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How to start a dog walking business

Updated 2026-05-01 ✓ Reviewed for accuracy FounderIgnite Editorial

Dog walking is one of the most accessible businesses to launch — the startup cost is minimal, you can start part-time, and demand in any residential area is consistent. The challenge isn't getting started, it's building a sustainable independent client base instead of depending on apps that take 20–40% of your earnings. Here's how to build it right.

Short version: Register your business, get pet care liability insurance, list on Rover to build initial reviews, then move clients to direct bookings as fast as possible. Charge $20–$30/walk to start and raise rates as you fill your schedule.

Step 1: Register your business

Keep it simple to start:

Step 2: Get insured before your first walk

Two things can go seriously wrong in pet care: a dog you're walking bites someone, or a dog is injured or killed while in your care. Both can result in large claims. You need:

Some dog walkers also carry bailee's coverage if they keep pets in their home.

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A-rated GL, BOP, professional liability, and equipment coverage. Bind online in minutes — download your COI the same day.
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Step 3: Set your rates

ServiceMost marketsHigh-cost cities
30-min walk$20–$28$28–$45
60-min walk$35–$45$45–$65
Drop-in visit (15 min)$15–$22$22–$35
Overnight pet sitting$45–$75$65–$120
Multiple dogs (same household)+$5–$10/dog+$8–$15/dog
Holiday surcharge+$10–$20+$15–$30

Research local rates on Rover for your ZIP code before setting yours. Adjust up or down based on your experience and the local market.

Step 4: Start on Rover — but plan to graduate off it

Rover takes 20%. Wag takes 40%. That's real money — on $30 walk, Rover keeps $6. At 20 walks a week, you're giving up $240/month. At 50 walks, over $600/month.

Use Rover to build your initial client base and reviews — it drives clients to you that you couldn't find otherwise. But every time you can, move clients to direct booking:

Step 5: Build your independent client base

The channels that work best for building direct pet care clients:

  1. Personal network first — every pet owner you know
  2. Nextdoor and local Facebook groups — introduce yourself with a photo and offer
  3. Vet offices and groomers — leave business cards; ask if they have a referral board
  4. Dog parks — show up, talk to regulars, be the person people think of when they need a walker
  5. Google Business Profile — set it up free; "dog walker near me" is a real search
  6. Apartment buildings — introduce yourself to management; post a flyer if allowed

Step 6: Build systems as you grow

Once you're regularly walking 10+ dogs a week, you need systems:

Expanding into pet sitting and boarding

Dog walking is a natural stepping stone to pet sitting and in-home boarding, which pay more per booking. Overnight sits typically run $50–$100/night. In-home boarding (dogs stay at your home) runs $40–$80/night depending on market.

Be aware that in-home boarding has different insurance requirements and some municipalities regulate it as a pet facility. Check local zoning laws before advertising boarding services from your home.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to start a dog walking business?
Very little — $200–$1,000 total. Your main costs are business registration ($50–$200), liability insurance ($300–$600/year), leashes and basic supplies ($50–$100), a scheduling app subscription ($30–$50/month), and marketing materials. You don't need a vehicle if you stay local. It's one of the lowest-barrier businesses to launch.
Do you need a license to start a dog walking business?
Most states don't have a specific dog walking license, but you'll need a general business license from your city or county ($50–$150). Some municipalities require pet care businesses to register separately. If you want to expand into boarding or daycare, regulations vary significantly by state and often require facility inspections.
How much should I charge to walk dogs?
Standard rates for a 30-minute walk run $20–$30 in most markets, $25–$45 in high cost-of-living cities like NYC, SF, and LA. Longer walks (60 min) run $35–$55. Drop-in visits (15–20 min check-in) run $15–$25. Charge more for holidays, multiple dogs, and reactive or large-breed dogs. Research local rates on Rover and Wag before setting yours.
Should I use Rover or Wag vs. going independent?
Use Rover and Wag to build your initial client base and reviews, then graduate as many clients as possible to direct bookings. Rover takes 20% and Wag takes 40% of your earnings — that's significant. The goal is to use the apps as a marketing channel early, then build a direct client base that doesn't pay that cut.
Do dog walkers need insurance?
Yes — you should carry general liability and care, custody & control insurance before your first walk. GL covers bodily injury (a dog you're walking bites someone) and property damage. Care, custody & control covers injury or death of a pet in your care. If a dog gets loose and causes a car accident, or is injured on a walk, you want coverage. It typically runs $300–$600/year.
How do I get my first dog walking clients?
Personal network first — tell every pet owner you know. Post in local Facebook groups and Nextdoor. List on Rover immediately (it drives traffic from people already searching). Leave business cards at vet offices, pet stores, and groomers. Introduce yourself to local dog parks. Your first 10 clients almost always come from people who already know and trust you.
How many dogs can I walk at once?
Solo walkers typically manage 4–6 dogs per group walk comfortably — more becomes difficult to control safely. Many professional walkers cap at 4 per group for liability and safety reasons. Some cities and states regulate maximum group walk size (NYC limits solo walkers to 8). Check local regulations and always err on the side of safety — one incident can end your business.

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Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal, tax, or insurance advice. Coverage availability and pricing vary by state and applicant. Always verify requirements with your state licensing board and confirm policy terms directly with your carrier before relying on this information.