The profession of dog walking has emerged as a lucrative and surprisingly rewarding career in Ho Chi Minh City, offering both financial stability and the satisfaction of caring for animals. For many pet owners, especially the elderly or those with busy schedules, hiring a professional dog walker provides peace of mind, ensuring their pets receive the exercise, training, and attention they need.
Hoang Thi Mai, a 70-year-old resident of Thu Duc Ward, initially hesitated before deciding to hire Vo Quang Thong, a 28-year-old dog walker with three years of experience. Mai’s two seven-year-old dogs, Sugar and Nhung, had become too energetic for her to manage alone. “I thought about it very carefully,” she recalled. “I’ve raised them since they were tiny. They sleep in the house with me, and wherever I go, I think about them. So when it comes to anything related to my dogs, I’m very cautious.” Her primary concern was their health and well-being. While hiring a professional service costs more than doing it herself, Mai sees it as an investment in her dogs’ happiness and her own tranquility.
The Skills and Responsibilities of a Dog Walker
Dog walking is far from a simple task—it requires skill, patience, and a deep understanding of animal behavior. Thong, who walks Sugar and Nhung daily, ensures the dogs are muzzled when leaving Mai’s apartment complex. Once in a quieter area, he removes the muzzles, allowing them to play freely while maintaining control with a firm grip on their leashes. “This is a service, so everything has to be done properly,” Thong explained. He also emphasizes the importance of keeping public areas clean by promptly collecting and disposing of pet waste. This practice not only maintains hygiene but also trains pets to defecate in designated areas.
The job demands constant vigilance. Dogs that spend most of their time indoors can become overly excited when outside, sometimes provoking other animals. Thong remains fully attentive, ready to intervene if necessary. “These are beloved pets. If they get so much as a scratch, it’s a big problem,” he said. His dedication extends to adapting to the dogs’ needs—stopping when they’re tired, seeking shade on hot days, and even carrying an umbrella for them in the rain.
High Demand and the Shortage of Skilled Professionals
Despite its niche appearance, dog walking is in high demand, particularly during holidays when pet owners travel or host relatives. Thong often works through holidays, including Lunar New Year’s Eve, as bookings pile up. His clients range from local residents like Mai to expatriates, such as David Miller, a 42-year-old Canadian who owns a Husky named Rupert. Miller, who struggles with language barriers and unfamiliar roads, relies on Thong’s expertise to ensure Rupert gets the exercise and care he needs. “I love my dog, but language and lifestyle differences cause a lot of trouble,” Miller admitted. “I don’t know the roads well. Every time I take him out, I worry about traffic or what to do if something goes wrong.”
Thong’s journey into dog walking began at a pet shop, where customers often asked him to care for their dogs. After learning about the profession, he joined a company and has remained in the field ever since. However, the industry faces a significant challenge: a shortage of skilled dog walkers. Phan Thi Thu Nguyet, a 26-year-old pet shop owner in An Khanh Ward, highlighted this issue. “At my shop, I often have to walk the dogs myself,” she said. Many employees quit after encountering aggressive dogs, as they lack the knowledge to read canine body language or handle difficult situations. Nguyet stressed that accidents are the biggest risk, especially with large, strong breeds.
Holiday Rates and Financial Rewards
During peak seasons like Lunar New Year, service prices increase by 20-30% due to higher demand and limited staff availability. Full packages, including boarding and daily walks, can cost several million Vietnamese dong for the entire holiday period. Nguyet clarified that this is not price gouging but a reflection of the immense responsibility involved. “If a dog gets sick, stops eating, or becomes stressed, the owner calls non-stop,” she explained.
Financially, dog walking is far from modest. Each session lasts 30-45 minutes, with fees ranging from VND100,000 ($3.8) to VND200,000 ($7.6), depending on the breed and distance. On busy days, Nguyet can handle five or six sessions in a row, earning a substantial income, sometimes supplemented by generous tips. She recalled a week when a client went on a long business trip and requested full-time care for their pet. “That week, my wages plus tips were almost equal to a whole month’s office salary,” she shared.
The growing popularity of dog walking in Ho Chi Minh City reflects a broader trend of pet owners prioritizing their animals’ well-being. As demand continues to rise, the profession offers not only financial rewards but also the fulfillment of making a positive difference in the lives of pets and their owners. For those passionate about animals, it is a career worth considering.