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Dog Walking Jobs in Rutland, VT (NOW HIRING)

Petco

Junior Groomer

Rutland, VT

Learn dog behavior, pet and self-safety, proper check-in/out procedures, customer service, grooming ... Perform bathing and walk-in services while achieving weekly productivity goals Education/Experience ...

Petco

Junior Groomer

Rutland, VT · On-site

Learn dog behavior, pet and self-safety, proper check-in/out procedures, customer service, grooming ... Perform bathing and walk-in services while achieving weekly productivity goals Education/Experience ...

KILLINGTON PICO SKI RESORT

Retail Manager

Killington, VT · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

Utilize and support retail technology platforms, including Square POS, Yellow Dog Inventory ... Ability to stand and walk for extended periods and occasionally lift up to 50 pounds. Required ...

KILLINGTON PICO SKI RESORT

Retail Manager

Killington, VT · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

Utilize and support retail technology platforms, including Square POS, Yellow Dog Inventory ... Ability to stand and walk for extended periods and occasionally lift up to 50 pounds. Required ...

All JobsDog Walking JobsDog Walking Jobs in Rutland, VT

Dog Walking information

See Rutland, VT salary details

$7

$17

$26

How much do dog walking jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for dog walking in Rutland, VT is $17.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.05 and $20.58 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Dog Walking vs Pet Sitting?

AspectDog WalkingPet Sitting
Credentials/CertificationsBasic pet care knowledge, sometimes certifications in pet first aidSimilar certifications, often including pet first aid and behavior training
Work EnvironmentOutdoor walks, parks, neighborhoodsHome environment, client’s house, or pet’s familiar space
Employer/Industry UsagePet care services, dog walking companies, independent contractorsPet care services, pet sitting agencies, independent pet sitters
Common Search/Comparison IntentDifferences between dog walking and pet sitting, job roles, responsibilities

Dog walking involves taking dogs out for exercise and outdoor walks, typically during scheduled times. Pet sitting includes caring for pets at their home or the owner’s residence, often involving feeding, administering medication, and companionship. While both roles require pet care knowledge and certifications, dog walking is more outdoor-focused, whereas pet sitting covers a broader range of pet care tasks inside the home.

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 basic animal care knowledge, physical stamina, and a genuine love for dogs, though formal qualifications are rarely required. Familiarity with pet safety tools, leashes, harnesses, and pet-tracking apps is beneficial. Strong communication, reliability, and patience are essential soft skills for building trust with both dogs and their owners. These skills ensure the safety, well-being, and satisfaction of pets and clients, leading to repeat business and a positive reputation.

What is dog walking?

Dog walking is a professional service where an individual, known as a dog walker, takes dogs out for walks to ensure they get regular exercise, stimulation, and bathroom breaks. Dog walkers may walk one or multiple dogs at a time and often provide services to busy pet owners who are unable to walk their dogs themselves due to work or other commitments. The job requires a love for animals, physical stamina, and responsibility to ensure the dogs' safety and well-being during walks.

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

Dog walkers often encounter challenges such as coordinating the different energy levels and temperaments of each dog, ensuring all dogs are securely leashed, and maintaining control in busy or distracting environments. It's important to be attentive to each dog's behavior and body language to prevent conflicts and keep everyone safe. Building strong relationships with each dog and having clear communication with pet owners can help 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, with average pay ranging from minimum wage to $20 or more per hour. Experienced or specialized dog walkers who offer additional services or work full-time can earn higher wages, but overall pay is often considered moderate compared to other pet care roles.

What job categories do people searching Dog Walking jobs in Rutland, VT look for?

The top searched job categories for Dog Walking jobs in Rutland, VT are:

What cities near Rutland, VT are hiring for Dog Walking jobs?

Cities near Rutland, VT with the most Dog Walking job openings:

Dog Walking jobs near you
Infographic showing various Dog Walking job openings in Rutland, VT as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,341 per year, or $18 per hour.

Active Outdoor Canine Care Specialist ( Dog / Horse Experience Preferred )

Wolf Mountain Kennel

Danby, VT • On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

About Us

Wolf Mountain Kennel is a premier, high-end luxury dog kennel. We specialize in elite care, offering dogs an active lifestyle filled with mountain trail hikes, swimming, and structured field play. We pride ourselves on a highly educated staff and a supportive, team-oriented work environment.

Who We Are Looking For

This is not a standard indoor kennel job. We are seeking true animal professionals—such as equestrian riders, farm hands, vet techs, or dog sports enthusiasts—who thrive in active, outdoor environments and want to build a career in animal care. If you love physical labor, changing weather, and have an innate understanding of animal behavior, you will fit right in.

Key Day-to-Day Duties

  • Lead Adventure Excursions: Guide groups of dogs on rigorous mountain trail hikes, swim sessions, and high-energy field play.
  • Canine Behavior Management: Apply advanced dog knowledge to monitor pack dynamics and maintain a safe, calm environment.
  • Health & Wellness Tracking: Conduct daily physical wellness checks, log behaviors, and administer medications accurately.
  • Elite Facility Care: Maintain pristine hygiene standards for guest suites, play fields, and common areas.
  • Client Communication: Provide high-end customer service, including detailed daily updates for luxury clientele.

Physical Requirements

  • Extreme Endurance: Ability to hike 5–10 miles per day on uneven, steep terrain while safely handling multiple dogs.
  • Strength & Agility: Routinely lift, move, or restrain dogs weighing up to 100 lbs.
  • Weather Resilience: Comfort working outside for 6–8 hours a day in all weather conditions (rain, snow, heat, mud).
  • Constant Movement: Ability to spend the entire shift standing, walking, bending, crouching, and lifting.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Minimum 1–2 years of professional or serious amateur experience handling animals (e.g., horse grooming/training, farm work, vet clinic, dog training, or shelter care).
  • Deep natural instinct for animal body language and behavior.
  • Strong work ethic with a track record of reliability and long-term commitment.

Perks & Long-Term Incentives

  • Competitive Base Pay: $18 – $20/hr based on experience starting, plus client tips. 90 day performance raise.
  • Retention Milestones: Cash bonuses awarded at 6 months ($500) and 1 year ($1,000) of continuous employment.
  • Gear Allowance: Annual stipend for high-quality hiking boots and weather-appropriate outdoor apparel.
  • Professional Growth: Advanced Dog Train the Trainer.

Employment Type: Full Time
Years Experience: 1 - 3 years
Salary: $18 - $20 Hourly
Bonus/Commission: Yes