Passionate about pooches? Why not turn your passion into a career?
If you’re looking to turn your passion for dogs into paid work, starting a dog walking business can be a practical move. It offers a flexible way to earn, get more outdoor time, and build your own schedule. Whether you want a side income or plan to make this your main job, there’s plenty of demand for reliable pet care.
Before you start advertising, there are some key steps and details to work through. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you build a solid foundation for your dog walking business.
Key takeaways from this article
- It’s an accessible start-up: Formal qualifications aren’t required, but proven experience handling dogs is essential.
- Building client trust is important: Obtain a DBS check and insurance to reassure pet owners.
- Understanding the regulations: Learn about UK pet care laws and local dog walking rules.
- Treat it as a business: Set prices, prepare contracts, and learn simple marketing strategies.
What is a dog walking business?
A dog walking business provides a service for dog owners who need their pets exercised when they can’t do it themselves. This usually means collecting dogs from their homes, giving them a set amount of exercise, and returning them safely.
You might choose to walk one dog at a time or take small groups, depending on owner preferences and your own capabilities. If your service grows, you could consider bringing on an additional walker or expanding your services.
If you’re new to dog walking as a career, you can explore dog walking jobs with established companies to understand what’s involved before launching your own business.
Who can start a dog walking business?
Dog walking is open to anyone who feels confident working with dogs and managing a small business. You don’t need specialised certifications, but being comfortable with dogs of various temperaments is important.
And, organisational skills are just as vital as dog handling. You’ll need these to track bookings, manage payments, and keep records, alongside managing a business bank account and sorting out your tax returns.
Is becoming self-employed right for me?
What skills do I need?
Handling dogs is the central skill, but you’ll also need:
- Communication: Giving clear, timely updates to owners.
- Time management: Managing multiple bookings and being prompt.
- Business basics: Handling finances, scheduling, and customer inquiries.
If you don’t have much hands-on dog experience, ask to help friends or neighbours or consider volunteering at kennels or animal charities.
Additionally, you can improve your knowledge by taking a dog walking course. Extra training in animal care, dog grooming, or animal behaviour can also set you apart and build confidence in handling different situations.
How to set up a dog walking business
Starting a dog walking business is more than putting your shoes on and grabbing a handful of treats. To set yourself apart and keep everything above board, you’ll need to:
1. Research your area
Start by scoping out your local market:
- Do a walk-through (literally and figuratively) of your area, and make a list of existing dog walking businesses and gather their leaflets.
- What are they charging per walk? Are group walks common, or do owners prefer individual attention for their dogs?
- Check Facebook groups, local forums, and Google business listings to spot gaps - maybe nobody covers lunchtime walks for people working from home, or perhaps pet sitting is in short supply.
Remember, the aim is to find your edge rather than blend in.
2. Decide on services and rates
Now that you have the lay of the land, it’s time to decide what you’ll actually offer - whether that’s group or solo walks, quick 20-minute toilet breaks, hour-long hikes, or maybe all of the above. You could also consider offering pet sitting (overnight stays or daily check-ins), puppy socialisation, or drop-in feeding.
Once you’re clear on the services you want to provide, make a menu of them and set clear prices for each. Standard UK rates start at £10 for 30-minute walks but can climb to £25 or more for longer or specialist services.
Remember to also adjust your rates based on your experience, added value (like basic training or first aid skills), and demand in your area.
3. Ensure you’re legally covered
Starting your own dog walking business means you’ll need to register as a sole trader with HMRC. This is the most straightforward route when starting out, but you can incorporate as a limited company if you plan to scale up.
Here are some other legal boxes you’ll need to tick:
- Open a separate business account to keep your finances tidy
- Keep records of all transactions
- If you’re planning on hiring help or offering additional services such as boarding, check you have the right licences
- Get Public Liability Insurance and pet business insurance early on (many clients won’t hire you without proof of coverage)
4. Prepare client contracts
You might trust your clients, but things go smoother when everyone’s on the same page. Draft clear, simple contracts for every client. This isn’t just legalese—it protects you if Fido decides to eat something he shouldn’t or if a key goes missing. Your contract should cover:
- Service terms: Spell out what you’re providing (walk length, number of visits, any special care), when you'll provide it, and how you'll work with their dog.
- Vet release form: Allow you to seek medical treatment in an emergency.
- Key handling procedures: Outline where and how you’ll keep clients’ keys secure.
- Cancellation policy: Set expectations if an owner cancels last-minute or you need to reschedule (it happens).
If legal paperwork feels daunting, there are plenty of templates online, or you can ask a solicitor to check your documents for peace of mind.
5. Start marketing your business
Spreading the word is key to getting your dog walking business off the ground. Focus on these tried-and-true strategies:
- Build a professional website: Make it mobile-friendly with a clear list of your services, prices, some genuine photos, and an easy contact form so owners can reach you fast.
- Set up social media profiles: Instagram and Facebook are perfect for showcasing happy clients—let those dog photos do the talking (with the owner's permission, of course). Share posts and stories from your daily walks to give a glimpse of your style.
- Tap into local promotion: Don’t underestimate classic marketing. Put up flyers in pet shops, vet offices, and community boards—even your favorite café, if they allow it.
- Encourage word-of-mouth: Happy clients are your best advocates. Ask them to refer friends, and consider offering a discount or gift for every successful referral.
- Offer introductory deals: Attract your first wave of clients with a special offer, like a discounted first walk or packaged rates for regular bookings.
These steps work together to help you build an authentic, trustworthy presence—so, when someone’s looking for a dog walker, your name pops up right away.
Read more about self-employment
Costs and equipment
Start-up costs are usually modest, but a few essentials are non-negotiable:
Insurance
Public Liability Insurance protects you if a dog in your care causes damage or injury. It’s not a legal requirement, but it’s a smart safeguard.
DBS check
Since you may need to enter client homes, a DBS check offers peace of mind to clients. The typical fee is around £23.
Transport
You’ll need to consider how you’ll get to clients - whether it’s walking, cycling, or driving. For group walks, a car or van with secure crates and harnesses helps keep dogs safe.
Basic kit checklist
- Sturdy leads (avoid retractables for safety)
- Ample supply of poo bags
- Dog first aid kit
- Towels for cleaning muddy dogs
- Treats (following owner instructions)
Rules and regulations for dog walkers
If you're looking to walk dogs as a career, you'll need to stay on top of essential legal requirements:
- Collars: All dogs in public must wear a collar with the owner’s name and address.
- Microchipping: This is a legal requirement.
- Cleaning up: Fines for not picking up after dogs can reach £1,000.
- Livestock: Keep dogs controlled around farm animals.
- Dog limits: Councils or Royal Parks may cap the number of dogs per walker (usually four to six).
- XL Bully regulations: As of 2024, these breeds require extra compliance (exemption certificate, muzzle, and specific insurance).
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a licence to be a Dog Walker?
Generally not, unless you board dogs or run daycare. Some city councils do require licences for commercial dog walking in large public parks, so check local rules.
How many dogs can I walk at once?
Most insurers and councils limit walks to four to six dogs, but four is a manageable and common choice.
How much can I earn?
Working with four dogs at £12 each (£48 an hour) is possible, but remember to account for expenses including travel, insurance, equipment, and tax.
What if I’m not ready to go solo?
Consider dog walking jobs for established businesses. It’s a good way to gain experience before launching independently.
Want to learn more about dog walking? View all courses now.
