This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Kelsey Clark, a 29-year-old from Vancouver, British Columbia, about her work as professional dog walker and sitterI grew up on a farm — we had horses, pigs, cows, and dogs. I'm very comfortable around all sorts of animals.
In October 2019, I met my second client while I was walking a dog in the forest. I registered a company that month too. After five months, I ended up with about 15 clients. I was getting by, but not making enough to save.Eventually, I was working up to 12 hours a day. I had too many clients to handle. I hired my first contractor in April 2021.
My usual workday starts between 10 and 10:30 a.m. I pick up all the dogs in my car that live the farthest away from where we're going to walk. Then I pick up dogs who live closer to where we'll be taking our walk. My walking schedules are Monday to Friday. I do my administration work on the weekends, usually Saturday, communicating with clients and scheduling.
Some states have laws against hiring contractors as dog walkers.