Looking to become a dog walker

[ToughAndDurable]

It’s something I’ve always wanted to do and I’m not necessarily doing it to make loads of money so am just wondering what you’d like in a dog walker.

I’m reliable but do have a DS so when/if he’s poorly it’s normally me who has to take time off work to look after him as DH is the higher earner. I do work but only part time 2 x days a week and some evenings.

I have 3 dogs of my own and love walking them, I’ve always loved dogs and just being around them in general. My ideal is to mostly walk 1 dog at a time unless a multi dog house hold, just so I can enjoy the walk. I’ve looked at insurance and that seems affordable so I’m just wondering if anyone can give insights as to what would they’d look for as well as what they’d be happy to pay (and maybe breed or size of dog they have). I’ve trained 2 of my dogs myself and they’re really well behaved, excellent recall and heel work and would also love to do a bit of this with clients dogs if applicable but I’m not qualified in anyway so unsure if this would put people off?

Thanks in advance all

I would 110% not want an unqualified person training my dogs.

I use a walker for both of our dogs to go out together for an hour-90 mins she charges £19.
We are quite friendly with her. I think the grind is getting clients in the first place. Word of mouth is everything where we are!
You mentioned your DS… being brutally honest I would ditch a dog Walker pretty quickly if they were letting us down on the day due to childcare issues… we use one because it’s a service we need, not because it’s a nice to have

@Lastqueenofscotland2

I thought this might be the case with training.

DS is at nursery, so far he’s only ever had 1 day off poorly, but as is the case with most working parents I assume, the lower earner has to be flexible enough to have a day off if needed. Both sets of GP are still working and there’s nobody else to have him. I’d hate to let people down but I’m aware that however rarely this might happen and I’m also trying to think of the dogs so wouldn’t want to start up and fail/let them down.

I’d love to just take on a few regular clients, 2/3 maybe and build up a good relationship. I see dog walkers by me out with 4 dogs at a time and they just let the dogs loose at the park - it’s mayhem. I’ve had issues with one on more than one occasion when the entire males have taken a strong interest in my female pup (not in season). It was a nightmare trying to get them off her.

I think it’s something I’ll look into more, I’m absolutely not in a rush to do it, something I’d see more of a nice hobby than anything else as I really just enjoy walking dogs and maybe as DS gets older it’s something I’d be able to do.

It is highly unlikely you will break even if you only walk one dog at a time unless you are happy to ask a high price.

For every hour dog walk it will take at least 90 mins of your time and you have to cost accordingly. Drive to the location pick up dog and drive to walk location. Even if close to you picking up the dog, cleaning the dog off, making sure they have water and are ok to be left takes time.

You have to have insurance and also all my employees have dog training qualifications not so much to train people to train dogs but to make sure the dogs they are walking are safe to walk and not pull on lead etc. They also have all done a course on body language and first aid course. In my mind this is vital is walking other peoples dogs in public places.

Dont underestimate the money you will spend on equipment. Our walkers on average need new boots every 3 months and several sets of wet weather gear.

I have the facility to wash down dirty dogs and dry them before putting them back home if they are muddy. I have to have facilities to keep them cool in the hot weather.

All our vans are AC and kitted out to meet our insurance requirements.

Clients want regular walks and if you could not go one day you will lose your clients. One way to get around this is to buddy up with another dog walker and cover each other in emergencies but it is not ideal and again clients dont like it.

We do not walk more than 4 dogs together but do have private land where they are exercised. Working out the groups of dogs and making the timings work is hard work. Invoicing etc after work takes time. Although mine is done online when clients book but that then costs me money to have the app to do this.

All my trainers wear body cams extra expense but vital if any issues arise (and they will!). All dogs are videoed and videos sent to clients during the walks.

It is more than going for a nice walk with dogs - there are a lot of shit untrained dog walkers out there but the good ones flourish and do make money.

If you are going to fit in walking during school hours realistically you will only be able to do about 3 hours work a day. You are not going to make much money.

You need to know it is a very difficult job. I've worked since I was 14 and it's the hardest job I've ever done lol. The last poster got it pretty much all explained. I do miss some of my clients though.
I don't miss dogs puking peeing or pooing in my van. I don't miss being bashed in the legs and knocked over. I don't miss the all weather walks. I don't miss chasing clients for money when they don't realise this is a business and income for you.
There's a lot of investment before you start. A van, with rear air conditioning recommended also a side door. Crates, first aid training, first aid kits, insurance, time vetting your clients, paperwork and so much more. Walking clothing for all weathers in the van. Definitely get a body cam. You will need safe routes for walking, places where its safe unloading and loading the dogs and there's not an influx if the general public walking their too.
I had some lovely lovely clients who became friends, great dogs and some fantastic memories and photos too. I'd like to go back to it maybe 1 day a week helping out someone else when I'm well enough again.
Why don't you volunteer at a groomers and kennels for a while and get to know the various breeds, their traits and how to handle them in different circumstances? And maybe ask if you can shadow a dog walker in your area.
There's no other feeling when you go to pick up a dog and they run to you so excited for their walk with you.
Apologies I've been adding things randomly when I thought of them. Good luck if you decide to do it.

Just another thought if you are offering individual walks you are likely to get the reactive dogs.

Many clients love the idea of their dogs meeting other dog in a group walk and choose a group walk over individual.

Walking reactivedogs is fine if you are experienced but can be quite isolating

Hi OP. I'm a dog walker and I have to agree with everything @DogwalkingDot says.

I would also add that in my experience, very few people want solo walks unless their dogs have behavioural issues - which can range from being fearful to full-on aggression (both dog and human). Aggressive and reactive dogs are also very difficult to get insurance coverage for as many companies (rightly) won't take the risk and insure you to walk a dog with any kind of bite history.

I've been doing it for over three years and while I personally think it's the best job in the world, it can be physically exhausting and is a lot more than "enjoying the walk". Being responsible for other people's dogs is very different to being responsible for your own!

I walk a maximum of three dogs at one time and specialise in small group walks. Having a "niche" that sets you out from other walkers in your area is really helpful, but you do need to be affordable and solo walks are a really difficult way to make money unless you charge upwards of £20 an hour - which many people are unwilling to pay.

To give a sense from the other side of the leash (ie an owner who sends her dog off with a walker twice a week):

1. I do it FOR the group walks. I can walk the dog myself but use a walker because then he gets a couple of social walks with other dogs which he enjoys and which I think are good for him. He's learned so much from them.

2. I looked for a walker with first aid and behaviour qualifications. I wouldn't expect a walker to have a degree or anything (though know a few do have this) but did want to see something at diploma level

3. I also looked for someone with an air confitioned, windowless (or privacy windows) and unmarked van with secure separation inside for the dogs. And someone who was theft-aware. e.g. I know my walker has stopped walks immediately when they have cause to think someone may be following them. They then take the dogs elsewhere so that adds time etc.

Some of this is so posh...

I volunteer walk dogs (for people with mobility issues, formal role thru a charity). Some of the volunteers walk the charity dog with volunteer's own dog, others (like me) don't have another dog. Volunteers don't have qualifications either.

I suspect there IS a market for people who would like a budget-price reliable walker. I tried to urge one of my dog-owners to get some paid for walking when the charity couldn't take her dog out much (her energetic dog was only getting 1-2 walks a week). I think she was paralysed with not knowing how to get a safe budget option. Air conditioning, bodycams, dog-training qualifications, driving to a private field etc. would get scoffed at. Local walks from her door would have been her strong preference. "Keep 'em close" is a motto in my area, for children's schools or dogwalks.

You'd advertise on local facebook to find the owners like I describe. Their adult children might be the ones who would liaise to help you get in touch.

Opportunity to socialise with other dogs would be a plus for many of the dogs I have walked, they are way too socially isolated from other dogs & that isolation seems to make them reactive.

Thank you, there’s a lot to take on board and I’m very glad I posted before jumping any sort of gun.

I think I’ll reach out to some local charities and see if my hours suit any of the rescue dogs to walk for the time being, as you can imagine it’s quite overwhelming to see the detail that goes into being a good dog walker and I certainly don’t want to add to the bad group of them.

I think as my DS approaches school I’ll look into teaming up with a dog trainer in my area and gain some experience before trying to gain some qualifications that might aid be in becoming more knowledgeable but all this is just an idea as for now I’d certainly just like to be able to enjoy some time with dogs, so charity seems the best way to do this.

Thank you all so much for taking the time to reply with some real in-depth knowledge, it’s all been took on board.

I dont think it is a matter of being posh. More being professional. Most people prefer a higher level of service and if you are being paid you need to do the job well.

I have employees and as said before they are all qualified. I dont think we charge much more than the cheapest unqualified dog walker in our areas. We just do the job well and safely. We have had no trouble with getting or keeping clients and have a large waiting list.

You are legally responsible for any dog you walk so there is a need to protect yourself from allegations as well as protect the dogs you are walking.

Walking in a public place means you cannot control the environment you are in.

Volunteering you will be covered by the organisations insurance. Volunteers would also be vetted by the organisation.

You would be mad to consider dog walking without insurance.

Hi, I have just started my own dog walking/pet sitting business. You dont generally dont need a van as I don't have any customers yet but I am pretty sure I can walk to the homes in my local area.

I am finding it hard at the moment as I dont have customers therefore I am working towards the insurance I need for it.

I am also qualified in pet sitting & dog walking diploma, and dog training. I also have qualification in pet first aid.