Dog Walking Business Overview
Dog walking services provide professional care for pets while their owners are away at work or unable to walk their dogs themselves. These businesses serve a wide range of clients, from busy professionals to elderly pet owners who need assistance with their pets’ daily exercise needs.
Most dog walkers operate within set geographical areas and build their client base through local marketing and referrals. Dog walkers generally schedule regular walks with consistent clients, creating predictable schedules and steady income opportunities. They often care for multiple dogs throughout the day, visiting clients’ homes to pick up their pets, walking them for predetermined amounts of time, and returning them safely home.
Some services pick up dogs from multiple homes and walk them together as a group, while others walk dogs individually. Some businesses may take dogs to dog parks for off-leash playtime, and some businesses offer more specialized services in addition to dog walking, like pet sitting, pet care, administering medication, training, and more.
Running a dog walking business is hard work, but it can also be a rewarding experience. Plan to walk dogs in all weather, and realize that your clients may want you to walk their dogs on holidays, too.
The most common business models include:
- Solo Operation: Individual dog walkers who manage their own client base and handle all walks personally
- Multi-Walker Company: Businesses that employ multiple dog walkers to serve more clients across different areas
- Pet Care Platform: Companies that connect independent dog walkers with pet owners through mobile apps and websites
Related: Checklist To Start A Business
How Do Dog Walking Services Make Money?
Dog walking businesses earn their primary income through scheduled walking services, typically charging per walk on a recurring basis. Most walks last between 15 and 30 minutes, with prices ranging from $15 to $25 per walk for one dog.
Businesses often implement tiered pricing structures based on factors such as walk duration, number of dogs per household, and frequency of service. Many establish monthly or weekly packages for regular clients, providing stable, predictable income streams. Group walks, where multiple dogs from different households are walked together, allow walkers to increase their hourly earnings while maintaining competitive per-client rates.
Additional revenue sources for dog walking businesses include:
- Pet Sitting Services: Providing in-home care for pets while owners are away, including overnight stays and multiple daily visits
- Transportation Services: Offering pick-up and drop-off services for dogs to veterinary appointments or grooming sessions
- Supply Sales: Selling pet-related items such as leashes, treats, and waste bags to existing clients
- Training Add-ons: Including basic training or behavioral reinforcement during walks
- Holiday Premium Rates: Charging higher rates for walks and pet sitting during major holidays and peak travel seasons
Industry Statistics
Dog walking services operate under NAICS code 812910 – Pet Care Services (except Veterinary). Here are some interesting facts about the industry that help explain its rapid growth.
Dog Walking Industry Size & Growth: With about 66% of households in the United States owning a pet (Statista), the dog walking and pet sitting industry has grown to $1.7 billion in annual revenue. Over the past five years, the industry has shown steady growth, with an average annual increase of 5.9%. Projected revenue trends remain positive, supported by rising pet ownership rates and increased spending on pet services (IBISWorld). According to the American Pet Products Association, pet owners spent over $147 billion on pet-related goods, indicating strong consumer willingness to invest in pet care (American Pet Products Association).
Number of Dog Walking Businesses: Currently, there are 30,035 dog walking businesses operating across the country. The industry remains highly fragmented, with no single company controlling a significant portion of the market. Fetch! Pet Care Inc. represents one of the larger operators, with over 110 franchise locations serving more than 1,500 cities and towns, employing approximately 3,000 dog sitters (IBISWorld).
Dog Walking Profit Margin: Profit margins for dog walking businesses typically range between 20% and 40% of gross revenue. These margins reflect the relatively low overhead costs associated with providing walking services, though actual profits vary based on operating expenses and pricing strategies.
Startup Stories
Also See: Ideas for Naming a Dog Walking Business
Costs To Start a Dog Walking Business
Starting a dog walking business typically costs between $500 and $5,000. The lower end represents basic necessities for walking dogs, while the higher range includes professional insurance, bonding, and additional equipment.
Here are some of the main expenses involved in starting a dog walking business:
Insurance and Bonding: Professional liability insurance costs between $400 and $800 annually. It protects against accidents, injuries, or property damage that might occur during walks. Many dog walkers also choose to be bonded, which costs between $100 and $300 per year.
Equipment and Supplies: Basic equipment costs typically range from $200 to $500. This includes professional-grade leashes, harnesses, waste bags, treat pouches, first aid kits, and cleaning supplies. Some dog walkers also invest in tracking devices and specialized walking gear.
Business Management Software: Pet service management platforms cost between $200 and $600 annually. These systems handle scheduling, billing, client communications, and digital payment processing.
Transportation: While many dog walkers start by serving their immediate neighborhood on foot, some invest in a reliable vehicle to reach more clients. Used vehicles suitable for dog transportation typically cost between $2,000 and $5,000, plus maintenance and fuel costs.
These estimates represent general ranges based on industry averages, but actual costs will vary depending on location and business scale.