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Curious about how to become a professional dog walker? This guide covers everything you need to know about starting your dog walking business, from licenses and insurance to setting your rates.
We’ll explain how to become a dog walker, the costs involved, and whether you need a license for dog walking in the UK.
How to become a professional dog walker
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For those wondering how to become a dog walker, the steps are simple but require dedication. If you love dogs, running your own pet walking business can be fun and rewarding – you get to meet new dogs all the time, enjoy walks in the fresh air, and get paid to spend time with animals.
It's also possible to combine a dog walking business with other pet businesses, such as pet sitting and grooming too.
Experience around dogs is essential. If you’ve never worked with animals professionally, it’s a good idea to volunteer in an animal shelter where you can get experience with different types of dogs and engage with many animals at once.
At the very least, you should regularly walk your pets and those of your friends and family. You’ll probably need to be quite fit too, as you’ll spend a lot of time walking.
Be aware that different types of dogs have different walking requirements: smaller dogs might be happy with a shorter walk, whereas big dogs will need more strenuous exercise.
You'll probably need a car or a van to take your dogs to different routes.
What does it cost to become a dog walker?
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If you’re wondering how to become a dog walker, costs are an important factor. Starting a professional dog walking business can cost anywhere from £100 to over £1,000.
You'll need to pay for things like insurance, advertising and a vehicle. Researching startup costs will help you decide if becoming a dog walker is the right path for you.
Here are some costs to bear in mind when setting up your business:
Becoming a member of the National Association of Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers (Narps) - this is not compulsory, but a good idea, as it will give your customers confidence that you're part of an official organisation, plus they offer advice and help with running a dog walking business. Narps has three membership levels: Gold, Silver and Bronze.
CRB check - again, not necessary, but will reassure customers. Criminal record checks can be done online and cost around £30.
Advertising - it's a good idea to print flyers and business cards, which will cost you around £100, but shop around for deals.
Insurance - insurance is important for any dog walker. You'll need to consider public liability insurance in case someone claims that one of the dogs in your care injures someone or damages property. Liability claims can cost thousands of pounds.
Do you need a license for dog walking and what insurance is required?
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In the UK, you generally do not need a specific license for dog walking. However, obtaining dog walking insurance is essential. If you plan to become a professional dog walker, personal liability insurance is highly recommended, covering situations where a dog in your care may accidentally cause injury or damage property.
Claims against you by members of the public can cost thousands of pounds, so it's worth considering insurance.
It's also worth considering insurance for dogs in your care in case one of them gets lost or injured. You should also look at key cover in case you lose your client's keys and employer's liability insurance, which is a legal requirement if you have employees working for your business.
The cost of dog walking insurance can depend on the turnover of your pet business, the number of employees you have, and where in the UK your business is based, among other factors.
Are there any rules and regulations for dog-walking businesses?
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There aren’t many specific rules and regulations relating to dog-walking businesses. But Narps advises that dog walkers should always meet the owner before walking a dog for the first time, keep records of all dogs and payments, and always protect customer information.
You should also be aware of dog-walking legal requirements. It’s a legal requirement that all dogs wear a collar with their owner's name and address; dogs should never be ‘dangerously out of control’ in public places and must be on the lead at all times on roads. Blue Cross has a great round-up of UK dog laws.
Regulations also differ depending on where you live: it's a good idea to contact your local council to find out more about how many dogs you can walk in your local area.
How to promote a dog-walking business
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How do you name your dog-walking business and get yourself out there?
Because there are a lot of pet walking companies, choosing a quirky and memorable name is important. Think about what makes you and your company unique – maybe it’s the name of your pet, its breed or your street. Flyers and dog walking business cards are a good way to get your name out in the local area, as well as advertise your business in the local paper.
It’s a good idea to look into your local competition: find out the names and niches of the companies in your local area to see what’s out there and how you can make your business stand out.
It's also wise to use social media such as Facebook and X, as well as making your website to advertise your dog walking business.
How many dogs can I walk?
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Dog walkers typically walk around 13 dogs daily, but Narps suggests walking a maximum of 4 dogs at a time.
It's a good idea to check with your local authority if there are regulations on how many dogs you can walk in your area.
How do I register my dog walking business in the UK?
Most dog walkers will likely need to register as sole traders, which means that you are responsible for your finances and if the company makes a loss.
Sole traders need to register with HMRC, pay income tax on profits, and send a self-assessment tax return every year. The UK Government's advice page can advise you on how to register as a sole trader.
If you register as a limited company, the business finances are separate from your own, but you have more accounting and management responsibilities. To find out more, have a look at the UK Government's advice page here.
Toys and treats
Taking dog toys and treats on a walk can make your life much easier, but it's important to check with the owners which toys they are happy with you using and if their dog is allowed.
It's also a good idea to keep water and a first aid kit on you in case one of the dogs in your care gets hurt.
How do I become a dog walker or find dog walking jobs?
Wondering how to become a dog walker without starting a business?
Joining a dog-walking franchise may be a solution. Franchises like Petpals provide training, resources, and a client base, allowing you to focus on what you love—walking dogs—while the franchise manages the business side.
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