Count the whole visit, not just the walk. ProfitDrawer's dog walking guide prices a 30-minute walk as 45 minutes of work (travel, entry and an owner update included): 0.75 hour at $24 an hour is $18.00, plus $1.45 of mileage and $1.00 of overhead, for $20.45. Adding 15% profit gives $23.52, rounded to $24 per walk. These are example numbers to replace with your own, not a market rate.
What goes into the example:
- Time: 30-minute walk + 10 minutes travel + 5 minutes getting in, out and writing the update.
- Mileage: 2 miles at $0.725, the IRS business rate for January to June 2026 (the IRS rate was 76 cents a mile for July to December 2026).
- Overhead: about $1,000 a year of insurance, license, supplies and marketing spread over 1,000 walks, so $1.00 a walk.
- Profit: 15% on top of cost.
Price extras on top of the base walk. The guide's examples are $8 for each extra dog and $5 more for weekends, with a higher holiday rate. A weekly package paid in advance (for example 5 walks) keeps your schedule steady.
Run your own times and rates in the free price per job calculator, then compare with what other walkers in your area charge before you publish a price list.
Source: How to Start a Dog Walking Business in Your Neighborhood · Updated
Tools and spreadsheets for this
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General information, not tax, legal or financial advice. Check the rules for your state and your situation.