Previously, we discussed the recent trends in Japan regarding pet ownership, specifically cats and dogs. Comparing the situation about 10 years ago to now, cats have surpassed dogs in popularity. One key reason is that cats do not require walking, which is more convenient for busy urban dwellers—although cleaning litter boxes remains unavoidable.
Looking from another perspective, if dog owners hire someone to walk their dogs, wouldn't that indirectly save them time? While this might sound like a joke, in Western countries, dog walking as a professional job indeed exists. According to industry insiders, annual incomes can reach up to $100,000 USD.
In Manhattan's Central Park, New York, if you see a middle-aged man in a suit running by, that might be Ryan—not filming an action movie, but working as a professional dog walker. Many people now hire dog walkers as a career, which has become a growing point of interest.
A Japanese TV program interviewed Ryan, a dog walker. He explained that walking dogs in a park might be manageable, but walking them on busy streets requires extreme caution. This job demands high concentration and is far from easy.
Ryan shared that his annual income is about $120,000 USD. His work starts by receiving keys from dog owners, then walking their dogs during scheduled times. If timing allows, he can walk two to three clients' dogs in one trip. Punctuality and building trust with the dogs are crucial in this profession.
On average, Ryan walks about 15 to 20 dogs daily, spending approximately five hours walking. Walking multiple dogs at once (three to five) can help reach the $100,000 annual income mark, with the typical fee being around $20 per dog per walk.
This profession started roughly 20 years ago when few wanted to do it. However, the COVID-19 pandemic caused a surge in pet ownership, increasing demand for dog walking services significantly over the past two to three years. Before the pandemic, earnings were modest, but now the opportunities are substantial.
Regarding clients who hire dog walkers, the program interviewed a hospital worker who could hardly rest during the pandemic. Having Ryan's help to care for her dog was a great relief during that difficult time.
Ryan noted that as the pandemic eases and people return to normal life, pet ownership continues to grow, increasing the total number of dogs needing walks. Despite busy work schedules and overtime, the demand for dog walkers remains strong, making this a thriving industry.
In summary, dog walking has evolved into a legitimate and lucrative profession, with potential earnings reaching $100,000 USD annually—far beyond what many might expect.
