Start a Dog Walking Business: The Ultimate Side Hustle

6 min read

If you're searching for a flexible side hustle that combines fresh air, exercise, and genuine profit potential, starting a dog walking business might be your perfect match. The market size of the Dog Walking Services industry in the United States is $1.3bn in 2025, and there are 35,349 businesses in the Dog Walking Services industry in the United States, which has grown at a CAGR of 6.8 % between 2020 and 2025.

What makes this side business particularly attractive is its remarkably low barrier to entry. Minimal capital, limited training needs and a lack of formal regulation have made it easy for almost anyone to become a dog walker. But don't mistake "easy to start" for "not lucrative"—the earning potential might surprise you.

Why Dog Walking Makes Financial Sense as a Side Hustle

The numbers tell a compelling story. On average, dog walkers in the U.S. make around $2,980 per month or $35,770 per year, with rates higher in metropolitan areas and for those who serve multiple clients or dogs. Even more impressive, a professional dog walker in New York earns over $100,000 annually just by walking multiple dogs simultaneously and optimizing routes.

Location significantly impacts your earning potential. Looking at earnings per hour per state based on a 40-hour workweek schedule, the maximum potential for annualized earnings for dog walking is the highest in California ($76,960), followed by Connecticut ($73,740) and Colorado ($71,960). But even in lower-paying states, dog walking can be financially rewarding—even these lower amounts still surpass average salaries.

For a typical 30-minute walk, walks lasting 30 minutes or less are the primary revenue driver of the dog walking services industry, offering convenient and affordable options that typically start at $15.0 to $30.0 per half hour. As of early 2025, the national average for a 30-minute dog walk is around $30.

Getting Started: What You Actually Need

One of the most appealing aspects of this side business is the minimal startup investment required. Initial costs typically range from $500-$4,500, covering expenses like business registration, insurance, basic supplies, marketing materials, and website development.

Essential Startup Steps

The beauty of this model is that you can start small and scale gradually. Many successful dog walkers began with just one or two clients while working another job, then expanded as demand grew and their reputation solidified.

Building Your Client Base in a Growing Market

The pet care industry provides a favorable backdrop for new dog walking businesses. Pet ownership itself is expanding, with 94 million U.S. households now owning at least one pet, up from 82 million in 2023. This expansion creates consistent demand for pet services.

Nearly 40% of people do not walk their dogs regularly, despite the fact that 78% of people said that dogs deserved to be walked twice a day. This gap between intention and action represents your opportunity. Many admitted that they skip walks each week out of laziness, stress, or other responsibilities.

To attract your first clients, focus on:

Maximizing Your Income: Strategies That Work

The difference between a modest side income and a substantial revenue stream often comes down to strategy. Here's how successful dog walkers optimize their earnings:

Geographic Clustering

Focus on building a client base within a specific neighborhood or area. This reduces travel time between walks and allows you to schedule more appointments per day. When calculating your typical hourly earnings as a dog walker, you need to factor in all of your time, including the distance you're traveling between appointments.

Group Walks

Walking multiple dogs simultaneously can significantly boost your hourly rate. If you charge $25 per 30-minute walk and can safely handle three dogs at once, you're earning $75 per half hour—or $150 per hour. Just ensure you have the experience and appropriate insurance for group walks.

Package Deals and Subscriptions

Some walkers offer discounts for bulk bookings or monthly packages, providing savings for regular clients. This approach guarantees steady income and builds long-term client relationships. Consider offering weekly or monthly packages at a slight discount to encourage commitment.

Premium Services

Extended Walks: Longer sessions (45-60 minutes) may range from $30 to $60. Additional services like feeding, administering medication, or sending photo updates can justify premium pricing. A dog walker may earn $43,000 per year or $826 per week if they have a certification from the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters.

Part-Time Ventures That Lead to Full-Time Freedom

What starts as a side hustle can evolve into something more substantial. A lot of dog walkers in the U.S are making a full-time income in fewer hours, proving it's more than a side hustle.

A full-time dog walker can easily earn over $1,000 weekly, especially if they offer add-on services like pet sitting. The flexibility of dog walking means you can scale your business according to your goals and availability. Some entrepreneurs start with morning and evening walks while maintaining a day job, then gradually transition to full-time as their client roster expands.

The industry's growth trajectory supports this expansion potential. The Dog Walking Services Market accounted for USD 1.18 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 3.08 Billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of around 9.1% between 2025 and 2035.

Passive Income Opportunities Within the Business

While dog walking itself is active income (you trade time for money), you can build passive income streams around your business:

Technology and the Modern Dog Walking Business

Technology has transformed this traditional service into a sophisticated operation. Click-based tracking systems and subscription plans along with real-time data monitoring constitute important technology features that improve customer satisfaction.

Modern dog walkers use GPS tracking apps to show clients exactly where they walked, send real-time photo updates, and maintain digital records of each pet's behavior and preferences. These technological touches not only enhance customer satisfaction but also justify premium pricing.

For more information on starting a service-based business, visit the U.S. Small Business Administration for guidance on business structures and legal requirements.

The Bottom Line: Is Dog Walking Right for You?

Starting a dog walking business offers a rare combination of low startup costs, flexible scheduling, genuine earning potential, and the satisfaction of working with animals. 70 percent of PSI members who participated in PSI's 2024 State of the Industry Survey indicated they expect their revenues to increase this year.

This side hustle isn't passive income—it requires physical activity, reliability, and genuine care for animals. But for those willing to commit, the rewards extend beyond the financial. You'll enjoy outdoor time, exercise, and the gratitude of both pets and their owners.

The growing pet care market, combined with the persistent gap between pet owners' intentions and actions regarding daily walks, creates a sustainable opportunity for motivated entrepreneurs. Whether you're looking to supplement your income with a few weekly walks or build toward a full-time pet care business, dog walking provides a proven path forward.

For industry insights and best practices, the Pet Sitters International organization offers resources and standards for professional pet care providers.

Start small, deliver excellent service, and watch as referrals and repeat business transform your side hustle into a thriving venture in one of America's fastest-growing industries.