For your business4 min read

How to get more dog walking clients

Dog walking is a local, trust-driven service. The clients you want are within a few miles of you — here's how to reach them.

Step-by-step

Local Facebook groups and Nextdoor are your fastest source of first clients

Dog owners talk constantly in local community groups. Join every neighbourhood group, dog-specific group (e.g. '[Town] Dog Owners', '[Breed] owners [City]'), and Nextdoor neighbourhood in your area. Introduce yourself genuinely — not just 'I'm a dog walker looking for clients' but 'Hi, I'm [name], I've just launched a dog walking service in [area]. I've been walking dogs for X years and specialise in [type of dog / service]. Happy to meet owners and dogs before committing.' Include a few photos of dogs you've walked.

List on pet service platforms to reach clients who aren't in your groups

Rover, GoWalkies, Wag, and similar platforms give you immediate access to dog owners actively searching for walkers. They take a commission (15–30%), but the leads are warm and the review system builds your credibility fast. Use platforms to get your first 10–15 clients and reviews, then transition those clients to direct bookings (at a slight discount from your platform rate) as your relationship develops. Platform profiles also rank in Google for local searches.

Get your Google Business Profile set up from day one

Dog owners searching 'dog walker near me' or 'dog walking [your area]' will find your GBP if it's complete and has reviews. Unlike groomers and salons, most dog walkers don't have a GBP at all — which means the bar to appearing in local search is low. Set it up with your service area (not your home address), photos of you with dogs, the breeds and sizes you walk, your hours, and start collecting reviews from your first clients immediately.

Build relationships with local vets and groomers for referrals

Vets and dog groomers are regularly asked by clients if they know a reliable dog walker. A quick visit to introduce yourself, leave some cards, and explain your service (your area, breed experience, group vs solo walks) can generate consistent referrals over months and years. Reciprocate: when clients ask you for a recommendation, refer them to the vet or groomer who sent them to you.

A professional website shows you take your business seriously

Dog walking is a service where owners are entrusting you with a family member. A website that explains who you are, your experience, your insurance, how you handle dogs, your rates, your area, and genuine client testimonials builds the trust that a Facebook post can't. It also helps you rank in Google for local searches. You can build one from scratch in minutes using an AI website builder.

Tips & best practices

▸Getting insured and CRB/DBS checked — and displaying this prominently on your website and in your marketing — is one of the most effective trust signals for dog walking clients, especially parents.
▸Photos and short videos of the dogs mid-walk, posted to Instagram and WhatsApp groups, delight clients and generate unprompted referrals. Owners share content of their dogs enthusiastically.
▸Offer a free meet-and-greet with every new client before the first walk. Most owners expect this for a service involving their dog. It also gives you the chance to assess the dog's temperament and build rapport with the owner.

Common questions

How many dogs can I walk at once?

In the UK, the guidance (though not legally enforced for all walkers) is a maximum of 4–6 dogs at once. This varies by local council and insurance policy — check your insurance terms. Some walkers specialise in solo walks (one dog at a time) which commands premium rates, especially for large, reactive, or anxious dogs.

Do I need insurance to be a dog walker?

It's not legally required in all areas but it's strongly recommended and many clients ask for it. Public liability insurance for dog walkers is inexpensive (£100–£200/year) and covers you if a dog causes injury or damage in your care. Some policies also include care, custody, and control cover for if a dog gets lost or injured.

How do I handle aggressive or difficult dogs?

Be transparent about what types of dogs you're comfortable with and state this in your service description. A meet-and-greet lets you assess temperament before committing. Don't take on dogs beyond your experience level — a single incident damages your reputation and insurance record significantly.