BECOME AN INDEPENDENT
PET CARE PROFESSIONAL WITH DOGS ON THE RUN®

Join a community built on
trust, professionalism & exceptional care.

Dogs On The Run® is built around a simple belief: exceptional pet care starts with exceptional people.

We partner with independent Pet Care Professionals who bring experience, integrity, reliability, and a genuine commitment to the pets and families they serve.

Becoming part of DOTR means meeting a high standard set by Pet Parents. It also means becoming part of a community where professionalism, collaboration, and exceptional care matter.

join us for a discovery call

Choose A Time

A Discovery Call is a group session hosted by our Onboarding Team. During this 30 minute call you’ll learn more about Dogs On The Run and the opportunities available. We’ll share who we are, how our services work, and the value of being part of the trusted DOTR community. This is your chance to gain clarity, ask questions, and hear from others who are also exploring the opportunity. It’s designed to give you the information you need to decide if Dogs On The Run is the right fit for you.

NOT JUST A PET LOVER. A PET CARE PROFESSIONAL.

Not everyone who loves animals is ready to provide professional pet care.

Pet Parents aren't simply trusting someone with their pets. They're trusting them with their homes, routines, keys, personal information, and peace of mind.

That's why DOTR looks beyond a love for animals.

We look for people who are prepared to operate as independent business owners, communicate professionally, exercise good judgment, and provide reliable, compassionate care.

Experience & Communication

Pet Parents value clear, proactive communication and thoughtful updates throughout their pets' care. Independent Pet Care Professionals bring their own professional approach to communicating with clients while taking responsibility for keeping Pet Parents informed and responding appropriately to important or unexpected situations.

Trust & Professionalism

Pet Parents expect thoroughly background-checked, licensed, and insured Pet Care Professionals who operate with high standards. And so do we. DOTR Pet Parents need to implicitly trust caregivers with their beloved pets and secure home access.

Safety & Responsibility

Pet Parents rely on Pet Care Professionals to uphold an unwavering commitment to their pet's physical safety and emotional well-being, including thoughtful attention to home security and appropriate preparation for emergencies. You understand that professional pet care is built on trust, safety, accountability, and thoughtful decision-making.

ready to Take the leap?

Join A Discovery Call

Joining the DOTR Community

Joining the Dogs On The Run community means becoming part of a network built around trust, professionalism, and exceptional care. Our participation requirements are designed to ensure that every independent Pet Care Professional who joins the referral network is prepared for the responsibility that comes with caring for pets and serving Pet Parents.

Take a closer look at what we require and, more importantly, why each one matters.

✓ Be at least 18 years old
Why it matters Professional pet care comes with real responsibility. Being 18 or older helps ensure that Pet Care Professionals are able to operate independently and manage the responsibilities that come with running their own business.
✓ Reliable transportation
Why it matters Reliability starts with being able to arrive prepared and on time. Dependable transportation allows Pet Care Professionals to honor their commitments and respond appropriately when unexpected needs arise.
✓ Pet care experience
Why it matters Loving animals is only the beginning. Real-world pet care experience helps professionals recognize individual needs, understand behavior, respond to unexpected situations, and provide care with confidence.
✓ Business license
Why it matters A business license establishes a professional foundation for operating independently. If you don't already have one, our Onboarding Team can help guide you through the process of getting your business set up properly.
✓ Liability insurance
Why it matters Professional pet care involves animals, people, property, and access to private homes. Liability insurance provides an important layer of protection for independent Pet Care Professionals. If you need coverage, our team can help point you in the right direction.
✓ Background check
Why it matters Pet Parents trust their Pet Care Professionals with their pets, their homes, and access to personal spaces. Background screening is an important part of establishing that trust, and our Onboarding Team will help facilitate the process if you have not completed one already.
✓ Two professional references
Why it matters References provide valuable insight into a professional's experience, reliability, communication, and approach to responsibility.

Meeting the requirements gets you started. The professionalism, experience, and care you bring to your independent business are what make you a valued part of the DOTR community.

Ready to be part of the DOTR Community?

Join A Discovery Call
Skip The Discovery Call And Apply Now

frequently asked questions

  • DOTR works with Pet Care Professionals as independent service providers rather than employees. Independent Pet Care Professionals operate their own businesses and maintain control over their rates, availability, service area, and which opportunities they choose to accept, subject to the terms of their agreement with DOTR.

  • DOTR independent Pet Care Professionals are required to be 18 years old, have a business license, liability insurance, and a background check. We also require at least one year of pet care experience, two professional pet care references, and your own reliable car for daily use.

  • The DOTR Onboarding Team will assist you in obtaining these items.

  • No, you set your own rates based on the services you offer, your experience, and your market.

  • Your income will depend on your rates, availability, location, and the amount of work you choose to accept. As an independent contractor, you have the flexibility to build your business at a pace that works for you.

  • Our Concierge Team considers the pet's needs, location, schedule, and care preferences, then works to match them with a independent Pet Care Professional who is the best fit!

  • Our most popular services include dog walking, boarding, pet sitting visits, full-time and overnight care, and pet transportation.

  • The DOTR Team assists with Pet Parent referrals, scheduling, invoicing, payment collection, communication, technology, and ongoing administrative support - so you can focus on providing exceptional pet care.