Hello! If you love animals and enjoy spending time outdoors, dog walking could be the perfect job for you. In many countries, especially in the USA, Canada, the UK, and Australia, the demand for professional dog walkers is growing. The best part? Some companies and pet care services offer visa sponsorship for foreign workers.
Dog walking is not just about walking dogs—it involves caring for pets, ensuring their safety, and sometimes even training them. Many pet owners, especially in busy cities, rely on professional dog walkers to give their pets daily exercise. This demand has created job opportunities for international workers looking for a stable income and visa sponsorship.
In this guide, I’ll explain the job requirements, salary expectations, and how to find visa-sponsored dog walking jobs. If you’re passionate about pets and want to migrate for work, this could be your opportunity!
Why Consider a Dog Walking Job?
Becoming a dog walker is a great way to earn money while enjoying flexible working hours. Here’s why this job is appealing:
✅ No Degree Required – Unlike many other jobs, you don’t need a university degree.
✅ Visa Sponsorship Available – Some pet care agencies sponsor work permits for foreign workers.
✅ Work Outdoors – Instead of sitting in an office, you get fresh air and exercise daily.
✅ High Demand in Urban Areas – Cities like New York, Toronto, Sydney, and London have a huge need for dog walkers.
✅ Decent Earnings – In some locations, dog walkers can earn $3,000 – $5,000 per month, depending on the number of clients.
💡 This is a perfect job if you’re looking for entry-level work that provides visa sponsorship and a steady income.
Countries That Offer Dog Walker Jobs with Visa Sponsorship
Many countries allow foreign workers to apply for pet care jobs, including dog walking. Below are some top destinations:
1. USA – Pet Care Companies Hiring Foreign Workers
The United States has a large pet care industry, with thousands of people needing dog walkers daily. Some pet care agencies sponsor work visas, especially under categories like the H-2B visa for temporary foreign workers.
✅ Visa Option: H-2B Work Visa (for non-agricultural jobs)
✅ Salary: $15 – $30 per hour ($2,500 – $4,500 per month)
✅ Best Cities: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco
2. Canada – Dog Walking and Pet Sitting Jobs
Canada is another great option for dog walkers, with many opportunities in Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. Some employers may sponsor LMIA-approved work permits for foreign workers in pet care services.
✅ Visa Option: Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) with LMIA
✅ Salary: CAD $18 – $25 per hour (CAD $2,800 – $4,000 per month)
✅ Best Cities: Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary
🔗 Find Jobs on Canada’s Job Bank
3. UK – Pet Care Jobs with Work Visa Sponsorship
The UK pet industry is massive, and many pet owners rely on professional dog walkers. Some pet care agencies and families hire foreign workers through the Skilled Worker Visa route or temporary work programs.
✅ Visa Option: Skilled Worker Visa (for pet care professionals)
✅ Salary: £12 – £20 per hour (£2,000 – £3,500 per month)
✅ Best Cities: London, Manchester, Birmingham
4. Australia – Dog Walking Jobs with Sponsorship
Australia’s pet care industry is also growing, with cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane offering plenty of work opportunities for dog walkers. Employers sometimes sponsor Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visas for international workers.
✅ Visa Option: TSS Visa (Subclass 482)
✅ Salary: AUD $20 – $30 per hour (AUD $3,000 – $4,500 per month)
✅ Best Cities: Sydney, Melbourne, Perth
🔗 Apply for Jobs on SEEK Australia
Requirements to Work as a Dog Walker
While dog walking does not require formal education, you must meet certain criteria:
Basic Requirements:
✅ Age: Most employers prefer candidates 18 years or older.
✅ Work Permit/Visa: You need a valid work visa or job sponsorship.
✅ Physical Fitness: The job involves walking, running, and handling dogs.
✅ Good Communication Skills: You will need to talk with pet owners and update them about their pets.
✅ Pet Handling Skills: Knowing how to handle different breeds is a plus.
Additional Qualifications (Preferred, But Not Mandatory):
📌 Pet First Aid Certification – Some employers prefer workers trained in pet first aid.
📌 Experience with Animals – If you’ve worked in a pet shop, vet clinic, or animal shelter, mention it in your resume.
📌 Basic Dog Training Skills – Knowing how to control and guide dogs can help you stand out.
How to Find Dog Walker Jobs with Visa Sponsorship
If you’re looking for a dog walker job with visa sponsorship, follow these steps:
1. Use Job Search Websites
Search for job openings on trusted job portals that list visa-sponsored roles:
✅ Indeed – Search “Dog Walker Visa Sponsorship”
✅ LinkedIn – Connect with pet care companies
✅ PetSitter.com – Jobs for dog walkers & pet sitters
✅ Work Abroad Programs – Opportunities for foreigners
2. Apply to Pet Care Agencies
Some of the biggest pet care agencies hire foreign workers and sponsor visas:
✅ Rover (USA, Canada, UK, Europe) – Offers pet sitting and dog walking jobs.
✅ Wag! (USA) – Hires experienced dog walkers and pet caregivers.
✅ Pawshake (UK, Australia, Canada) – Provides dog walking services for pet owners.
3. Contact Local Dog Walking Services
Reach out to small dog walking businesses in the country you want to work in. Many private dog walkers need assistants and might sponsor your visa if they like your work.
4. Network with Pet Owners and Expats
If you’re already in the country on a student or visitor visa, connect with local pet owners, expat communities, or online forums. Some families directly hire international dog walkers and might help with visa processing.
Salary and Earning Potential
Dog walkers earn based on hourly rates, and salaries vary depending on location and experience. Here’s a salary comparison across different countries:
| Country | Hourly Pay | Monthly Salary (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| USA | $15 – $30 | $2,500 – $4,500 |
| Canada | CAD $18 – $25 | CAD $2,800 – $4,000 |
| UK | £12 – £20 | £2,000 – £3,500 |
| Australia | AUD $20 – $30 | AUD $3,000 – $4,500 |
Some dog walkers earn more by walking multiple dogs at once or offering pet sitting and overnight care services.
Conclusion
I hope this guide helps you understand how to find Dog Walker Jobs with Visa Sponsorship in different countries. This job is a great option for animal lovers who want to work abroad.
To succeed, focus on:
✅ Applying for visa-sponsored jobs through job portals.
✅ Gaining basic experience in pet care.
✅ Networking with pet owners and agencies.
If you love dogs and want to migrate for work, this could be the perfect opportunity for you!