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Dogs Walking Jobs in Rochester, MN (NOW HIRING)

Development opportunities Job Summary PetSmart's Pet Stylist (Dog and/or Cat Groomer) is ... Associate required to stand, walk, climb a ladder, and use hands to handle, feel, hold, write, etc.

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Dogs Walking information

See Rochester, MN salary details

$6

$17

$26

How much do dogs walking jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for dogs walking in Rochester, MN is $17.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.66 and $20.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professional dog walkers, and how can they be managed?

Professional dog walkers often face challenges such as handling dogs with different temperaments, managing multiple dogs at once, and adapting to unpredictable weather conditions. Effective communication with pet owners and a solid understanding of canine behavior are essential to ensure safety and a positive experience for all dogs involved. Using appropriate equipment, staying organized, and maintaining flexibility in scheduling can help address these challenges and ensure a smooth workflow.

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 basic understanding of canine behavior, physical fitness, and reliability, often supported by prior experience with animals. Familiarity with GPS tracking apps, scheduling tools, and pet safety equipment is helpful. Patience, strong communication with pet owners, and trustworthiness are essential soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure the safety and well-being of the dogs, build client trust, and support efficient, enjoyable walks.

What are dog walkers?

Dog walkers are individuals who are hired to take dogs out for walks, ensuring that the pets get exercise, bathroom breaks, and mental stimulation while their owners are unavailable. They may work independently, through agencies, or with pet care companies, and often care for multiple dogs at once or provide one-on-one walks. Dog walkers play an important role in supporting the health and well-being of dogs, especially for owners with busy schedules or mobility challenges.

What is the difference between Dogs Walking vs Pet Sitting?

AspectDogs WalkingPet Sitting
CertificationsDog walking certifications often preferredPet sitting certifications recommended
Work EnvironmentOutdoor walks, parks, neighborhoodsHome environment, client’s house
Job ScopeExercise and walk dogsCare for pets at home, feeding, companionship
Employer & IndustryPet care services, dog walking companiesPet care agencies, independent pet sitters

Dogs Walking primarily involves taking dogs out for exercise and outdoor walks, focusing on physical activity. Pet Sitting includes caring for pets at their home, providing feeding, companionship, and basic care. While both roles require pet care knowledge, dogs walking emphasizes outdoor activity, whereas pet sitting covers a broader range of in-home pet care tasks.

What are popular job titles related to Dogs Walking jobs in Rochester, MN? For Dogs Walking jobs in Rochester, MN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Dogs Walking jobs in Rochester, MN look for? The top searched job categories for Dogs Walking jobs in Rochester, MN are:
What cities near Rochester, MN are hiring for Dogs Walking jobs? Cities near Rochester, MN with the most Dogs Walking job openings:
Infographic showing various Dogs Walking job openings in Rochester, MN as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,360 per year, or $17.5 per hour.
Pet Groomer

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


PetSmart rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 1,092 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

22nd of 39 rated national retailers


Job description

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Job Description  

PetSmart does Anything for Pets - JOIN OUR TEAM! 

Pet Groomer

About Life at PetSmart 

At PetSmart, Anything for Pets begins with our people. Every associate plays a vital role in creating meaningful experiences for pets and their families, and we empower our teams with the tools, resources, and opportunities to grow and succeed. 

Benefits that benefit you 

  • Paid Weekly
  • Health & Wellness Benefits*
  • 401k Plan with company match
  • Paid Time off for full-time associates
  • Associate discounts 
  • Tuition Assistance 
  • Career pathing 
  • Development opportunities 

Job Summary

PetSmart's Pet Stylist (Dog and/or Cat Groomer) is responsible for engaging with pet parents and their pets while providing positive experiences and best in class salon services while upholding the company's vision, mission, values, and strategy. This role shares responsibility of cleanliness and pet health and safety standards.  

Essential Responsibilities

Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following and may vary depending on store characteristics and needs: 

  • Independently performs full menu of bath, brush and grooming services and standalone services, such as nail trims, teeth brushing, and sanitary services in accordance with PetSmart's bathing standards and procedures. 
  • Recommends additional health and wellness solutions with pet parents based on pet's needs. 
  • Responsible for the pet parent experience and outcomes conducted in person, over the phone and at the sales register. 
  • Greets pet parents, answers their questions and assists with making reservations in the salon. 
  • Conducts salon appointment reminder calls, maintains client records and consults with pet parents on services offered.  
  • Performs check-in and check-out procedures for grooming appointments, including applicable paperwork and rebooking.  
  • Promotes opportunities to grow salon sales to help achieve sales targets and productivity, and any other relevant salon metrics. 
  • Recommends, informs, and sells merchandise and services. 
  • Maintains the highest level of cleanliness, sanitation, and humane conditions for all pets in the grooming area, by performing maintenance throughout the day including end of day cleaning in accordance with the maintenance checklist. 
  • Responsible for taking immediate action when a sick/injured pet is identified in the store; transport to the vet as needed. 
  • Assists and works in other departments as required. Other duties may be assigned. 
  • Participates in our culture of Belonging and Recognition.   
  • Follows all Company Policies and Procedures. 

Qualifications

  • Prior grooming experience; or 6 months of experience in the Stylist in Training job with Successful completion of PetSmart's Salon Academy training and safety certification. program or passes the salon technical evaluation.  
  • Proficiency in computer applications. 
  • Ability to react under pressure and maintain composure.  
  • Flexibility in schedule, able to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed 
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail and safety measures  
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills. 

Essential physical demands and work environment

  • Associate required to stand, walk, climb a ladder, and use hands to handle, feel, hold, write, etc. The associate frequently is required to reach with hands and arms: stoop, kneel, crouch, talk and hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include depth perception. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 
  • Associate must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally team lift and/or move more than 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include depth perception. 
  • While performing the duties of this job, the associate is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, as well as a wet environment with an abundance of pet hair. The noise level is moderate in the work environment; however, associates may be exposed to high levels of noise at times. Exposure to live animals and their handling is common. 

Do what you love 

Join us for a chance to make a meaningful impact every day. Whether it's helping a customer choose their first fish, celebrating a pet's birthday, or seeing the smile on a pet parent's face after a fresh groom-you'll create moments that matter. At PetSmart, we cherish diversity and the unique perspectives of our 50,000 associates, all united by a passion for pets.  

We're delighted you're interested in joining our pack and helping us in our commitment to doing Anything for Pets, and the people who love them. We're excited to hear your story and learn more about you! Apply Now!  

PetSmart is an Equal Opportunity Employer  

PetSmart provides an equal opportunity for all associates and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. We offer reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout our application process, upon request and as required by law.        

This listing is not an indication that the position is currently open or available. We are continually looking to build a strong network of talented candidates to join our organization and are always accepting applications. Feel free to contact your local PetSmart store to check on which roles they are actively hiring for.

This job summary is intended to describe the general nature and level of work associates/leaders assigned to this job perform. It is not intended to include all duties and responsibilities. You will be provided with a copy of a job description for the actual position you are hired into.

Exact base rate of pay will be based on relevant experience level, training, skills or knowledge and store location. Pay for this position is the greater of the base pay rate or groom pay (a designated percentage of the associate's grooming sales based on the job code) and can vary by pay period. In no instance will PetSmart pay less than the local minimum wage. This position is also eligible for benefits, as described at https://benefits.petsmart.com/us/.

Applicants must be over the age of 18 (except in Montana or where otherwise required by local or state law)   

For applicants in our Waterloo, San Francisco, or Los Angeles locations: Pursuant to the Waterloo and San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, as well as the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring, we will consider for employment, qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in a manner consistent with the law   

*In accordance with the Affordable Care Act (ACA), associates who average at least 30 hours per week (or 130 hours per month) during a designated measurement period may be eligible for medical benefits.

Pay Details 
$14.65 - 24.67
Pay Rate Type 
Hourly
Job Preview Video 
Apply Now

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About PetSmart

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At PetSmart, Anything for Pets begins with our people. Every associate plays a vital role in creating meaningful experiences for pets and their families, and we empower our teams with the tools, resources, and opportunities to grow and succeed. With 50,000+ associates nationwide, we foster a culture grounded in integrity, teamwork, and inclusion - where your voice is heard, your efforts are valued and your career can thrive. Together, we make a difference for pets, their people and each other.

Industry

Retail and legal services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Phoenix, AZ, US