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Dog Walker Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA (NOW HIRING)

Comforted Canine

Dog Sitter

Napa, CA · On-site

$25/hr

Professional Pet Sitter & Dog Walker- Napa, CA Area Do you love dogs (or cats) and enjoy working independently? The Comforted Kitty is looking for reliable, responsible pet lovers to provide in-home ...

Comforted Canine

Dog Sitter

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$25/hr

Professional Pet Sitter & Dog Walker- Santa Rosa / Sonoma County Area Do you love dogs (or cats) and enjoy working independently? The Comforted Kitty is looking for reliable, responsible pet lovers ...

Scenthound

Dog Groomer

Petaluma, CA · On-site

$22/hr

The Dog Groomer is an integral position at Scenthound, offering grooming knowledge and providing grooming services to clients. This Dog Groomer position requires: * At least one year of grooming ...

Scenthound Petaluma, CA

Dog Groomer

Petaluma, CA · On-site

$22/hr

The Dog Groomer is an integral position at Scenthound, offering grooming knowledge and providing grooming services to clients. This Dog Groomer position requires: * At least one year of grooming ...

Petco

Dog Trainer

Novato, CA

In addition to dog training, you'll also be actively engaging with guests to provide 360-degree personalized solutions for the unique needs of pets and pet parents. You'll positively impact the ...

Petco

Dog Trainer

Novato, CA · On-site

In addition to dog training, you'll also be actively engaging with guests to provide 360-degree personalized solutions for the unique needs of pets and pet parents. You'll positively impact the ...

Wing & Barrel Ranch

Be Seen First

On-Call Hunting Dog Trainer

Sonoma, CA · On-site

$26 - $30/hr

Train dogs in obedience, retrieval, pointing, tracking, and other specialized hunting skills using humane, effective techniques. * Supervise, coach, and develop kennel staff and seasonal assistants.

Scenthound

Dog Bather Groomer in Training

Petaluma, CA · On-site

$19 - $25/hr

Direct career growth path to Dog Groomer position and additional options (Front Desk, Ass. Manager, Manager) * Competitive hourly base pay, plus tips * Medical insurance benefits * Merit-based pay ...

Petco

Junior Groomer

Napa, CA

Learn dog behavior, pet and self-safety, proper check-in/out procedures, customer service, grooming policies, and begin on-the-job training in bathing and drying techniques * Weeks 3-10: Performing ...

Petco

Junior Groomer

Napa, CA · On-site

Learn dog behavior, pet and self-safety, proper check-in/out procedures, customer service, grooming policies, and begin on-the-job training in bathing and drying techniques * Weeks 3-10: Performing ...

All JobsDog Walker JobsDog Walker Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA

Dog Walker information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$7

$18

$28

How much do dog walker jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for dog walker in Santa Rosa, CA is $18.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.77 and $21.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Dog Walker vs Pet Sitter?

AspectDog WalkerPet Sitter
Credentials/CertificationsOften no formal certification required; some may have pet care or dog training certificationsSimilar; may have pet first aid or pet sitting certifications
Work EnvironmentOutdoor walks, parks, neighborhoodsHome visits, client homes, or overnight stays
Employer/Industry UsagePet care services, independent contractors, pet care companiesPet care services, pet sitting agencies, independent providers
Search/Comparison IntentPeople looking for dog walking services or jobsPeople seeking pet sitting services or jobs

While both roles involve caring for pets, a Dog Walker primarily focuses on taking dogs for walks and exercise outdoors, often on a regular schedule. A Pet Sitter provides comprehensive care, including feeding, administering medication, and overnight stays. The roles overlap in credentials and work environment but differ in scope and setting.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a dog walker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Dog Walker, you need a genuine love for animals, basic knowledge of canine behavior, and physical stamina, with many employers requiring experience or pet care references. Familiarity with GPS tracking apps, scheduling software, and basic animal first aid certification are often valuable tools. Strong communication, reliability, and patience set outstanding dog walkers apart, as these traits help build trust with clients and handle unpredictable situations calmly. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring the safety, well-being, and satisfaction of both the dogs and their owners.

What is a dog walker?

Dog Walkers are hired by pet owners to take one or more dogs for walks. Pet owners often hire Dog Walkers during times when they are too busy to give their dogs the proper amount of exercise, if they are working extended hours, or going out of town. As a pet care professional, you need to know how to handle potential health problems or sudden aggression issues in your canine clients. You also must understand how to communicate well with pet owners and discuss any concerns you may observe during your walks. Your dog walking jobs allow you to interact with various dog breeds and dogs of all ages and personalities.

What are some common challenges dog walkers face when managing multiple dogs at once?

Dog walkers often find that handling multiple dogs simultaneously can present challenges such as varying energy levels, different leash manners, and unpredictable interactions with other animals or people. It's important to be attentive, maintain control, and understand each dog's behavior to ensure safety and a positive walking experience. Many dog walkers use specialized leashes, develop strong communication with owners, and continually reinforce good walking habits to address these challenges effectively.

Do dog walkers get paid well?

Dog walkers typically earn an hourly rate that varies by location, experience, and the number of clients. On average, they make between $10 and $20 per hour, with some earning more through tips or by offering additional services. Compensation can also depend on whether they work independently or for a company, and building a good reputation can lead to higher pay.
More about Dog Walker jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Dog Walker jobs in Santa Rosa, CA?

The most popular types of Dog Walker jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:

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For Dog Walker jobs in Santa Rosa, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Dog Walker jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:

What cities near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for Dog Walker jobs?

Cities near Santa Rosa, CA with the most Dog Walker job openings:

Dog Walker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Dog Walker job openings in Santa Rosa, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,108 per year, or $18.8 per hour.

Rover - Pet Sitter/Dog Walker - Set Your Own Rates

Rover

Petaluma, CA • On-site

$15 - $25/hr

Other

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Rover pet sitters and dog walkers provide pet care services such as dog walking, drop-in visits, feeding pets, refilling water, cleaning litter boxes, picking up waste, providing companionship, and overnight pet sitting when requested. Workers communicate with pet owners by sending updates and photos and manage their own schedules and service rates through the Rover platform. Earnings are typically equivalent to $15–$25+ per hour, but workers set their own rates and may earn additional income through tips and holiday bookings. Benefits include flexible scheduling, the ability to set your own rates, customer tips, holiday booking bonuses, and the ability to operate independently as a pet care provider.

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