How long does the TruePath application take from start to finish?

Allow 1–2 weeks from submitting your initial application to receiving a decision. The police check typically takes 1–5 business days; reference calls are usually completed within a few days of your references confirming they're available; the interview is scheduled when the checks are in progress.

Can I reapply if I'm not approved?

Yes. TruePath may indicate what aspect of your application didn't meet the standard. If the reason is experience-related, building more hands-on dog care experience over 6–12 months and reapplying is a reasonable path.

Do I need to have my own dogs to apply?

No. Many successful TruePath walkers have never owned dogs themselves. What matters is demonstrated, recent experience caring for other people's dogs — whether as a house-sitter, dog-minder, or casual walker for friends or family.

Is a police check required if I only want to do drop-in visits, not walks?

Yes. The police check and full application process applies to all TruePath service types, including drop-in visits, boarding, and house-sitting.

Become a walker

TruePath Walker and Sitter Requirements — How to Apply and What to Expect

TruePath approves only 65% of applicants. Here's exactly what the 3-step application involves — police check, reference calls, and in-person interview — and how to prepare.

By atticus · 7 min read · Last updated 17 May 2026

TruePath's application process has three mandatory steps: an ACIC National Police Check, direct reference calls to people you nominate, and an in-person interview. Around 35% of applicants don't make it through. This article explains what each step involves, what to have prepared, and why the process benefits the walkers who do get approved.

Step 1: ACIC National Police Check

The first mandatory requirement is a National Police Check processed through the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC). This checks your criminal history across all Australian states and territories, including any pending charges.

What TruePath is looking for: Any history involving violence, theft, animal cruelty, or offences against children or vulnerable people. A minor historical traffic infringement is unlikely to be disqualifying. Serious offences typically are.

How it works: TruePath can initiate the police check on your behalf as part of the application process. You'll be asked to provide your full name, date of birth, and confirm your identity. If you prefer to arrange it independently, you can obtain one through Australia Post (in-store) or an ACIC-accredited online provider for approximately $40–60. Results typically come back within 1–5 business days.

If you already have a recent police check: A check less than 12 months old from an ACIC-accredited provider is generally accepted. Bring a copy to your interview.

Tip

If you're applying to multiple platforms or anticipate needing a police check for other employment, get your own copy independently — this gives you a physical document you can share with any party, not just TruePath.

Step 2: Reference calls

TruePath contacts your references directly by phone. This is different from a written reference letter — the platform team will speak with the people you nominate and ask structured questions about your reliability, how you interact with animals, and your professional conduct.

Who to nominate: Choose people who have actually seen you with dogs. This could be:

A current or past employer in animal care (vet clinic, kennel, pet store)
A friend, neighbour, or family member whose dog you've cared for regularly
A coach, teacher, or employer who can speak to your reliability and character

What your references will be asked: Questions typically cover your punctuality, how you handle dogs under stress, whether you follow instructions carefully, and whether the referee would trust you with their own dog.

How many references: TruePath typically requires two. At least one should have direct knowledge of you around animals.

What makes a strong reference: Specificity. A reference who can say "I've watched her manage three dogs at once during a stressful vet visit" is far more convincing than "she's a lovely person." Brief your references before listing them — let them know TruePath will call, what the role involves, and what aspects of your experience are most relevant.

Heads up

Don't list a reference who hasn't agreed to take the call. A disconnected number, an unresponsive contact, or a surprised referee who doesn't know why they're being called will slow your application and may raise questions about your preparation.

Step 3: In-person interview

The in-person interview is the most distinctive part of TruePath's application. Most other platforms don't have one. It typically lasts 30–45 minutes and is conducted by a TruePath team member, either at a designated location or in your area.

What it covers:

Your experience with animals: Breeds you've worked with, any formal training or qualifications, any challenging situations you've navigated
Scenario questions: How would you handle a dog that slips its collar? What do you do if a dog is showing signs of heat stress? What do you do if a dog in your care is injured?
Animal handling observation: You may be observed or asked to demonstrate your approach to greeting and reading a dog's body language. You don't need to be a professional trainer — but you should be able to articulate what stress signals look like and how you'd respond
Practical questions about your business setup: ABN, insurance, availability, suburbs you cover, number of concurrent dogs you're comfortable managing

How to prepare:

Be honest about your experience level — exaggerating leads to bookings you're not equipped to handle, which damages your reviews and risks the dog
Have specific examples ready, not generalities ("I've walked a reactive Border Collie who needed controlled passes near other dogs" is better than "I'm good with all dogs")
Know what equipment you plan to use: collar vs harness preferences, your approach to on-lead management, whether you use treat-based handling
Have your ABN, insurance certificate, and police check documentation available

What to have ready before applying

Document	Status at application
ABN	Register before applying at abr.gov.au
Public liability insurance	Strongly recommended before your first booking; bring certificate to interview if you have it
ACIC National Police Check	TruePath can initiate, or bring your own if < 12 months old
Reference contacts	Two people, both willing to take a call
Pet first aid certificate	Not required, but worth noting if you have one

What a strong application looks like

TruePath's team is assessing one fundamental question: would we feel confident recommending this person to a dog owner who trusts us with their pet's safety?

Strong applicants typically:

Have had consistent, recent experience with dogs (own dogs, family dogs, friends' dogs, or previous paid experience)
Are specific and honest about what they can handle and what they can't
Have their business paperwork in order (ABN, insurance)
Present professionally and on time to the interview
Ask thoughtful questions about the platform and what success looks like for walkers

Weak applications typically fail on one of: criminal history that raises concerns, references who can't speak specifically to animal care experience, or scenario responses that reveal gaps in basic dog safety knowledge.

Why the 35% rejection rate benefits you

It might seem counterintuitive that a platform advertising its difficulty to join is appealing. But from a walker's perspective, the selectivity is a genuine commercial advantage.

When a dog owner books through TruePath, they know their walker has passed a police check, had their references called directly, and been interviewed in person. That level of scrutiny means owners self-select into TruePath specifically because they take their pet's care seriously. These tend to be clients who book consistently, refer friends, and treat walkers with respect.

By contrast, platforms with minimal vetting attract a broader range of clients — some excellent, some who treat the service as a commodity and switch walkers frequently based on price alone.

Getting through TruePath's application isn't just a hoop to jump through. It's a credential that follows you on the platform and actively helps you win and retain clients.

Frequently asked questions

Want to earn this walking dogs?

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