Solo dog walking business

Working owners, older people, and households with a new puppy or a dog needing more exercise than the family can give.

A fixed price per walk, often cheaper for group walks than one-to-one. Regular weekly bookings give steady income, and you can add extras such as puppy visits or holiday cover.

• Confident handling of dogs of different sizes
• Reading dog behaviour and body language
• Reliable and good at keeping to times

• Insurance that covers you for the dogs in your care, including injury and escapes
• Check your local council for rules on the number of dogs per walker and any dog control orders in parks
• Keys and house access need careful handling, so keep them secure and logged
• Check the rules if you want to board dogs at home or offer day care, as that usually needs a council licence
• Weather and physical demands, so plan for cover if you are ill

Startup costs are estimated at typically around £150 to £800, depending on insurance, equipment and how you promote yourself. Check that your insurance covers injury and escapes for the dogs in your care.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around £400 to £2,500, depending on how many dogs you walk, whether walks are solo or in groups, and the hours you work. Many people start at around 8 hours a week.

Check your council's rules on how many dogs one walker can take and any dog control orders in parks. Also check insurance, secure handling of keys, and that boarding or day care at home usually needs a council licence.