Dog walking has become a popular sideline or even a main hustle for many people in recent years. It makes perfect sense, after all, dogs always need a walk. Starting a dog walking business can be both straightforward and inexpensive which is a huge advantage.
It is one of those jobs where you have the best of both worlds. You can work from home, be your own boss, get some exercise, and fresh air, and deal with dogs instead of humans. What’s not to like?
If you are currently looking to start up a dog walking business, our guide should provide valuable food for thought.
Getting Started as a Dog Walker
Do you love those four legged bundles of energy? Great, you are already halfway there then!
Of course, there are some other considerations to take into account. It takes a certain skill set to run your own business. You need to be comfortable spending time on your own (unless you have an assistant).
Dog Walker Attributes
It takes a specific type of person to enjoy dog walking and having the following attributes help.
- Enjoy long walks, whatever the weather.
- Be confident around dogs.
- Some experience of dog behaviour is best.
- Have the patience to support any dog training.
- Show compassion and kindness.
Dog Walker Skills
Some practical skills will benefit aspiring dog walkers and we share some of these below.
- You should have good customer service skills.
- Be reliable, show up on time and fulfil your commitments.
- Possess good communication skills.
- Have a good business head.
- Have some knowledge of the accounts side.
See Also: How to start a business with no money – for ideas and inspiration on low cost business start ups.
Do You Need Training & Qualifications?
You do not need any formal training or qualifications to begin a dog walking business. That being said, it can help you build a better reputation.
Having relevant training may well set you apart from other local dog walking businesses. Also, it is important to have some knowledge of canine behaviour. Sometimes, experience is just as valuable as qualifications. If you are a dog owner yourself, then you will already know a great deal about their needs. This is often very reassuring to people needing to find a good and honest dog walker.
There are online training courses centred around understanding dogs and their traits. Completing a few of these can only add to your unique selling point. You could even venture into other niche areas such as dog grooming and boarding.
Dog Walking Business Laws
To operate a dog walking business, there are no business laws or regulations to follow as such. However, you need to be mindful of any rules your local parks and green spaces have concerning dog owners.
Having a business that is solely for dog walking is fairly problem free when it comes to regulations. There are no universal business laws that need to be applied or followed. All you need is the physical stamina, passion, and love for dogs.
Dog Boarding Regulations
You will need to begin looking at business laws if you intend to also offer dog boarding as part of your service.
Dog boarding means you will be caring for dogs on your premises for an extended period. This might be in the form of purpose built kennels or simply having a dog in your home from time to time. Either way, it is important to find out what is needed for this. There were new dog boarding business regulations, introduced in October 2018, for English businesses.
- Public Liability Insurance as required by Local Authority.
- Employer’s Liability Insurance if applicable.
- You need to obtain an Animal Activities Licence (AAL) from the Local Authority.
- Dog boarders are given a rating now too.
Business Insurance
You do not need business insurance to walk dogs but it is very highly recommended nonetheless. You do, however, need insurance if you have employees, even if they are volunteers.
Dogs can be unpredictable at times and incidents can occur. You will feel much more reassured if you have insurance to cover such events. Even the sweetest natured dog might be triggered by something outside your control. To protect your business, you should take out Public Liability insurance.
Working alongside staff, even if they are unpaid, means you legally need to have Employer’s Liability Insurance. This protects them as well as you, which could potentially save you thousands of pounds in the long run.
DBS Checks
While it is in no way a legal requirement, you can get yourself a Basic DBS Check for your dog walking business.
It is highly likely you’ll be trusted to pick up and drop off dogs in other peoples’ homes. For this reason, having a Basic DBS Check goes a long way in validating your trustworthiness. With dog theft at an all time high, this extra show of professionalism can help build our business.
Do You Need a Van to Start a Dog Walking Business?
Having a van for your dog walking business can add flexibility to your business in terms of locations. It isn’t a necessary expense though, especially at the start.
In the interim, you might find you can get enough interest from your immediate local area. If this is the case, then you may not even need a van. This is more the case if you do this part time alongside another income.
If, however, dog walking is your full time business, it makes sense to add a van to your box of tricks. As well as offering personal pick ups and drop offs, you can also use your van as an advertising tool. Driving your van around your local town is a sure fire way to get your name out there.
It also depends largely on the area you wish to cover and how many dogs you plan to walk at any given time. If you do make the purchase, be sure to take out business vehicle insurance.
How Many Dogs Can I Legally Walk At Once?
There is not an agreed maximum number of dogs that can be walked at once here in the UK. It differs and comes down to your local council.
Before you start accepting business, it is sensible to check if your council stipulates a maximum number. Some local authorities cap dog walkers at 4 dogs per individual, others may consider 8. It depends largely on what you are comfortable with too. Often, the size and overall temperament of the dog play a part in this decision.
It is very important to adhere to the rules in your town though. Failure to do so could result in a hefty fine.
How to Work Out What to Charge
One of the biggest things to get right when starting a new business is what to charge. Too much and people might be put off, too little and you will be underselling your services.
Getting this decision right from the start is very important so spend a lot of time working this out. Your best bet is to research dog walkers in your area and as much as possible, match their prices. Ideally, you don’t want to charge more as this may put people off. Of course, you may have unique selling points and feel justified in charging more than the average.
Sometimes, going in slightly under your local average can work well in boosting interest. This could be an introductory offer for the first few who sign up for the first month.
Statistics produced in 2022 suggest that the average cost of a dog walk has increased by 22%. Since the pandemic, there are more dog owners than ever before in the UK. This means dog walkers now are in high demand as people go back to the office.
The average price for a 45 – 60 minutes dog walk is £14.40 although these prices will be higher in London.
Dog Walking Business Risks
Walking dogs for a living sounds like an idyllic job and for many, it is. Like any other form of employment though, it doesn’t come without its risks.
1. Dealing With Emergencies
You may, at some point, be faced with an unexpected incident such as an accident with a dog. They might run off, refuse to come back, stumble upon a reactive dog or hurt themselves. You do need to be prepared for a certain amount of unpredictability as a dog walker.
2. Dog Poaching
Dog poaching has become more and more common in recent times. This is due, in part, to the sheer number of households who own dogs. You need to be on your guard when out walking, especially if dogs are permitted off the lead.
3. Business Sustainability
Self-employment always comes with some risks and is no different for a dog walking business. It is important to have some money set aside until the business takes off. Most businesses lose money in the first year or so, this is common.
Pros Of Dog Walking
Time to balance things up with some of the positives of becoming a dog walker and there are plenty.
- Walking every day keeps you fit.
- Being outside is great for mental health.
- Being around dogs is rewarding.
- Being your own boss offers flexibility.
- You can choose your hours and rates.
- Potential to meet new friends.
- Easy to set up.
- No immediate start up costs.
- Demand for dog walkers is high.
It’s A Nod And A Wag From Us …
The pandemic caused a huge surge in the sale of dogs. Now that we have entered a new normal, people are returning to work.
This means dogs are being left alone during the day so hiring a reliable dog walker is a must. There has never been a better time to get out there and advertise your dog walking services.
