How to Start a Dog Walking Business (and Pet Sitting): Steps, Insurance, Pricing and Getting Clients

To start a dog walking business: register your business, get pet care insurance (and bonding), define services and prices (solo walks, group walks, pet sitting, drop-ins), use contracts and meet-and-greets, follow safety rules (leads, harnesses, group limits, local regulations), use a booking app with reminders and walk reports, and win clients through neighbourhood marketing, Google, Nextdoor and vet/groomer referrals.

Steps

1. Register the business and check local licensing (some cities require dog walker permits, especially for parks)
2. Insurance: pet care liability, care-custody-control, bonding; check UK/EU-specific cover where relevant
3. Training: pet first aid, dog behaviour basics
4. Services: 30/60-minute walks, group walks (follow limits), puppy visits, pet sitting, overnight stays
5. Pricing: by duration, number of dogs, frequency and location; holiday surcharges
6. Contracts: services, cancellations, emergency vet authorisation, key handling
7. Meet-and-greet before the first walk
8. Safety: secure equipment, no off-lead without permission, heat/cold rules, vaccinations
9. Booking app with GPS walk reports, photos, invoicing and reminders (see How to make a booking website)
10. Marketing: Google Business Profile, Nextdoor, flyers at vets and pet shops, reviews, referral discounts

Starting young (e.g., at 13 in the UK)

Teenagers can start small with neighbours' dogs, with parental involvement, clear agreements, appropriate dog sizes and walking only where safe. Formal business registration and insurance may require an adult; check local rules.

Grow

Hire walkers, add pet sitting and dog daycare (see How to start a dog boarding business), and build recurring weekday routes.

Frequently asked questions

How do I start a dog walking business?

Register the business, get insurance, set services and prices, use contracts and meet-and-greets, follow safety rules, use a booking app and market locally.

Do I need insurance to walk dogs?

Strongly recommended; pet care liability insurance protects you if a dog is injured or causes damage.

How much should I charge for dog walking?

Base prices on local rates, walk length, number of dogs and frequency; add holiday and short-notice surcharges.

Do dog walkers need a licence?

Some cities require permits, especially for group walking in parks; check local rules.

Can a teenager start a dog walking business?

Yes, informally with parental supervision and clear agreements; formal registration may require an adult.

How do dog walkers find clients?

Neighbourhood flyers, Nextdoor, Google, referrals from vets and groomers, and word of mouth.