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Top 4 Careers for Dog Lovers

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The Great Resignation isn’t just a catchphrase — it’s actually happening. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, workers are leaving their jobs in droves in search of more rewarding careers. Instead of tolerating jobs they hate, people around the country are hunting for jobs that put smiles on their faces as well as money in their pockets.

So if you’re thinking of leaving your traditional 9–5 job and doing something you love, you’re definitely not the only one. Even better, if you’ve always dreamed of working with dogs, there’s no shortage of exciting career options to explore. Here are 4 great careers for dog lovers thinking of joining the Great Resignation.

black and white border collie mix puppy running on brown road dirt in the daytime

Dog walker

Thinking of switching to a career with dogs? Becoming a dog walker is a great starting point. After all, what could be better than enjoying some fresh air with the sun high in the sky and a dog by your side?

As a dog walker, you ensure that your four-legged clients get regular exercise and mental stimulation. You also give them a welcome break from the boredom of being left home alone while their humans are at work. 

This option is perfect for those who are looking for plenty of flexibility in their new career. It allows you to set your own hours, get out and about rather than being stuck in an office all day, and gives you the opportunity to meet plenty of new dogs. It’s also a great way to stay fit, and you can treat it as a side hustle or as your major source of income. 

Just as with any job, however, there are a few downsides. Walking a dog on a cold and rainy day springs to mind, while you’ll also find plenty of doggy clients who have a problem with pulling on the leash.

But if you’re willing to deal with these drawbacks, getting started as a dog walker with Wag! is easy. Sign up today and join a community of more than 350,000 Pet Caregivers.

walking a leashed Labrador Retriever in the local neighborhood - apply to be a dog walker on the Wag! app

Dog groomer

Do you love pampering pooches? Looking for a career where practical skills are important, but creativity is a “woofderful” asset too? Look no further than the wonderful world of dog grooming.

Dog groomers are masters of washing dirty dogs, brushing and detangling knotted hair, and trimming fur to create stylish hairdos for fur-babies of all shapes and sizes.

Of course, there’s much more to grooming than just making dogs look their best. Grooming is essential to a dog’s health and wellbeing — it prevents skin conditions and can also help pups stay warm in the winter and cool in summer.

Not all dogs are thrilled about going to the groomer, however, so handling nervous dogs is a key skill. You’ll also need to invest in plenty of equipment if you’re starting a dog grooming business, plus either find business premises or offer a mobile grooming service. Training and certification are other factors to consider, with a variety of online and hands-on courses available. 

But if you’re passionate about pets and about helping dogs look, smell, and feel their absolute best, grooming might just be the career for you.

man brushing and grooming dog hair

Dog sitter

If you really want to form a close bond with pets, a career as a dog sitter could be “pawfect”. As a sitter, you provide overnight care for dogs in other people’s homes — so if a pet parent is going on vacation and they can’t take their dog, they can find someone reliable to provide high-quality care for their fur-baby.

The responsibilities of a dog sitter include feeding dogs, taking them for walks, giving any medication, and, of course, giving the pups in your care all the love and cuddles they need to stay happy. You may also be called upon to perform key house-sitting duties like watering plants and checking the mail, keeping the home fires burning until the pet parent returns. 

Once again, you get the freedom of setting your own schedule, plus the chance to spend a whole lot of quality time with dogs. If you’re looking for a career that gives you the opportunity to snuggle up with a pup and share your love with four-legged friends, this could be the best choice for you.

One of the main downsides of pet sitting is that you’ll often have to work on weekends and holidays, which can be inconvenient. Then there’s the fact that you can form strong bonds with the pets you mind, so saying goodbye after a long sitting job can be hard.

But if the pros outweigh the cons for you, consider becoming a dog sitter on the Wag! app today.

And if the idea of caring for a dog in someone else’s home doesn’t appeal, you can offer dog boarding services and offer overnight care to pups in your own home. For more information, check out our guide to starting a dog boarding business.

petting a white small fluffy dog - be a dog sitter

Dog trainer

Last but not least on our list of the best careers for dog lovers is the all-important job of dog trainer. If you’re passionate about pets and teaching, dog training could be your “ultimutt” career.

However, you don’t just need to be a dog person to take on this role — you also need to be a people person. Being a dog trainer is just as much about teaching people the right way to train their dogs as it is about actually training dogs, so effective communication skills are a must.

While you don’t necessarily need a qualification to become a dog trainer, it’s recommended that you get credentialed with a well-known certification body — for example, the Certification Council for Pet Dog Trainers — or complete a course from a recognized training provider. 

Once you’re qualified, you can set up your own business or offer your services as a dog trainer on the Wag! app. It’s easy to do, and you can offer personalized, one-on-one training sessions to Pet Parents and pups near you.




These are just a few of the myriad career options available for dog lovers. So if you’re searching for a fun and rewarding job with dogs, get out there and see what’s available. Apply to become a Pet Caregiver on the Wag! app today and start connecting with pet care clients in your area!



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