In 2025, pet ownership in the UK continues to soar, with dogs leading the way as the most popular companion animal.
Recent reports suggest that more than 12 million UK households now own at least one dog a trend fuelled by a growing desire for companionship, especially in the wake of increased remote working and changing lifestyles.
With this increase comes a heightened demand for reliable pet care services. Dog owners are seeking trustworthy individuals to ensure their furry friends receive daily exercise, stimulation, and care while they’re at work, on holiday, or simply overwhelmed by life’s demands.
This opens a valuable opportunity for anyone who loves animals to turn their passion into profit.
But starting a dog walking business involves much more than just a love for dogs. It requires planning, professionalism, legal compliance, and customer service excellence.
This guide walks through all the steps needed to launch a successful dog walking business in the UK in 2025.
The State of the UK Dog Walking Industry
The dog walking sector has evolved rapidly in recent years. Once viewed as a casual or part-time gig, dog walking is now considered a legitimate and lucrative business model.
Market Growth and Opportunities
With increased awareness of canine welfare and behaviour, dog owners are more selective than ever about who they entrust with their pets. That’s why professionalism and training now play a major role in the success of new dog walkers.
Professional dog walking services are particularly in demand in urban areas, where pet owners may not have access to parks or enough time in their schedules for proper walks.
Dog walkers today are expected not just to exercise dogs but also to socialise them, reinforce basic training, and monitor their well-being.
What Experience and Qualifications Do You Need?
While you don’t need a degree to become a dog walker, experience is non-negotiable. Walking dogs professionally means managing a variety of breeds, temperaments, and scenarios, often at the same time.
Building Practical Experience
If you don’t have your own dog, ask friends, family, or neighbours if you can walk theirs. This gives you the chance to build confidence and learn how different dogs behave on walks.
Volunteering at animal shelters or rescue centres can be an excellent way to gain hands-on experience with multiple breeds and group dynamics.
Dogs often behave differently in a pack than they do individually, so it’s essential to understand how to safely control and lead multiple animals at once.
Relevant Training and Courses
While qualifications aren’t a legal requirement, they do increase trustworthiness. Courses in dog behaviour, pet first aid, and animal care show clients that you’re committed to doing the job well. Pet First Aid, in particular, is increasingly seen as a must-have.
You might also consider taking an introductory business course if this is your first venture into self-employment. It can help you manage taxes, marketing, and customer relations with more confidence.
Legal Requirements for Dog Walkers in the UK
Setting up a dog walking business means taking on legal responsibilities. These help protect you, your clients, and the dogs in your care.
Registering Your Business
Anyone working as a dog walker in the UK must register as self-employed with HMRC. You’ll be responsible for completing a self-assessment tax return each year and paying income tax and National Insurance contributions, depending on your earnings.
Keeping Accurate Records
Keeping detailed records of your income, expenses, and client details isn’t just good practice, it’s a legal requirement. Expenses might include items like leads, dog treats, branded uniforms, and advertising materials. These can be deducted from your taxable income.
Be mindful of GDPR regulations when storing customer information. You must ensure data such as names, addresses, and pet details are securely stored and only used for necessary business operations.
Important Dog Laws You Should Know
Understanding UK dog laws is a fundamental part of running your business safely and legally. Here are the key regulations to be aware of:
- Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005: Failure to clean up after a dog could result in a £1,000 fine.
- Control of Dogs Order 1992: Dogs in public must wear a collar with the owner’s name and address.
- Dangerous Dogs Act 1991: Allowing a dog to be dangerously out of control is a criminal offence.
- Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953: It is illegal for a dog to worry or chase livestock. penalties can be severe, including farmers having the right to stop the dog.
Always check with your local authority as rules can vary between councils, particularly regarding how many dogs can be walked at once.
How Many Dogs Should You Walk at a Time?
This is a crucial decision for your safety, the dogs’ well-being, and your reputation. There’s no nationwide law limiting the number of dogs you can walk, but many local councils recommend a maximum of four.
Why Less Is More?
Handling multiple dogs increases the risk of unpredictable behaviour, especially in busy or high-risk areas like urban crossings or parks with livestock. Knowing each dog’s temperament allows you to pair them accordingly and ensure harmony during group walks.
Overcommitting can not only be unsafe but also dilute the quality of your service. Clients expect you to give their dogs individual attention, and that becomes more difficult with every additional dog added to the group.
Also, consider your weekly capacity. Don’t accept more bookings than you can handle comfortably dogs are like family to their owners, and reliability is everything.
Creating a Dog Walking Business Plan
A solid business plan helps guide your decisions and keeps your services aligned with your goals. Think of it as a map for how your business will develop over time.
Key Components to Include
- Service offerings: Will you offer group walks, solo walks, puppy visits, or pet sitting?
- Pricing model: Research competitors in your area to set competitive but fair rates.
- Daily and weekly targets: Set achievable goals for income, hours, and number of dogs walked.
- Start-up budget: Include essentials like insurance, advertising, and equipment.
- Growth strategy: Consider adding grooming, training, or even hiring additional staff as you expand.
This is also the stage where you should decide on your terms of service, including availability, cancellation policies, breed exclusions (if any), and emergency procedures.
What Equipment Do You Need?
The right gear not only makes your job easier, it enhances safety for everyone involved. Essential tools include leads, collars, harnesses, and biodegradable poop bags. You should always carry a water bottle and collapsible bowl, particularly in summer.
A pet first aid kit is vital and shows your preparedness in case of injury. Investing in branded clothing or high-visibility jackets helps build a professional image and increases safety in low-light conditions.
Apps for managing appointments, invoicing, and GPS tracking are also recommended, especially as your client base grows.
How Do You Build a Strong Brand for Your Dog Walking Business?
Your brand is more than just a business name or a logo. It’s how people perceive your services, your professionalism, your care, your reliability. In a competitive market, branding plays a crucial role in helping you stand out and attract loyal clients.
Choosing a Business Name
Start with a memorable and relevant name. Many sole traders opt to use their personal name, especially in small local areas. However, if you’re planning to grow or hire others in the future, a distinctive business name may work better.
Make sure your chosen name is:
- Not already in use by another business
- Available as a website domain
- Unique enough to be easily found online
Visual Branding and Trust Building
Once you’ve settled on a name, consider your visual branding:
- Design a logo that reflects warmth and professionalism
- Use consistent colours and fonts across your website, flyers, and social media
- Create branded clothing, such as jackets or hats, which helps identify you when walking dogs in public and builds trust with other owners
You may also consider adding your logo to dog accessories like lead clips or ID tags. These small touches reinforce your brand presence in the community.
How Can You Promote Your Dog Walking Services Locally?
You may offer the best dog walking service in town, but without visibility, you’ll struggle to gain clients. Marketing is essential, and doesn’t always require a huge budget.
Word of Mouth
This remains one of the most powerful tools. Ask satisfied clients, friends, and neighbours to recommend you to others. A good reputation spreads quickly in local communities, especially among dog owners who chat in parks or at vet clinics.
Flyers and Posters
Distribute printed flyers in local shops, community centres, and cafes. Keep your message clear and concise, include your contact details, services offered, pricing, and any relevant qualifications or accreditations.
Local Advertising
Depending on your area, placing ads in small local newspapers or community newsletters can work well. Make sure to include a call to action (e.g., “Book your free meet-and-greet!”) and track responses to see what works.
Social Media
Use platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and even TikTok to share daily walks, dog photos (with client permission), testimonials, and service updates. You can also run geo-targeted ads to dog owners in your local area.
Do You Need Insurance to Start a Dog Walking Business?
Yes, and it’s one of the most important investments you’ll make.
Dog walking carries several risks. You’re responsible for someone else’s pet, often in unpredictable environments. Accidents happen, and insurance protects both you and your clients.
Types of Insurance to Consider
- Public Liability Insurance: Covers injury to a person or property caused by a dog in your care.
- Care, Custody, and Control Insurance: Protects against injury or loss of a dog while under your supervision.
- Key Cover: In case you lose a client’s key or damage their home accidentally.
- Professional Indemnity Insurance: Covers advice you give as a pet care provider.
Having the right insurance not only gives you peace of mind but also shows clients that you take your responsibilities seriously.
Many walkers also join NARPS UK (National Association of Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers), which offers industry standards, contracts, and access to insurance options. Membership starts at around £25/month and provides added credibility.
Real Examples of Dog Walking Businesses in the UK
Looking at successful businesses can inspire your own. Here’s a comparative look at a few UK-based dog walking businesses and their unique selling points:
| Business Name | Location | Rate/Hour | Unique Offering |
| Happy Paws London | London | £15 | GPS-tracked solo walks |
| Tail Trail Scotland | Glasgow | £12 | Specialises in high-energy breeds |
| Wagging Walks Leeds | Leeds | £12 | Loyalty programme, free monthly reports |
| The Doggy Circuit | Birmingham | £13 | Social media daily photo updates |
Each has carved out a niche or value proposition that sets them apart, be it transparency, tech integration, or client engagement.
What Are the Biggest Challenges You Might Face?
Dog walking can be incredibly rewarding, but it’s not always as easy as it sounds. Here are some of the most common challenges new walkers face, and how to prepare for them.
Weather Conditions
Whether it’s raining sideways or sweltering hot, dogs need their exercise. Being a dog walker means you’re outdoors in all conditions. Invest in quality waterproof clothing, sunscreen, and appropriate footwear for year-round walking.
Canine Behavioural Issues
You’ll deal with a range of personalities from shy rescues to hyperactive pups. It’s essential to understand dog body language and know how to de-escalate situations calmly and confidently.
Scheduling and Burnout
Taking on too many clients too quickly can lead to poor service and burnout. Use scheduling apps and limit how many dogs you walk per day. It’s better to offer excellent service to a few clients than mediocre service to many.
Managing Expectations
Some clients may expect more than you offer, such as training during walks or emergency availability. Set clear boundaries from the outset using a contract or service agreement that outlines what’s included and what’s not.
What Are the Final Steps to Launch Your Dog Walking Business?
If you’ve reached this point, you’re ready to take action.
- Register with HMRC and sort out your self-employment status
- Take relevant courses in pet first aid and canine care
- Buy essential gear, including leads, insurance, and safety tools
- Build your brand with a name, logo, and social media presence
- Create a client agreement outlining your services, hours, and policies
- Start small — gain experience, earn reviews, and grow gradually
- Stay compliant with laws, council regulations, and GDPR
Final Thoughts
Starting a dog walking business in 2025 offers more than just financial potential it’s a chance to work outdoors, stay active, and build bonds with animals. But it’s not something to dive into without planning.
From qualifications to branding, legalities to marketing, every detail contributes to your credibility and long-term success.
Take the time to invest in your business professionally, and you’ll be rewarded not only with income but also with wagging tails, happy clients, and the freedom to shape your career around what you love.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is dog walking a profitable business in the UK?
Absolutely. Many experienced dog walkers earn between £20,000 and £35,000 a year sometimes more if they offer extra services like dog sitting or boarding.
How many dogs can I legally walk at once?
There’s no national limit, but most councils recommend no more than four dogs at a time for safety reasons.
Do I need a licence to become a dog walker?
Not specifically for dog walking, but if you offer day care or boarding, you will need an animal boarding licence from your local council.
Is a DBS check necessary?
It’s not mandatory, but a DBS check reassures clients of your trustworthiness, especially when accessing their homes.
What are the start-up costs for a dog walking business?
Costs vary but typically include insurance, flyers, DBS checks, branded clothing, pet gear, and potentially course fees. Starting small can keep initial costs under £500.
Should I join a dog walking association?
Yes, organisations like NARPS UK offer resources, templates, support, and marketing tools. Membership can also build trust with potential clients.
What should my terms of service include?
Include your availability, pricing, emergency procedures, cancellation policies, and what your walks entail. Make sure clients sign an agreement before services begin.
