University Student Turns Dog Walking into Lucrative Side Hustle
Angus Healy, a university student from Brisbane, Australia, has found significant financial success through a dog walking venture, sometimes earning up to $300 an hour. Having been prohibited from owning a dog in his youth, Healy began walking the pets of others during his spare time, which has since developed into a profitable business operating five days a week.
Starting out in high school, Healy initially took on a few clients, but now charges $50 per dog for a one-hour walk. On a typical day, he walks three packs of dogs, resulting in earnings of $200 when managing four dogs simultaneously. He confirmed that the maximum he has handled at once was six dogs, netting him $300 for that particular hour.
He acknowledges that his daily earnings can fluctuate depending on the number of dogs he walks, but even with just one dog per session, Healy could potentially earn $750 weekly, equating to $3,000 monthly or $36,000 annually. If he could maintain his largest pack size three times a day, his earnings could soar to $4,500 weekly, reaching an astounding $216,000 a year.
Balancing this venture alongside his university commitments has proven beneficial, enabling him to cover essential bills and gradually save towards a future home. “I love it, it’s good,” Healy expressed, while also noting that managing expenses is part of running a business.
Flexibility is a key aspect of Healy’s work; while he often walks multiple friendly dogs together, he also accommodates one-on-one sessions for dogs that may require more personal attention. Notably, there are no formal qualifications necessary to become a dog walker in Australia, but aspiring walkers can undertake online courses to enhance their knowledge of breeds and canine behaviour. Typically, newcomers charge between $20 and $25 per hour, but with experience, rates can rise to between $30 and $50.
In the same vein, an owner of a dog behavioural business shared that she charges $80 per dog for several hours of care, which includes a comprehensive routine of walking, social playtime, and one-on-one sessions to assist owners in improving their pets’ behaviour. This approach allows her to manage between 12 to 22 dogs per day, potentially generating up to $1,760 daily in revenue.
While dog behaviour consultancy requires more extensive training than dog walking, the industry itself lacks stringent regulations. As a result, some may work as dog behaviourists without relevant qualifications. However, individuals can bolster their credibility by completing specialised courses such as the Certificate IV in Companion Animal Services or the Certificate III in Canine Training and Behaviour.
The story of Angus Healy reflects the growing trend of side hustles in Australia, showcasing how an unconventional job like dog walking can lead to considerable financial rewards and a fulfilling career alongside academic pursuits.
