He is the first Dogwalker I’ve seen since moving here. Around him were eight dogs, mostly small and medium, tied to a belt around his waist and to the stroller he pushed along Water Street. Three of the dogs are his and the rest he is hired to take for long walks. He volunteered that he has a splash pad for dogs and a doggy wading pool. But I was so surprised by this scene that I forgot to ask “Why the stroller?” so that will have to remain as yet another Tucson mystery.
Just how much dogwalkers get paid?
In the past I have considered becoming a Dogwalker, but never acted on it. My research showed, however, that dog walking can be a money-making part-time gig. Dogwalkers in Tucson typically make between $15 and $24 per hour for each dog. Earnings often scale higher or lower depending on experience, whether you work for an agency or run an independent business on national platforms like Rover.
Rover has a listing of walkers who operate independently including their credentials and prices. Fetch offers a service using Dogwalkers who they employ. And Care.com also offers Dogwalking and Dogsitting — along with grandma-sitting and other care service for older people. There are also several local pet care companies. I won’t recommend one, but to find a Dogwalker for your pet check out Yelp’s 10 Best Dogwalkers list.
Adopt a dog. It’s free!
This is a good place to remind you that Pima Animal Care Center has dogs and cats available for adoption every day of the week. According to their website: All dogs and puppies are currently FREE to adopt at PACC. A $20 licensing fee may apply for adult dogs living in Pima County. Dogs adopted from PACC will be spayed or neutered, given age-appropriate vaccinations, and microchipped.
And if you adopt a dog now you can dress it in a goofy costume take it to the big Pet parade next year ! It’s fun!
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