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View This BlogA step-by-step guide on how to start a dog walking business UK: company registration, do market research, pick services, get licensed & learn the legal rules.
Starting a dog walking business is the best decision if you are a dog lover. A dog walking business can be profitable, but without the proper steps, it can be a failure.
So, how to start a dog walking business UK? First, register your business with HMRC. Then, do market research and create a business plan. Next, select your services and get a dog walking business insurance policy. Plus, to create a sustainable dog walking business, you must understand the dog walking business laws UK.
This blog post gets you covered with a step-by-step guide to start a dog walking business. Keep reading on.
What is a dog walking business?
A dog walking business is where you walk other people’s dogs and get paid. People hire dog walkers when they are at work or away from home. Many pet sitters and dog walkers offer extra services. They offer feeding pets or doing short pet sitting jobs.
Now you may ask how this could be a business. Dogs are the most popular pets in the UK. Approximately 13 million dogs are living in homes around the UK. So, it goes without saying that dog walking can be a profitable business venture.
Why is dog walking a good business?
British people love their dogs. In the UK almost 36% of households own a pet dog. But not every dog owner has time to take their dogs for a walk.
If you don’t take your dog for a walk, they might gain weight, which can cause other health issues. That’s why dog walking is important.
As a dog walker, you can keep your costs low by starting your business as a sole trader. This can attract potential clients.
On the other hand, taking multiple dogs for a walk in your local area can help you build a strong customer base.
Well, here’s the thing, if you love dogs and enjoy spending time with them, dog walking is a good business.
How to start a dog walking business UK?
Starting a dog walking business is a multi-layered process. Start by registering your business with HMRC. Then, do market research and select your services, get your dog walking business insurance and understand the dog walking business laws UK.
Here is a complete breakdown of the steps that you can follow to start a dog walking business:
Register with HMRC
First, you need to register your business with HMRC as self-employed. To register, go to the HMRC website and fill out the form to become a sole trader.
After the registration, HMRC will send you a Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) number in the post. This is important so you pay the right tax and National Insurance.
Do market research
For market research, start from your local area. Starting from your neighbourhood is a great way to start. Your main focus will be on pet owners. Plus, the feedback from the local dog walkers can also help you.
You can conduct a door-to-door survey and ask around. What the customers want and what they are not getting. Once you get the idea about what people want, it will become easy for you.
If there are any professional dog walking services nearby, analyse their business model. What do they charge? What are their business gaps?
Select your services
As a dog walking business owner, your main goal will be walking dogs. However, you can also provide extra services. You must choose your services wisely.
The services may include pet sitting, dog grooming, dog boarding, dog training, etc. In this case, you can complete a CPD-accredited dog grooming course.
So, when you choose the services according to the market gaps, this will benefit your business.
Get dog walking business insurance
Getting a dog walking business insurance is essential. So, select your insurance plan carefully. A good pet business insurer can cover you for things like accidents, dog bites, or property damage.
Getting dog walking insurance is not a legal requirement in the UK. However, you must not skip this step. Look specifically for dog walking insurance with public liability included.
Understand dog walking business laws UK
When you start a new dog walking business, you must be aware of the dog walking business laws set by the UK government. While walking dogs, if any rules are broken, it is you who will be held responsible, not the dog owners.
To avoid unwanted fines, you must understand dog walking business laws in the UK. Let’s take a look at the rules and regulations for the UK dog walking service:
The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991
The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 bans the ownership, sale, breeding, or giving away of certain dog breeds. The banned dog breeds are:
🔶 Pit Bull Terrier
🔶 Japanese Tosa
🔶 Dogo Argentino
🔶 Fila Brasileiro
Before taking a dog for a walk, you’ll need to know if your client owns one of these.
The Control of Dogs Order 1992
According to the Control of Dogs Order 1992, all dogs in public must wear a collar with the owner’s name and address.
So, you must ensure that all the dogs you take for a walk meet the requirements.
The Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005
Under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005, if any dogs poops on road or public properties, you must remove that. If you fail to remove dog faeces, then you could be fined £1,000
As a professional dog walker, you can carry poo bags with you.
Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953
The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953 states that a dog must not attack farm animals. So, when you walk dogs near fields, take extra care.
These laws help you to run a sustainable and successful dog walking business. As a professional dog walker, you must be aware of these laws.
How much does it cost to start a dog walking business UK?
The dog walking business startup cost is one of the lowest out there. You have to calculate the cost of the license, insurance, marketing, and equipment costs.
Marketing will take a big portion of the total cost. You can also go for inexpensive ways to promote your business, if that works for you.
We have done the market research for you and created an average cost to start your new dog walking business in 2025. Take a look at this table:
| Setup Level | Cost Range |
| 🟢 Low Budget (Essentials Only) | £380 – £750 |
| 🔵 Mid-Range (Standard Set-Up) | £850 – £1,800 |
| 🔴 High-End (With Van & Extras) | £2,000 – £4,500+ |
Read on for a step-by-step breakdown.
Register your business
At first, you must register your business. If you register your dog walking business as a sole trader in the UK, you can register with HMRC for free.
But, if you want to register as a limited company, it can cost you around £12 – £40.
Dog walking business license
The dog walking business license costs vary depending on the local authority or park authority.
The dog walking business license cost ranges from £65 – £400 per year.
Dog walking business insurance
The cost of dog walking business insurance in the UK usually starts at around £54 per year. This is about £4.50 to £5.50 per month. This is for a sole trader with public liability cover of £2 million.
If you hire employees, then you’ll also need employers’ liability insurance. This can add an additional £60 to £300 annually, depending on the number of staff and the business type.
DBS Check
The DBS check is a criminal records background check, although this is not mandatory. However, if you want to attract potential clients, then you must not avoid this part.
You will have to spend £18 for a standard DBS check.
Marketing Cost
As discussed earlier, marketing will take a considerable amount of your business planning. Start by creating a website and social media posts.
Website creation can range from £200 – £500. Online advertising and social media boosting can range from £100 – £300. Printing flyers or business cards may cost around £30 – £50.
To target more specific potential customers, here are some steps you can follow:
✅ Keep posting dog-related blogs on your website
✅ Regularly post on social media platforms to raise brand awareness
✅ Become a member of the National Association of Registered Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers (NARPS), which can cost £25 per month
✅ As a dog walking business owner, encourage your clients to share your services with others
Equipment for dog walking business
Starting a dog walking business doesn’t require a lot of equipment. If you want to start walking multiple dogs at once, you will need a van to carry all the dogs together.
For your bookings and payments, you can use the website and apps. Dog treats, leads & collars, good walking shoes, and proper outdoor wear are also needed.
The basic equipment costs can range from £30 – £200. You can expect to spend £1,500 – £3,000 on second-hand vans.
The good thing about starting a dog walking business is that most of your investment will be a one-time investment.
What qualifications do you need to start a dog walking business?
You don’t need any formal qualifications or training to become a dog walker. However, previous experience with handling dogs is a plus point for both you and your potential clients.
Just being a dog lover is not enough to start a successful dog walking business. Understanding canine behaviour is the most basic skill to start a dog walking business.
You can simply just complete CPD-accredited online dog training courses to gain more skills. The course will help you in a constructive way to handle dog behaviour.
Is dog walking a profitable business?
Yes, dog walking is a profitable business. Statistics show that, in 2021, Brits spent £9 billion on pet-related products. But you have to manage your time and resources. Create a roadmap and business model after the market research.
You can target a dog walk in specific areas. Then, you can schedule the walks at a suitable time. If you plan a dog walk for more than 30 minutes, you can take multiple dogs at once.
What are the risks of starting a dog walking business?
Unlike other businesses, dog walking businesses don’t have a lot of risks. But, the main risks of starting a dog walking business are:
➡️ Dog injuries
➡️ Dealing with unpredictable dogs
➡️ Maintaining the legalities
➡️ Unpredictable weather
➡️ Managing your employees
➡️ Inconsistent income
➡️ Dealing with unhappy clients
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How much do dog walkers get paid UK?
In the UK, a dog walker can earn between £10 – £18 per hour. On average, dog walkers in the UK are paid £14 per hour. So, the final calculation sums up to £26,000 per year. However, an experienced and professional dog walker can earn up to £37,000 per year.
Do you need a licence to be a dog walker UK?
No, you don’t need any specific license to be a dog walker in the UK. However, if you want to provide other services, such as dog grooming or dog training, then you will need a license. If you have a local council license, then you will be good to go.
How much should I charge for a 30 minute dog walk in the UK?
On average, you can charge £10 for a short walk of 15-30 minutes. But you can charge more or less depending on the location and experience. For a group dog walk, you can charge around £8 – £12.
To sum up
If you want to establish a low-cost startup in the UK, then starting a dog walking business is your best choice.
But, how to start a dog walking business UK? Begin by registering your business and conducting market research. Wisely select your services and get a license and insurance. Understand the dog walking business laws UK. By following these steps, you will be able to run a successful dog walking business in the UK.
