Dog walking costs: What to expect when hiring a walker

A professional dog walking service is an excellent way for dog owners to give their pets the best care. Having a dog is an ongoing responsibility. When you want or have to be away from your pet, it’s comforting to know they can still receive attention and exercise from a professional dog handler. But how much do dog walkers cost?

In the UK, the average cost of dog walkers is £5 to £25 per walk. However, finding an experienced dog walker who interacts well with your pet can be tricky. This guide, along with a bit of research, can help you know what to expect and eventually find someone your dog will love.

Dog walking price list

Dog walking costs vary widely depending on how frequently the service is booked. For instance, clients who book the service once would pay a slightly higher rate than established clients who book regularly.

Here’s a breakdown of the estimated dog-walking costs per walk to give you an idea of the standard rates. 

*Prices are per dog walk

Keep in mind that these dog walking prices do not reflect the different needs of pets and their owners. These are just estimated costs for casual dog walkers who offer the service occasionally as a side job. Hiring professional handlers for dogs with special needs, behavioural issues, and those deemed ‘dangerous’ would command considerably higher prices. 

But if you simply want someone on call for days when you’re coming home late from work or are out of town, hiring casual dog walkers is a good idea. Just make sure to communicate your dog’s needs in detail to see if they can accommodate your request so you can find the right dog walker.

Dog walking packages and extra pet care services

A regular walking package is perfect for keeping energetic dogs like this Jack Russell active and happy. (Source: iStock)

Many professional dog walkers offer discounts when you purchase more than one service at a time. If your pet needs regular walks, it’s worth considering these offers. These packages can lower the cost of a dog walking service, especially over time. 

Package deals don’t necessarily include multiple walks. Some handlers offer dog boarding and other care services, like doggy daycare and grooming, too. These services are ideal if you are going out of town or are away from home for long hours during the day.

Benefits of walking your dog

A group dog walk. (Source: iStock)

Walking your dog is not just basic dog care. It’s also one of the simplest ways to improve their health, behaviour, and overall quality of life. Here are just some of the benefits shown in studies worldwide.

Physical health benefits

• Helps manage weight and prevents disease: Nearly 50% of pet dogs in the UK are overweight or obese, which increases the risk of diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, and shortened lifespan. Regular walks help burn calories and keep your dog within a healthier weight range.

• Supports heart, muscle, and joint health: Daily movement strengthens the heart, keeps joints lubricated, and maintains muscle tone. This is critical for aging dogs or breeds prone to joint issues.

• Improves digestion and urinary health: Consistent walks help regulate digestion, reduce constipation, and give dogs the chance to empty their bladder regularly, which can help lower UTI risk.

Mental and behavioural benefits

• Reduces boredom and destructive behaviours: A well-walked dog is less likely to chew, dig, bark excessively, or act out due to pent-up energy.

• Lowers stress and anxiety: Walking boosts feel-good chemicals, which help nervous or reactive dogs relax and settle more easily.

• Improves socialisation and confidence: Exposure to different environments, people, and dogs builds social skills and helps reduce fear or reactivity outdoors.

Benefits for dog owners

• Increases your physical activity: Studies show dog owners are more likely to meet exercise guidelines because daily walks add up fast.

• Supports heart health and lowers disease risk: Research from groups like the UC Davis Health and Mayo Clinic links regular dog walking to lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and overall cardiovascular risk.

• Improves mood and reduces stress: Walking with a dog releases endorphins, reduces cortisol, and offers the kind of routine companionship that supports better emotional well-being.

Factors affecting the average cost of dog walking services

A dog walker leads a mix of breeds through a busy city street. (Source: iStock)

Though dog walking costs in the UK are pretty consistent, many things can increase the cost of the service you are looking for. Of course, pet handlers with more experience charge more for their services. 

Your location

Dog walkers often use one or two routes for the job. You might want to check if you’re close to their area. Otherwise, you’ll have to cover their travel expenses. Find a dog walker near you if you want to stick to your budget.

You should also consider the extra transport costs, especially if you’ll have the handler collect the dogs from your home and take them to multiple locations. Some dog walkers who operate on a larger scale often have vans adjusted for the purpose of transporting dogs, which would garner additional costs.  

Walk length

On average, a dog walker will charge £5 to £10 for a short, 15- to 30-minute walk. If you have a large, active dog, you might want their walk to last at least 30 minutes. This can increase the price, especially if you’re scheduling more than one walk per day.

Walk frequency

If you have an active dog or will be away from home for a long time, scheduling multiple walks per day is ideal. Some dog walkers offer discounts for ‘packaged’ services, while others charge more for additional walks. Ask your dog walker what they can provide for two or more walks per day, especially if the walks will be private. 

Number of dogs

Many dog walking services pick up and drop off pets in small groups. This allows socialisation and makes it easier for the dog walker to cater to more clients. 

Solo sessions cost more since the walker focuses on one dog’s needs, which pushes the cost of dog walking per hour toward the higher end of the range. Group walks are cheaper per dog because the walker divides their time across several clients.

If you want private walks for your pet, you might have to pay more for the dog walker’s time.

Walker qualifications and training

Qualifications play a big role in the cost for dog walking services because training and safety credentials signal professionalism and reduce risk for the owner. Walkers with pet first aid or CPR training can handle emergencies, which matters if your dog is older, reactive, or prone to medical issues. Behaviour-training certifications also justify higher rates since these walkers can safely manage dogs that need more structure.

Insurance and bonding add another layer of security for clients who allow walkers into their homes. These protections cover accidents, property damage, or theft, which is why many professional walkers and pet care businesses include them as part of their service. Independent walkers who invest in insurance often price themselves on the higher end because their operating costs are higher.

Holiday rates

Dog walking services are in demand during holidays. If you’re planning to go out of town and need someone to walk your pet, you must plan well. Most handlers charge more on holidays. Their services may be limited, so if you want to book your favourite dog walker, make sure to notify them promptly.

Reasons to hire a professional dog walker

A professional dog walker at work. (Source: iStock)

Professional walkers know how to read dog body language, avoid risky situations, and manage different temperaments confidently. 

Safe and proper handling

Many are pet first aid/CPR certified, so they can respond quickly to heat-related issues, minor injuries, or sudden distress. That level of preparedness isn’t standard with casual walkers.

Accountability

Pros treat dog walking like real work, not a hobby, so they follow routines, show up on time, and stick to agreed-upon instructions. If something needs adjusting, they communicate clearly and document changes. You’re working with someone who understands responsibility.

Verified experience

If you hire through reputable services, most conduct background checks and verify references before allowing anyone on the platform. This ensures that you get experienced walkers who have handled everything from energetic puppies to reactive rescues.

Clear communication

Most professional walkers use apps or messaging to send photos, videos, and GPS-tracked routes after each visit. You always know when the walk happened, how it went, and what your dog did.

Peace of mind

Finally, a vetted pro walker gives your dog consistent care even when your schedule changes. You know they’re getting safe exercise and attention from someone who understands what they’re doing. It’s one less thing to worry about during a long workday.

How to save money on dog walking

Several dogs on leashes being guided by dog walkers. (Source: iStock)

Now that we’re done figuring out the cost of dog walking services, it’s time to consider how to lower the overall spend without affecting the care your dog receives. Here are some tips to save money on dog walking without cutting corners on safety or quality.

Opt for group walks

As mentioned above, group walks often cost less because the walker’s time is shared across multiple dogs. They’re a good fit for social, well-mannered dogs who don’t need one-on-one attention. Just make sure your dog is comfortable around others before choosing this option.

Book recurring packages

Many dog walkers offer weekly or monthly bundles that reduce the per-walk rate. Package pricing gives you predictable costs and usually saves you 5% to 10% over one-off bookings. It’s one of the easiest ways to cut expenses without changing the service.

Avoid peak times

Walkers often charge more during evenings, holidays, or last-minute requests. Scheduling walks during regular daytime hours can keep rates lower and availability higher. Planning ahead also reduces the chances of paying rush fees.

Ask friends or family for help

Having someone you know step in can reduce your weekly costs. Just remember this option doesn’t offer the training, accountability, or structure of a professional walker. It’s best used as a backup rather than a full replacement.

Keep your dog healthy and happy with Airtasker

Finding the right support makes all the difference so your dog gets its regular exercise even when your schedule’s packed. Once you know the typical dog walking, sitting, or boarding rates in your area, it becomes much easier to choose the level of care that actually fits your routine and your dog’s needs.

If you want a simple way to get help, Airtasker makes the whole process quick. You can post what you need, compare offers, and choose from experienced Taskers who handle everything from weekday walks to tailored one-to-one sessions. Post a task today and connect with a local Tasker who’ll take great care of your pup.