ProfitDrawer's dog walking business guide gives an example budget of about $275 to $1,630 for a solo walker who already has a phone and good shoes. The largest line is pet care liability insurance and bonding for the first year ($150 to $600), followed by a business license ($25 to $300), leashes and supplies, a pet first aid kit and class, and simple flyers. These are example ranges; your costs will differ by city and insurer.
Example budget for a solo dog walker (your costs will differ):
| Item | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Pet care liability insurance and bonding (first year) | $150 | $600 |
| Business license and registration | $25 | $300 |
| Leashes, harnesses, waste bags, treats, towels | $40 | $150 |
| Pet first aid kit and class | $30 | $150 |
| Lockbox or key tags | $0 | $60 |
| Rain gear and walking shoes | $0 | $150 |
| Cards, flyers and door hangers | $30 | $120 |
| Simple website and booking page (first year) | $0 | $100 |
| Total | $275 | $1,630 |
There is no single national dog walking license; check your city and county for a general business license and any rules for commercial walkers in parks. Ask your insurer about care, custody and control coverage and bonding for keys, since clients often ask if you are insured.
A tight service area you can reach on foot keeps running costs low. The guide's worked price for a 30 minute walk is $24, so the low end budget is covered after about a dozen paid walks. Add your own numbers to the free startup cost calculator.
Source: How to Start a Dog Walking Business (ProfitDrawer guide) · Updated
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General information, not tax, legal or financial advice. Check the rules for your state and your situation.