Hiring Hoosiers is a new initiative from RTV6 that works to connect Hoosiers to employment opportunities, career development resources, training programs and educational paths. In our Hiring Hoosiers reports we are taking a closer look at barriers to employment and things that get in the way of people getting the jobs they need to support themselves and their families. For more information, visit HiringHoosiers.com.
INDIANAPOLIS — Must love dogs — that’s one of the top requirements for this job.
All it takes is the swipe of an app, and a stroll in the park to make a career out of dog walking.
Thanks to Wag! it’s easier than ever, and Francis Santos and Benny are proof of that. The two have a long-standing date-every Tuesday at 9 a.m. They meet for a walk.
The rendezvous is a win-win. They both get exercise, and they both rake in some bones at the end. Benny’s is in the form of a treat. Santos however fetches cold, hard cash.
“It suits my life very well, and I get to spend a long time with dogs too," Santos said.
As a small business owner, sneaking in walks through the Wag! app is an easy way to earn some extra money.
“For me, it’s wonderful because I like to work for myself," Santos said. "So I wake up, and I work with my custom orders, and then I go do some of the Wag! walks. Then I go back and do some work on my stuff.”
While Santos says she does it because of her love of dogs, others can make a living out of being a Wag! dog walker.
“If I really want, I probably can make $500, $600 [a week] if I go for it, but you know, that means like walking maybe six dogs a day or something,” Santos said.
Walkers are paid $12 an hour plus tip per walk, but that’s not all.
“I wear a t-shirt and put a bandana on them, we get another dollar for it," Santos said. "So it’s little things that add up, and in the end you can make an extra $50 by just putting a bandana on a dog.”
Wag! does require prospective walkers to pass a background check, and take tests about safety and other pooch-related topics, because as Santos says it’s not just about walking the dog, but taking care of them too.
Santos says Wag! can get competitive, especially when the weather’s nicer out. That’s why she likes to schedule her walks.
She also says this is a physical job, you do have to walk for roughly half an hour to an hour on average.
If you’re interested in sniffing out a job with Wag! you can download the app, or visit their website.
