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 one-time would have to 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 how much the standard rates typically are. 

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 good to consider 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.

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. 

However, no two dog walkers are equal, even if they are insured and experienced with your pet's breed. Consider these other factors:

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

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.  

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. The availability of their services might be limited, so if you want to book your favourite dog walker, make sure to notify them promptly.

Find a trusted dog walker near you

Now that you know how much dog walking services cost, you're ready to post a task and find reliable dog walkers in your area. You'll likely have more than one person competing for the job. Booking someone who will work well with your dog and your schedule isn't hard if you follow a few simple guidelines. 

The first thing to consider is the Tasker's qualifications. Even if your requests aren't complex, find someone experienced with your pet's breed. There’s a ‘reply’ feature that you could use in the platform that allows you to ask specific questions, helping you assess whether the dog walker fits your needs.  

Moreover, consider your personal needs and your dog's personality. For example, do you need a Tasker to walk your dog at night, and is your dog skittish around strangers? These things should influence your decision-making process, and Airtasker can connect you with the right professionals.