Are you looking for a flexible side gig that lets you spend time with furry friends while earning extra income? Whether you’re a student, a parent with grown children, or a professional seeking evening and weekend work, becoming a Wag dog walker might be your perfect opportunity.
Wag is the second-largest pet care marketplace in the US, connecting pet owners with reliable dog walkers, sitters, and boarders. The platform makes it easy to become a dog walker on your own schedule, whether you want on-demand walks or pre-booked appointments. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to become a Wag dog walker, from requirements and application steps to maximizing your earnings and protecting yourself with proper insurance.
What Is Wag and How Does It Work for Dog Walkers?
Wag is an online pet care marketplace that matches pet owners with local pet professionals. As a dog walker, you can set your own hours for either on-demand walks (requested just a few hours in advance) or pre-booked walks (scheduled days or weeks ahead). You can either bid on walk requests or wait for the app to match you with jobs. Once matched, you accept the request, review the details, show up on time, provide excellent care, and get paid directly through the Wag app.
Basic Requirements to Become a Wag Dog Walker
Before you start your application, ensure you meet these fundamental requirements:
- You are at least 18 years old
- You are a US permanent resident
- You can legally work in the United States
- You can pass a background check and pay the application fee
Wag does not require formal pet care experience or certifications, making it an accessible entry point for anyone wanting to break into dog walking.
Qualities That Help Successful Wag Walkers Stand Out
While not mandatory, these characteristics will help you attract more clients:
- Dog walking experience – Though not required, pet parents prefer booking walkers who understand pet care and safety basics
- Endorsements – Wag recommends adding at least five testimonials from friends, family, or neighbors who can vouch for your pet care skills
- Insurance – Wag doesn’t require pet care insurance, but protecting yourself against accidents is crucial
- Independence – As a 1099 contractor, your hours and prices are entirely up to you
The Quick Sign-Up and Profile Setup Process
Wag streamlines the application process so you can start earning quickly. Most walkers complete registration in minutes and spend about an hour or two on profile setup.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Visit the Become a Dog Walker with Wag page and complete your information
- Submit your application and provide endorsements (optional but recommended)
- Pass a background check
- Complete a basic 10-question dog safety quiz
- Download the Wag Pet Caregiver app
- Complete a test “walk” (tutorial only, no dog needed)
- Set up a Stripe account for payments
- Optimize your profile with photos, availability, and service details
Average approval time: Approximately 14 days, according to Wag.
Navigating the Background Check
Passing a background check is essential to demonstrate trustworthiness to dog owners. The fee varies from $25 to $65, with the most commonly reported fee being $49.95. Note that this fee is non-refundable if your application isn’t accepted.
The background check is processed through Vetty and requires basic personal information. It can take up to 14 business days to clear. You can monitor progress through Wag’s Background Check Portal.
Common Application Questions Answered
What’s on the dog safety quiz?
The quiz includes 10 questions about using your Wag account, app features, and keeping pets safe. Study materials are available in the Wag Safety Center.
What if I fail the quiz?
You can retake the quiz as many times as needed until you pass.
What is the test walk?
It’s a tutorial showing you how to use app features like sending updates and starting or ending walks. No real dog required.
How do Wag walkers get paid?
You’ll set up a Stripe payment account during application. Wag pays twice weekly on Wednesdays and Fridays for completed walks. Instant Pay is available for a $1.99 fee.
What are the fees?
Wag takes a 40% commission from every walk. A basic account is free, or you can upgrade to a Pro account for a one-time fee of $149 (new walkers) or $129 (approved walkers). Pro benefits include priority profile placement and more bidding freedom.
Does Wag allow tipping?
Yes, pet owners can tip through the app. However, since you set your own prices, factor in the 40% commission rather than relying heavily on tips.
Creating a Wag Profile That Attracts Clients
Your profile is your primary marketing tool. Pet parents can either let the app match them with a walker or browse available options. Here’s how to optimize each section:
- Catchphrase – Grab attention with a short, friendly statement about your qualifications. Examples: “Constantly covered in dog hair” or “Punctual, reliable, and always carrying poop bags”
- Profile photo – Choose a well-lit, friendly photo (holding a happy dog is even better)
- Bio – Summarize your experience, whether volunteering at shelters or years of dog walking
- Specialties – Select specific specialties rather than every option to attract ideal clients
- Availability – Keep your calendar updated with any schedule changes
- Services and prices – Check local rates to ensure competitive pricing
- Reviews and endorsements – Initial endorsements appear here, followed by client ratings after walks
Pro Tips for Maximum Visibility
- Set your profile to public so complete info appears in searches
- Ask for reviews and repeat bookings in your Walk Report Card comments
- Be honest about services and availability to build a good reputation
- Create a social media account for dog-walking photos and share your unique promo code
- Update your profile and calendar regularly
- Maintain high walk acceptance rates to improve your algorithm ranking
Mastering Your First Wag Walk and Gaining Repeat Clients
Once approved, you’re ready to accept walks. Here’s the complete process:
- Bid on a walk request or accept a direct booking
- View job details including location, time, and preferences
- Communicate with pet parents about key access or special behavioral notes
- Travel to the appointment and check in to start the clock and GPS tracking
- Complete the walk and officially end it in the app
- Fill out a detailed walk report card
- Get paid via Stripe direct deposit
Pro tip: Only start the walk in the app when the dog is leashed and you’re out the door. If you start early and can’t complete the walk due to access issues or accidents, the client may still be billed and could leave a negative review.
Turning One-Time Walks into Repeat Bookings
Loyal clients who book regular walks are more valuable than one-time customers. Build relationships with these strategies:
- Go beyond basics in report cards – use the dog’s name and share specific observations
- Share photos and videos of walks to show the dog enjoying themselves
- Be consistently on time to prove reliability
- Respect the client’s space – leave everything looking the same or better
- Go the extra mile by cleaning up accidents or walking in the dog’s favorite spot
- Be available during peak times like early mornings, late nights, holidays, and summer vacation
Safety Tips and Insurance Know-How
As you build your dog walking business, consider important safety and legal questions:
- What if a dog breaks free and runs away?
- What if a dog bites another dog or person?
- What if a client’s dog gets sick or collapses during a walk?
Critical note: Because you’re an independent contractor (not a Wag employee), Wag does not insure you for harm to pets, people, or property related to your service. The company will mediate between you and pet parents after an accident, but that’s the extent of their involvement.
Why Dog Walker Insurance Is Worth It
Wag suggests pet owners buy optional pet insurance, but relying on others to be responsible carries significant risk. Pet Care Insurance offers affordable protection designed specifically for dog walkers, covering claims for pet injuries, illness, lost keys, injuries to bystanders, and property damage.
Annual policies start at $154 (just $14.58/month) – a small investment for peace of mind and professional protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can I earn as a Wag dog walker?
The national average reported on Indeed is $27.11 per hour. However, rates vary by cost of living, and you likely won’t work full-time hours. Wag reports average walker charges of $12.75–$19.99 for 20-minute walks, $17–$26.99 for 30-minute walks, and $25.50–$36.99 for 60-minute deluxe walks.
What services can I offer through Wag?
Officially, you can offer dog walking, drop-in visits, pet sitting, or pet boarding. However, Wag allows room for custom services like dog training or excursions.
Do I need certification to be a Wag dog walker?
No certification is required. However, Pet First Aid or Pet CPR certification can increase client trust.
What are the risks of starting a dog walking business?
Risks include animal injuries, property damage, and accidents. Pet business insurance is essential protection.
Get Started on Your Perfect Side Gig Today
Becoming a Wag dog walker offers flexibility, exercise, companionship with dogs, and extra income. By following this guide – meeting requirements, optimizing your profile, delivering excellent service, and protecting yourself with insurance – you’ll be well on your way to building a successful dog walking business.
Ready to start? Begin your application today, and soon you’ll be getting paws on pavement! For more resources on pet care professional tips and insurance protection, explore our other guides for dog walkers and pet sitters.
This guide is for informational purposes only. Pet Care Insurance encourages all pet professionals to carry appropriate liability coverage. For specific policy details, consult a licensed insurance agent.