How Much are Dog Walkers in the UK? (With Infographic) (2024)

Summary: On average, dog walkers in the UK are paid £14 for an hour-long walk. In the UK, the average dog walker earns around £26,000 per year. It is possible to earn up to £37,000 per year as an experienced walker. Fees may vary depending on factors such as location, duration, frequency, and time of day.

Dogs are the most popular pet animals in the UK. According to an online survey conducted this year, an estimated 13 million dogs live in UK homes. These animals are integral to the daily lives of many of these residents.

During the pandemic, there was a dramatic increase in the number of dog owners in the UK. Now many of these dog owners are returning to work, and the demand for a reliable dog walker has never been greater. So the most crucial question is, how much do dog walkers charge?

The United Kingdom (UK) essentially has an animal-friendly attitude. According to this report, in 2020, people spent around 8 billion British pounds on pets and related products in the UK which is approximately twice as much as people spent a decade ago.

Not only does the UK boast a high number of dog guardians, but it is also home to many walkers.

A walk can be a very enriching experience for a dog as they are social creatures and love the opportunity to spend time outdoors. In addition to spending quality time with their guardians, it allows them to indulge their senses and curiosities by exploring the sights and smells around them.

Scientific studies have shown that daily exercise can prevent various diseases that might develop in a dog's lifetime. It is an excellent way of releasing excess energy and providing necessary mental stimulation. In addition, it improves their behavior.

Do you need a dog walker?

No matter how much you adore your dogs, sometimes you may just not be able to find enough time to look after them.

Work, personal commitments, or health issues may be preventing you from giving your dog that much-needed stimulus. That is when you may turn to a dog walker who will, in your absence, provide a helping hand to walk your dog from time to time.

Many consider dog walking a duty performed by pet parents or a hobby that dog lovers probably undertake in their spare time. But dog walking is a booming industry. One in three dog owners hires a dog walker at least once a week, making it a lucrative way for a professional walker to earn. Many walkers make their sole living from this.

How much do dog walkers charge per hour?

In 2022, the average dog walking price is around £14 for a walk lasting between 45 minutes to an hour. It is 15% increase from the previous year.

What can affect Dog Walking rates?

No two dog walkers are the same so there are several things to bear in mind when considering your options.

Many things can contribute to variations in dog-walking prices such as;

Walk duration

This is the most significant factor in the cost. Why? Because time is money. Most dog walkers prefer to charge based on time for simplicity's sake. On average, a dog walker will charge up to £10 for a short walk of 15-30 minutes.

But if you have an active dog, you may choose longer walks of, say, an hour which will, of course, affect the cost.

A pup won't be able to walk for more than 15 minutes, while a sizeable and active dog may need an hour-long walk so choose accordingly. The duration will generally depend on your dog's age, breed, or activity levels.

Frequency

If you will be away from home for a long time or have a particularly energetic dog, you may want to schedule more than one walk per day. Most dog walkers will charge extra for additional walks.

Most dog walkers prefer consistent arrangements. When the walker has the assurance of a regular walk, they will more likely reduce their rates. They usually offer discounts or packaged services, which is a great way to reduce the overall cost.

Number of dogs

While some walkers might charge the same for an additional dog others may provide you with a discounted rate for a second dog.

Many dog walking services work with pets in small groups which has the additional benefit of allowing the dogs to socialize. But if you prefer walks exclusively for your pet, then you may well have to pay more.

Choosing a dog walker near you will perhaps allow you to better stick to your budget as you would then avoid having to pay travel expenses.

Location

Like most service industries, dog walking expenses may increase dramatically in metropolitan cities or locations where the cost of living is high.

Loyalty packages

Many dog walkers or companies offer discount packages for signing up for a membership programme so that they can assure a more regular income for themselves. This is often calculated on a per-walk basis.

Extras

Another factor to consider is the time of year or time of day. If you choose after-hour dog-walking services, there may be extra charges. You can also expect a spike in bills around the holiday season.

Some extra charges are based on providing additional services. These can include feeding, dispensing medication, or merely spending some extra time with your dog before or after a walk.

Many dog walkers won't charge extra for these additional services, but it is something you should establish right from the start.

How to Save Money on Dog Walking

Dog walking costs can add up over time, and if you want to save some money, here are a few tips:

• Choose an individual over a company as this will usually reduce costs in the long run.
• Avoid weekend or after-hours walks as they come with additional costs.
• Choose a walker closer to home. This way, you do not need to pay travel expenses.
• Enquire about discounts or loyalty packages.

How to choose a Dog Walker

Dogs are treasured pets and mean the world to a pet parent. Thefts, injuries, and even death can cause more grief than the financial loss. So, here are a few questions you must ask a potential dog walker.

• Do you have insurance? Insurance is vital because dog walkers may need personal liability coverage if the dog hurts a passerby or causes an accident. It's also worth considering insurance for dogs in case they get lost or injured.
• Do you walk with anyone else? Ideally, a dog walker shouldn't meet up with a fellow dog walker while on duty. Your dog must receive full attention, and the walker shouldn't be distracted while talking to a friend.
• What kind of dogs do you walk in a group? Dogs must be grouped according to their temperament. A large, strong dog might easily overpower a smaller breed.
• Do you have a backup plan if you cannot walk the dog? If your regular dog walker can't make it due to illness or other unforeseen circ*mstances, it is a good idea to know if there will be a stand-in walker and, if so, will be insured.
• What courses have you taken? A trained dog walker who has taken courses gives assurance to you as a pet parent. Courses such as animal first aid, animal behavior, and care are the general norm.
• Will you follow the guidance in Dog Walker's Guidelines? These are best practices to be followed by professional dog walkers.
• Can I see references from other local dog owners? References from other happy customers will help you determine if the walker is the right fit for you.
• How long have you been doing this work? Hiring an experienced dog walker puts your mind at ease, knowing that your dog is in good hands.
• What do you do when the weather is bad? This question helps you determine what the dog walker would do in unexpected situations.

In addition to these questions, meeting the dog walker in person is always good to see how they get along with your dog. See how they greet your dog. They should be affectionate and authoritative. Also, notice how your dog acts around the dog walker.

A good dog walker will try to understand your dog's needs by asking several questions about your pet before they venture out together.

Final Thoughts

Consider checking reviews and/or visiting the location to determine whether the service is worth the price. You should have as many options as possible. In order to hire a dog walker, you must find the right service at the right price.