
How Much Do Dog Walkers Make?
Find out how much dog walkers earn in the UK, what skills you need, pros and cons, training, income levels and top platforms to work for.
How Much Do Dog Walkers Make? Career Overview, Income, and Training Guide
Dog walking has grown into a flexible and rewarding career for animal lovers. Whether as a full-time profession or side hustle, it offers independence, time outdoors, and the chance to work with pets every day. But how much can you actually earn—and what’s involved in getting started?
This guide breaks down the job of a dog walker, required traits, training, salary levels, tax, and the top companies to work with.
Job Description: What Does a Dog Walker Do?
Dog walkers provide regular exercise and care for clients’ dogs, often while their owners are at work or away. Walks may be one-on-one or in small groups, and services may include basic care tasks like feeding or administering medication.
Responsibilities:
Collecting and safely transporting dogs
Walking dogs in appropriate locations
Ensuring dogs are socialised and under control
Picking up waste and keeping dogs clean
Communicating with pet owners about health or behaviour
Managing multiple dogs on group walks
Handling bookings, payments, and customer service if self-employed
How Hard Is It to Become a Dog Walker?
It’s relatively easy to get started, with no formal qualifications required. However, competition can be high in urban areas, and building a reputation takes time. You’ll need to be trustworthy, reliable, and physically fit enough to handle dogs of various sizes and energy levels.
Getting insurance, pet first aid knowledge, and business systems in place is key if you’re going self-employed.
Traits and Characteristics You Need
Love for animals—especially dogs of all types
Physical stamina—long walks in all weather
Confidence handling different breeds and behaviours
Time management—multiple walks per day
Responsibility and trustworthiness
Communication skills—to build trust with clients
Basic admin or business sense if self-employed
Do You Need Qualifications?
No formal study is required, but the following help:
Canine first aid training
Basic animal behaviour or care certificates (City & Guilds, iPET Network)
Insurance – Public liability, pet cover, key cover
DBS check – Shows clients you’re trustworthy
Pet business registration – For tax and HMRC purposes
Training can be completed in a few weeks online or in-person. Experience with your own or others’ dogs is often enough to get started.
Are There Levels or Specialisations?
Standard Roles:
Solo Dog Walker – One client’s dog at a time
Group Dog Walker – Multiple dogs, higher earning potential
Dog Daycare Walker – Walks as part of longer care sessions
Pet Sitter / House Sitter – Offers overnight stays
Dog Trainer-Walker – Incorporates behaviour support
With time, some dog walkers grow into:
Dog walking business owners
Franchise operators (e.g. Petpals, We Love Pets)
Pet taxi services or dog grooming add-ons
What Experience Do You Need?
Experience with dogs (voluntary or personal) is usually enough to start.
Volunteering at a rescue or shelter
Dog-sitting for friends or neighbours
Shadowing an experienced walker
Training courses or canine handling workshops
Reputation is everything—testimonials, photos, and regular client feedback help build your profile.
Benefits of Being a Dog Walker
Flexible hours – Great for part-time or freelance work
Active, outdoor job
Work with animals every day
Low start-up costs
High demand, especially in cities or commuter areas
Easy to grow through word of mouth or local marketing
Can scale into a business if desired
Drawbacks and Negatives
Unpredictable weather—rain or shine, dogs need walking
Variable income—client cancellations affect cash flow
Physical wear—long walks, strong dogs
No guaranteed hours—especially early on
Managing multiple dogs safely can be stressful
Requires self-motivation—especially if working alone
Dog Walker Salary UK
Dog walkers typically charge per walk, often for 30–60 minutes. Rates vary by location and group size.
Solo Walk (30–60m): £10 – £18 per dog
Group Walk: £12 – £15 per dog
Daycare Add-on: £30 – £45
Annual Earnings:
Part-time (10 walks/week): £6,000 – £10,000
Full-time (3–4 walks/day): £18,000 – £30,000
High-demand areas (London): Up to £35,000+
Tax Example:
A self-employed dog walker earning £28,000/year would pay:
Income Tax: approx. £2,686
National Insurance (Class 2 + 4): approx. £1,870
Take-home pay: approx. £23,400/year or £450/week
Expenses like fuel, treats, insurance, poop bags, and advertising reduce taxable income.
What Factors Affect a Dog Walker’s Salary?
Location – London, Surrey, Edinburgh = higher rates
Number of dogs per walk – More dogs = more income per hour
Specialisation – Behavioural support or training can raise fees
Reliability and reputation – More referrals = full schedule
Daycare or pet-sitting add-ons
Time of day / weekends – Premiums for late or off-peak slots
Online presence – Profiles on platforms like Rover or Tailster help boost reach
What’s the Future for This Role?
Pet ownership continues to rise, especially after the pandemic. People working longer hours and hybrid jobs means demand for trusted, flexible dog walkers remains strong.
Future trends include:
App-based bookings and GPS tracking
Insurance and DBS-verified platforms becoming standard
Clients preferring walkers with first aid or training experience
Rise of dog walking franchises offering training, branding, and leads
Best Companies and Platforms to Work With
If you don’t want to go fully independent, these are great starting points:
Rover UK – Trusted platform with app, insurance, and reviews
Tailster – Bookings + customer support
Bark – Freelancers can advertise locally
Petpals / We Love Pets – Franchises offering support and brand recognition
Pawshake – Pet sitters and dog walkers with client messaging built-in
DogBuddy – Local dog walking app with strong community
Final Thought
Dog walking is a low-barrier, high-satisfaction job for anyone who loves animals and enjoys the outdoors. While the pay varies and weather isn’t always kind, the job offers freedom, simplicity, and a real connection with pets and people. With a little hustle and care, it can grow into a reliable, flexible income or even a full-fledged business.