Become a walker

Earnings, requirements, and how to grow your bookings.

What You Need to Start Dog Walking in Australia — ABN, Insurance, and Police Check
Before you take your first paid walk, you need an ABN, public liability insurance, and a police check. Here's exactly what each involves, what it costs, and how to sort it quickly.
How to Handle Reactive and Aggressive Dogs as a Walker — Practical Guide
A practical guide for dog walkers on managing reactive and aggressive dogs — reading early signals, threshold management, handling an incident, and knowing when to decline a booking.
Dog Park Etiquette for Walkers — Managing Multiple Dogs in Shared Spaces
A professional guide to dog park etiquette for dog walkers — council off-leash rules, group size management, entry protocol, monitoring, and handling conflict in shared spaces.
How to Handle a Dog Injury or Emergency During a Walk
A practical reference guide for dog walkers on handling the most likely emergencies — limping, heat stress, suspected poisoning, dog fights, and collapse — and how to respond correctly.
TruePath Walker and Sitter Requirements — How to Apply and What to Expect
TruePath approves only 65% of applicants. Here's exactly what the 3-step application involves — police check, reference calls, and in-person interview — and how to prepare.
Tax for Dog Walkers in Australia — ATO Basics for Sole Traders (2026)
A practical guide to Australian tax for dog walkers and pet sitters — what you declare, what you can deduct, PAYG instalments, GST thresholds, and how to stay compliant without an accountant.
How to Set Your Dog Walking Rates in Australia (2026)
What to charge for dog walking in Australia — local market research, the rate-review trade-off, what justifies higher prices, and 2026 suburb benchmarks for Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth.
Pet First Aid Certifications for Dog Walkers in Australia — What's Available and Why It Matters
A practical guide to pet first aid courses in Australia for dog walkers — providers, costs, what's covered, and how certification affects your booking rate on platforms like TruePath.
Pawshake Commission for Sitters — What You Actually Earn Per Booking
Pawshake takes approximately 19% commission from sitter earnings. Here's what that means per booking, how experienced sitters compensate with higher listing prices, and when Pawshake is still worth joining.
Marketing Yourself as a Dog Walker in Australia — Without Paid Ads
Most successful dog walkers in Australia built their client base through organic channels — not paid advertising. Here's what actually works: platform optimisation, local presence, and referrals.
Mad Paws vs TruePath — Which Pays Dog Walkers and Sitters More?
A direct earnings comparison for dog walkers: how Mad Paws and TruePath handle fees, what you actually take home per walk, and what 20 walks a week looks like annually on each platform.
How to Become a Dog Walker in Australia (2026) — The Complete Guide
A step-by-step guide to starting a dog walking business in Australia — from ABN registration and insurance to joining platforms and landing your first clients.
How to Get Your First Dog Walking Clients in Australia
Getting your first 3–5 dog walking reviews is the hardest part. Here's a practical, step-by-step approach to landing early clients in Australia — on and off platform.
Dog Walking as a Side Hustle in Australia — Is It Worth It? (2026)
An honest 2026 assessment of dog walking as a side hustle in Australia — realistic income at 8–12 walks per week, time investment, tax implications, and how it compares to Airtasker or Uber Eats.
Dog Walking Jobs Near Me — How to Get Hired and Start Earning (2026)
How to find dog walking work near you in Australia — platform vs employment paths, getting your first 3 clients, and optimising your suburb radius for maximum income.
Is Dog Walking a Real Career in Australia? An Honest Assessment
Dog walking can be a sustainable full-time income in Australian cities — but it's not passive, not scalable in the traditional sense, and not for everyone. Here's what a real career as a dog walker looks like.
Dog Walker Insurance in Australia — Providers, Cost, and What You Need
Public liability insurance is essential for Australian dog walkers. Here's what coverage you need, which providers to consider, what it costs, and how platform insurance differs from your own policy.
Dog Walker Kit Essentials — What to Carry on Every Walk (2026)
A practical gear guide for professional dog walkers in Australia — what to carry on every walk, Australian summer-specific kit, and multi-dog management equipment.
How Much Do Dog Walkers Earn in Sydney? (2026 Income Guide)
Real Sydney dog walker income figures for 2026 — part-time and full-time earnings breakdowns, suburb-by-suburb rates, and what to expect after platform fees.
How Much Do Dog Walkers Earn in Perth? (2026 Income Guide)
Real Perth dog walker income figures for 2026 — part-time and full-time earnings breakdowns, suburb-by-suburb rates, and how Perth's extreme summer heat affects your schedule.
How Much Do Dog Walkers Earn in Melbourne? (2026 Income Guide)
Real Melbourne dog walker income figures for 2026 — part-time and full-time earnings, suburb-by-suburb rates, and the practical realities of Melbourne's unpredictable weather.
How Much Do Dog Walkers Earn in Brisbane? (2026 Income Guide)
Real Brisbane dog walker income figures for 2026 — part-time and full-time earnings, suburb rates, and how Brisbane's summer heat shapes your schedule and earnings.
Do You Need an ABN to Be a Dog Walker in Australia?
If you're taking paid bookings as a dog walker in Australia, you need an ABN. Here's what it is, how to register for free in 15 minutes, and what happens if you skip it.
Best Apps to Be a Dog Walker in Australia (2026) — Ranked for Walkers
Comparing TruePath, Mad Paws, Pawshake, and Rover from the walker's side: commission, client volume, payment timing, and which platform actually pays you more.