If you don't have any family or friends nearby who can take care of your dog for you, then a dog walker is your best bet. Then can pop in and make sure your dog is happy, fed and watered, and make sure they get their daily walks while you're away. So you can still attend those special events without worrying!

Becoming a dog walker is undoubtedly a viable business venture to consider if you're passionate about dogs. Not only is dog walking in high demand, but the business also has a relatively low barrier to entry and is highly profitable, although it does come with its own risks.

“Being a full-time strictly dog walker [in this area], you're probably walking between six and eight dogs a day,” she says.

You'll know your dog best, and the amount of exercise a dog can manage will vary between breeds and dogs, but a good rule of thumb is a ratio of five minutes of formal exercise per month of age (up to twice a day) until the puppy is fully grown i.e., 15 minutes (up to twice a day) when three months old, 20 minutes when ...