Whether it is your side-gig or a full time career, being a dog walker can be a great way to make some money! Either you are just breaking out into this business or you’re a seasoned veteran looking to upgrade your arsenal. Here is a list of must-have professional dog walker essentials for all those pet professionals!
The Basics
Treat Bag
Having easy access to yummy snacks when on a walk is absolutely a must! A treat bag is a great dog walker essential because a lot of them are equipped with extra space. There can be a spot for your cell phone, car keys, ID; whatever you want, you name it!
There are generally two kinds of treat bags. The classic pouch that can either go around your waist or across your body. Like the Pet N Pet Dog Training Treat Pouch. Or you can get a fancy fanny pack style one; like the PetAmi Dog Fanny Pack.
Poop Bag Holder
It is inevitable, when you’re walking your pup is going to do their business! The only thing you can do is be prepared! One of the best poop bag holders is the OneTigris Dog Poop Bag Pouch. This little pouch straps right to the leash nice and tight so there isn’t a holder bouncing around, hitting your knuckles. Also remember dog walkers, stock up on the poop bags!
Water Bowl
Stay hydrated! It is so important to make sure the dog you’re walking stays nice and refreshed. Keeping water and a water bowl on hand will make sure your doggie client stays hydrated and cool, especially in warm weather!
Leash
Having one or two back-up leashes is never a bad idea! You’ll thank yourself when you get to a client’s house and realize the available leash is torn and dirty. Or worse, they use a retractable leash! If they do, make sure they understand the Dangers of Retractable Leashes. The Frisco Traffic Leash is a great leash for dog walks because of the poop bag holder D ring and the extra handle for if you need to reel in your pup client!
Car Garbage Can
More times than not, when you are out on a walk there are no garbage bins in sight! Well, now you don’t have to worry. Get the Kurgo Tailgate Dumpster! This little trash bin has magnets in it so it sticks right to the outside of your vehicle. Now you never have to transport smelly poop bags back home again!
Dog Wipes
Paws will get dirty! It happens so be prepared! Having dog paw wipes on hand to clean off your client’s feet and keep their house nice and clean!
First Aid Kit
Accidents happen. The best thing you can do is be prepared! Always carry a first aid kit with the plan to use it, but with the hope you never will have to!
Dog Walker Essentials For The Walker
Sneakers
A good pair of shoes is a must for being a professional dog walker! You want to make sure that your feet are well supported for all the miles you are going to rack up on your speedometer. And of course you can make them stylish for your profession!
Reflective Clothing
Many dog clients may need walks very early in the morning or late into the evening. Any time of the day where the sun is not out can be a safety concern for you and the dog. One of the best ways to be seen on the busiest of streets is to wear reflective clothing! Driver’s appreciate it! Be seen, be safe!
Flashlight/Head Lamp
Another great accessory for when walking at night! Having a light with you will help you see where you are going but also can help fight a pile of poop in the night! There are flashlights on hooks that can clip right onto your poop bag holder. Or you can go stylish and rock a headlamp! Then you are hands free!
Umbrella
Now you may be thinking that an umbrella would be a nice thing to have if you’re walking in the rain. But this easy to carry device has more than one purpose! It can actually be used to keep you and your doggie client safe! If you are ever in a situation where a loose dog is coming at you, an umbrella will be your friend. Just hit the quick release to open the umbrella up and see if it can startle the dog away. If the loose dog is persistent, you now have a four foot blocker in your hand. Keeps you dry and safe!
Yaktrax
If dog walking is your year-round profession and you live in the North, there is going to be a time you’re walking in the snow and ice! Yaktrax are nifty devices you can slip on your shoes to give you some more traction to prevent slips and falls while walking!
Self Protection
Keeping yourself safe should be your number one priority when it comes to dog walker essentials. You always need to come home at the end of the day. Whether you want to carry pepper spray, taser, or a firearm, do it correctly and safely. For more on keeping yourself safe, check out Safety Tips For Pet Care Professionals.
Advertising
Business Cards
There are going to be times when you are walking a dog and someone is going to realize you’re a pet care professional. Having a business card on you to share is key! Get your business out there and get more clients! You’d be surprised how many new clients you can reel in this way!
Business Card Holder Magnet
If you are always on the go from client-to-client, having a way that people can snag a business card without bothering you can be so helpful! Amazon has a ton of business card holders that go right on your vehicle for people to grab at their leisure. They can hold a lot of cards and are waterproof!