If you’ve been reading my book on How To Start a Successful Dog Walking Business then you’ve landed on the right page!
Not read the book? Grab a copy here:
As promised here is my list of resources to help you start and grow your business. some of these links I am affiliated with and will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. And I don’t recommend any tools that I haven’t used myself!
Useful organisations
If you’re thinking of starting a dog walking business, there are a few useful organisations that can help you get started.
NARPS UK, The National Association for Pet Sitters & Dog Walkers
NarpsUK is the largest and most respected brand of its kind in the UK, assisting pet businesses, pet owners, government departments, researchers and others to access information about the UK pet industry business sector.
Membership offers guidance on everything from choosing the right insurance to marketing your business. They also have a directory of registered dog walkers, so potential customers can easily find you.
Another useful organisation is Dogs Trust, who offer free training courses on responsible dog walking. They also run regular events and campaigns to promote dog welfare, which is something you can get involved in to show potential clients that you’re passionate about animal welfare. Finally, local councils are a good source of information on things like safe walking routes and exercising dogs in public spaces. They may also be able to provide discounts on dog walking permits.
NARPS UK – https://www.narpsuk.co.uk/
Professional Dog Walkers Association
The PDWA is committed to setting and maintaining high standards within the dog walking industry. They believe that by doing so, they can help to improve the lives of both dogs and their owners. Their membership criteria are designed to ensure that only those who meet their high standards are able to join the Association. By working together, they can help to ensure that all dog walkers are able to provide a safe, reliable and ethical service. In addition, they also offer a range of discounts and benefits to their members, which helps to keep costs down. We believe that by working together, we can make a real difference to the quality of life of both dogs and their owners.
PWDA – https://professionaldogwalkersassociation.co.uk/
The Kennel Club
The Kennel Club has some great content including a section on training for their Good Citizens scheme which many dog walkers offer to their clients as an additional service.
Dog Training – https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/dog-training/
Govt guidelines and legislation
Setting up business guide
The government has published a new guide to help businesses get started. The guide covers everything from registering the business to finding premises and recruiting staff. It also includes information on tax and National Insurance, as well as advice on marketing and selling products or services. The guide is part of the government’s commitment to supporting businesses and helping them to grow and thrive. With so much information available, it can be difficult to know where to start when setting up a business. This guide provides a clear overview of the process, making it easier for businesses to get up and running.
Setting up business guide – https://www.gov.uk/browse/business/setting-up
Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) Check
Controlling dogs in public
In order to promote public safety, the government has put in place a number of regulations regarding the control of dogs in public spaces. These regulations vary depending on the municipality, but they typically require that dogs be kept on a leash and under the supervision of their owner at all times. In addition, dog owners are often required to pick up after their pet, and to prevent them from barking excessively or disturbing other people. By following these simple guidelines, dog owners can help to ensure that their pets are welcome in public spaces and that everyone can enjoy the outdoors safely.
Controlling dog in public – – https://www.gov.uk/control-dog-public
Insurance providers
In recent years, the number of people starting dog walking businesses has skyrocketed. As more and more people see the benefits of owning a dog, they are also seeing the potential to make some extra money by providing dog walking services. However, while this can be a lucrative business, it is also one that comes with its fair share of risks. From trips and falls to dog bites, there are a number of potential liabilities that dog walkers face on a daily basis. That’s why it’s so important to have the right insurance in place.
There are a number of specialist insurance providers that offer policies specifically designed for dog walkers. These policies can provide protection against a wide range of risks, from public liability to professional indemnity. In addition, many providers also offer discounts for members of professional organisations such as the PWDA.
Insurance providers for dog walkers
Recommended Dog Walking Gear & Equipment
When starting a dog walking business, there is certain gear and equipment you will need to be successful. Of course, you will need a collar and leash for each dog you walk and they’ll usually come with their own, which may or may not be suitable.
A harness is also recommended, as it can help to distribute the dog’s weight more evenly and make walking more comfortable for both of you.
In addition, you will need a supply of poop waste bags to collect any droppings along the way. I’d recommend you may also have a tick remover, as well as a first-aid kit in case of any emergencies. By being prepared with the proper gear and equipment, you can ensure that your dog walking business gets off to a good start.
| Image | Title | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 5m / 10m / 15m Long Dog Training Lead | View on Amazon | |
 | Walking Coupler Lead Braided Rope Dog Leash | View on Amazon | |
Top | Dicky Bag Dog Waste Bag | View on Amazon | |
 | Dog First Aid Kit | View on Amazon | |
 | Mountain Warehouse Adventurer Womens Waterproof Boots | View on Amazon | |
 | Regatta Womens Pack-It III Waterproof Packaway | View on Amazon | |
 | Beco Strong & Large Poop Bags - 270 Bags | View on Amazon |
GPS Trackers and Apps for Dogs and Dog Walkers
GPS trackers can be a great asset for dog walkers. By tracking the location of your clients’ pets in real-time, dog walkers can provide peace of mind to pet owners and ensure that their pets are safe at all times.
In addition, GPS trackers can help dog walkers to optimise their routes, ensuring that they are always walking the most efficient path. This can save time and money, and it can also help to reduce wear and tear on dog walking equipment.
Furthermore, GPS trackers can be used to track the activity level of dogs during walks, allowing dog walkers to customise their services to the needs of each individual pet. With so many benefits, it is no wonder that GPS trackers are becoming a staple for many dog walking businesses.
There are a number of GPS tracker providers that offer their services to dog walkers. Some of the most popular providers include Tractive, Garmin, and FitBark.
- SUBSCRIPTION NEEDED - starting from only £4 /month*. No mobile fees, no extra costs. With a built-in SIM card, all you need to do is pick a plan for your tracker (monthly, 1, 2 or 5 year), download the free Tractive GPS app, and enjoy coverage across the world. *Price based on a 2-year plan with one-off payment.
- LIVE MODE & UNLIMITED RANGE - Follow every step with location updates every 2-3 seconds. Find your dog no matter where they go.
- VIRTUAL FENCE - Set safe areas, like your garden or neighborhood. Get an alert the moment your dog leaves one - and the moment they come back safe and sound.
- ACTIVITY MONITORING - Know your dog is in good shape. See how much time they spend sleeping and being active. Set goals, track progress, and compare with other dogs.
- LOCATION HISTORY & SHARING - See what your dog has been up to. Look back on your walks. Track together with friends, family and others you trust with your dog. For example, a dog walker.
- 100% WATERPROOF & SHOCK-RESISTANT - Fits most collars and harnesses. Splash and smash-proof. A comfortable fit for dogs above 8.8lb, and the perfect adventure partner.
- UP TO 7 DAYS BATTERY - Made for dogs who like to roam. Full recharge in only 2 hours.
- TRY RISK FREE - Enjoy a 30-day money-back guarantee on your Tractive subscripti
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Free Website Builders
When you’re first starting out in business, it can be tough to know where to allocate your limited resources. One area that is often neglected is website development. However, having a well-designed website is critical for any business that wants to be successful in today’s digital world. Luckily, there are now a number of free website-building tools that can help startup businesses get off the ground without breaking the bank.
One of the most popular website builders is WordPress, which powers millions of websites worldwide. WordPress is free to use and provides a wide range of customizable themes and plugins to give your website a unique look and feel. Additionally, it offers a simple way to manage your website’s content and create new pages as your business grows.
Wix is another popular website builder that is free to use for basic websites. It offers a wide range of templates and design options, as well as an easy-to-use drag-and-drop interface. Wix also provides a wide range of features such as eCommerce integration, social media integration, and SEO tools to help you get the most out of your website.
Website builders such as WordPress and Wix are a great way for startup businesses to get online without spending a lot of money. By using a free website builder, you can focus your resources on developing your business and generating new leads.
Domain Name Registrars
There are many places to register a domain, including WordPress and Wix listed above. My favourites are:
- 123-Reg
- GoDaddy
Free Ad listings and Directories
Starting a new business is hard enough without having to worry about the cost of advertising. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to list your business for free. Online directories such as Google My Business and Yell are a great way to get your business in front of potential customers. Social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter are also excellent places to promote your business, and most of them offer free options for businesses. Finally, don’t forget about traditional methods such as flyers and word-of-mouth. With a little effort, you can get the word out about your business without spending a fortune on advertising.
- Gumtree
- Craigslist
- Freeads
- Loot
- Preloved
- Facebook Marketplace
- Google My Business
- Bing Places for Business
- Yahoo Business Listings
- Whitepages
- Touch Local
Brand Name Generators
If you’re stuck coming up with a name, try this free business name generator from BNG. Just type in ‘dog walker’ and see what you get!
Tools to make logos, flyers and social media posts
There are a number of tools available to help you create logos, flyers and social media posts for your business. If you’re not a designer, there are a number of online services that can help you create professional-looking designs. Canva is one such service that offers a wide range of templates for logos, flyers and social media posts, as well as a drag-and-drop interface that makes creating designs easy. Whichever route you choose, there are a number of tools available to help you create high-quality logos, flyers and social media posts for your business.
Canva
Canva is a user-friendly graphic design tool that is perfect for creating professional logos, flyers and social media posts. With over 1 million templates and tools available, it’s easy to get started with Canva. Simply select the template that you want to use and then customise it with your own images, text and branding.
Tailwind
Social media posts can be a great way to connect with your audience and promote your brand. However, creating and scheduling posts can be time-consuming. Tailwind is a tool that can help you save time by creating and scheduling posts for you. With Tailwind, you can choose from a variety of templates and designs, or you can create your own. You can also schedule when your posts will go live, so you don’t have to worry about forgetting to post.
In addition, Tailwind provides analytics so you can see how your posts are performing. With Tailwind, you can focus on creating great content, rather than worrying about the technical details.
Free Dog Walking and Training Contract Samples
A dog training contract is a legal agreement between a dog trainer and their client. The contract should spell out the terms of the agreement, including the services to be provided, the duration of the training, the cost of the services, and any other relevant details. A well-written contract can help to prevent misunderstandings and provide a clear roadmap for the training process. A dog training contract sample can be found below. Feel free to use this sample as a starting point for creating your own contract. Please note that this is only a sample and is not intended to be legal advice. If you have any questions about your contract, please consult with a solicitor.
Download Sample Dog Walking Contract
