Dog walking company with a team

Households in your area that want dependable, regular walks and backup cover when one walker is away.

Clients pay per walk or on a monthly plan. You pay walkers per walk or hourly and keep the difference after insurance and software costs.

• Scheduling and organizing
• Hiring and managing people
• Building trust with clients

• Whether walkers are employees or independent contractors, check IRS and your state's rules
• Workers' compensation insurance requirements once you hire, which vary by state
• General liability and bonding or care, custody and control cover
• Background checks and who holds client keys
• Local business license and any limits on dogs per walker

Startup costs are typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your insurance, marketing, scheduling tools and how many walkers you set up with. These are estimates, so build your own budget from local quotes before you launch.

Monthly revenue is typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on how many clients you book, your prices and how many walkers you have. Treat this as an estimate, not a promise, and work out your own costs including walker pay.

Check whether walkers count as employees or independent contractors under IRS and your state's rules, and what workers' compensation insurance is required once you hire. Also look into general liability cover, background checks, key handling, your local business license and any limits on dogs per walker.