Love dogs? Want to be your own boss? Starting a dog walking business in the UK is one of the most rewarding ways to turn a passion into an income. It's low cost to set up, flexible around your lifestyle, and in high demand as more people return to the office after working from home.
Here's everything you need to know to get started.
1. Do Your Research
Before you start, get to know your local market. Are there already dog walkers in your area? What do they charge? What services do they offer — solo walks, group walks, drop-ins, or home boarding? Understanding the competition helps you find your niche and set competitive prices.
2. Get the Right Insurance
Public liability insurance is essential for any dog walker in the UK. If a dog in your care injures someone or causes damage, you could be held liable. Look for pet business insurance that covers public liability, care, custody and control of animals, and personal accident cover. Expect to pay around £100–£200 per year.
3. Check If You Need a Licence
If you plan to look after more than three dogs at a time, or offer home boarding, you may need a licence from your local council under the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) Regulations 2018. Check with your local authority to confirm what applies to you.
4. Set Your Prices
Dog walking rates in the UK typically range from £10–£20 per hour depending on your location, with London and the South East at the higher end. Consider offering packages — for example, five walks for the price of four — to encourage regular bookings and build a loyal client base.
5. Build Your Client Base
Word of mouth is powerful, but you'll need to actively market yourself when starting out. Here's how:
- Put up advertising posters in local vets, pet shops, community noticeboards, and supermarkets
- Create a simple Facebook page or Instagram account and post regularly
- Join local Facebook community groups and introduce yourself
- Ask friends and family to spread the word
- List yourself on dog walking platforms like Rover or Tailster
6. Create a Professional First Impression
A professional-looking flyer or poster makes a huge difference when you're starting out. It signals that you're serious, trustworthy, and organised — exactly what dog owners want to see before handing over their beloved pet.
Our printable dog walking advertising poster is an instant PDF download you can personalise with your name, contact details, and rates in minutes. Print as many copies as you need and get them out in your local area straight away.
7. Stay Organised from Day One
As your client list grows, staying organised becomes essential. You'll need to track bookings, client details, dog information (breed, vet, emergency contacts), and payments. Our Dog Walker & Pet Sitter Business Bundle includes everything you need — a weekly schedule, client tracker, booking sheet, dog profile forms, and more — all as instant printable PDFs.
8. Ask for Reviews
Once you have happy clients, ask them to leave you a Google review or recommend you in local Facebook groups. Social proof is one of the most powerful marketing tools available, and a handful of glowing reviews can transform your enquiry rate.
Ready to Get Started?
Starting a dog walking business doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. With the right preparation, a professional image, and a system to stay organised, you can build a thriving local business doing something you love.
Check out our printable business templates to get your dog walking business off to the best possible start. 🐾
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a licence to walk dogs in the UK?
For most dog walkers, no licence is required — but if you look after more than three dogs at a time, or offer home boarding, you may need a licence from your local council under the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) Regulations 2018. Always check with your local authority to confirm what applies in your area.
Do I need insurance to walk dogs in the UK?
Yes — public liability insurance is strongly recommended and considered essential by most professional dog walkers. If a dog in your care injures someone or causes damage to property, you could be held personally liable without it. Look for a policy that includes public liability, care custody and control, and personal accident cover.
How much do dog walkers charge in the UK?
Rates typically range from £10 to £20 per hour, depending on your location. Dog walkers in London and the South East tend to charge at the higher end. Group walks are usually cheaper per dog than solo walks. Many walkers also offer discounted packages for regular bookings.
How do I find my first dog walking clients?
Start local — put up flyers in vets, pet shops, and community noticeboards, and introduce yourself in local Facebook groups. Ask friends and family to spread the word, and consider listing yourself on platforms like Rover or Tailster. A professional-looking flyer makes a strong first impression and builds trust with potential clients.
Do I need to register as self-employed?
Yes — if you're running a dog walking business as a sole trader in the UK, you'll need to register as self-employed with HMRC and complete a Self Assessment tax return each year. You should do this as soon as you start earning, even if your income is below the tax threshold. Visit GOV.UK for full guidance on setting up as self-employed.
What do I need to keep track of as a dog walker?
You'll want to track bookings, client contact details, dog information (breed, vet details, emergency contacts, any medical needs), and payments. Staying organised from day one saves a lot of stress as your client list grows. Our Dog Walker & Pet Sitter Business Bundle includes printable templates for all of this — ready to print and use straight away.
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