A high school science teacher says she left \u201cthe classroom behind\u201d after realising she could make the same wage caring for others\u2019 pets when she moved from the UK to Adelaide last year. <\/p>\n
Amy Duffy taught science for 11 years before relocating to Australia with her husband Ryan and their Cocker Spaniel Ruby in January 2025. <\/p>\n
After the move, she said she took up dog walking and pet sitting while waiting on her teacher registration to be finalised. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe process took far longer than we expected; I started it in September 2024 and it didn\u2019t come through until April 2025,\u201d Ms Duffy said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat meant in those first few months I couldn\u2019t get a job as a teacher so I started looking for other roles.\u201d<\/p>\n
The 35-year-old said she was repeatedly rejected from teaching jobs, applying for more than 70 positions without being granted an interview.<\/p>\n
\u201cEach time I was told it was because I\u2019m not an Australian citizen,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Ms Duffy said this lull in opportunities, before her registration was granted, inspired her to see if people needed help looking after their pets. <\/p>\n
\u201cI put up some little handwritten ads around and started to get some interest,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s when I realised I had one chance to make something of this before the registration came in.\u201d<\/p>\n
By the time she received her registration, Ms Duffy\u2019s \u2013 through her pet business Pawrental Guidance \u2013 \u201cwas earning as much as I would be as a teacher\u201d. <\/p>\n
\u201cSo, I left the classroom behind.\u201d<\/p>\n
Now, she earns an average $300-400 a day, working 9am-4pm.<\/p>\n
\u201cI love every single day rather than wishing away Monday to Friday or living for holidays.\u201d<\/p>\n
She said her services included anything from group dog walks \u2013 where she picked up clients in a mini bus \u2013 to home drop ins and feeding cats and farm animals. <\/p>\n
\u201cI offer whatever service the client needs, I\u2019ve cared for pigs, goats, horses, sheep, alpacas, chickens, cats, dogs, bearded dragons and so on.\u201d <\/p>\n
Despite caring for a weekly rotation of 25-30 other furry clients, Ms Duffy said her \u201cfurry-daughter\u201d Ruby was joins her every day.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe\u2019s my whole world.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ms Duffy isn\u2019t the only South Australian who has traded her day job for one involving canine clients. <\/p>\n
Meet South Australia\u2019s top dog walkers. <\/p>\n
Kenia Juliani, 37, Glenelg, Mad Dogs Walking<\/p>\n
Kenia Juliani has been in the dog-care industry for three years and said she earned between $300 and $400 a day since starting her own pooch-walking business 12 months ago. <\/p>\n
\u201cMy connection with animals, especially dogs, has always been very natural and genuine,\u201d Ms Juliani said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve always been completely obsessed with dogs and honestly can\u2019t imagine doing anything else.\u201d<\/p>\n
She said working in an environment surrounded by animals every day \u201cgenuinely makes me happy\u201d. <\/p>\n
\u201cEvery dog has their own personality, energy and little quirks, and gaining their trust is something really special,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
She said her rate for a one hour walk was $43.95, including drop off and pick up.<\/p>\n
What is your favourite dog breed?<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s honestly very hard to choose a favourite breed because I love all dogs, but I do have a special soft spot for Australian Shepherds, Border Collies and all the \u201coodle\u201d breeds, especially Cavoodles.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jan Giebelmann, 45, Blackwood, Doglogik<\/p>\n
Born in Germany to South African parents, Jan Giebelmann started his dog business 2019 and averaged $350 a day from his minding, walking and training services.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey teach you to live in the moment.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI enjoy being out in nature, in the elements, and of course the company of some great dog characters that are extremely entertaining.\u201d<\/p>\n
What is your favourite dog breed?<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t think I have a favourite breed specifically, I enjoy working and interacting with working lines a lot. Although, that said, they do tend to give you more grey hairs.\u201d <\/p>\n
Mandy Price, Hallett Cove, The Paws and Pad Co.<\/p>\n
Named The Advertiser\u2019s best pet sitter for 2025, as voted by readers, Mandy Price said she pivoted from nursing to pet sitting and dog walking in April last year with her business The Paws and Pad Co.<\/p>\n
Ms Price said working for herself and getting to know different breeds was what she loved most about her canine career.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s great how people appreciate the love and care I give to their pets, and how excited the animals get to see me,\u201d Ms Price said.<\/p>\n
When it came to how profitable her business is, she said there was a misconception about the hidden costs in the industry.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have an ABN and my business is registered; I have public liability insurance, petrol, wear and tear on my car, dog treats, poop bags, enrichment toys, a good car seat cover and seat belt attachments, website \u2026 and I go through sneakers every few months.\u201d<\/p>\n
She said she would make $252 in a day of eight appointments after tax, but before factoring in petrol costs.<\/p>\n
What is your favourite dog breed?<\/p>\n
\u201cMy favourite dogs are Kelpies and Australian Shepherds.\u201d <\/p>\n
Damian Hollow, 33, Magill, Paws Adventure<\/p>\n
Damian \u201cDamo\u201d Hollow said he decided to turn his degree in animal behaviour to a full-time gig walking, training and minding other peoples\u2019 pets. <\/p>\n
\u201cIf you\u2019re having a bad day, your co-workers are basically all dogs so they naturally cheer you up with great emotional support,\u201d Mr Hollow said.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou get exercise and sun too so you have a natural tendency to be in a better state physically and mentally.\u201d<\/p>\n
On average, he said he made between $34-$44 an hour, but charged $150 for 90 minute behavioural consults.<\/p>\n
What is your favourite dog breed?<\/p>\n
\u201cGolden retrievers and Border Collies. Golden retrievers as they have such a happy go lucky personality, similar to my own. Border Collies for their high work ethic and ability to learn quickly, which I try to instil in my services.\u201d<\/p>\n
Leah Bria, 34, Surrey Downs, Paws Adventure Adelaide<\/p>\n
With more than 15 years experience working with pets, Leah Bria said she loved the flexibility.<\/p>\n
The Paws Adventure Adelaide owner said she provided a variety of services from training to adventure walks and wedding chaperone services.<\/p>\n
\u201cOn average our services are around $60-70 per hour depending on the service and underlying costs,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
What is your favourite dog breed?<\/p>\n
\u201cThat is a really difficult one, we work with such a variety and they all bring something different to the table. I would say my favourite to work with are Golden Retrievers because they are a versatile breed.\u201d <\/p>\n
Claire Bosnich, 40, and twin sons Riley and Oliver, 10, Somerton Park<\/p>\n
Claire Bosnich said it was her twin sons Riley and Oliver, 10, who suggested dog walking as a pocket-money-making venture and the rest was history.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe only started recently, after realising how much we enjoy being around dogs and spending time outdoors,\u201d Ms Bosnich said. <\/p>\n
\u201cWhat began as a simple love of beach walks and animals quickly turned into something we wanted to share with other local dog owners\u201d. <\/p>\n
Between the three of them, Ms Bosnich said the twins walked their smaller clients after school while she took on the larger dogs during the day.<\/p>\n
\u201cOne of the best parts is seeing how genuinely excited the dogs are when we arrive \u2013 Their happiness is contagious.<\/p>\n
\u201cWalking itself is also incredibly calming and grounding \u2014 it\u2019s peaceful being outdoors, especially by the beach, and every dog brings its own personality and energy to the experience.\u201d<\/p>\n
While Ms Bosnich said it was too soon into their business to determine how much pocket money they were making, she said they currently charged $20 per walk. <\/p>\n
What is your favourite dog breed?<\/p>\n
\u201cRight now some of our favourites are a Husky named Sapphire, a Poodle-mix named Lucy, a Chihuahua named Cody and a Staffy named Nala \u2014 they all have completely different temperaments, which makes the job so enjoyable.\u201d<\/p>\n
John, 48, and Lisa, 47, Bleby, Coromandel Valley, My Dogs Day Out<\/p>\n
Married couple John and Lisa Bleby are the duo behind the My Dogs Day Out adventure dog walking service.<\/p>\n
Mr Bleby works in radio as the anchor of the SAFM Breakfast Show and said after a few years of living in the beautiful Coromandel Valley, he \u201cneeded something else to fill my arvos with so as to not head home and fall asleep on the couch after getting up at 4am\u201d. <\/p>\n
\u201cSo, as well as walking our dogs around the local trails, we thought how good would it be to take other dogs with us while their mums and dads were at work,\u201d Mr Bleby said.<\/p>\n
Now in its ninth year, Mr Bleby said the couple\u2019s business was founded on the ethos of delivering walking services with a \u201cpersonal touch\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur focus is letting the pups explore as much as they want \u2013 we stop at every smell \u2013 and provide that mental stimulation which is what wears them out.<\/p>\n
\u201cSocialising with others is important as well as we carefully select pups that will work well together through our interview process.\u201d<\/p>\n
What is your favourite dog breed?<\/p>\n
\u201cWe can\u2019t have favourites as you can imagine. We love working and getting to know all the breeds of which they all have their own unique personalities.\u201d<\/p>\n
Antony Harris, 40, Grange<\/p>\n
Antony Harris is a newcomer to Adelaide\u2019s dog walking scene, saying he started his business Happy Hounds after moving from London to Adelaide last December.<\/p>\n
He began by house and pet sitting as a way to explore Adelaide when he first arrived, to get his animal fix and \u201ckeep costs down\u201d. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe joy of dogs is something that just speaks to my soul,\u201d Mr Harris said.<\/p>\n
\u201cNothing puts a bigger smile on my face than seeing a very happy hound.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr Harris said his \u201cintroductory rates\u201d were \u201c$25 for one dog for a minimum 30 minutes, $40 for a minimum of 60 minutes\u201d. <\/p>\n
What is your favourite dog breed?<\/p>\n
\u201cRescue. Back in the UK we would always rescue our pets. It\u2019s so rewarding seeing them learn to be a dog, learn to trust again and learn to play.\u201d<\/p>\n
Nichole Spratt, 22, Salisbury North, Mad Paws<\/p>\n
Nichole Spratt turned her love of animals into a career at age 18. <\/p>\n
After volunteering at the Animal Welfare League, the now-22-year-old started her own business Mad Paws to give her flexibility around her casual work and university studies. <\/p>\n
\u201cI used to have my own Akita named TJ; I had him for 13 years and we were inseparable,\u201d Ms Spratt said. <\/p>\n
\u201c (TJ) was also my best friend and when he passed way it was so hard, but helping these other owners that need help with their dog just fulfils a part inside me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ms Spratt said she had made as much as $115 in a day, but averaged a daily income of $40-$50 daily from her walking service.<\/p>\n
What is your favourite dog breed? <\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t have a specific breed I like to work with. I\u2019ve worked with sausage dogs to German Shepherds and a lot of breeds in between, but I do love a high energy dog that also just wants some pats on its walk.\u201d<\/p>\n
Kaden Davies, 45, Happy Paws Pets, Adelaide <\/p>\n
Kaden Davies now spends his days \u201crunning through the hills with dogs\u201d after leaving his corporate job nine months ago to start his dog walking and pet sitting business.<\/p>\n
Since making the switch to running Happy Paws Pets full time, Mr Davies said he now had a \u201cdifferent lifestyle without the stress\u201d.<\/p>\n
He said he offered \u201csmaller bespoke walks\u201d rather than \u201cbig group\u201d services and had a group of 12 regular clients.<\/p>\n
Mr Davies said he made between $200-$500 in a day and often worked up to six days a week.<\/p>\n
What is your favourite dog breed?<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m a big sucker for the working dogs, particularly Border Collies.\u201d<\/p>\n
Brooke Walmsley, 46, Hillcrest, Happy Pet Helpers<\/p>\n
For dog-walker Brooke Walmsley get in about 30,000 steps a day running her business.<\/p>\n
The Happy Pet Helpers owner says she makes about $200 a day while walking and hanging out with dogs. <\/p>\n
\u201cMy highest step count ever was in the 33,000\u2019s,\u201d Ms Walmsely said.<\/p>\n
Over her 14-year dog-walking career, she most enjoyed \u201ccreating relationships with the customers and their pets\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cI love seeing the dogs excitement of my arrival when I am walking down their driveway and \u2026 being out in the elements, listening to the world around me, mostly the birds.\u201d<\/p>\n
What is your favourite dog breed?<\/p>\n
\u201cOh my, so many to choose from. The Doberman are good for a challenge (I love a challenge). They also have great character and the Cavoodle or Groodles are fun for the easy walks.\u201d<\/p>\n
Natasha James, 38, Salisbury North, A. L. E Canine Services<\/p>\n
Natasha \u201cTash\u201d James said she started her canine career working in the ring with show dogs at competitions, before starting her own business three years ago. <\/p>\n
She said she was a firm believer that a \u201cfulfilled dog is a happy dog,and it\u2019s so special to watch their confidence and wellbeing grow over time\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cI offer personalised dog walking and hiking services, focusing on one dog at a time to ensure each dog feels safe, comfortable, and fully supported,\u201d Ms James said. <\/p>\n
\u201cI do not walk large groups, allowing every adventure to be tailored to the individual dog\u2019s needs, personality, and interests.<\/p>\n
\u201cAfter every walk, hike, or swim, I send owners photo collages capturing highlights from their dog\u2019s day and adventures.\u201d<\/p>\n
She said she made an average of $150 from working three hours each day.<\/p>\n
What is your favourite dog breed?<\/p>\n
\u201cI genuinely love working with all dogs, but I especially enjoy spending time with working dogs. I find their intelligence, energy, and unique personalities incredibly rewarding to work with.\u201d<\/p>\n
Michelle Vis, 49, Glenelg North, Glenelg Pet Sitting<\/p>\n
Michelle Vis started her small pet care business almost two years ago after she said she decided to make an \u201cactive lifestyle change to improve my health and wellbeing by working with animals\u201d. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe best part of being in this profession is the pure excitement and happiness the dogs display when I arrive to take them out; the love, the licks, the tail wags,\u201d Ms Vis said.<\/p>\n
She makes $50 per hour.<\/p>\n
What is your favourite dog breed?<\/p>\n
\u201cMy favourite breed of dog to work with is English Bulldog.\u201d<\/p>\n
Zaina Guedes Ferreira, 37, Broadview, The Paws Club<\/p>\n
Zaina Ferreira said she had to leave her beloved Shih tzu, Buzz, in Brazil when she moved to Adelaide in 2023.<\/p>\n
So she started her dog walking and pet sitting business, The Paws Club and now charges $45 an hour.<\/p>\n
\u201cSadly, not long after we arrived in Australia, he passed away,\u201d Ms Ferreira said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was heartbreaking, especially being so far away and not being able to say goodbye properly.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat experience stayed with me, and I think it made my love, respect and care for animals even deeper.\u201d<\/p>\n
She said pet care was a career that she found \u201cdeeply personal\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cBecause I have experienced that bond myself, I understand the love, worry and responsibility that comes with caring for a pet,\u201d Ms Ferreira said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt may look simple from the outside, but to me it means a lot. There is so much trust involved.\u201d<\/p>\n
What is your favourite dog breed?<\/p>\n
\u201cI honestly love all breeds, but \u2026 I do have a soft spot for French Bulldogs because I have cared for a few and they are such funny, affectionate little characters. They can be stubborn, but they are also very loving.\u201d<\/p>\n
Paige Forster, 34, Strathalbyn, Adelaide Dog Co<\/p>\n
Paige Forster founded Adelaide Dog Co in 2021 and now has a team of dog walkers dedicated to creating \u201chappier, healthier and more fulfilled dogs\u201d. <\/p>\n
She said she founded the business as a pet boarding service after she \u201cstruggled to find somewhere safe and fun for my dog while I was on holidays\u201d. <\/p>\n
\u201cI didn\u2019t want to use large boarding kennels and wanted to create a small sale home environment for owners that have put a lot of time and effort into their training journey,\u201d Ms Forster said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe main attraction of this job is building a relationship with both the dogs and owners and making a difference to both day to day lives.\u201d<\/p>\n
She said the rates for a one-on-one dog walking and training package ranged from $50-$80. <\/p>\n
What is your favourite dog breed?<\/p>\n
\u201cNot dog specific but my favourite is working with owners that have a true interest in making a difference in their dogs lives.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jolene Pridham, 45, and Suresh Millar 49, Burton<\/p>\n
Married couple Jolene Pridham and Suresh Millar, of Burton, said they acquired their dog-walking and pet-sitting business unexpectedly, after the owner of the animal-minding service they used to look after their own dogs became ill. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe needed a change and this opportunity came our way in February 2026,\u201d Ms Pridham said.<\/p>\n
The couple most enjoyed meeting \u201cmany different people and their fur kids\u201d.<\/p>\n
While the pair said they were still finding their feet with the business, they were making $300-$400 a week from the dog walking aspect.<\/p>\n
What is your favourite dog breed?<\/p>\n
\u201cChow Chow and Groodle would be a favourite.\u201d<\/p>\n
James Worth, 49, Hazelwood Park, Happy Dog Nature Walks <\/p>\n
As a landscape architect, 49-year-old James Worth said his involvement in designing dog parks meant it was only natural that he would one day start a business showing canine clients around. <\/p>\n
The \u201chuge dog lover\u201d said he started Happy Dog Nature Walks six months ago to get people\u2019s pets \u201csniffing trails and wagging tails\u201d. <\/p>\n
\u201cI love working with animals and I\u2019m also a nature lover and enjoy walking on nature trails among the trees,\u201d Mr Worth said. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe marriage of these two passions has been the catalyst to start up Happy Dog Nature Walks.\u201d<\/p>\n
He makes an average of $30 an hour. <\/p>\n
What is your favourite dog breed?<\/p>\n
\u201cI do like the bigger dogs on the nature trails such as German Shepherds, retrievers, Labradors, Kelpies and Border Collies, But also love the smaller Oodles, Irish Doodles, Cavaliers, Frenchies and Bulldogs.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"A high school science teacher says she left \u201cthe classroom behind\u201d after realising she could make the same…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":35902,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[395,30587],"class_list":["post-35901","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-adelaide","tag-adelaide","tag-tiserpremium"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35901","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=35901"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35901\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/35902"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=35901"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=35901"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=35901"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}