How much should I charge for dog walking?
How much should I charge for dog walking?
How much to charge for dog walking
Deciding how much to charge for dog walking is crucial for your business' success. Charge too much, and you risk losing potential clients. Charge too little, and you shortchange yourself. Most dog walkers charge $20 to $30 per 30-minute walk or $30 to $60 per hour. Your dog walking rates may vary depending on your location and services.
| Charging method | Average rate | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Per walk (flat rate) | $10 – $35 | Best rate for quick visits or single service events |
| Per half-hour | $20 – $30 | Most suitable for typical dog walking outings |
| Per hour | $30 – $60 | Ideal for longer walks or families with multiple dogs. |
| Per month | $280 – $360 | Discounted price for consistent, regularly scheduled walks. |
| Additional dog fee | 50% of base rate | Covers the added responsibility of managing multiple dogs. |
30-minute walk: This is the typical walk interval, suitable for basic exercise, potty breaks, and energetic breeds needing a quick outing.
60-minute walk: This extended period is recommended for multiple dogs in the same household, breeds that need more extensive exercise, or walks to further destinations like a dog park.
Per month: This is an excellent option for clients who need regular, consistent walks. Monthly discounts provide a cost-effective solution for them and a guaranteed income for you.
Additional dog fee: This fee helps account for the extra time, attention, and responsibility of handling multiple dogs from one household.
What factors affect how much to charge for a dog walk?
When expanding your dog walking services, keep in mind these factors that can influence your rates:
Location: If you are in an urban area or region with a higher cost of living, the rates in your area may be higher than the national average.
Experience / certifications: As you gain more experience and acquire relevant certifications, you'll be justified in charging more for your expertise.
Demand: Be aware of the local demand for pet care services in your area and adjust your pricing accordingly to remain competitive.
Service bundles: Offer service bundles, such as combining daily dog walks with occasional pet sitting, as an attractive way to gain and retain clients.
Additional dog walking services
Beyond basic dog walking, offering your clients a range of related services can significantly increase your income. The following table presents additional services you could provide, with pricing based on national averages.
| Service | Average rate | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Pet sitting | $10 – $35 per visit | Typically includes feeding, fresh water, playtime, and a short walk if needed |
| Overnight pet sitting | $50 – $150 per night | Involves staying overnight in the client's home to provide care and companionship |
| Dog park visit | $25 – $35 per half-hour | Includes transportation and supervision at a local dog park |
| Dog taxi / transport | $20 – $40 per trip | Transporting a dog to appointments, groomers, etc.; Varies with distance |
| Administering medicine | $5 – $10 + base walk fee | When booked with regular walking service |
How much do dog walkers make?
A dog walker's income varies widely depending the location, client base, services offered, and hours worked. While hourly rates provide a good starting point, your actual earnings depend on your ability to attract and retain clients. To boost your earning potential, consider these tips:
Offer specialized services: Differentiate yourself by offering specialized services such as puppy socialization walks, senior dog care, or administering medication.
Grow your brand: Create a professional website and cultivate an engaging social media presence to showcase your expertise and passion.
Build local partnerships: Establish relationships with local veterinarians, groomers, and pet supply stores to generate referral opportunities.
Offer packages & discounts: Incentivize customer loyalty by offering attractive weekly or monthly service packages with discounted rates.
Optimize efficiency: Streamline your walking routes and scheduling processes to maximize the number of walks completed daily.
Get certified: Acquire certifications in pet first aid and CPR to demonstrate a commitment to safety and professional standards.
Reward referrals: Build your client base by offering bonuses for each new client a current client brings in.
For an in-depth look at all the aspects of getting and keeping a dog walking business going, check out our related guide on how to start a dog walking business.
FAQs about pricing dog walking services
How should I structure my pricing for dog walking services?
Offer different walk durations to meet client needs, with 30-minute walks being typical for most dogs and hour-long walks for those needing more extensive exercise. A tiered pricing structure is effective for multi-dog homes, where additional dogs incur a smaller fee.
How often should I review and update my pricing?
You should review your pricing annually or semi-annually. Consider factors like increased expenses, gained experience, and changes in the local market when deciding whether to adjust your rates.
Do I charge less for group walks than solo walks?
Yes, it's common to charge less for group walks than solo walks, as group walks allow you to handle multiple dogs at once, making them more efficient for you and cost-effective for clients.
Should I adjust my rates based on the time of day or day of the week?
Some dog walkers charge higher rates for early morning, evening, or weekend walks due to increased demand or inconvenience. Consider your schedule and local market when deciding whether to implement time-based pricing.
Should I charge more for larger or more difficult dogs?
Larger dogs often require more effort and energy to manage during walks, while difficult dogs may need additional handling skills and patience. Many dog walkers adjust their pricing based on factors like the dog's size and temperament, as these can impact the complexity and time required for each walk.
Should I charge a cancellation fee?
Many dog walkers implement a cancellation policy to protect their income. Consider charging a fee for last-minute cancellations or no-shows to compensate for your time and lost opportunity.
Providing estimates for your clients
When starting your dog walking business, it's important to provide accurate estimates and build trust with your clients. Instead of just stating your prices, use the initial consultation to ask targeted questions that uncover the dog's specific needs and any special circumstances:
Can you tell me about your dog?
What to know: How old, what breed, how healthy?
Why ask: To know how much energy they have and if they will require more work or time
Can you tell me about your dog's temperament and behavior?
What to know: Are they good with people, kids, other dogs? Do they pull on the leash, bark a lot, or get aggressive with other dogs?
Why ask: To know if there will be problems walking with other dogs or if they require walking in less busy areas
What are your dog's exercise needs and walking habits?
What to know: How many walks do they need? How long? Same route each time?
Why ask: To establish the services that need to be included in the estimate
What training does your dog have?
What to know: Does the dog respond to certain commands? What methods have you found to be effective in managing their behavior?
Why ask: Ensures consistency in handling the dog and reinforces positive behavior
Does your dog have any health issues or special needs?
What to know: Any medical conditions, allergies, medications, or physical limitations?
Why ask: Critical for ensuring the dog's safety and well-being during walks
What are your expectations for the dog walking service?
What to know: Are they looking for exercise, socialization, or mental stimulation? Do they want just a leash walk? Or playtime?
Why ask: Helps align your services with the client's goals
What is your preferred schedule and availability?
What to know: What days and times do they prefer? Are they flexible?
Why ask: Determines scheduling and coordination with other clients in the same area
Are there any other services you might be interested in (pet sitting, overnight care, etc.)?
What to know: Would they want you to watch them at home? Keep them all night?
Why ask: To show the client the value of other services you offer and encourage bundling services for their convenience
These details can help you give a complete and accurate quote. The price quote should list each service and cost, including the walk duration and any extra fees. Explain your rules about canceling, holidays, and payment methods available. Always give the quote in writing, either printed or sent online.
When to adjust your pricing
To stay competitive and profitable, regularly check your dog walking prices against what nearby walkers charge. Be prepared to adjust your rates in these situations:
Rising costs: As your costs go up, so should your pricing. Always inform clients in advance.
Gaining experience or certifications: As you gain expertise, your rates can increase.
Waitlist for your services: As your reputation grows, so can your prices due to increased demand.
Adding new services: If you add additional services, increase your rates to reflect the added value.
Seasonal peaks: Adjust prices for busy times like holidays and summer.
Client feedback: If clients voice concerns over your pricing, re-evaluate your rates.
Business growth: As your business grows, adjust your prices to cover additional staffing and other expenses.
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.