular choice. That's a massive pool of potential clients who need your services.
But here's what makes this perfect timing: modern life has gotten busier than ever. Remote work, long office hours, and packed schedules mean millions of dog owners can't give their pets the exercise they need. Enter you—the solution to their biggest problem.
The benefits of using dog walking apps are hard to beat:
First, there's genuine flexibility. You set your own schedule, accept only the walks you want, and work as much or as little as you choose. Need to make an extra $500 this month? Pick up more walks. Have a busy week? Scale back without consequences.
Second, the startup costs are practically zero. Unlike most side hustles that require equipment, inventory, or special training, dog walking just needs comfortable shoes, a love for dogs, and a smartphone. Many apps even provide insurance coverage while you're on walks.
Third, you get paid to exercise. Forget expensive gym memberships—you're earning money while getting your steps in, breathing fresh air, and improving your health. It's the rare gig where your work feels more like fun than labor.
Finally, there's the emotional reward. If you're a dog person, spending your day with enthusiastic, loving animals beats sitting in a cubicle any time. The wagging tails, happy faces, and grateful pet parents make this one of the most satisfying ways to earn income.
The pet sitting market is projected to grow at a robust rate of 13.66% annually, reaching $5.5 billion by 2030. Translation? Demand for dog walkers isn't disappearing anytime soon—this is a stable, growing opportunity.
Top Apps to Make Money Walking Dogs in 2025
Let's cut to the chase. Here are the best platforms to start earning money as a dog walker, ranked by popularity, earning potential, and overall walker satisfaction.
1. Rover: The Industry Leader
[Bold text: Image suggestion - Screenshot comparison showing Rover app interface with walker profile, booking calendar, and earnings dashboard]
Rover dominates the dog walking space with over 200,000 active pet caregivers across the United States and Canada. If you're serious about making money walking dogs, this should be your first stop.
What makes Rover stand out:
The platform offers complete control over your rates, schedule, and services. You decide what you charge for 30-minute walks, 60-minute walks, and additional services like pet sitting or boarding. This flexibility means you can adjust prices as you gain experience and five-star reviews.
Rover's commission structure is more walker-friendly than competitors. The platform takes 20% of your earnings, meaning you keep 80% of what clients pay. If you charge $25 for a walk, you take home $20. Plus, you keep 100% of tips—and clients on Rover tend to tip generously.
Getting started is straightforward:
Create your profile through the website or app, adding a clear photo, detailed bio, and your service offerings. You'll need to pass a background check, which typically processes within a few days. Once approved, you can start accepting bookings immediately.
The app provides useful features like GPS tracking (so clients can follow their dog's walk in real-time), photo updates, and direct messaging with pet parents. These tools help build trust and encourage repeat bookings.
Earning potential: Most Rover walkers report earning $15-30 per walk, depending on their location and walk duration. Experienced walkers in major cities charge premium rates—some make $40-60 per hour during peak times. The platform claims walkers who offer overnight boarding services can make twice as much as walk-only providers.
The catch: Competition can be fierce in popular urban areas. You'll need to build up reviews before commanding top rates. New walkers often start with lower pricing to attract their first clients.
2. Wag: High-Volume Bookings
Wag operates across all 50 states and focuses on connecting walkers with last-minute, on-demand walk requests. The platform is perfect if you want consistent work without spending time marketing yourself.
What sets Wag apart:
The company actively markets to pet owners and sends qualified walk requests directly to available walkers in the area. When a pet parent books a 30-minute walk near you, you'll receive a notification and can claim it instantly. This system often results in faster bookings than Rover, especially for new walkers.
Wag provides detailed walk reports that you'll send to clients after each walk, including route maps, bathroom breaks, and photos. This transparency helps build trust quickly and encourages positive reviews.
The platform offers dog walking, boarding, sitting, and even training services through the app. You can diversify your income by offering multiple services to the same clients.
The tradeoffs:
Here's the big drawback—Wag takes a hefty 40% commission from your earnings. If a client pays $25 for a walk, you receive $15. That's double what Rover charges, significantly impacting your take-home pay.
There's also a $49.95 application processing fee to join the platform. While this one-time cost isn't huge, it's worth noting if you're trying to start with absolutely zero investment.
Earning potential: According to the company, 20-minute walks average $12.75-19.99, 30-minute walks run $17-26.99, and hour-long walks cost $25.50-36.99. After Wag's 40% cut, you're looking at roughly $10-20 per hour for most walks.
Best for: Walkers who want a steady stream of bookings without heavy marketing effort, and don't mind the higher commission in exchange for more consistent work.
3. Fetch Pet Care: Franchise Network
Fetch Pet Care operates differently from Rover and Wag. Instead of one national platform, it's a franchise system with over 110 locations across 33 states, serving more than 1,500 cities.
How it works:
You apply to work with the Fetch location nearest you. Once you meet the local owner and they approve you as a good fit, you'll start receiving job assignments through their system. As you build your clientele and reputation, you'll get more regular bookings and higher-paying opportunities.
Fetch handles pets beyond dogs and cats—they also care for birds, fish, gerbils, lizards, and even livestock like horses and chickens in rural areas. This diversity means more potential income streams if you're comfortable with various animals.
The advantages:
Local franchise ownership often means more personalized support and community connection. You're not just a number in a massive national app—you'll develop relationships with the owners and regular clients.
The franchise model can provide more stability. Once you're established with a Fetch location, you may receive priority for bookings and build a base of recurring clients who request you specifically.
The drawbacks:
Job availability varies significantly by location. Some Fetch franchises are thriving with constant bookings, while others have limited opportunities. Research your local franchise before committing time to the application process.
Pay rates and commission structures vary by location since each franchise operates independently. You'll need to negotiate directly with your local Fetch owner.
Best for: Walkers who prefer a more traditional employment relationship with local support, or those interested in caring for animals beyond typical dogs and cats.
4. PetBacker: International Opportunities
If you're outside the United States or interested in serving international pet owners, PetBacker operates in over 50 countries across Asia, Europe, and beyond.
What makes PetBacker unique:
You have complete freedom to set your own rates, schedule, and specific services. The platform matches you with pet parents in your local area, but you control every aspect of your business.
PetBacker doesn't dictate strict policies like some competitors. You negotiate terms directly with clients, giving you more flexibility in how you run your pet care business.
The app handles payment processing securely and provides customer support, but otherwise gives you independence to operate as you see fit.
Commission structure: PetBacker typically takes around 19% of your earnings, which falls between Rover's 20% and significantly better than Wag's 40%. This makes it one of the more wallet-friendly options for walkers.
Best for: International dog walkers, or those who want maximum flexibility and control over their services without heavy platform oversight.
5. Care.com: Multi-Service Platform
Most people know Care.com for babysitting and senior care, but the platform also connects pet sitters and dog walkers with clients.
The advantage:
Families already using Care.com for childcare might discover your dog walking services, creating opportunities for bundled services. If you're walking a family's dog, they might also hire you for occasional pet sitting when they travel.
Care.com's reputation as an established, trustworthy platform transfers to their pet care services. Parents who trust the site for their children are likely to trust it for their pets.
The challenge:
Pet care isn't Care.com's primary focus, so you might find fewer dog walking-specific opportunities compared to dedicated platforms like Rover or Wag. Competition also varies widely by area.
Best for: Multi-talented folks who want to offer various services (childcare, senior care, pet care) through one platform.
6. WoofTrax & Biscuit: Earn While Walking Your Own Dog
[Bold text: Image suggestion - Infographic showing how reward-based walking apps work: Daily walks → Earn points → Redeem for gift cards/vouchers]
These apps work differently—they're designed for people who already walk their own dogs and want to earn rewards for doing it.
WoofTrax is completely free and earns donations for animal charities with each walk you log. When you walk your dog using the app, sponsors contribute money to your chosen local animal shelter or rescue organization. Special sponsored challenges can earn 10 cents per walk for your charity.
While you're not earning cash directly, you're supporting causes you care about while getting exercise. It's perfect for dog owners who walk daily anyway and want their routine to make a positive impact.
Biscuit Pet Care tracks your dog walks and rewards you with points (called "Biscuits") that convert to shopping vouchers from major retailers like Costa Coffee, M&S, and others. The more you walk, the more points you accumulate.
Users report earning significant rewards—some have redeemed hundreds of pounds worth of vouchers over time just by walking their dogs regularly and logging health milestones like flea treatments and vaccinations.
Best for: Dog owners who walk their own pets daily and want to earn rewards or support animal charities, rather than professional dog walkers seeking direct income.
How Much Can You Actually Earn Walking Dogs?
Let's get down to brass tacks. How much money are we really talking about here?
According to data from multiple sources, including ZipRecruiter and industry surveys, dog walkers typically earn $10-20 per hour through major apps. However, this range varies significantly based on several factors:
Location is everything. Walkers in major metropolitan areas like San Francisco, New York, Los Angeles, and Seattle command premium rates—often $25-40 per walk. Rural and suburban areas typically see lower rates, around $12-20 per walk.
Experience matters. New walkers start at lower rates to build reviews and reputation. Once you've completed 50+ walks with glowing five-star ratings, you can justify raising your prices significantly. Experienced walkers with hundreds of reviews charge premium rates.
Service type affects earnings. Standard 30-minute walks earn less than hour-long walks or specialized services like running with high-energy dogs, handling multiple dogs simultaneously, or providing overnight pet sitting. The more you offer, the more you can charge.
Volume is key. If you complete four 30-minute walks in a morning at $20 each, you've earned $80 in about 3 hours (including travel between locations). Strategic route planning lets you maximize walks per hour.
Real-World Earning Examples:
Part-time walker (10-15 hours/week): Completing 10-15 walks weekly at $18 average per walk nets $180-270 per week, or roughly $720-1,080 monthly. This works great as supplemental income.
Active walker (25-30 hours/week): Walkers treating this as a serious side hustle or part-time job can complete 30-40 walks weekly. At $20 average per walk, that's $600-800 per week, or $2,400-3,200 monthly.
Full-time professional (40+ hours/week): Experienced walkers who add services like overnight boarding and doggy daycare report earning $40,000-60,000 annually. Top earners in major cities exceed this significantly.
Pro tip: Many successful dog walkers use multiple apps simultaneously. Register on both Rover and Wag to maximize booking opportunities. Just be careful with scheduling—you don't want to double-book yourself.
Getting Started: Your Path to First Walk
Ready to start earning? Here's your step-by-step roadmap to landing your first paid dog walking gig.
Step 1: Choose Your Primary Platform
Based on what you've learned, select 1-2 apps that match your goals. Most walkers start with Rover (lower commission, more control) or Wag (faster bookings, more automatic matching).
Don't spread yourself too thin initially. Master one platform first, then expand to others once you've built momentum.
Step 2: Create a Compelling Profile
Your profile is your storefront—it needs to sell your services effectively. Here's what makes a winning profile:
Professional photo: Use a clear, friendly photo of yourself with a dog if possible. Selfies in your bedroom don't inspire confidence. Ask a friend to take outdoor shots showing you happy and approachable.
Detailed bio: Share your experience with dogs, why you love walking them, and what makes you reliable. Mention any relevant qualifications like pet first aid training, dog training knowledge, or years of pet ownership.
Service offerings: List what you offer beyond basic walks—running with dogs, handling multiple dogs, administering medication, etc. More services equal more booking opportunities.
Availability: Be specific about when you're available. "Weekday mornings and evenings" is better than "flexible schedule." Clear availability helps clients know if you'll fit their needs.
Competitive pricing: Research what other walkers in your area charge. For your first 10-20 walks, consider pricing slightly below average to attract initial clients and build reviews quickly.
Step 3: Pass Required Background Checks
Most apps require background checks for walker safety. This typically includes criminal record verification and sometimes reference checks. The process usually takes 3-7 business days.
Budget for any application fees (like Wag's $49.95 charge) if you're joining platforms that require them.
Step 4: Get Your First Reviews
This is the hardest part—breaking through without reviews. Here are proven strategies:
Start with friends and family: Offer discounted or free walks to people you know who have dogs. Ask them to leave honest reviews on the platform. These initial testimonials provide social proof for strangers.
Offer introductory rates: Price your first few walks competitively to attract clients willing to try a new walker. Once you have 5-10 solid reviews, raise your rates.
Go above and beyond: On early walks, send multiple photos, write detailed update messages, and arrive early. Exceptional service generates five-star reviews that attract more clients.
Respond quickly: When walk requests come in, respond within minutes if possible. Fast response times increase booking chances dramatically.
Step 5: Master the Basics
Once you land bookings, nail these fundamentals:
- Always arrive on time (better yet, 5 minutes early)
- Bring essentials: waste bags, treats (ask permission first), water bowl for long walks
- Send photo updates during walks—clients love seeing their happy pups
- Clean up after dogs thoroughly (carry extra bags)
- Secure dogs carefully—never let them off-leash unless specifically authorized
- Communicate any concerns immediately
Maximizing Your Dog Walking Income
Once you've got the basics down, these strategies will help you earn significantly more:
Build Your Regular Client Base
Your goal should be converting one-time clients into recurring customers. Regular weekly walks provide stable, predictable income without constant marketing effort.
After excellent service, message clients: "I'd love to walk [dog's name] regularly! I have openings every Tuesday and Thursday morning if that works for your schedule." Many pet parents appreciate the convenience of locking in a reliable walker.
Expand Your Service Offerings
Walks are just the beginning. Consider adding:
- Overnight pet sitting: Staying at a client's home while they travel often pays $50-100 per night
- Doggy daycare: Watching dogs at your home during workdays
- Drop-in visits: Quick 15-minute visits to let dogs out and refresh water
- Training services: If you have expertise, offer basic obedience training
- Group walks: Walk multiple dogs from different families simultaneously, earning money from each
Every additional service multiplies your earning potential from each client relationship.
Optimize Your Route
Time is money when you're paid per walk. Strategic route planning lets you complete more walks per hour:
Accept walks in the same neighborhood close together in time. Walking three dogs in one area beats driving across town between each walk.
Use navigation apps to find the most efficient routes between homes. Five minutes saved between each walk adds up significantly over a day.
Leverage Surge Demand
Holidays, weekends, and peak travel seasons (summer, Thanksgiving, Christmas) see increased demand and higher rates. Block out these high-value times on your calendar and prioritize bookings during surge periods.
Some walkers earn half their annual income during the busy November-December holiday season when families travel and need pet care.
Build Off-App Relationships (Carefully)
Many platforms forbid "poaching" clients—taking them off the app to avoid commission fees. However, once you've established trust with clients, some may naturally suggest paying you directly.
If this happens organically (client initiates), it can significantly increase your take-home pay. Just be aware of each platform's policies and potential consequences. Many successful walkers eventually build private client lists after initially connecting through apps.
Common Challenges and How to Handle Them
Let's address the roadblocks you'll likely encounter and how to overcome them:
Challenge 1: Difficult Dogs
Not every dog is a dream client. You'll encounter pullers, reactive dogs, and nervous pups.
Solution: Be honest about your comfort level. It's okay to decline walks with dogs described as aggressive or requiring handling skills you don't have. For challenging-but-manageable dogs, charge premium rates that reflect the extra work.
Consider investing in dog behavior training courses (many free options online). Understanding canine body language and basic training techniques makes you more valuable and confident.
Challenge 2: Weather Complications
Rain, snow, and extreme temperatures make dog walking miserable—but clients still need your services.
Solution: Invest in good rain gear and winter clothing. Many walkers charge "weather premiums" for walking in unpleasant conditions. Some also reduce walk times in extreme weather (with client permission) to protect themselves and the dog.
Challenge 3: Building Trust as a Newcomer
Pet parents are cautious about who enters their home and handles their beloved animals. Without reviews, you're fighting an uphill battle.
Solution: Obtain pet first aid certification (available online for $20-40) and mention it prominently in your profile. This credential significantly increases trust with potential clients.
Offer a free or heavily discounted "meet and greet" where you visit the home, meet the dog, and let the owner evaluate you before committing to paid walks.
Challenge 4: Unpredictable Income
Unlike traditional jobs with steady paychecks, dog walking income fluctuates based on bookings, weather, and seasonal demand.
Solution: Build a base of recurring weekly clients to create income stability. Consider this supplemental income until you've established enough regular walks to rely on it completely.
Save during peak seasons to cover slower periods. Many walkers find summer vacation season and December holidays generate enough income to offset slower months.
Safety Tips Every Walker Needs
Your safety and the dog's safety should always come first. Follow these guidelines:
Always meet dogs before accepting walks. First impressions tell you a lot about a dog's temperament. If a dog seems aggressive or makes you uncomfortable during the meet-and-greet, politely decline the job.
Trust your instincts about neighborhoods and situations. If a location feels unsafe, don't walk there. Most apps let you filter walk requests by area.
Keep dogs leashed unless in designated off-leash areas and the owner has specifically authorized it. Even friendly dogs can bolt unexpectedly.
Carry emergency contacts. Have the owner's phone number, their vet's information, and your own emergency contact readily accessible.
Know basic pet first aid. Understand how to recognize heatstroke, what to do if a dog eats something dangerous, and how to handle minor injuries until you can reach a vet.
Purchase liability insurance if you're walking frequently. Some platforms provide coverage, but personal pet care insurance (typically $100-300 annually) protects you from worst-case scenarios.
Document everything with photos. Take photos at pick-up and drop-off showing the dog's condition. This protects you if an owner later claims injury or issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money can I realistically make walking dogs?
Most dog walkers earn $10-20 per hour through apps like Rover and Wag, though rates vary significantly by location. In major cities, experienced walkers charge $25-40 per walk and can earn $2,000-4,000 monthly working part-time. Full-time professional walkers who add services like overnight boarding can earn $40,000-60,000 annually. Your actual earnings depend on your location, experience level, services offered, and how much you work.
Do I need any special qualifications or certifications to walk dogs?
Most dog walking apps don't require formal certifications—just a love for dogs, reliability, and the ability to pass a background check. However, obtaining pet first aid certification significantly boosts your credibility with clients and helps you command higher rates. Some apps require you to complete a short quiz about dog safety and behavior. Prior experience with dogs (even just owning pets) is valuable but not mandatory.
Which app pays dog walkers the most?
Rover is generally considered the most walker-friendly for earnings because it only takes a 20% commission, letting you keep 80% of what clients pay. Wag takes a much larger 40% commission, significantly reducing your take-home pay. However, Wag sometimes provides more consistent bookings with less marketing effort. Many successful walkers use multiple apps simultaneously to maximize earning opportunities while benefiting from Rover's better commission structure.
Can I really make this a full-time career?
Yes, though it requires building a substantial client base and often expanding beyond basic walks. Full-time dog walkers typically combine services—30-minute walks, hour-long walks, doggy daycare, overnight sitting, and boarding. The most successful walkers develop a roster of regular weekly clients providing stable base income, supplemented with occasional vacation sitting. It's realistic to earn $40,000-60,000 annually full-time, with top performers in major cities exceeding this. However, most people start part-time to test the waters before committing full-time.
What happens if a dog gets injured during a walk?
Most major dog walking apps provide liability insurance and emergency support for situations like this. Contact the pet owner immediately, then the app's support line. Take the dog to the nearest vet if necessary—most platforms reimburse emergency vet bills or cover them through their insurance. This is why documenting everything with photos at pickup is crucial; it protects both you and the owner by showing the dog's condition before the walk began. Always carry the owner's contact information and their vet's details when walking.
Take Your First Step Today
The best apps to make money walking dogs daily have opened up incredible opportunities for animal lovers to earn flexible income doing something they genuinely enjoy. Whether you're looking to make a few hundred extra dollars monthly or build a full-time pet care business, the tools are available right now.
The dog walking industry isn't slowing down—with the market projected to reach over $3 billion by 2035 and pet ownership at all-time highs, demand for reliable walkers continues growing. Every day you wait is another day of potential earnings you're leaving on the table.
Here's your action plan for this week:
Today: Download Rover and create your profile. Spend time crafting a compelling bio and uploading a great photo.
Tomorrow: Research what other walkers in your area charge and set competitive introductory rates.
This week: Complete your background check, reach out to friends or family with dogs for your first few walks, and get those crucial first reviews.
Next week: Start accepting bookings and earning money doing what you love.
Remember, every successful dog walker started exactly where you are now—excited but uncertain, with zero reviews and no clients. The difference between them and people who just dream about it? They actually took that first step.
Your future four-legged clients are waiting. Those wagging tails and happy walks are out there—you just need to download the app and get started.
What are you waiting for? Your perfect side hustle is literally waiting on your smartphone. Download your first dog walking app today and take your first step toward earning money doing what you love.
Have you tried any of these dog walking apps? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below to help fellow walkers succeed!