How to Become a Dog Walker in Canada: A Comprehensive Guide

If you're passionate about dogs and looking for a career that combines daily connection with animals and flexible, meaningful work, becoming a professional dog walker in Canada could be the perfect fit. With more dog guardians prioritizing regular exercise, socialization, and professional care for their dogs, the demand for skilled, reliable walkers is growing steadily across the country.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your services to the next level, Good Dog Academy’s Professional Dog Walker Certificate Program is designed to set you up for success.

What Does a Professional Dog Walker Really Do?

Dog walking is more than just a stroll through the neighbourhood. As a certified dog walker, your primary role is to ensure the safety, well-being, and enjoyment of the dogs in your care. You'll follow each guardian’s instructions closely, observe dog behaviour in real time, and adapt to each dog's individual needs, all while demonstrating professionalism and compassion.

This career calls for more than a love for dogs. It requires attention to detail, physical stamina, and the ability to communicate clearly with both dogs and their people.

Skills That Set You Apart

To succeed in this field, you’ll need to develop a strong foundation of practical and interpersonal skills. Key qualities include:

• A genuine love for dogs and the ability to build trust with them quickly.

• Physical fitness to handle dogs of all sizes and energy levels.

• Patience and adaptability to work with a wide range of canine personalities.

• Clear, respectful communication with dog guardians to build long-term relationships and ensure consistent care.

Our program at Good Dog Academy helps you strengthen these skills through a blend of theory, real-life case examples, and practical strategies.

Why Certification Matters

While formal credentials aren’t mandatory across Canada, earning your certification through Good Dog Academy sets you apart from hobbyists and part-time pet sitters. Our Dog Walker Certificate Program is designed by canine behaviour experts and focuses on real-world safety protocols, reading dog body language, handling group walks, managing risk, and maintaining professional standards.

Certification demonstrates that you take your role seriously—and that you're committed to high-quality, ethical dog care. It's a strong selling point when marketing your services to guardians, especially in competitive urban areas.

Know Your Local Laws

Across Canada, dog walking regulations vary. Cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary have specific bylaws that affect how many dogs can be walked at once and where off-leash activities are allowed. Some municipalities also require permits or proof of insurance for commercial dog walkers.

We help our students navigate local requirements and operate with confidence by covering legal considerations in our curriculum.

Build Your Experience

Before launching your own business, it’s helpful to gain hands-on experience with a variety of dogs. You might consider:

• Volunteering at shelters or rescue organizations to learn about different breeds and temperaments.

• Shadowing experienced walkers to observe how they manage different scenarios.

• Joining professional associations, such as the Canadian Dog Walkers Association (CDWA), to stay informed and connected.

Experience builds your confidence, sharpens your handling skills, and gives you stories to share with future clients.

Protect Yourself and Your Clients

Professional dog walkers must be prepared for the unexpected. That’s why we strongly recommend securing:

• Liability insurance, to protect against accidents or injuries.

• Bonding, which adds a layer of protection and credibility in case of property damage or loss.

We guide our students through the steps to finding reputable coverage and understanding their responsibilities.

Launching Your Dog Walking Business

Once you're certified and confident, it’s time to launch your business. Here’s how:

• Define your services. Will you offer solo walks, group walks, puppy visits, or enrichment sessions?

• Set your rates. Research the local market. Rates typically range from $25 to $50 per dog per hour, depending on the region and level of service.

• Develop a marketing strategy. Build a simple website, create a professional presence on social media, and connect with your local pet community.

• Use scheduling tools. Online booking systems make it easy to manage appointments and maintain communication with clients.

We offer business-building tips inside the Dog Walker Certificate Program to help you move from idea to action.

Want to Offer More Than Walks?

If you’re thinking long-term, adding Walk and Train services can be a great way to expand your business and offer more value to your clients. These sessions combine structured walks with basic training and engagement, perfect for busy guardians who want well-mannered dogs.

For those interested in advancing their career further, Good Dog Academy also offers the Professional Pet Dog Trainer Certificate Program, which prepares you to step confidently into behaviour work and formal training.

Ready to Get Started?

Becoming a certified professional dog walker is about more than walking dogs. It’s about building trust, learning how to read and respond to behaviour, keeping dogs safe, and creating a business you can be proud of.

If you’re ready to take the first step toward a fulfilling, dog-focused career, enroll in the Good Dog Academy Professional Dog Walker Certificate Program today. You’ll gain the knowledge, tools, and confidence to turn your passion into a profession—and make a real difference in the lives of dogs and their people.