Dog Walker Earnings – What You Can Really Make
If you love dogs and enjoy being on the go, you might wonder how much money you can pull in as a dog walker. The answer isn’t a single number – it depends on where you work, how many pups you walk, and the rates you set. Below we break down the main pieces that shape your earnings and give you quick tips to raise your income.
How Rates Are Calculated
Most walkers charge per walk, per hour, or per dog. In busy cities like London, a 30‑minute walk for one dog often costs £15‑£20. In smaller towns the price drops to £10‑£12. If you add extra dogs, many walkers add a £3‑£5 surcharge per additional pup. Some owners prefer a flat hourly rate – usually £25‑£35 for a full hour of walking two or three dogs.
When you set your price, think about three things: travel time, your experience, and the services you include. Walking a dog in a park far from your home costs you fuel, so add a small mileage fee. If you have certifications or years of experience, charge a premium. Offering add‑ons like poop bag service, quick fetch play, or a short training session can also bump the rate.
Boosting Your Income
One of the fastest ways to earn more is to increase the number of walks per day. Schedule back‑to‑back walks in the same area to cut travel time. Many walkers find that a five‑hour day with three half‑hour walks each hour can net £300‑£400, especially when they have repeat clients.
Upsell services. Clients love extra goodies: a quick brush, a short training tip, or a photo update after the walk. Charge a small fee for each add‑on, and you’ll see the total rise without adding extra walking time.
Join a reputable platform or local dog‑walking group. Platforms often bring in new customers and handle payment, but they take a 10‑20% cut. Weigh the convenience against the fee – many walkers keep a lower rate on the platform and charge a higher cash rate to direct clients.
Consider group walks. Walking two small dogs together can be billed as a single walk at a slightly higher price than a solo walk, but you still only need to be out for one half‑hour. Just make sure the dogs get along and the owners approve.
Finally, keep an eye on seasonal demand. Summer holidays, school breaks, and rainy days often see a spike in bookings. Raise your rates a bit during these peak times or require a minimum booking length.
Bottom line: Dog walker earnings are flexible. With a solid base rate, smart add‑ons, and efficient scheduling, you can turn a hobby into a steady side‑hustle or a full‑time gig. Start by tracking each walk, the time spent, and the money earned. Adjust rates based on the data and watch your income grow.
Do Dog Walkers Make Good Money? Real Earnings & Tips for Success
Posted By Bryndle Redding On 14 Jul 2025 Comments (0)
Ever wondered if dog walking pays the bills? Dive into what dog walkers really make, clever tips, and what it takes to turn dog walking into a thriving business.
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