Frederick Jace
When it comes to pet-sitting services, dog walking is often one of the most popular. This service is great for people who can’t seem to make enough time in their day to go for a walk or for owners who are simply too busy to do it themselves.
Dog walking is also a great way to get your pet some much-needed exercise in the middle of the day. So, if you are thinking about starting a dog walking service, you might have a few questions.
Perhaps you are wondering how much should dog walking costs. Well, today we are gonna talk about this and a few more questions that you might have. Let’s get right into it.
Length of Walk
Generally, dog walks can cost anywhere from $8-30 per hour. A 15-minute walk can cost anywhere from $8-15, while longer walks (30 minutes or 1 hour) can cost up to $30.
If you need a longer walk for a bigger or more active dog, this price may go up. Keep in mind that many dog-walking companies also offer package deals and discounted rates for frequent visitors.
Number of Dogs
The cost of dog walking varies depending on the number of pooches under a pet care provider’s care. Generally, the more dogs being walked together, the lower the price.
For example, if one person is walking one dog, the average cost is approximately $15-$20 for a 30-minute walk. Hiring a professional walker for two dogs at a time can be around $20-$25, and for three dogs, it hovers around $25-$35.
Location
The location has an important role to play when it comes to determining the cost of dog walking. Big cities like New York and San Francisco, where the cost of living tends to be higher, usually have dog walking rates that are above the national average.
On the other end of the spectrum, dog walking costs tend to be lower in rural and suburban areas. The cost of living is usually lower in these areas due to a lack of amenities and services, as well as less competition from other dog walkers.
Add-ons
Dog walking cost is an important factor when it comes to add-ons. The more add-ons requested, the higher the cost may be. Some of these add-ons include additional services such as single dog kennels, additional walking time, additional visits, or choosing a specific route.
The additional time for walking would naturally be an additional cost, as would make several visits to the home. The exact cost of these add-ons is hard to price since everyone will have different requests. However, the hourly rate should be adjusted accordingly with the additional services desired.
Holiday Fees
Many pet owners may charge a premium on holidays due to being off from work, so dog walking may need to increase on these days. Holiday fees can range from $10 to $30 per walk, depending on the season.
Generally, pet parents may pay more during major holidays such as Memorial Day, Labor Day, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, etc. Services like Pet Sitters International suggest a $5 – $15 surcharge on holidays as an added convenience for dog owners.
Learn More About Dog Walking Cost
A dog walking cost depends on the service you choose, but having a professional dog walker can bring peace of mind and convenience. Weigh the pros and cons carefully before deciding which type of service you want to explore.
Looking for more tips and ideas? We’ve got you covered. Check out some of our other posts now.
