Starting Up A Dog Walking Business (Safely + Legally)

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Becoming a self-employed dog walker is one of the most flexible ways to earn money if you love animals. It allows you to be your own boss, spend time outdoors, and build a business around caring for dogs. However, while it sounds straightforward, there are legal, financial, and safety considerations you must take seriously.

From registering with HMRC to arranging dog walking insurance and setting fair rates, preparing properly will ensure your dog walking business is professional, safe, and profitable. This guide covers everything you need to know about starting a dog walking business in the UK, including insurance, startup costs, essential equipment, marketing, and how much you can expect to earn.

Starting up a dog walking business (safely + legally)

Do you need insurance to be a dog walker?

If you’re self-employed in the UK, dog walking insurance is not a legal requirement, but it is strongly recommended. Without it, you could be left personally liable for accidents, injuries, or damage that occur while you are caring for a client’s pet.

Why insurance matters

  • A dog could bite another dog or a person while in your care.

  • You could lose control of a dog and it escapes, causing an accident.

  • A pet could become injured or fall ill during your walk.

  • You might lose a client’s house key, leading to extra costs.

Having public liability insurance for dog walkers protects you financially in these scenarios. Many clients will also ask to see proof of insurance before hiring you.

Types of dog walking insurance

  • Public liability insurance – covers injury or property damage caused by dogs in your care.

  • Care, custody and control cover – protects you if a client’s dog is injured, lost, or dies.

  • Key cover – pays out if you lose your client’s house keys.

  • Equipment insurance – covers leads, harnesses, transport crates, or other tools of your trade.

  • Employer’s liability insurance – required by law if you hire staff.

Policies often include limits on the number of dogs you can walk at once (usually four). Always check the small print to ensure you’re compliant, otherwise you may not be covered.

How much does dog walking insurance cost?

Dog walking insurance in the UK is surprisingly affordable. Prices depend on your location, level of cover, and any add-ons. Based on recent quotes, you can expect:

  • Protectivity – from around £5.41 per month

  • Pet Business Insurance – from about £1.52 per week

  • Simply Business – from around £6.56 per month

  • Cliverton – around £125 per year for comprehensive cover

These figures are only examples; actual premiums vary. The cheapest dog walking insurance might not include everything you need, so compare policies carefully.

Registering as self-employed and paying tax

When you earn money as a dog walker, you’re classed as self-employed in the UK. This means you are responsible for declaring your income to HMRC.

  • If you earn under £1,000 a year, your income may fall under the trading allowance, and you won’t need to register as self-employed.

  • If you earn over £1,000, you must register with HMRC and complete a yearly Self Assessment tax return.

You’ll need to keep records of your income and expenses. Allowable expenses can include insurance, equipment, marketing, and even mileage if you use your car for work.

Many self-employed dog walkers use a small business accountant or accounting software to make the process easier.

You can find the current trading allowance rules here.  

How to start a dog walking business UK: step by step

1. Build your dog handling skills

You’ll need to feel confident managing different breeds, sizes, and temperaments. Consider:

  • Volunteering at a shelter or rescue centre

  • Gaining a canine first aid qualification

  • Offering free walks for friends and family to build experience

2. Sort your legal requirements

  • Register as self-employed if you’ll earn more than £1,000 annually

  • Arrange suitable insurance before taking on clients

  • Check local council regulations (some limit how many dogs can be walked at once in public spaces)

3. Buy essential equipment

At a minimum, you’ll need:

  • Leads, harnesses, and collars

  • Dog waste bags

  • Portable water bottles and bowls

  • Treats (with owner’s permission)

  • A canine first aid kit

If you plan to transport dogs, you may also need crates, car guards, and insurance that covers animals in transit.

4. Market your services

Free methods:

  • Create a Google Business Profile

  • Join local Facebook groups

  • Ask to put posters in vets, pet shops, or supermarkets

  • You can set up free social media accounts to promote your business 

Paid options:

  • Flyers delivered in your target area

  • Local newspaper or magazine adverts

  • Setting up a simple website with SEO for “dog walker near me” searches

5. Set your rates

Research local dog walkers to see the going rate. Pricing can vary from £8–£15 per 30–60 minute walk, depending on location and demand. Offering discounts for multiple dogs or weekly bookings can help attract regular clients.

How much can dog walkers earn in the UK?

Earnings vary based on your area, experience, and how many dogs you walk daily. According to job site Indeed, average hourly rates are around £10.50–£15, but some dog walkers earn £20+ per walk in areas of high demand.

A full-time dog walker with multiple daily clients could earn £20,000–£30,000 per year, although you must deduct insurance, tax, and expenses.

According to Indeed, in autumn 2025 when I last checked, the average salary for a dog walker is £27,272 per year in United Kingdom. 1.8k salaries were reported in September 2025.

Dog walking business startup costs

One reason dog walking is such a popular side hustle is the low barrier to entry. Typical costs include:

  • Insurance: £55–£125 per year

  • Equipment: £50–£100 if bought new

  • Marketing: free to £30/month depending on your strategy

This makes dog walking one of the cheapest small businesses to start in the UK.

How to get dog walking clients in the UK

Finding your first customers can feel daunting, but once you build a reputation, word-of-mouth referrals are powerful.

Build trust locally

  • Hand out flyers in pet-friendly areas

  • Offer discounted or free first walks to new customers

  • Ask satisfied clients for reviews and testimonials

Use online platforms

Websites like Rover, Tailster, and Bark allow pet owners to search for local dog walkers. Setting up a professional profile here can boost visibility.

Partner with local businesses

Vets, pet shops, and groomers may let you leave business cards or recommend your services to clients. Building relationships in the pet industry can create steady referrals.

Common mistakes new dog walkers make

Even with the best intentions, some beginners make errors that could cost clients or even lead to legal issues.

  • Taking on too many dogs at once – stick to safe limits.

  • Skipping insurance – one accident could wipe out your business.

  • Undercharging – pricing too low may not cover expenses or build a sustainable business.

  • Failing to screen clients – always ask about a dog’s health, behaviour, and history.

  • Neglecting contracts – written agreements protect you and clarify expectations.

Extra services to boost income

Dog walking is often just the starting point. Many walkers increase earnings by offering additional services such as:

  • Pet sitting – caring for dogs or cats while owners are away.

  • Pet taxi – transporting animals to vet or grooming appointments.

  • Dog grooming – if you train or partner with a groomer.

  • Training walks – combining exercise with basic obedience training.

Expanding your services not only increases income but also makes your business more appealing to busy pet owners.

Final word: Is dog walking a good business idea?

Starting a dog walking business in the UK is affordable, flexible, and rewarding. With the right insurance, tax knowledge, and marketing strategy, it can grow from a simple side hustle into a full-time career.

Whether you want to earn a little extra alongside another job or build a busy self-employed business, dog walking is a practical and enjoyable way to be your own boss while spending time with animals.

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