Dog Walker Resume examples & templates
Copyable Dog Walker Resume examples
Ever wondered what it's like to spend your workday with wagging tails instead of office politics? Professional dog walking has evolved from a side gig into a legitimate career path that combines a love for animals with entrepreneurial opportunity. As pet ownership reached an all-time high during the pandemic (with 70% of U.S. households now owning a pet), the demand for reliable dog walkers has surged—especially in urban areas where apartment-dwelling pet parents work long hours.
The field isn't just about clipping on leashes and picking up poop bags anymore! Today's professional dog walkers often manage complex scheduling software, provide specialized care for senior or anxious dogs and build mini-businesses complete with insurance, certifications and service packages. Many earn $20-35 per 30-minute walk, with full-time walkers in major cities like NYC and San Francisco reporting annual incomes between $40,000-60,000. As we look ahead, the pet services industry is expected to keep growing, with particular demand for walkers who can offer flexible scheduling and specialized behavioral knowledge.
Junior Dog Walker Resume Example
Ethan Morris
Phone: (206) 555-9182 | Email: ethan.morris22@gmail.com | Seattle, WA 98115
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ethanmorris22 | Instagram: @seattledogwalker
Reliable dog walker with 18 months of experience caring for pets in the Seattle area. Built a client base of 14 regular customers through word-of-mouth referrals and neighborhood marketing. Skilled in handling multiple dogs of varying sizes and temperaments while ensuring their safety, exercise needs, and emotional well-being.
EXPERIENCE
Independent Dog Walker | Seattle, WA | March 2023 – Present
- Provide daily walking services for 8-12 dogs, managing a flexible schedule of 30-minute and 60-minute sessions
- Increased client retention rate to 92% by sending personalized updates with photos after each walk
- Track walking routes, bathroom breaks, and behavior notes in customized client journal
- Administer medications for 3 senior dogs, following strict veterinary guidelines
- Built relationships with local veterinarians for emergency situations (thankfully never needed!)
Dog Walking Assistant | Paws & Paths | Seattle, WA | August 2022 – March 2023
- Assisted lead walker with group walks of 4-6 dogs, learning proper leash handling and pack management
- Filled in for sick colleagues on short notice, maintaining consistent service for clients
- Completed 25+ home visits to meet new clients and their pets before starting service
- Documented walk details in company app, including route, duration, and any unusual behavior
Pet Store Associate (Part-time) | Happy Tails Pet Supply | Seattle, WA | May 2022 – August 2022
- Advised customers on appropriate dog toys, treats, and walking equipment based on size and breed
- Stocked shelves and maintained inventory of dog-related products
- Distributed business cards to interested dog owners, generating 4 initial dog walking clients
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS
Pet First Aid & CPR Certification | Red Cross | February 2023 Dog Behavior Basics | Seattle Humane Society | October 2022
Associate of Arts | North Seattle College | June 2022
SKILLS
- Pack Management
- Leash Training
- Pet First Aid
- Basic Grooming
- Behavior Assessment
- Route Planning
- Client Communication
- Scheduling Software
- Social Media Marketing
- GPS Tracking Apps
- Weather-Appropriate Planning
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Volunteer dog walker at Seattle Animal Shelter (5 hours weekly)
Member of Seattle Professional Dog Walkers Association
Valid driver’s license with clean record and personal vehicle for transport
Mid-level Dog Walker Resume Example
Morgan J. Winters
Denver, CO 80202 • (720) 555-8176 • mwinters@emailpro.net
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/morganjwinters • Instagram: @denverdogwalks
Dedicated dog walker with 5+ years of experience caring for pets in the Denver metro area. Known for reliability, attention to detail, and building genuine connections with both
pets and their owners. Experienced in handling multiple dog temperaments and special needs, with a 98% client retention rate over 4 years. CPR/First Aid certified with a spotless safety record.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Lead Dog Walker & Service Coordinator
Mile High Paws, Denver, CO
March 2021 – Present
- Manage a team of 4 part-time walkers, handling scheduling conflicts and providing training on proper leash techniques and dog handling
- Coordinate daily walking routes for 25-30 dogs, optimizing for efficiency while ensuring each pet receives proper exercise and attention
- Built client base from 17 to 42 regular customers through word-of-mouth referrals and neighborhood marketing
- Implemented a digital reporting system that increased client satisfaction by 27% through real-time updates and photos
- Handle special requests for medication administration, senior dog care, and puppies requiring additional training
Independent Dog Walker
Self-Employed, Denver, CO
June 2019 – March 2021
- Provided reliable walking services for 15+ dogs daily in Capitol Hill and Baker neighborhoods
- Maintained detailed logs of behavior patterns, bathroom habits, and any concerns for pet owners
- Offered flexible scheduling including early morning, mid-day, and evening walks based on client needs
- Managed all aspects of business operations including scheduling, billing, and marketing
Dog Walker & Pet Sitter (Part-time)
Paws & Claws Pet Services, Boulder, CO
January 2018 – May 2019
- Conducted 30-45 minute walks for dogs of various sizes, ages, and energy levels
- Provided in-home pet sitting services including overnight stays for clients on vacation
- Learned proper handling techniques for reactive dogs and those with special needs
- Maintained 100% punctuality record despite challenging Colorado weather conditions
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS
Pet First Aid & CPR Certification
Red Cross Animal Safety Program – Renewed April 2023
Canine Behavior Basics Certificate
Denver Animal Shelter Training Program – September 2020
Associate’s Degree, Outdoor Recreation Leadership
Community College of Denver – 2017
SKILLS
- Pack walking management (up to 4 dogs simultaneously)
- Dog behavior interpretation & body language reading
- Basic training reinforcement
- Medication administration (pills, eye/ear drops)
- Special needs pet care
- GPS tracking & reporting apps (Scout, Time To Pet, Rover)
- Safe handling of reactive or anxious dogs
- Weather-appropriate exercise planning
- Client communication & relationship building
- Basic grooming (nail trimming, ear cleaning)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Available 7 days a week, 6am-8pm • Insured & Bonded • Clean driving record • Own reliable vehicle with dog safety equipment • Comfortable with all breeds including those often labeled as “difficult”
Senior / Experienced Dog Walker Resume Example
Samantha “Sam” Wilson
Portland, OR | (503) 555-8724 | samwilson.dogpro@email.com | linkedin.com/in/samwilsonpdx
Professional Summary
Dedicated dog walker with over 10 years of experience managing multiple canine clients throughout Portland’s diverse neighborhoods. Known for building strong relationships with both pets and their owners while maintaining impeccable safety records and reliability. Specialized in handling dogs with behavioral challenges and medical needs, having completed 300+ hours of animal behavior training. Looking to bring my expertise to a premium pet service company.
Professional Experience
Lead Dog Walker & Pet Care Specialist | Paws on the Go, Portland, OR | May 2018 – Present
- Manage a client base of 27 regular dogs (42 total accounts) across NE and SE Portland neighborhoods
- Developed and implemented a behavioral assessment protocol that reduced incident reports by 78% in first year
- Train and mentor 4 junior dog walkers, creating detailed walking routes and emergency procedures
- Handle special-needs pets requiring medication administration, senior care, and anxiety management
- Built and maintain the company’s scheduling system that increased walker efficiency by 23% and client satisfaction to 4.9/5
Independent Dog Walker & Pet Sitter | Sam’s Canine Adventures | March 2015 – May 2018
- Grew self-owned business from 5 to 31 regular clients through referrals and neighborhood marketing
- Provided 30-60 minute walks, in-home pet sitting, and overnight care services
- Maintained detailed logs of pet behavior, bathroom habits, and unusual events for owners
- Administered medications to pets with chronic conditions and followed strict care instructions
- Averaged 19 miles walked daily in all weather conditions while maintaining 99.3% reliability rate
Dog Walker & Kennel Assistant | Happy Tails Pet Resort | June 2013 – March 2015
- Conducted group walks for up to 6 compatible dogs while ensuring safety and proper socialization
- Assisted with feeding, kennel cleaning, and basic grooming for boarding dogs
- Monitored and reported changes in behavior or health concerns to management and owners
- Helped implement a color-coded leash system for dogs with different temperaments and needs
Education & Certifications
Pet First Aid & CPR Certification | Red Cross Pet Safety Program | Renewed 2023
Canine Behavior Specialist Certification | Northwest School of Animal Behavior | 2019
Professional Dog Walker Certification | National Association of Professional Pet Sitters | 2016
Associate of Science, Animal Science | Portland Community College | 2013
Skills
- Pack Management & Multi-Dog Handling
- Canine Body Language Interpretation
- Behavior Modification Techniques
- Leash Training & Basic Obedience
- Pet First Aid & Emergency Response
- Client Communication & Relationship Building
- GPS Tracking & Route Optimization
- Medication Administration (oral, topical, injection)
- Weather-Appropriate Activity Planning
- Service Documentation & Reporting
Additional Information
Fully insured and bonded; Clean driving record; Own reliable AWD vehicle for all-weather transport; Volunteer dog walker at Oregon Humane Society since 2016 (230+ hours); Proficient with Time To Pet and other pet service software.
How to Write a Dog Walker Resume
Introduction
Landing a dog walking job isn't just about loving dogs (though that's definitely step one!). Your resume needs to show potential clients or pet care companies that you're reliable, experienced with animals, and trustworthy enough to handle their beloved pets. I've helped hundreds of pet care professionals craft resumes that get noticed, and I'm going to share my best tips for creating a dog walker resume that stands out from the pack.
Resume Structure and Format
Keep your dog walker resume clean and scannable — just like you'd keep a client's home after picking up their pup! Aim for a single page unless you have 7+ years of extensive animal care experience. Use a simple, professional font like Arial or Calibri in 11-12pt size.
- Stick to 1-inch margins all around
- Use clear section headings (bold or slightly larger font)
- Include plenty of white space so information doesn't feel cramped
- Save as a PDF to preserve formatting (unless specifically asked for a Word doc)
- Name your file professionally: "FirstName_LastName_Resume.pdf"
Profile/Summary Section
Your summary should be 2-4 sentences highlighting your experience with dogs, reliability, and what makes you a great dog walker. This is your "elevator pitch" to grab attention fast.
Don't just say you "love dogs" — that's a given! Instead, mention specific skills like your knowledge of different breeds, ability to handle multiple dogs simultaneously, or experience with special needs pets.
Example: "Energetic dog walker with 3+ years of experience caring for breeds ranging from Chihuahuas to Great Danes. CPR/First Aid certified with spotless safety record. Known for reliability, detailed visit reports, and ability to calm anxious pets. Available for regular schedules and last-minute walks in the Brighton area."
Professional Experience
This is where you'll really shine! List your experience in reverse chronological order (newest first). Even if you've only walked dogs informally, include it with specific details:
- Number of dogs handled (simultaneously and total)
- Types/sizes of dogs you've worked with
- Special skills (administering medication, handling reactive dogs, etc.)
- Scheduling flexibility and reliability metrics (e.g., "maintained 98% on-time rate")
- Additional services provided (feeding, basic training, administering medications)
If you're new to dog walking, include pet sitting, volunteer work at shelters, or even caring for family/friends' pets. The key is showing your hands-on experience with animals!
Education and Certifications
Formal education requirements for dog walkers aren't strict, but certifications can really set you apart. Include:
- Pet First Aid/CPR certification
- Dog behavior or training courses
- Any animal-related education
- Business licenses (if you operate independently)
- Bonding and insurance information
Keywords and ATS Tips
Many pet care companies use Applicant Tracking Systems to filter resumes. Include these industry-specific keywords naturally throughout your resume:
- Pet care, animal handling, canine behavior
- Leash training, positive reinforcement
- GPS tracking, visit reports, client communication
- Reliable, punctual, trustworthy, detail-oriented
- Special needs pets, senior dogs, puppies
Industry-specific Terms
Show you know the industry by naturally incorporating terms like:
- Pack walks vs. individual walks
- Potty breaks, enrichment activities
- Leash reactivity, separation anxiety
- Harness types (no-pull, front-clip, etc.)
- Walking methods (loose-leash walking)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
I see these resume blunders all the time from aspiring dog walkers:
- No mention of reliability or scheduling abilities (this is HUGE for clients)
- Vague statements about "loving animals" without specific experience
- Missing contact info or unprofessional email addresses
- No references or testimonials from previous clients
- Forgetting to mention your service area or transportation method
Before/After Example
Before: "I love dogs and have walked many dogs before. I am reliable and can walk dogs any time."
After: "Experienced dog walker who has provided 500+ walks for 27 different dogs over the past 18 months. Specialized in handling high-energy breeds including Huskies and Border Collies. Maintain detailed visit logs with photos and consistently arrive within 5 minutes of scheduled times. Comfortable administering basic medications and following specific feeding instructions."
Remember, your dog walker resume needs to reassure pet parents that their fur babies will be in capable, caring hands. Focus on reliability, experience, and the special touches that show you'll give their dogs the personalized care they deserve!
Related Resume Examples
Soft skills for your Dog Walker resume
- Client relationship building – managing expectations of pet parents while establishing trust through consistent communication
- Stress management in chaotic situations (like handling multiple dogs during unexpected weather changes or encountering aggressive off-leash dogs)
- Flexible scheduling and route optimization to accommodate last-minute client needs
- Non-verbal communication and animal behavior interpretation
- Conflict resolution between pets, pet owners, and community members
- Quick decision-making during pet emergencies or unexpected situations
Hard skills for your Dog Walker resume
- Pet First Aid & CPR Certification
- Pack Management (handling 3-4 dogs simultaneously)
- FidoAlert GPS tracking system proficiency
- Canine behavioral assessment
- Leash reactivity management techniques
- Basic veterinary medication administration
- Pet booking software (Time To Pet, Scout)
- Breed-specific exercise protocols
- Weather safety procedures for extreme conditions