New business opportunities after the epidemic- demand for dog walking in New York skyrockets_1

Demand for dog walking in New York City has surged by 25% over the past year, with full-time dog walkers earning six-figure salaries. As various industries gradually recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, traditional office work is making a comeback, shifting focus away from remote work. Last month, Amazon mandated that all employees return to the office daily to enhance collaboration among staff. This shift has coincided with the rise of the dog walking industry in NYC, where full-time dog walkers report monthly earnings exceeding $4,000.

During the pandemic, lockdowns and stay-at-home orders drove many to seek the companionship of pets. According to the New York Times, over 23 million households across the U.S., nearly one-fifth of all homes, added a new dog or cat during this time. The Atlantic notes that many of these so-called “pandemic puppies” have not received proper socialization training due to spending their early days indoors, leading to a need for additional care and companionship.

For busy professionals, common pet care services include dog walking, doggy daycare, and in-home feeding. In addition to physical dog daycare facilities, apps like Wag! and Rover help pet owners find local dog walkers and sitters. On the popular app Rover, dog walking services in New York City typically cost around $20 per session. While new dog walkers may earn as little as $14 for a 30-minute walk, those with experience serving high-income clients can see their annual income soar to $100,000. The New York Post reported that orders for dog walking on the Rover platform increased by 25% from July to September compared to the same period last year.

On the Chinese social media platform XiaoHongShu, a user named “Abo Just Wants to Chill” shared her experience as a full-time dog walker. In August, she earned $4,206, with her top three clients contributing 76% of her income. In September, her earnings rose to $4,752, with the top clients accounting for over 80%. She noted that she initially relied on dog walking platforms to build her clientele and transitioned to a steady stream of regulars after approximately six months.

Mr. Cai, a New Yorker with a year-and-a-half-old shepherd, explained that his dog’s high exercise needs require him to send her to daycare at least twice a week. “We chose a daycare near our home, and it costs about $55 for a full day,” he shared, “So that’s at least $400 to $500 a month.” Despite the expenses, demand remains high, and he often sees a room full of dogs during drop-off.

The dog walking industry is not just thriving in New York; it’s rising nationwide after the pandemic. Ms. Liu, who lives in Seattle, began offering pet boarding and daycare services on the Rover platform as a side hustle last October. With robust client demand, she humorously noted, “My side job is almost becoming my main job,” earning a steady income of $6,000 to $7,000 each month. On busy weekends or holidays, she sometimes has up to five dogs at home; otherwise, she typically cares for one or two, stating, “I never seem to lack for clients.”