If you’re considering a career as a dog walker in the UK, you might be wondering how much you can expect to earn. While there are a number of factors that can influence dog walker pay rates, there are some general trends that you can expect to see now we’re in 2023. Let’s explore the factors that can affect dog walker pay rates in the UK and what you can expect to earn in the coming years.
Factors that Affect Dog Walker Pay Rates
Location: As with any job, where you live can have a big impact on your earning potential as a dog walker. In general, urban areas with higher living costs tend to pay more than rural areas. According to data from Glassdoor, the average hourly wage for dog walkers in the UK is £10. However, this can vary depending on the city, town or region. In London, for example, the average hourly wage for a dog walker is £12.50, while in Manchester, it is £9.36.
Experience and qualifications: The more experience and qualifications you have as a dog walker, the more you can expect to earn. Some dog walking companies may require certification or training, which can help demonstrate your knowledge and expertise and command a higher rate. For example, the National Association of Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers (NARPS) offers courses and certification for pet care professionals, including dog walkers. Certification from a respected industry association can help boost your credibility and earning potential as a dog walker.
Services offered: Dog walkers who offer additional services, such as dog training or grooming, may be able to charge higher rates than those who just provide basic walking services. Offering specialised services can help you stand out from other dog walkers in your area and attract clients who are willing to pay more for high-quality care. For example, if you have experience with dog training, you could offer basic obedience training or specialised training for dogs with behavioural issues.
Demand: The demand for dog walking services can fluctuate depending on various factors, such as the season, the local economy, and the availability of other pet care options. When demand is high, dog walkers may be able to charge higher rates. However, during periods of low demand, such as the winter months or times of economic uncertainty, dog walkers may need to adjust their rates to attract and retain clients.
Dog Walker Pay Rates in 2023
While it’s difficult to predict exactly how much dog walkers can expect to earn in 2023, there are some general trends that we can expect to see. The demand for dog walking services in the UK has been growing steadily in recent years, as more people adopt pets and look for convenient and affordable pet care options.
According to a recent survey by the UK-based pet care website Tailster, the average rate for a 30-minute dog walk in the UK in 2020 was £12. However, this can vary depending on the location and other factors as preciously mentioned, with some dog walkers in high-demand areas charging as much as £20 or more per walk!
As the demand for dog walking services continues to grow, it’s possible that dog walkers in some areas of the UK may be able to command even higher rates in 2023. That said, competition among dog walkers is also likely to increase, as more people enter the field in response to the growing demand for pet care services. This means that dog walkers will need to be proactive in marketing their services, building relationships with clients, and offering high-quality care to stand out in a crowded market.
As mentioned, offering additional services, such as pet sitting or overnight care, may also help you increase your earning potential as a dog walker. Many pet owners are looking for full-service pet care providers who can offer a range of services to meet their needs. By expanding your service offerings to include pet sitting or overnight care, you can build deeper relationships with your clients (and their owners) and earn even more for your time and expertise.
In addition to offering high-quality services, staying up-to-date on industry trends can help you stay ahead of the competition and maximize your earning potential as a dog walker. For example, you might consider investing in technology to streamline your scheduling and billing processes, or offering eco-friendly pet care options to appeal to the environmentally conscious.
Becoming a dog walker can be a fulfilling and lucrative career choice for those who love animals and enjoy spending time outdoors. While dog walker pay rates can vary depending on a number of factors, it’s likely that the demand for dog walking services will continue to grow in the UK in 2023 and beyond. By offering high-quality services, staying up-to-date on industry trends, and being open to new opportunities, you can help ensure a bright future for yourself and your furry clients.
Ultimately, the key to success as a dog walker in 2023 will be your ability to build relationships with your clients (and their owners), offer a range of high-quality services to meet their needs, and adapt to changing market conditions. By taking a proactive approach to your business and investing in your professional development, you can enjoy a rewarding and profitable career as a dog walker in the years to come.
Marketing Your Dog Walking Business
In addition to offering high-quality services and staying up-to-date on industry trends, marketing your dog walking business will be critical to your success in 2023. With the growing competition in the pet care industry, you’ll need to find ways to stand out from the crowd and attract new clients.
One of the most effective ways to market your dog walking business is through social media. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter can be powerful tools for connecting with pet owners in your area and showcasing your services. By posting engaging content, sharing photos of happy dogs, and engaging with your followers, you can build a strong online presence and attract new clients.
Another effective marketing strategy is to build relationships with local pet stores and vet clinics. By networking with these businesses and offering to distribute your business cards or flyers, you can tap into a valuable source of referral business. Additionally, consider attending local pet-related events like the prestigious Crufts or All About Dogs and offering your services as a sponsor or volunteer. This can be a great way to meet new clients and build your reputation as a trusted pet care provider in your community.
Investing in Your Business
As the demand for dog walking services continues to grow, it’s important to invest in your business to ensure its long-term success. This might mean upgrading your equipment, investing in training or certification, or hiring additional staff to help you manage your workload.
Additionally, consider investing in technology to streamline your business processes and improve your efficiency. For example, there are a number of scheduling and billing software programs and apps like GoWalkies designed specifically for pet care professionals that can help you manage your appointments and track your income.
One of the unique benefits of GoWalkies is that it allows dog walkers to keep 100% of their earnings. Unlike other dog walking apps that charge a commission or take a percentage of the fees, GoWalkies does not deduct any fees or charges from the dog walker’s earnings. This means that service providers can earn more for their time and expertise, while still enjoying the benefits of using a modern, user-friendly app to manage their business conveniently. With GoWalkies, dog walkers can offer a high-quality service to their clients, while also keeping more of their hard-earned money and then more yummy treats in their pockets.
But remember, by investing your time in yourself and your business, you can position yourself for growth and success in 2023 and beyond.
The demand for dog walking services continues to grow in the UK and the dog walking industry offers an exciting and lucrative career opportunity for animal lovers.
While pay rates can vary depending on a number of factors, including location, experience, and the services offered, there are a number of strategies that can help dog walkers maximise their earning potential in 2023.
By offering high-quality services, staying up-to-date on industry trends, and investing in your business, you can build a successful and fulfilling career as a dog walker in the years to come. With the right approach and a commitment to providing top-notch care to your furry clients, the sky is the limit for dog walkers in the UK in 2023 and beyond!
Expanding Your Services
In addition to offering basic dog walking services, there are many other pet-related services that you can offer to expand your business and increase your earning potential. For example, you might consider offering dog training services, pet sitting, or overnight care for clients who are going out of town.
By expanding your service offerings, you can build deeper relationships with your clients and earn more for your time and expertise. Offering specialised services that you are good at can also help you stand out from other dog walkers in your area and attract clients who are willing to pay more for a higher quality care.
Additionally, consider partnering with other pet care professionals in your area, such as groomers or veterinarians, to offer a comprehensive suite of pet care services. By offering a one-stop-shop for pet care needs, you can build a loyal client base and position yourself as a trusted pet care provider in your community.
Dealing with Competition
As the demand for dog walking services continues to grow in the UK, the industry is becoming increasingly competitive. To succeed as a dog walker in 2023, you’ll need to find ways to stand out from the crowd and differentiate yourself from other pet care providers.
One effective strategy is to focus on providing exceptional customer service. By offering a personalised experience for your clients and going above and beyond to meet their needs, you can build a strong reputation and attract new clients through word-of-mouth referrals.
Additionally, consider investing in technology to improve your efficiency and differentiate yourself from other dog walkers. For example, you might consider GoWalkies app and use the GPS tracking software to provide real-time updates to your clients, or offer online booking and payment options to make it easier for clients to schedule and pay for your services.
GoWalkies is a dog walking app that can help dog walkers in the UK (and soon in EU and US) to manage their business and increase their earning potential in 2023. With GoWalkies, dog walkers can easily manage their schedules, track their earnings, and communicate with their clients, all from their mobile device.
The app offers a range of features designed specifically for pet care professionals, including a user-friendly interface, real-time GPS tracking, and integrated payment processing. By using GoWalkies, dog walkers can offer a high-tech, modern service that sets them apart from other pet care providers in their area.
GoWalkies provides a powerful marketing platform for dog walkers. By creating a profile on the app, you can showcase your services and reach a wider audience of pet owners in your area at zero cost to yourself. You can also receive client reviews and ratings on the app, which can help build your reputation and attract new business.
Overall, GoWalkies is an essential tool for dog walkers looking to grow their business and maximise their earning potential in 2023. By using the app, dog walkers can streamline their operations, improve their marketing efforts, and provide a premium service to their clients.