Do you dream of working with dogs? After spending over 11 years in the pet industry and interviewing hundreds of successful pet professionals on my podcast, I can tell you there are tons of options – from part-time hustles to lifelong careers that let you spend more time with dogs or even work alongside your own dog!
You don’t necessarily need to be a veterinarian or vet assistant to work with dogs. From dog trainers to government positions, I’ll walk you through 15 of the best jobs working with dogs, based on my extensive experience helping pet professionals grow their businesses.
One thing I’ve noticed as I’ve interviewed over 200 women in the pet industry on my podcast is that people who work with dogs have huge hearts! This is one of the most compassionate industries you can be part of.
So why not make a positive change in your life and discover a job that lets you make money while working with dogs?
Real Stories from People Who Turned Their Passion for Pets into a Business
When you put your whole heart into your job, sometimes it can be hard to turn it into a profitable business. That’s why alongside most of these jobs that involve dogs, I link to podcast episodes featuring women who have taken their dog passion and turned it into a real business.
Maybe you always hoped to work with animals but life had other plans—or maybe you’re just now discovering your true passion for pets.
Some of the jobs listed below are ones you can do with your dog and others will allow you to meet lots of new dogs. Keep in mind that some of these dog jobs require special qualifications, but plenty of others don’t.
I hope this post helps you find a pet industry career that is right for you! I’m here to support your pet biz dreams.
Service-Based Dog Careers
Dog Trainer
Being a dog trainer can make a huge positive impact on people’s and pets’ lives. Proper training and socialization are among your dog’s basic needs, and it can be so rewarding to teach people how to better communicate with their pups.
Although you might think that dog training is all about communicating with dogs, it’s important that you’re good at communicating with people, too. That way you can pass on your expertise so your students are on their best behavior anywhere they go.
To be a successful dog trainer, you need:
- A love of learning and continuing education
- Patience with both dogs and humans
- Creative problem-solving abilities
- Experience with different learning styles
- Strong personal communication skills
To become a dog trainer, you should take courses about the science of animal behavior and familiarize yourself with the latest knowledge on balanced training or positive reinforcement dog training.
From there, get hands-on experience working with dogs at a local shelter or training facility. While certification isn’t required, many trainers choose to work towards a CPDT title from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers.
Want to learn more about being a dog trainer? Listen to these podcast episodes:
- Episode 68: The Business Side of Dog Training with Veronica Boutelle of DogBiz
- Episode 77: Creating an Online Dog Training Course with Stacie Bowers of Curious Canines
- Episode 200: City Dog Expert Kimberly Freeman
- Episode 208: Ali Smith of ReBarkable
- Episode 267: Insights on Online Dog Training with Caroline Wilkinson of Barket Place
In 2018, Caroline began offering online dog training courses to expand who she was able to reach and to help. She noticed that online courses and training eliminated a lot of the stress that pets and their people experience when going to an in-person dog training session.
Dog Sitter
Many people rely on dog sitters to take care of their furry friends while they travel for work or go on vacation. There’s nothing like the peace of mind of knowing that a responsible, caring person is back at home taking care of your dog just like you would!
Dog sitters either stay in the pet’s home or look after someone’s pet at their own home. Either way, it’s really important that a dog sitter is organized, clean, and has a flexible schedule.
Essential skills for successful dog sitters:
- Understanding of dog behavior and body language
- Knowledge of basic dog health and nutrition
- First aid and CPR certification
- Excellent time management
- Strong communication with pet parents
- Attention to detail with medications and special needs
I got certified in Pet First Aid and CPR in Spring 2022. It was such a great experience and something I recommend to all pet parents and anyone working with pets. Based on that certification, I created a blog post about the essential items you need in a pet first aid kit.
Want to learn more about being a dog sitter? Listen to these podcast episodes:
- Episode 42: Building a Pet Sitter Community with Ramsey Timmons of PetPawneur
- Episode 78: Kristin Morrison of Six-Figure Pet Sitting Academy
Dog Walker
Being a dog walker is a great job for dog lovers because the hours can be adjusted to your lifestyle and needs. You can pick up just one canine client that you walk a few times a week, or you can fit in many walks per day, do pack walks, specialize in dog runs… you name it!
The job of a dog walker can be what you want to make of it – from a small side hustle to get your dog fix to a full-time business with employees.
To be a dog walker, you’ll need to have these skills:
- Physical fitness to handle various dog sizes
- Knowledge of basic obedience and leash skills
- Understanding of different harnesses and training tools
- Time management and scheduling abilities
- Basic dog first aid knowledge
- Reliable transportation
Want to learn more about being a dog walker? Listen to these podcast episodes:
- Episode 52: How to Monetize What You Know with Adina Silberstein of Queenie’s Pets
- Episode 111: Post-Covid Dog Walking with Dani Pedraza
- Episode 206: SEO Tips for Dog Walkers and Sitters from WUF Design
Guide Dog Puppy Raiser
Being a guide dog or service dog puppy raiser is one of the most unique and meaningful jobs in the pet industry.
While you won’t make a fortune from raising puppies, you’ll be preparing a future working dog for the world and their responsibilities.
What puppy raisers do:
- Socialize puppies to various environments
- Teach basic obedience and good manners
- Expose dogs to different situations they’ll encounter as service dogs
- Document progress and follow training protocols
- Attend regular training sessions
- Work closely with the service dog organization
Want to learn more about being a guide dog puppy raiser? Listen to this podcast episode:
Therapy Dog Team
A great job that you can do with your own dog is to become a certified therapy dog team. I did this with my dog Lucy and we volunteer a few times a month at a local veteran’s center.
Just like being a puppy raiser, this is a volunteer job but you’ll be generously compensated in all the love and appreciation you and your dog get on the job!
To become a certified therapy dog your dog needs to:
- Know basic obedience or pass the AKC Canine Good Citizen test
- Pass the therapy dog test
- Be great at stay commands
- Remain calm around wheelchairs, walkers, or medical equipment
- Ignore food on the ground
- Be comfortable when separated from their handler
We got our certification through Therapy Dogs International. You can read about my experience training Lucy to be a therapy dog (spoiler, it’s totally worth it!).
I’ve been a guest on the Therapy Dog Talk Podcast! Listen to that episode here. I talk with host Sherrie Rohde about my expereince getting certified and volunteering with my dog Lucy.
Dog Groomer
Another great job for dog lovers is being a groomer. People rely on dog groomers to help keep their dogs clean and also to pamper them. There’s a big need in most communities for trained and qualified dog groomers.
Some places where you can get a job as a dog groomer:
- Pet stores
- Grooming salons
- Mobile grooming vans
- In clients’ homes
- Their own salon
A love of dogs is the most important requirement because you’ll learn a lot of the skills on the job. Most aspiring dog groomers will apprentice at their new shop for 4-6 weeks when they start out.
If you’re a creative person who loves pets, dog grooming can be an interesting choice. In addition to typical washing and trimming, some groomers get wild with colorful pet-safe dyes and hairstyles that look like sculptures!
Want to learn more about being a dog groomer? Listen to these podcast episodes:
- Episode 72: Creating a Successful Brick and Mortar Pet Business with Bow Wow Dog Bakery’s Leel Michelle
- Episode 40: Pursue Your Pet Dream Job with Shannen Standiford of Pups on the Coast
- Episode 127: Melissa Mitchner of The Bark Shoppe
Work at a Doggy Daycare Facility
Working at a doggy daycare is a dream job for someone who has a lot of energy and loves to play with dogs all day. You’ll get to interact with tons of different dogs, so it’s important that you’re familiar with the behavior traits of various breeds and trained in managing group dynamics.
Daily tasks at a dog daycare:
- Supervising playtime
- Giving belly rubs
- Cleaning and maintenance
- Walking dogs between areas
- Taking dogs on walks
- Washing blankets and toys
- Creating social media content
If you have enough room at your house, you might even be able to set up an In-Home Dog Daycare. Keep in mind that you will need to check your state and local laws and regulations to determine the licenses or permits you need.
Want to learn more about the doggy daycare business? Listen to these podcast episodes:
- Episode 23: Candace D’Agnolo of Pet Boss Nation
- Episode 102: Launch and Grow a Profitable Dog Daycare Business
Animal Control Officer
Animal Control Officer might not be the first career that comes to mind, but it’s a crucial role in our communities. They’re no longer just the “dog catcher.” People who work for your local Animal Safety and Control Department are trying to keep people and animals safe.
They often work with all kinds of animals, from pets to wildlife, performing animal law enforcement in support of proper animal treatment and care.
Responsibilities of Animal Control Officers:
- Enforcing local animal laws
- Investigating animal cruelty cases
- Rescuing injured animals
- Educating the public
- Working with local shelters
- Handling wildlife situations
- Managing community outreach
You will definitely need proper training for this job. Animal control officers must have knowledge of a wide variety of animal species, animal first aid, care and nutrition, humane capture tools and techniques, animal behavior, public relations, cruelty investigation procedures, and law enforcement.
Some states require completion of a certification course before an applicant can be considered for a career as an animal control officer. If you are interested in pursuing a career in animal control, you should look into the specific requirements in your state or city.
Creative Dog Industry Careers
Dog Treat Baker
Do you love to bake, be creative and make tails wag? Being a dog treat baker is a fun job you can do with your dog to share healthy treats with more pet parents!
When you’re getting started, try selling your treats at local farmer’s markets, maker fairs or at your local pet supplies store. And of course, make sure to take lots of fun photos to promote your brand on Instagram!
To be a successful dog treat baker, you’ll want to have:
- Knowledge of dog-safe ingredients
- Creative recipe development skills
- Understanding of food safety regulations
- Marketing and photography abilities
- Basic business management
- Strong social media presence
I’ve interviewed a lot of women who’ve created successful dog treat businesses! If you’re looking to start your own business, listen to my conversation with Minyoung of Dog Barkery Academy. She has a whole course that walks you through everything you need to do to launch your treat business!
Want to learn more about being a dog treat baker? Listen to these podcast episodes:
- Episode 49: Creating a Style Savvy Dog Bakery with Jen Mello of Spotted Dog Bakery
- Episode 186: Amanda Yu-Nguyen, the creator of Barkuterie Boards
- Episode 291: Scaling an All-Natural Dog Treat Brand with Kelly Ison of Einstein Pets
Like most pet parents, Kelly Ison wanted to give her dog, Abby, the best of everything, which included her diet. When it came to treats, Kelly couldn’t find exactly what she was looking for, and she was alarmed at all of the product recalls and low-quality treats on the market. At that point, she decided to take matters into her own hands and start her own healthy dog treat brand.
Dog Product Designer and Maker
Do you have an idea for a product that would make you and your dog’s life together so much better? I bet it would help a lot of other dog lovers, too!
I’ve met so many people who have taken their dog product idea and made it a reality. They often get to spend their day working with their own dog while they grow their business.
Some ways to start a dog product business:
- Create handmade items like bandanas
- Design innovative pet products
- Develop unique training tools
- Create specialty clothing or accessories
- Launch a subscription box
- Design travel products
- Invent new types of toys
You can start simply by making bandanas, or if you’re more ambitious, dive into the deep end and invent a better dog crate or travel bed. You know that your dog will always be there to be the official prototype tester!
Check out my Amazon recommendations for tools that will help you run your pet business from home.
Want to learn more about making your own dog products? Listen to these podcast episodes:
- Episode 80: Making Dogs’ Lives Better with Thoughtful Bandanas with Catherine Whiteman of Three Wags
- Episode 66: Creating a Successful Pet Brand with Sarah Rowe of Lion and Wolf
- Episode 104: From Handmade to Wholesale, Wildside Designs
Dog Photographer
A growing career path for dog lovers is pet photography. Being a photographer takes creative ability, patience, and lots of practice. When you add in a furry, wiggly subject it gets even more challenging – but it’s so worth it!
There are so many types of pet photography you can offer! Some examples include:
- Private photo sessions
- Event photography
- Commercial brand work
- Holiday mini sessions
- Shelter photography
- Photography workshops
- Digital product creation
To become a pet photographer, you’ll need to learn both photography skills and specialized techniques for working with animals. Check out my Amazon recommendations for camera and office equipment to run your pet business.
Want to learn more about being a dog photographer? Listen to these podcast episodes:
- Episode 1: Milla Chappell of Real Happy Dogs
- Episode 39: Improve Your Pet Photography with Nicole Begley
- Episode 91: Create a Fundraising Dog Photo Calendar with Terren Bayer
- Episode 138: Using Photography to Make Money as a Pet Influencer
- Episode 179: Vasi Siedman created a pet photography course for pet parents
- Episode 273: Angela Schneider on transforming grief through pet photography
Pet Blogger or Doggy Influencer
The best job you can do with your dog (I might be a little biased!) is a pet blogger and influencer. That’s been my full-time job for over 6 years! You can read about how I went from dog mom hobby blogger to pet industry leader.
If you love sharing your life and experiences with your dog with the world then this is a great job for you.
While blogging isn’t a get-rich-quick path, there are a lot of ways to make money as a pet blogger:
- Sponsored content
- Display advertising
- Affiliate marketing
- Digital products
- Coaching services
- Brand partnerships
- Online courses
It’s important to be very self-motivated to keep up with consistent posts on your blog and social media accounts. It also helps to be a good writer and know how to take great photos of your dog (this is the camera I use).
One of the best parts of being a pet blogger is the community that we have. There are so many supportive people willing to help you with that tech issue you can’t quite figure out or to recommend content ideas.
Want to learn more about being a dog blogger or influencer? Listen to these podcast episodes:
- Episode 88: Pet Blogging For Love and Money with Carol Bryant of Fidose of Reality
- Episode 70: How to Make Your Dog an Instagram Influencer with Tori Mistick
- Episode 75: The Human Side of Being a Dog Influencer with Megan Mullins of Stumps and Rumps
- Episode 215: How to Start a Dog Podcast: Erin Scott of Believe in Dog Podcast
Ready to Turn Your Pet Business Dreams into Reality?
Like dogs, we aren’t meant to work alone. That’s exactly why I created Wear Wag Repeat Society – a membership to give pet professionals like you the support and community you need to thrive.
This isn’t just another course throwing theory at you. This is your structured path to:
- Save precious time (hello, work-life balance!)
- Get access to proven strategies specifically for pet businesses
- Take real ACTION with support every step of the way
Inside WWR Society, you’ll get:
- Monthly community calls for connection and growth
- Access to our Petpreneur Resource Library with 48+ lessons
- Weekly office hours for personalized feedback
- The Get Discovered Online Quick Start Guide
- A supportive community of fellow pet professionals
Ready to find your pack? Try Wear Wag Repeat Society for a 2 week trial!
Frequently Asked Questions About Jobs That Involve Dogs
What is the highest paying job working with dogs?
Animal-related jobs are ideal for animal lovers and people who find a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction from taking care of animals. These jobs aren’t going to be as lucrative as being a doctor or lawyer, but they’re a whole lot more fun! And many dog jobs will earn you a decent income.
But you want to know what pays the big bucks? Without a doubt, a veterinarian is one of the highest-paying animal careers with an average annual salary of $102,039. There are also leadership roles in the pet industry that can pay anywhere from $30,000 to $100,000+ per year.
What is the average national salary for jobs that involve dogs?
The average pay for these jobs varies widely depending on experience, location, and qualifications. Here are some examples:
- Animal Control Officer: National average of $58,822 per year
- Pet Groomer: Average of $36,202 per year
- Pet Sitters: National average of $48,439 per year
- Dog Trainers: Average of $83,489 per year
- Dog Walkers: Between $21,035 and $47,693
It’s important to note that salaries may vary depending on what state or city you live in. Your compensation will also vary depending on who you’re working for, your experience, certifications, and the services you offer.
Where can I look for dog job listings?
You can find dog-related jobs on major platforms like Indeed or LinkedIn. For dog sitting and walking jobs, you can use websites like Rover that connect pet lovers with pet care providers.
There’s also a job listing site specifically for the pet industry! It’s called Pack Hire and right on the homepage it says it’s “Where Pet Lovers Find Jobs.”
Start Growing Your Pet Industry Business with an Email List!
Ready to pursue one of these awesome working with dogs jobs, or start your own dog-inspired business? Start off on the right paw by growing your email list! So many petpreneurs get swept up in social media and the race to keep creating content.
They end up burnt out trying to keep up with algorithms and frustrated that a tiny percentage of their audience sees their posts. When I email my list of 5,000 pet lovers, I get 50% open rates (or higher!). My email subscribers have become friends and customers thanks to my strategy.
Learn all about it in my free workshop designed just for pet pros. This is the info I wish I knew when I was getting started!
Did you love this post? Check out these links:
- Book Review: Dog Mama by Serena Faber-Nelson of Pretty Fluffy
- How to Get Press Coverage for your Pet Brand
- My Top Amazon Buys for my Pet Business
Pin this!
*This post contains affiliate links. I only recommend products that I honestly trust.
**Pet Industry Compensation Data Sources: salary.com and Indeed.com
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