Become a Dog-Walker: Getting Started on Wag

Do you love dogs? If you do, then dog-walking could the side-hustle you're looking for. Not unlike ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft, if you become a dog-walker, then you are setting yourself up to set your own schedule and build a controllable income stream.

You will need to be in a specific area in order to take advantage of this revenue stream. However, if you lead the kind of creative life that only requires you to have time to create, not have freedom of movement (without jeopardizing your revenue stream), then this might be an ideal match.

In this post, we'll go over how to get started, and some important things to keep in mind as you get to work. While there are certainly other ways to start walking dogs that don't involve working for Wag, it is certainly the quickest, easiest, and safest way for you to get started with this side-hustle.

Getting Started

Getting setup on Wag is a pretty straightforward process. It will take some time, so before you dive into the application, there are a couple of things you'll want to consider.

Make Sure Wag is in Your City

Only available in select markets right now. They are expanding their operations, but you'll want to make sure that Wag is available in your city before you get your heart set on this as a side-hustle.

Make Sure You're in Shape Enough

You're going to be doing a TON of walking. Wag promotes itself as a way to get in shape, and that's not a joke. If you aren't able to walk for a few hours per day, then it will be difficult for you to put together enough money to make this side-hustle worthwhile. Keep in mind that walking with a dog is more strenuous than simply taking a walk.

Fill Out the Application

The application is lengthy, and you'll need to submit references about your experiences with dogs. There will be a few quizzes to test your dog knowledge and ability to handle different situations. Will also need to submit to a background check (which will cost a little bit of money). There will be a test walk, and they'll need a shipping address. Go to the Wag website and start the application. Simply follow the steps and they'll lead you through getting setup on the platform.

Tips and Tricks

Use the Swag

Wear the shirt and put the bandanna on the pup and earn some extra money while you walk. Wag offers bonuses for wearing the shirt that they send you and putting a wag bandanna on the dogs that you are walking. They'll ask you to take a picture of you and the dogs wearing the swag to verify, but this is an easy way to add to your hourly rate for each walk.

Be Vigilant Over Your Alerts

Like ride-share, walks are awarded through a proprietary system. Higher rated walkers get offered walks first. So when you first start, walks won't be pouring into your phone. You'll want to be aware when an offer comes in so that you're able to take that walk and start getting good feedback as soon as possible. The more walks you take, the easier it will be to get walks offered to you.

Repeat Customers

This goes along with the desire for building a good reputation among your clients to get more walks, but customers are able to request specific dog-walkers. The more regular dogs you are able to add to your roster, the more efficient you'll be at putting together a regular income that can work around your creative life.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you love dogs, being outdoors, and lead an active lifestyle then this side-hustle could be a great fit for you. Getting outside can be an excellent way to get your creative juices flowing, and so long as you handle your time correctly, then you don't need to worry about this side-hustle crushing your soul.

To learn more about building a sustainable side-hustle, check out my book: A Life in Art: Building Side-Hustles to Empower Your Life as an Artist