NYC's Six-Figure Dog Whisperer
Happy Sunday, everyone!
Meet Ryan Stewart .
He's a head-turner in New York City, catching the eyes of kids, drivers, and visitors.
But for all the attention he gets, there's only one thing he's really focused on: his pack of dogs.
The Dog Whisperer in Action
Dog walking is not a job for someone with a wandering mind. It requires every ounce of your attention.
Ryan is amongst the elite class of professional dog walkers in America.
Based in Long Island City, across the river from Manhattan, he professionally manages up to six dogs at a time.
With 24 years of experience, he has mastered the art of tracking poop schedules and spotting squirrels from afar.
Despite the perception that dog walking is unglamorous and low-paying, he earns a six-figure salary in an urban landscape that's both competitive and challenging.
A Man's Best Friend
Ryan's love for dogs traces back to his earliest years, a bond that has only strengthened over time.
Born in Taiwan during the Year of the Dog , a year symbolizing loyalty and honesty in Chinese culture, it seemed as if his destiny was intertwined with these four-legged companions from the beginning.
Adopted by an American family, he was immersed in an intriguing mix of cultures and experiences.
His childhood was a whirlwind of travel, spanning continents from Asia to Europe, and finally to the United States.
This constant shifting of landscapes and cultures, while enriching, also brought its challenges.
Being the youngest among his siblings, he often felt like a "mutt" — an outsider.
However, amidst these trials, he developed a deep love for dance. His passion landed him a scholarship in New York City, which allowed him to pursue his dream.
Living in the city that never sleeps, he was on a fast track to success and was set to transfer to the prestigious Juilliard School .
But then, life threw him a curveball.
Overcoming Challenges: A Journey to Success
At the age of 19, Ryan was diagnosed with lymphatic cancer.
One of the most common cancers diagnosed in adolescents between the ages of 15 to 19.
His battle with the illness resulted in a 14-month-long hospital stay.
Upon his release, his once vibrant drive had noticeably diminished.
To make ends meet, he resorted to waiting tables and selling magic mushrooms to college students.
This phase of his life led him into a prolonged period of desolation, a "dark place" that lasted for several years.
However, fate had a different plan for him.
In 2006, a serendipitous encounter with a professional dog trainer set the wheels in motion for a dramatic change in his career trajectory.
This chance meeting wasn't just a casual conversation; it was a pivotal moment that sparked a newfound passion within him — a passion for working with dogs.
Inspired by the trainer's skill and dedication, he saw a glimmer of hope in the dog walking trade.
Ryan for Dogs: A Personal Touch Amidst Big Names
He started by observing trainers, reading about dog psychology, and spending hours watching dogs in parks.
After researching various canine-related jobs, he realized dog walking had the most potential for self-employment.
Slowly but surely, he built trust within his local dog community and gradually grew his business through word of mouth.
Today, Ryan is the proud owner and operator of Ryan for Dogs , a boutique dog-walking company in the vibrant neighborhood of Long Island City.
Despite its relatively small scale, his business stands tall amidst the towering presence of large-scale corporations like Rover.com and Wag! Group Co.
Unlike these conglomerates, he offers a personalized touch that only a dedicated dog lover can provide.
He knows every dog’s quirks, habits, and preferred routes. His clients appreciate this personal, attentive service, and it's what sets him apart from the competition.
In the face of technological advancements and the proliferation of app-based services, his success underlines the enduring appeal of human connection and trust in the dog walking industry.
It's not just about walking dogs; it's about providing a service that goes beyond the leash.
A Flourishing Industry: More Than Just a Walk in the Park
The global pet care market size was valued at $235.32 billion in 2022 & is projected to grow from $246.66 billion in 2023 to $368.88 billion by 2030.
This robust expansion, marked by an estimated CAGR of 5.92% during the forecast period, is fueled by numerous factors.
Key among them are:
And with around 89 million pet dogs in America — and approximately 40% of dog owners not walking their dogs regularly — there's no shortage of demand.
This creates an enormous demand for professional dog-walking services.
Any Joe Schmo can make $50k a year working for Rover.com . Someone who works for himself and can walk 2-3 dogs at once can make $100k. And if they’re really good, they can make $200k+.
Indeed, the pet industry isn’t just about cuddles and wagging tails.
It's a thriving market offering substantial financial opportunities for those willing to dive in and navigate its challenges.
The Road Less Traveled
Ryan's story is a testament to the fact that success doesn't always follow a conventional path.
It's about finding your passion and nurturing it, even if it means walking a different path (or, in this case, several paths with several leashes in hand).
Until then, keep dreaming, keep striving, and remember — the art of 'making it' is in the journey itself, not the destination.
Make it matter,
P.S. If you are in the NYC area and can benefit from Ryan's services, click the link below.