Walking Dogs

Question:

I'm staying with my non Muslim parents. My dad suggested to me to walk his dogs. I said that I did not want to do that, my reasoning was the status of Dogs as unclean and haram for keeping in your house. To my objection my dad pressed further indirectly commanding me to walk them. Am I right to outright disobey my dad to avoid encouraging what is Haram and the lack of cleanliness and dignity in walking Dogs and cleaning up after their waste?

Answer:

In the name of Allah, the most Gracious the most Merciful,

Obeying parents is extremely emphasized in Islam, only time they will not be obeyed is when they ask you of things that are impermissible in Islam. 

وَإِن جَاهَدَاكَ عَلَىٰ أَن تُشْرِكَ بِي مَا لَيْسَ لَكَ بِهِ عِلْمٌ فَلَا تُطِعْهُمَا ۖ وَصَاحِبْهُمَا فِي الدُّنْيَا مَعْرُوفًا

"But if they endeavor to make you associate with Me that of which you have no knowledge, do not obey them but accompany them in [this] world with appropriate kindness" (Luqman:15)

While dog walking does not befit a Muslim and is beneath the dignity of a Muslim, it is not a haram act, as long as it's saliva, mucous and in general the mouth area doesn't touch you and you don't pet it unnecessarily, occasionally walking your parent's dog would be permissible in your case. It is advisable that you look for your own place whenever you can, while still serving your parents and treating them with kindness. 

And Allah knows best,

Mufti Umer Farooq Saleem