The Badge Archive

General Safety Reminder: Always meet in a public place and during daylight hours when working for someone new. Let your parent or guardian know where you’ll be, who you’re meeting, and what time you expect to return. Never share personal information beyond your first name and a contact method like a phone number or email. Avoid giving out your home address, school name, or other identifying details.

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Dog walking is one of the most flexible, fun, and profitable ways for teens to earn money, especially if you enjoy being outside and love animals. With a little organization and consistency, you can become a trusted helper in your neighborhood and earn real income while getting some exercise.

Dog walking is often the first job that turns into consistent work. If you show up reliably and treat dogs kindly, you’ll become a trusted part of the neighborhood. It’s great during school breaks and holidays.

Steps to Get Started:

1. Understand what dog walking actually involves
   • Walking dogs for 20–60 minutes, depending on owner preference
   • Safely handling the leash, harness, or collar
   • Picking up waste during walks and disposing of it properly
   • Watching for other animals or distractions to avoid pulling or safety issues
   • Communicating clearly with the owner about routines, preferences, and any concerns
2. Ask for permission and build adult support
   • Talk to a parent or guardian before offering your service
   • Ask them to help you meet clients, manage scheduling, and provide a reference if needed
   • This helps build trust with pet owners and keeps you safe
3. Get experience with neighborhood dogs
   • Offer to walk dogs for:
     • Friends and family
     • Teachers or school staff
     • Neighbors who may need help during busy work weeks or vacations
   • Ask for feedback after a few walks and keep track of how many dogs you’ve handled and what breeds — this helps build your resume
4. Make a flyer or sign-up sheet for your services
   • Include:
     • Your name and age (optional)
     • “Dog Walking Available – Reliable Local Student”
     • Services offered (weekday walks, weekend availability, backup care)
     • Rate: Starting at $10–$15 per walk (30 minutes); $20+ for extended or multiple dogs
     • Contact information (email or parent’s phone number)
   • Distribute it:
     • At your local library or dog-friendly park
     • Through school bulletin boards or trusted adults
     • In neighborhood mailboxes or door hangers with permission
     • Printed and handed out during community events or posted on pet supply store boards
5. Set clear expectations and safe boundaries
   • Always meet the dog and owner first before accepting the job
   • Ask for written care instructions, leash/harness info, and emergency contact numbers
   • Know your limits — large dogs, aggressive behavior, or multiple pets may require experience first
   • Stick to the schedule and let owners know if you’re running late or need to reschedule
6. Use a log or calendar to stay organized
   • Write down walk times, payment received, and any notes about each dog
   • Track your growing experience with different breeds or behavior types
   • Ask owners to share reviews or refer you to friends once you’ve done a few successful walks

Sample Rates

Rates by Experience Level

Experience Level	Short Walk (15–20 min)	Standard Walk (30 min)	Long Walk (45–60 min)	Multiple Dogs (add-on)	Weekend/Early Morning Add-on
Teen Beginner (0–5 jobs)	$8–$10	$10–$12	$13–$20	+$3–$5 per extra dog	+$2–$4
Teen Experienced (6+ jobs or 1+ year)	$10–$12	$13–$15	$16–$25	+$5 per extra dog	+$3–$5
Adult or Pro Walker	$15–$20	$20–$25	$25–$30	+$5–$10 per extra dog	+$5–$10

Tips for Teens:

• Start at beginner rates to build trust and reviews.
• Offer first walk at a discounted rate to attract new clients.
• Keep a log of walk times, dog breeds, behaviors, and payments.
• Raise your rates gradually as your skills and client base grow.

Sample Flyer

Local Dog Walking – Reliable & Friendly Service

Are you looking for help walking your dog during the week or over weekends? I’m a high school student offering dependable dog walking in your neighborhood. I’m responsible, respectful, and love animals of all shapes and sizes.

Services Offered:

• Short Walks (15–20 minutes): $8
• Standard Walks (30 minutes): $12
• Long Walks (45–60 minutes): $20
• Multiple Dogs: +$3–5 per extra dog
• Weekend Walk: +$2
• Early Morning Walks: +$4

Availability:

• After school hours, weekends, school breaks, holidays

What You Can Expect:

• Friendly care and safe handling
• Walks tailored to your dog’s age and energy level
• Cleanup and leash support included
• Notes and walk updates available after each session

Contact Info: [Your Full Name]
[Email Address or Parent’s Contact Info]
[Optional: Neighborhood name or general area]

Let’s schedule a free meet-and-greet so your dog can get familiar with me before we begin. I’d love to be your pet’s new walking buddy.

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For More Fun Ideas and Plans

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This is a supportive community for Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Girl Scout leaders. This group offers solutions to keep older scouts engaged in scouting amidst their busy lives. Share strategies, tackle challenges, and exchange ideas for fun, meaningful activities that resonate with teens and build lasting connections.

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• Return to the Side Hustle page.

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