Working with dogs – is there career potential?

Everyday dog careers (No formal qualifications needed)

If you’re looking for your first step into working with dogs, this section is for you. Whether you want to make some extra cash while studying, explore a flexible side hustle, or dip your paws into the world of animal care, there are plenty of easy-entry roles that don’t require formal qualifications—just a love of dogs and a wag-tastic work ethic!

1. Dog Walker

What it involves: As a dog walker, you take pups out for their daily exercise while their humans are busy. You might walk one dog at a time or a small group, and you’ll need to be confident handling dogs of all shapes and sizes.

How to get started: No formal qualifications needed, just a love for dogs, reliability, and plenty of energy! It helps to get some experience with different breeds—start by walking neighbours’ dogs or volunteering at a shelter. Once you feel confident, you can set up your own service or join platforms like Rover or Tailster.

Starting salary: £10-£15 per hour. Walking multiple dogs can increase your earnings.

2. Pet Sitter

What it involves: Looking after dogs in your own home or staying in the owner’s home while they’re away. Duties include feeding, walking, cuddling, and keeping them safe and happy.

How to get started: Word-of-mouth, flyers in your neighbourhood, or joining online platforms like Pawshake or TrustedHousesitters can help you get your paw in the door. A pet first aid course is a bonus.

Starting salary: £20-£50 per day, depending on location and whether it’s overnight.

3. Dog Daycare Assistant

What it involves: Working at a doggy daycare centre, helping supervise playtime, feeding, cleaning up (yes, poo bags included!), and making sure all the pups get along.

How to get started: No formal training required, though a love for dogs and a strong sense of responsibility is essential. Ask local daycares if they’re hiring assistants or offering trial days.

Starting salary: Around £18,000 per year.

4. Kennel Worker

What it involves: Caring for dogs staying at boarding kennels—feeding, cleaning kennels, exercising, and giving medication if needed. It’s physically demanding but super rewarding.

How to get started: Look for local kennels offering weekend or part-time roles. Some employers might support you in gaining qualifications like Animal Care Level 2.

Starting salary: Around £17,000 – £18,000 per year.

Professional dog careers (may require training or qualifications)

If you’re ready to commit to a long-term career working with dogs and you’re happy to invest time (and maybe a bit of money) into training, this section is for you. These roles tend to be more specialised, often requiring qualifications or hands-on experience—but the rewards (and wagging tails) can be well worth it.

Chances are, you already have some experience working with dogs and want to take things to the next level.

1. Dog Groomer

What it involves: Keeping pups looking perfect by washing, brushing, clipping, and trimming their coats. It also includes cleaning ears, trimming nails, and dealing with the occasional muddy mutt. Specialising could see you working at major dog shows or giving a dog make-over to join a wedding.

How to get started: You can start as an assistant to a groomer or take a course through providers like City & Guilds. Apprenticeships are also an option.

Starting salary: £18,000 – £20,000. Experienced groomers can earn much more, especially if self-employed.

2. Dog Trainer/Behaviourist

What it involves: Teaching dogs (and their owners!) how to behave through positive reinforcement and structured sessions. Behaviourists focus on deeper issues like anxiety or aggression.

How to get started: Volunteer with training schools or shelters and take courses in dog behaviour (such as those from the IMDT or APDT UK). A degree in animal behaviour is a plus for behaviourist roles.

Starting salary: Dog trainers: £20,000. Behaviourists: £25,000+, depending on experience and qualifications.

3. Veterinary Nurse (Specialising in Dogs)

What it involves: Assisting vets during treatments and surgeries, caring for animals pre- and post-op, and supporting dog owners with advice. Specialising as a vet nurse can see you take on more responsibility etc.

How to get started: You’ll need to study a Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing and work in a registered training practice.

Starting salary: £20,000 – £25,000.

4. Animal Welfare Officer (RSPCA etc.)

What it involves: Investigating reports of animal cruelty or neglect, rescuing dogs in need, and working with communities to promote animal welfare.

How to get started: A qualification in animal care or experience in a shelter is usually required. Roles with the RSPCA and similar groups may involve further training.

Starting salary: £22,000 – £25,000.

Unusual (but Fur-tastic) Dog Careers

Fancy something a little different? These careers are perfect if you’re looking to combine your love of dogs with other interests or skills—like photography, therapy, or even tech. They’re often more specialised and might require some extra training, but if you’re thinking ahead or dreaming big, these could be your next adventure.

You’ll likely need some experience under your collar first, but if you’re eager to explore less traditional routes, this is where it gets really exciting!

1. Canine Hydrotherapist

What it involves: Helping dogs recover from injury or surgery through water-based therapy. It’s great for arthritis, hip dysplasia, or just gentle exercise.

How to get started: Take a Level 3 Diploma in Small Animal Hydrotherapy and find work in a rehab clinic.

Starting salary: £21,000 – £25,000.

2. Dog Photographer

What it involves: Snapping beautiful, cheeky or dramatic portraits of pooches. You could work at events, offer private sessions, or sell your photos online.

How to get started: No formal training needed, but good camera skills and a dog-friendly attitude are a must. Build a portfolio and share it online.

Starting salary: Freelance: salary varies. Many charge £50-£100 per session to start.

3. Service dog trainer

What it involves: Training dogs to assist people with visual impairments, PTSD, autism, or mobility issues. It’s life-changing work.

How to get started: Organisations like Guide Dogs UK offer training programmes. Some require experience or animal-related qualifications.

Starting salary: £21,000 – £24,000.

4. Scent detection dog handler

What it involves: Working with dogs trained to detect drugs, explosives, missing persons, or even medical conditions.

How to get started: Apply for roles through the police, airports, or private companies. Training is usually provided on the job.

Starting salary: £20,000+, rising with experience.

5. Canine Massage Therapist

What it involves: Giving dogs massages to ease muscle pain, stress, or injury. Yes, it’s a real thing—and dogs love it!

How to get started: Take a course in canine massage (there are several certified in the UK) and get insurance.

Starting salary: £20-£50 per session.

Entrepreneurial ideas working with dogs

If you’re the kind of person who dreams big and barks louder, then why not build your own dog-focused business? There’s a booming market for pet products, services, and content—so if you’ve got the passion and a bit of hustle, you could turn your love of dogs into a thriving brand.

Start a Dog Accessories Brand

From handmade collars and leads to dog treats, natural shampoos, or pup-friendly fashion—there are endless opportunities. People LOVE to spoil their dogs.

Example: Fetch Club London is a UK-based luxury dog accessory brand that exploded in popularity thanks to their chic Instagram presence and cruelty-free focus.

Become a Dog Influencer (or Manage One!)

Yes, dogs are internet celebs now. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram are full of pups doing tricks, testing toys, or just being adorable.

Example: @pablo.the.pup is a cockapoo from the UK with over 400k followers on TikTok. His humans now sell branded merch and partner with pet brands.

Start a Dog Blog, YouTube Channel or Podcast

You could review products, share training tips, or vlog your daily life with your dog. You can also interview other pet professionals and build a following.

Example: The Dogvine is a London-based blog that covers dog-friendly events, venues, and lifestyle tips. It’s become a go-to source for city dog lovers.

Create a Pet-Focused App or Platform

Apps for dog-walking bookings, dog park finders, or even canine social media are hot right now. Got a techie streak? Bring your ideas to life.

Example: Barkr (UK-based app) connects pet owners with trusted local dog walkers and sitters, making it easier to find last-minute help.

With a mix of creativity, consistency, and canine charm, you can absolutely turn your dog obsession into a brand. Whether you’re crafting treats in your kitchen or going viral on TikTok, there are plenty of tail-wagging ways to make money on your own terms.

How much can I earn working with dogs?

Salaries vary depending on location, experience, and whether you’re self-employed or working for someone else. Some roles, like dog grooming or training, can be extremely lucrative once you build up a loyal customer base.

Final Woof

Whether you want to work part-time as a walker or dream of becoming a top-tier behaviourist, there’s a dog-friendly career out there for you. With a bit of passion, patience, and maybe a few muddy pawprints along the way, you can absolutely build a fulfilling career around your love for dogs.

So, grab your lead, throw on your walking shoes, and start exploring the pawsome world of dog careers!

*Disclaimer – This blog has been created as general information and should not be taken as advice. Make sure you have the correct level of insurance for your requirements and always review policy documentation. Information is factually accurate at the time of publishing but may have become out of date.