You’ve probably heard that dog owners tend to have healthier and happier lives than people without pets. But if you don’t have a pet—or if you’re simply looking for a way to make dogs a bigger part of your life—you’re in luck! It turns out, dog owners and dog walkers enjoy many of the same health benefits. Read on to learn more about how walking dogs can help you live a longer, more fulfilling life (and make you big money too).
1. Walking improves your physical health
We’re starting with the obvious: walking helps you build strong bones and muscles, improve your balance and coordination, maintain a healthy weight, and manage health conditions like high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes.[1][2] So what makes walking even better? A cute dog, of course.
2. Being around dogs gives you a mental boost
What’s the perfect cure for a bad day? A dog’s face when you walk in the door and pick up their leash. Here’s why a wagging tail is so good for your mood: seeing a dog lowers the stress hormone cortisol—even after just a short period of time.[3] Couple that with the physical health benefits, and you have a recipe for a happy, healthy life.
3. And it helps you meet new people
It’s inevitable: you’re walking with a gorgeous Samoyed or an adorably scruffy terrier mix, and people on the street will stop to chat. You could say hello and be on your way, but these interactions are also legit ways to meet new people. Loneliness increases mortality risk by 26%.[4] So, if you’re experiencing too much social isolation, your dog clients could be a great icebreaker—and a lifesaver too.
4. It gives you time to take care of yourself
Have you ever regretted not exercising? We’ve been there. On the other hand, have you ever regretting exercising? Unless you went overboard on the squat rack, probably not. Simply put, walking dogs allows you to easily put your health front and center in your life.
5. Being outside improves your well-being
Do you love nature almost as much as you love dogs? Not only does walking dogs give you an excuse to hit the trail, but it can also improve your well-being[5] (and give you tons of great Instagram photos).
Bonus: regular walking helps dogs live longer too
52.5% of U.S. dogs are overweight or obese. Not surprisingly, regular walks help dogs maintain a healthy weight. And it has tons other health benefits too, including improving digestion and reducing unwanted behaviors like chewing, digging, or scratching. And our favorite: regular walks could help build a dog’s confidence and trust by exposing them to other humans and animals around them. So the next time you take your favorite dog client for a walk, know that you’re giving them some of the best parts of their day and helping them live longer.
Become a Rover Dog Walker
If you love getting outside and meeting cute dogs, Rover—the nation’s largest community of dog walkers—could be great a great fit for you. See if you qualify to become a dog walker on Rover today, and start making $1,000 or more per month. (Curious about what you can charge? Here are rates of top dog walkers in Austin and top dog walkers in Miami.) Being a Rover dog walker allows you to stay healthy, get moving, and get paid—all while doing something you love.
Image Source: The Dog Training Secret