Starting a dog walking business: what you need to know<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n- manage day-to-day operations \u2013<\/strong> once you\u2019re set up, remember your key responsibilities like tax, record-keeping, accounting, and budgeting<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- research qualifications \u2013<\/strong> although formal qualifications aren’t mandatory, but you could consider training in animal first aid, behavior, and care<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- make a business plan \u2013<\/strong> develop a solid business plan that identifies what your unique selling point will be (big dogs? Rescue dogs? What\u2019s your niche?)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- get a DBS check<\/strong> \u2013 showing that you have a clean criminal record is important, especially if you need to enter people\u2019s homes\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- follow regulation \u2013<\/strong> NarpsUK have outlined the rules you\u2019ll need to follow to work as a dog walker\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- help protect yourself with insurance \u2013 <\/strong>secure dog walking insurance to help protect you from a variety of risks<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- figure out your pricing \u2013<\/strong> research local rates, consider introductory offers, and set a competitive price for your services\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- transport logistics \u2013<\/strong> if you\u2019re planning on walking more than one dog at a time, you\u2019ll need to work out how you\u2019ll travel with them safely\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- set your client agreement \u2013<\/strong> draft a clear service agreement for clients that lays out your responsibilities and expectations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- market your business \u2013<\/strong> promote your services through social media, website, client testimonials, and referrals. And make sure you emphasise your niche<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- prioritise customer service \u2013<\/strong> dog walking businesses rely on excellent customer service. Clients like to use a business run by people they know and trust\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
How to start a dog walking business<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Going self-employed and starting your own business gives you the freedom to be your own boss and choose which furry clients you want to work with. But the cliche is true \u2013 you have to put in the work to get the rewards. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cStarting out is the hardest part,\u201d says Alison McGrady, owner of Bonnie Walks. \u201cThere\u2019s a lot to think about \u2013 insurance and licences, for instance.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe biggest challenge I had was trying to get enough clients to be financially stable, as I only offer solo dog walks, mostly for rescue dogs or dogs that aren\u2019t too social. I found a part-time job driving a local daycare\u2019s clients home so I had a stable income while I built up my own clientele.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/09\/IMG_6629_2fd071.jpeg?w=1024\")
Alison McGrady\/Bonnie Walks<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nHere\u2019s what you should do when starting a dog walking business:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 1: Dog walking training and qualifications to consider<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
You don\u2019t need training or qualifications to become a dog walker, but having them can give you more credibility when building your client base. It can make your business appear more professional when you mention your qualifications in your marketing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But most importantly, you\u2019ll have the confidence that you\u2019re offering a great service and that you can really look after the animals in your care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Animal first aid, animal behaviour, and animal care are just some of the training and qualifications you can add to your CV.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These City and Guilds qualifications<\/strong><\/a> are offered in colleges and centres across the country:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Level 2 Certificate Of Technical Competence In Dog Walking<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Level 2 Certificate of Technical Competence in Pet Sitting<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Level 2 Certificate of Technical Competence in Animal Health, Husbandry and Handling<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Level 3 Certificate of Technical Competence in Animal Nutrition<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Other highly rated courses include the Think Dog! certificate<\/a> and the programmes available at trade association NarpsUK<\/a>(National Association of Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers) and Compass<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nStep 2: Write a dog walking business plan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Writing a business plan before you start out helps you identify the opportunity, your competitors, and how you\u2019ll actually run your business. Doing this at the beginning of the process lets you answer all the necessary questions and tackle any potential problems early. You might also decide to offer dog grooming services<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\u201cYou need to decide what kind of dog walker you want to be,\u201d says Alison. \u201cDo you want to do solo walks or group walks, for instance, and what does this mean for your business?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Read more about writing a business plan<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nStep 3: Explore DBS checks for dog walkers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re holding a dog owner\u2019s keys and going into their house, you’ll need a Criminal Record Check. For jobs in England and Wales you can request a basic Disclosure and Barring Service check<\/a> for \u00a323.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nThere\u2019s a different application process if your business is in Northern Ireland or Scotland. You’ll need to have lived at your current address for more than a year to apply online with Disclosure Scotland<\/a> for a Basic Disclosure, which costs \u00a325. While for AccessNI<\/a>, a basic check costs \u00a318.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019ve lived at your address for under a year, you can apply for a Criminal Record Check through NarpsUK<\/a> for \u00a365.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Two](\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/09\/IMG_6884.jpeg?w=1024\")
Alison McGrady\/Bonnie Walks<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nStep 4: Dog walking rules and regulations to check<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
NarpsUK<\/a> has lots of information on how to start a dog walking business, and they’re especially helpful when it comes to understanding the key rules and regulations.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSome of these rules include:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- meeting owners prior to the first booking<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- restricting the number of dogs walked to no more than four at a time<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- keeping records of all work undertaken<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- protecting clients\u2019 personal information<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- making sure all dogs in public are wearing a collar with the owner’s name and address on it<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- cleaning up faeces (if you don\u2019t do this, you could be fined up to \u00a31,000)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- if you\u2019re offering a dog boarding service too, you need a licence<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
You don\u2019t have to, but joining NarpsUK gives you access to lots of help and advice on setting up a dog walking business. Telling your clients you\u2019re a member can also give them peace of mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 5: Get dog walking insurance <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Dog owners put you in charge of their pets, which means they expect you to be careful and reliable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Getting a tailored dog walking insurance policy<\/a> policy can help you show clients that you’re serious about your work. We explain more about business insurance<\/a> at the end of this guide.<\/p>\n\n\n\nStep 6: Work out how much you’re going to charge<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The average cost of dog walking is \u00a310-\u00a320 per hour, per dog, according to dog walking service Bark<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re walking more than one dog at once, this means you could earn a significant amount. But these rates can fluctuate depending on your business overheads, the number of dogs you take per walk, and the number of hours you walk per day. Also be prepared to negotiate on price with your clients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rates can also vary by location, and the nature of the business means that there is no set rate you should be charging. Research here is key \u2013 find out what similar businesses are charging by calling them and setting your rates accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When you’re just starting out, you might consider offering introductory rates to drive new business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 7: Get the right transport<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
While you could use public transport to get you and the dogs around (for instance, if you live in a well-connected city), it\u2019s much easier if you have your own vehicle \u2013 especially if you don\u2019t live near spaces where you can take them for a walk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 8: Write a dog walking service agreement<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Having a written agreement between you and your clients is a good idea as it can protect your business if there are any disagreements or disputes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your agreement should include a summary of the service and your responsibilities, including how much the client is paying you and when and how far the walks will be. You can also include details about the dog and whether it has any specific needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/09\/IMG_5829-1.jpeg?w=1024\")
Alison McGrady\/Bonnie Walks<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nStep 9: Market your dog walking business <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
There are a number of ways you can advertise your dog walking business. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Social media<\/strong> \u2013 do you know your TikTok from your Instagram? Videos can be especially powerful for dog walkers, because you get to share cute stories from your walks. Having a social media presence<\/a> across a few platforms can help you reach a large number of clients.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAlison recommends keeping things personal and local when advertising your dog walking business on social media. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy first post was all about my reason for starting my dog walking business (I struggled to find a dog walker who would take my reactive rescue dog). I then joined all of the local Facebook groups and shared my page in them all multiple times.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Set up a business website<\/strong> \u2013 it\u2019s important to have an online presence \u2013 have a look at our best website builders guide<\/a> to get started on creating your business website. <\/p>\n\n\n\nCollect testimonials<\/strong> \u2013 testimonials from existing clients give you an edge, wherever you choose to use them \u2013 you can add them on your website, social media account, and flyers. To collect testimonials, hand out comment cards, ask for comments online<\/a>, or just gather them in person. <\/p>\n\n\n\nAsk for referrals<\/strong> \u2013 referrals are one of the most powerful ways to grow a business \u2013 a global Nielsen report <\/a>found 92 per cent of people trust recommendations from family or friends more than advertising. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\u201cWorld of mouth is one of the best ways to promote your services,\u201d says Alison. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Find a niche<\/strong> \u2013 a niche or gap in the market<\/a> could help your business stand out from the crowd. Are there any similar businesses in your area, and why will yours be better? Could you focus on particular breeds? Do market research and consider offering other services, such as pet grooming<\/a>, to help win business. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\u201cMake friends with the other dog walkers in your area,\u201d Alison recommends. \u201cSo if one person doesn\u2019t offer that service or doesn\u2019t have the space available, you can pass them over to each other.\u201d
Focus on <\/strong>customer service<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 listen to the needs of your clients, give a highly personal service, and deal with any issues promptly. Always keep in mind that your clients\u2019 pets are treasured members of their family.<\/p>\n\n\n\nStep 10: Keep on top of the day-to-day running of your business<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Dog walking might not seem like a business in the traditional sense, but it\u2019s still a business. You have to keep on top of running it, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- going self-employed<\/a> in the first place, from registering with HMRC to choosing a legal structure<\/a> for your business<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- keeping accurate records and filing your Self Assessment tax return<\/a> on time each year<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- your small business accounting<\/a> and setting up a business bank account<\/a> to keep your personal finances separate<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- keep a business budget<\/a> and track your income and expenses<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- to grow your business and get your name out there, you should market yourself \u2013 network with your clients and other businesses who may be interested in working with you. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Do I need dog walking insurance?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
As mentioned above, you should think about dog walking insurance<\/a> when setting up your dog walking business.<\/p>\n\n\n\nA comprehensive dog walking business insurance policy can protect you in case something goes wrong. With us you can combine the covers you need into one policy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some key covers to consider:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- public liability insurance<\/strong><\/a> can cover you if you cause damage to third party property, or injure a member of the public<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- employers’ liability insurance<\/strong><\/a> is usually a legal requirement if you have employees<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- business equipment cover<\/strong><\/a> covers any expensive equipment you use for your business (whether that’s a laptop or something more specific)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- business legal protection<\/strong><\/a> covers legal expenses or prosecution fees for situations like employment tribunals or civil actions brought under the Data Protection Act<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- personal accident insurance<\/strong><\/a> can pay compensation for accidental injury or even death<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\n
Becoming a dog walker: five key takeaways <\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- manage your business \u2013<\/strong> handle your tax, record-keeping, and finances\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- plan and prepare \u2013<\/strong> develop a business plan, dog walker training, and get a DBS check<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- legal and insurance \u2013<\/strong> follow NarpsUK\u2019s regulation and get specific dog walking insurance<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- pricing and logistics \u2013<\/strong> set competitive fees, arrange transport, and establish clear client agreements<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- market yourself \u2013<\/strong> promote your services online and through referrals, focusing on excellent customer service<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
More guides for small business owners<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n- How to start a dog grooming business<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 7 of the best business loans compared<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Self-employed business ideas in the UK<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Is business insurance a legal requirement?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\n
Insure your dog walking business<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
You can build a tailored dog walking insurance<\/a> policy choosing from a range of expert cover options, starting with public liability insurance<\/a>. Run a quick quote to get started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to start a dog walking business<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Going self-employed and starting your own business gives you the freedom to be your own boss and choose which furry clients you want to work with. But the cliche is true \u2013 you have to put in the work to get the rewards. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cStarting out is the hardest part,\u201d says Alison McGrady, owner of Bonnie Walks. \u201cThere\u2019s a lot to think about \u2013 insurance and licences, for instance.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe biggest challenge I had was trying to get enough clients to be financially stable, as I only offer solo dog walks, mostly for rescue dogs or dogs that aren\u2019t too social. I found a part-time job driving a local daycare\u2019s clients home so I had a stable income while I built up my own clientele.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s what you should do when starting a dog walking business:<\/p>\n\n\n\n You don\u2019t need training or qualifications to become a dog walker, but having them can give you more credibility when building your client base. It can make your business appear more professional when you mention your qualifications in your marketing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But most importantly, you\u2019ll have the confidence that you\u2019re offering a great service and that you can really look after the animals in your care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Animal first aid, animal behaviour, and animal care are just some of the training and qualifications you can add to your CV.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These City and Guilds qualifications<\/strong><\/a> are offered in colleges and centres across the country:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Other highly rated courses include the Think Dog! certificate<\/a> and the programmes available at trade association NarpsUK<\/a>(National Association of Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers) and Compass<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Writing a business plan before you start out helps you identify the opportunity, your competitors, and how you\u2019ll actually run your business. Doing this at the beginning of the process lets you answer all the necessary questions and tackle any potential problems early. You might also decide to offer dog grooming services<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou need to decide what kind of dog walker you want to be,\u201d says Alison. \u201cDo you want to do solo walks or group walks, for instance, and what does this mean for your business?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read more about writing a business plan<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re holding a dog owner\u2019s keys and going into their house, you’ll need a Criminal Record Check. For jobs in England and Wales you can request a basic Disclosure and Barring Service check<\/a> for \u00a323.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There\u2019s a different application process if your business is in Northern Ireland or Scotland. You’ll need to have lived at your current address for more than a year to apply online with Disclosure Scotland<\/a> for a Basic Disclosure, which costs \u00a325. While for AccessNI<\/a>, a basic check costs \u00a318.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019ve lived at your address for under a year, you can apply for a Criminal Record Check through NarpsUK<\/a> for \u00a365.<\/p>\n\n\n\n NarpsUK<\/a> has lots of information on how to start a dog walking business, and they’re especially helpful when it comes to understanding the key rules and regulations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some of these rules include:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n You don\u2019t have to, but joining NarpsUK gives you access to lots of help and advice on setting up a dog walking business. Telling your clients you\u2019re a member can also give them peace of mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dog owners put you in charge of their pets, which means they expect you to be careful and reliable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Getting a tailored dog walking insurance policy<\/a> policy can help you show clients that you’re serious about your work. We explain more about business insurance<\/a> at the end of this guide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The average cost of dog walking is \u00a310-\u00a320 per hour, per dog, according to dog walking service Bark<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re walking more than one dog at once, this means you could earn a significant amount. But these rates can fluctuate depending on your business overheads, the number of dogs you take per walk, and the number of hours you walk per day. Also be prepared to negotiate on price with your clients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rates can also vary by location, and the nature of the business means that there is no set rate you should be charging. Research here is key \u2013 find out what similar businesses are charging by calling them and setting your rates accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you’re just starting out, you might consider offering introductory rates to drive new business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While you could use public transport to get you and the dogs around (for instance, if you live in a well-connected city), it\u2019s much easier if you have your own vehicle \u2013 especially if you don\u2019t live near spaces where you can take them for a walk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Having a written agreement between you and your clients is a good idea as it can protect your business if there are any disagreements or disputes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your agreement should include a summary of the service and your responsibilities, including how much the client is paying you and when and how far the walks will be. You can also include details about the dog and whether it has any specific needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are a number of ways you can advertise your dog walking business. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Social media<\/strong> \u2013 do you know your TikTok from your Instagram? Videos can be especially powerful for dog walkers, because you get to share cute stories from your walks. Having a social media presence<\/a> across a few platforms can help you reach a large number of clients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Alison recommends keeping things personal and local when advertising your dog walking business on social media. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMy first post was all about my reason for starting my dog walking business (I struggled to find a dog walker who would take my reactive rescue dog). I then joined all of the local Facebook groups and shared my page in them all multiple times.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Set up a business website<\/strong> \u2013 it\u2019s important to have an online presence \u2013 have a look at our best website builders guide<\/a> to get started on creating your business website. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Collect testimonials<\/strong> \u2013 testimonials from existing clients give you an edge, wherever you choose to use them \u2013 you can add them on your website, social media account, and flyers. To collect testimonials, hand out comment cards, ask for comments online<\/a>, or just gather them in person. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Ask for referrals<\/strong> \u2013 referrals are one of the most powerful ways to grow a business \u2013 a global Nielsen report <\/a>found 92 per cent of people trust recommendations from family or friends more than advertising. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWorld of mouth is one of the best ways to promote your services,\u201d says Alison. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Find a niche<\/strong> \u2013 a niche or gap in the market<\/a> could help your business stand out from the crowd. Are there any similar businesses in your area, and why will yours be better? Could you focus on particular breeds? Do market research and consider offering other services, such as pet grooming<\/a>, to help win business. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMake friends with the other dog walkers in your area,\u201d Alison recommends. \u201cSo if one person doesn\u2019t offer that service or doesn\u2019t have the space available, you can pass them over to each other.\u201d Dog walking might not seem like a business in the traditional sense, but it\u2019s still a business. You have to keep on top of running it, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n As mentioned above, you should think about dog walking insurance<\/a> when setting up your dog walking business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A comprehensive dog walking business insurance policy can protect you in case something goes wrong. With us you can combine the covers you need into one policy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some key covers to consider:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n You can build a tailored dog walking insurance<\/a> policy choosing from a range of expert cover options, starting with public liability insurance<\/a>. Run a quick quote to get started.<\/p>\n\n\n\nStep 1: Dog walking training and qualifications to consider<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
Step 2: Write a dog walking business plan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Step 3: Explore DBS checks for dog walkers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Step 4: Dog walking rules and regulations to check<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
Step 5: Get dog walking insurance <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Step 6: Work out how much you’re going to charge<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Step 7: Get the right transport<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Step 8: Write a dog walking service agreement<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Step 9: Market your dog walking business <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Focus on <\/strong>customer service<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 listen to the needs of your clients, give a highly personal service, and deal with any issues promptly. Always keep in mind that your clients\u2019 pets are treasured members of their family.<\/p>\n\n\n\nStep 10: Keep on top of the day-to-day running of your business<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
Do I need dog walking insurance?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Becoming a dog walker: five key takeaways <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
More guides for small business owners<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Insure your dog walking business<\/h3>\n\n\n\n