Factsheet: Starting a Dog Walking Business

Side Hustle Type

Freelancing an Existing Skill - This side hustle involves providing a service based on your time and effort.

Quick Summary

Thinking of starting a dog walking business?

Here’s everything you need to know to get started, from initial costs to finding clients and maximizing your earnings.

With low start-up costs and flexible hours, this is the perfect side hustle for animal lovers.

1. Overview:

Starting a dog walking business is a great way to earn flexible income while spending time outdoors. Ideal for animal lovers, this hustle requires minimal upfront investment and is in high demand in urban and suburban areas.

Why Start a Dog Walking Business?

• Flexible hours that fit around family life.

• Low start-up costs compared to other businesses.

• High demand in urban and suburban areas.

• Great for people who enjoy being outdoors and staying active.

2. Initial Start-Up Costs:

• Insurance (Public Liability): £50–£100/year (Simply Business) – Protects you against potential accidents or damage.

• Marketing Materials: £20–£50 (e.g., flyers, posters) (Canva) – To attract local clients and increase visibility.

• Dog Leads & Accessories: £30–£50 (Pets at Home) – For safely walking dogs.

• DBS Check (if required): £18–£25 (UK Government DBS) – Provides client reassurance about your background.

Total Estimated Cost: £100–£200.

3. Training or Qualifications:

• Basic Dog First Aid: Consider a course like Dog First Aid Training.

• Local Guidelines: Check council rules for public parks and dog handling (Find Local Councils).

4. Rate of Pay:

• Dog Walking (1 dog/hour): £10–£15/hour.

• Group Walks (2–4 dogs/hour): £20–£30/hour.

• Additional Services (e.g., pet sitting): £10–£25/hour.

Earnings Potential:

• Full-Time Work (Approx. 40 Hours/Week):

  • Total Weekly Income: £625/week.

  • Total Annual Income: £32,500/year (before expenses).

• School-Hour Work (Approx. 20 Hours/Week):

  • Total Weekly Income: £312.50/week.

  • Total Annual Income: £16,250/year (before expenses).

5. How to Win Clients:

1. Start Local: Print flyers and place them in vet clinics, pet shops, and local coffee shops. Use Canva to create professional-looking materials.

2. Go Social: Share happy dog photos on Instagram with hashtags like #DogWalkerUK or #HappyPets. Learn more about Instagram Business.

3. Use Apps: Register on platforms like Rover or Tailster to find clients quickly.

6. Tools & Equipment Needed:

• Leashes and Collars: For safely walking dogs (Pets at Home).

• Poop Bags: To comply with local council regulations (Amazon Poop Bags).

• Portable Water Bowl: For hydration during long walks (Collapsible Bowls on Amazon).

• Marketing Tools: Flyers, posters, or a social media account (Canva).

7. Legal & Compliance:

• Register as Self-Employed: HMRC Self-Employment.

• Insurance: Simply Business Insurance.

• DBS Check: Request DBS Check.

8. Day-to-Day Operations:

• Scheduling Walks: Use an online calendar to manage appointments (Google Calendar or Acuity Scheduling).

• Customer Communication: Provide updates via WhatsApp or email (WhatsApp Business).

• Record Keeping: Use apps for income/expense tracking (QuickBooks or FreeAgent).

9. Challenges to Consider and Solutions:

• Weather Conditions: Invest in waterproof jackets, boots, and gloves to stay comfortable in all seasons.

• Difficult Clients: Have a clear policy for cancellations and behavior expectations.

• Dog Compatibility: Conduct trial walks to ensure compatibility with other dogs.

10. Tips for Success:

• Build trust by sending clients regular photo updates of their pets during walks.

• Offer a referral discount for existing clients who bring in new business.

• Use a simple app like Tailster to manage schedules, payments, and bookings all in one place.