How to Start a Dog Walking Business

If you’ve ever thought, “How can I start a dog walking business?” you’re not alone. With pet ownership rising and people busier than ever, reliable dog walkers are in high demand. Whether you’re dreaming of turning your love for dogs into a full-time business or looking for a rewarding side hustle, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to set up a dog walking business.

Why Start a Dog Walking Business?

Running a dog walking business can be incredibly fulfilling. You get to spend time outdoors, enjoy the company of dogs, and help pet owners balance their busy schedules. It also offers flexibility - you can start small, grow at your own pace, and shape the business around your lifestyle.

Aside from the joy of working with animals, dog walking can be a solid income stream with relatively low start-up costs compared to other businesses.

Step 1: Research and Plan

Before you lace up your walking shoes, take time to plan your business.

Understand Your Market

Start by researching your local area. Is there a demand for dog walkers where you live? What are other businesses charging? What services do they offer?

You might find that certain areas are saturated, while others have room for new walkers.

Define Your Services

Decide what you’ll offer beyond standard walks. Some dog walkers also provide puppy visits, pet sitting, or group walks. Consider the type of dogs you’re comfortable handling and the number you can walk safely at one time.

Set Goals

Think about what success looks like for you. Do you want to build a small, solo operation or eventually hire staff and expand? Having clear goals will help you make better business decisions later.

Step 2: Research Licenses and Regulations

Regulations for pet-related businesses vary depending on where you live.

Before starting, check with your local authority, state, or regional government to understand what’s required.

You may need:

• A business license or permit to operate legally

• Insurance that covers accidents, injuries, or property damage

• Contracts or waivers for clients to sign

• Pet first aid training or certifications (often recommended)

  
  

It’s always best to confirm these details directly with your local authority to avoid any issues later.

Step 3: Choose a Business Name and Structure

Pick a name that reflects your personality and love for animals. Something simple, memorable, and easy to spell works best.

Next, decide how you’ll register your business. This could be as a sole proprietor, limited company, or another legal structure depending on local rules. Research what each option means for taxes, liability, and paperwork before making your choice.

Step 4: Get Insured

Insurance is essential in a dog walking business. It protects both you and your clients if something unexpected happens, such as an accident during a walk or a lost key.

Look for policies that cover:

• Public liability

• Care, custody, and control of animals

• Lost keys or property damage

• Personal injury

  
  

If you plan to hire staff later, you’ll also need insurance that covers employees.

Step 5: Organize Your Finances

Even if you’re starting small, treat your business professionally from day one.

• Open a separate business bank account

• Track all income and expenses

• Create invoices and keep records for tax time

• Use invoicing software like Pet Sitter Plus, or hire a bookkeeper to stay organized

  
  

Setting up good financial habits early will save you time and stress as your business grows.

Step 6: Create a Pricing Structure

Pricing can be tricky when you first start. Research local rates and decide what makes sense for your area, experience level, and services offered.

Typical pricing models include:

• Per walk (e.g., 30 or 60 minutes)

• Per pet (charging extra for multiple dogs)

• Packages (discounts for weekly bookings)

  
  

Don’t undervalue your time. Clients are paying for reliability, trust, and care - not just a walk.

Step 7: Prepare Your Equipment

You don’t need a huge investment to get started, but you’ll want to be prepared and professional.

Here’s a checklist of essentials:

• Spare leashes, harnesses, and poop bags

• Water bottles and travel bowls

• Dog treats (with owner permission and having checked for allergies)

• First aid kit

• Weather-appropriate clothing

• Secure key management system

  
  

If you’re transporting dogs, make sure your vehicle is safe and properly fitted for animals.

Step 8: Set Up Your Scheduling and Admin Tools

As your client base grows, managing bookings, payments, and client information can become time-consuming.

Using a dedicated pet sitting and dog walking software like Pet Sitter Plus can help streamline everything - from scheduling and route planning to invoicing and communication.

Reliable systems help you stay organized and give your business a professional edge.

Step 9: Build Trust with Clients

When it comes to hiring a dog walker, trust is everything. Clients are handing over the care of their pets and often their house keys too.

You can build confidence by:

• Meeting pets and owners before the first walk

• Being punctual and dependable

• Sending updates and photos during walks

• Keeping communication friendly and professional

  
  

Collect testimonials and reviews early on - they’re one of the best ways to attract new clients.

Step 10: Market Your Dog Walking Business

Once you’re ready to launch, it’s time to spread the word.

Start Local

• Create flyers or business cards and leave them in pet shops, vets, and cafes

• Connect with local Facebook or community groups

• Partner with other pet businesses for referrals

  
  

Build an Online Presence

A simple website or social media profile can make a huge difference. Include:

• Your services and prices

• Contact details

• Client testimonials

• Photos of happy dogs on walks (with owner permission)

  
  

Consistency and professionalism go a long way when building your reputation.

Step 11: Keep Learning and Growing

The pet care industry is always evolving. Take opportunities to learn about dog behavior, training, first aid, and business management. Expanding your knowledge helps you provide a better service and sets you apart from competitors.

As your business grows, consider:

• Hiring additional walkers

• Expanding to include pet sitting or boarding

• Offering add-on services like training or grooming

Your Dog Walking Journey Starts Here

Learning how to start a dog walking business takes planning, patience, and passion - but it’s one of the most rewarding careers you can build. You’ll make a difference in the lives of pets and their owners while enjoying the freedom of running your own business.

So if you’ve been wondering how do you start a dog walking business or how to set up a dog walking business, the answer is simple: start small, stay professional, and keep learning.

Once you’re ready to take that next step, having the right tools in place makes all the difference.

Pet Sitter Plus is professional pet sitting and dog walking software designed to help you save time, stay organized, and grow your business with confidence.

From scheduling and client communication to payments and reporting, everything you need is in one easy-to-use system.

Start your free 30-day trial of Pet Sitter Plus today and discover how our software can make your life easier and elevate your dog walking business.