For care professionals · Pet care
How do I find dog walking clients?
Most dog walkers find clients through a clear profile, a visible local presence, referrals from happy clients and fast, specific replies to people asking for help. Dog owners are choosing someone to enter their home and handle their dog, so everything you put out should answer one question: can I trust this person with my dog?
In 60 seconds
- A dog walking profile works best when it states your area, availability, dog handling experience and certifications in plain language.
- Local presence, such as being known at nearby parks, vet clinics and pet stores, builds trust that online listings alone cannot.
- Referrals from existing clients are often the strongest source of new dog walking clients, so ask for them directly.
- Replying quickly and specifically to a dog owner’s request matters because owners often contact several walkers at once.
- The first meeting with the dog and owner is where most clients decide, so prepare questions and bring your agreement.
What should a dog walker put in their profile?
A dog walker’s profile should state the neighbourhoods you cover, the days and times you are available, the kinds of dogs you handle well, your group or solo walk policy and any certifications such as pet first aid. Specific details reassure owners more than general claims about loving animals.
Be honest about what you do not take on. Saying you do not walk dogs with a bite history, for example, filters out requests that would not suit you and signals that you think about safety.
- Service area by neighbourhood or city, and whether you pick up by car or on foot.
- Availability, including weekends, early mornings or holidays if you work them.
- Experience with large dogs, puppies, seniors, reactive dogs or dogs on medication.
- Solo walks, group walks, or both, and the maximum dogs you walk together.
- Certifications, insurance status and how you handle keys.
How do dog walkers build a local presence?
Dog walkers build a local presence by being consistently visible and useful in the neighbourhoods they serve. Regular routes, a friendly reputation at dog parks, and a simple card or flyer where local businesses allow it help owners remember you when they need someone.
Ask before leaving materials at a vet clinic, groomer or pet store, and respect their answer. Community boards, neighbourhood groups and local events can also help, as long as you follow each group’s rules on promotion.
Local presence takes time. If you need clients quickly, combine it with online profiles rather than relying on it alone.
What makes dog owners choose one walker over another?
Dog owners usually choose the walker who seems most reliable and safest with their particular dog. Clear communication, punctuality, honest limits, proof of training or insurance and a calm first meeting with the dog tend to matter more than small differences in price or a polished website.
Reliability is built after the first booking too. Short updates after each walk, a note if anything unusual happened and showing up when you said you would are what turn a single booking into a regular client who refers others.
How do I get referrals for dog walking?
The simplest way to get dog walking referrals is to ask satisfied clients directly, a few weeks after you start, whether they know anyone who needs a walker. Owners talk to other owners at parks and in buildings, and a personal recommendation carries more weight than any ad.
If you follow up by email or text with people who were referred to you, keep Canada’s anti-spam legislation in mind. Section 6 of the Act generally prohibits sending a commercial electronic message without the recipient’s express or implied consent, and requires the message to identify the sender, give contact information and include an unsubscribe mechanism. Read the government’s CASL guidance for businesses or ask a professional about your specific situation.
How fast should a dog walker reply to a new request?
A dog walker should reply to a new request as quickly as they reasonably can, ideally the same day. Owners who post a request often hear from several walkers, and the first clear, specific reply frequently gets the meeting. Speed only helps if the reply is thoughtful, though.
- Use the owner’s dog’s name and details from their request.
- Confirm you cover their area and the times they need.
- Mention relevant experience, such as walking large or reactive dogs.
- Propose one or two times for a meet-and-greet.
What happens at a first meeting with a dog walking client?
At a first meeting, often called a meet-and-greet, the owner watches how you interact with the dog while you learn the dog’s habits, triggers, leash manners and health needs. It is also when you discuss keys, schedule, rates, cancellation terms and what happens in an emergency.
Bring a written care agreement so both sides leave with the same understanding. It is also fine to decide a dog is not a good fit for you. Declining politely is better than taking on a walk you cannot handle safely.
Can Maple Care help me find dog walking clients?
Maple Care is one way to find dog walking clients in Canada. You create a free profile at /apply/, get email and text alerts for matching requests in your area, and pay only when you choose to get a client’s contact details. The price is shown before you buy.
Requests are anonymous and show location by city only until contact details are bought. Each request also shows how many professionals may get the client’s details and how many already have, so you can judge whether to respond. It will not suit everyone: if your schedule is already full through referrals, you may not need it.
Free to join. Pay only for the offers you choose.
Frequently asked questions
Where do most dog walkers find their first clients?
Many dog walkers find their first clients through people they already know, neighbours, and online profiles on local platforms. Early on, combining a clear online profile with word of mouth in your own neighbourhood usually works better than relying on any single source.
Should a dog walker have pet first aid training?
Pet first aid training is not generally required by law, but many owners ask about it and it helps you recognize problems early. Courses such as St. John Ambulance’s Pet First Aid cover prevention, choking, poisoning and bites. It never replaces a veterinarian.
Is it okay to send promotional emails to past clients?
Promotional emails and texts are commercial electronic messages under Canada’s anti-spam legislation, which generally requires consent and clear identification of the sender. Past client relationships may affect what consent you have. Check the government’s CASL guidance or ask a professional before sending.
How many dogs should I walk at once?
There is no single national rule on how many dogs one person may walk. Some municipalities set limits in parks or public spaces, so check your local bylaws. Beyond the rules, walk only as many dogs as you can control safely, and tell owners your policy upfront.
What if a dog is not a good fit at the first meeting?
If a dog is not a good fit, say so politely and explain why, such as size, reactivity or needs outside your experience. Declining protects the dog, the owner and you. If you know another walker who handles that kind of dog, you can suggest the owner look for one.
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