Find a Dog Walker near you
The average rating for Bark Dog Walkers is 4.93, based on 169,602 reviews
5/5
based on 169,602 reviews
Thinking of hiring a dog walker to help exercise your pup? Find out how much dog walking costs with our comprehensive price guide, including average dog walking prices and factors that influence the cost.
We're a nation of dog lovers, with a recent survey suggesting that 11.1 million dogs live in UK households. Like us, dogs are social animals, and exercise provides them with regular interaction and the stimulation they need for long-term health and happiness. Daily exercise is scientifically proven to prevent a range of diseases that could crop up in your pup’s lifetime. It’s also a great way to relieve excess energy, significantly improving their behaviour. But if you don't have time to walk them yourself, or you just need a little extra help, you're probably wondering: how much does a dog walker cost, what are dog walking prices like and how do you choose the right person?
Our dog walking price guide will help you understand how much dog walking usually costs, so you can set your budget and compare dog walking prices near you. These numbers are taken from our data, but as they're national averages, the best way to get a truly accurate number for your pup is to request quotes from local dog walkers.
Statistics show that UK dog owners spend around £ 8 billion (that's right!) on pet care and pet products, and dog walkers are an important part of that economy.
So before we start talking about dog walking prices, let's set out what you get for your money. Your dog walker will ensure your dog gets the regular exercise and stimulation they need. While the standard requirement of a dog walker is to get them out and about in the fresh air, some also offer training services, which is particularly useful if you’ve got a cheeky or frisky young pup!
Your dog walker will usually pick your dog up from your house; if you and your walker are comfortable, they may also pick your dog up when you're not at home, depending on the arrangement. They will take your dog for a walk in the local area, for example, around a park, before dropping them off again. You might also arrange for your dog walker to drive them to a different area if there aren't many suitable walking spots near you.
When you pay for dog walking, you're usually looking at a fixed amount of time. Most dogs need two hours of exercise a day, but arranged walks tend to be half an hour on average, with a little extra time for pick-up and drop-off. If you have a puppy, a shorter walk is more suitable, or some breeds might be happier with a longer trek - say an hour. It all depends on what you and your walker decide.
If you’re trying to estimate dog walking prices near you, the figures below show the average cost for an individual dog walk based on the prices of local UK professionals.
| Average cost (per walk) | £15 |
| Minimum cost (per walk) | £12 |
| Maximum cost (per walk) | £20 |
The prices above are for single walks, so you should multiply it by how many walks you want to hand to your professional in a week. Do you want multiple walks taken off your hands every day, or just a couple of times a week at busy times? Many dogs ideally have two or three walks a day, so it's important to balance this with your budget.
It's a good idea to set up a weekly schedule with your dog walker, so you not only know how much you'll be spending each week, but organising will be a lot easier.
The rate of a dog walker is variable depending on different factors:
Group vs. single dog walks
Location
Length of walk
Group walks are less expensive than individual walks, so if your dog is trained to walk with other dogs, this could be a great option. If walked in a group, your dog might be with up to six different dogs, or occasionally even more, depending on the capabilities of the walker. It's a great way to help your dog remain socialised, too.
If your dog doesn’t interact well with other dogs, you’ll have to pay a higher price.
| Average cost (per walk) | £11.25 |
| Minimum cost (per walk) | £8 |
| Maximum cost (per walk) | £15 |
Where you live plays a big role in determining dog walking prices. For example, owners are more likely to pay more for dog walkers in London as the cost of living is so much higher. To give you an idea of how much a dog walker costs where you live, we’ve put together a useful breakdown of average dog walker costs for different regions:
| Location | Average cost (per walk) | Lower end | Higher end |
| East of England | £14.50 | £14.00 | £15.00 |
| London | £17.50 | £15.00 | £20.00 |
| North West England | £17.50 | £15.00 | £20.00 |
| North East England | £16.25 | £12.50 | £20.00 |
| Scotland | £14.25 | £13.50 | £15.00 |
| South East England | £16.00 | £15.00 | £17.00 |
| South West England | £16.50 | £14.00 | £19.00 |
| West Midlands | £14.50 | £14.00 | £15.00 |
| East Midlands | £15.50 | £14.00 | £17.00 |
| Yorkshire and the Humber | £16.75 | £13.50 | £20.00 |
The length of a dog walk can range anywhere from a quick 15-minute run around the park to leisurely long walks. It’s a no-brainer that the longer the walk, the more your dog walker will charge.
Bear in mind that your breed of dog will determine how long their walk needs to be. Breeds such as Labrador Retrievers or English Springer Spaniels need up to two hours of walking time every day, whereas if you’ve got an English Bulldog or a Basset Hound, napping will be a preferable option to exercising most of the time.
While prices are a good way to help decide on your dog walker, it's important that you choose someone who your dog gets on with and who can fit your needs. Before you settle on a professional, here are some things to check with them:
Have you taken any courses? Training in animal first aid, behavior and care is reassuring for pet parents.
How long have you been a dog walker? Experience is important to ensure your dog is well cared for.
Do you have insurance? Personal liability coverage is crucial in case the dog injures someone or causes an accident. Insurance for lost or injured dogs is also worth considering.
What happens if you can't walk the dog? It's important to know if there will be an insured backup walker in case your regular one is unavailable.
Do you still walk in bad weather? This question helps you understand potential disruptions to your dog's routine.
Can I see references from other local dog owners? References from satisfied customers can help you decide if the walker is a good fit.
Do you follow official advice, like these RSPCA guidelines? Adhering to best practices is important for professional dog walkers.
Keeping your dog fit doesn’t have to break the bank. There are a number of ways to keep costs down:
Ask about package payments - If your dog needs to be walked on a regular basis, you might be able to agree on a reduced fee per session.
Ask about discounts for multiple dogs - If you have more than one dog from the same household, you might be able to get a discounted price if they can be walked at the same time.
Avoid weekend walks - If you want to keep costs down, try to avoid weekend walks. Dog walkers tend to charge more for the same services on a weekend, typically £2 - £5 on top of their standard price, because who wants to give up their precious weekend!
In the UK, a 30-minute dog walk typically costs around £8 to £15 per walk for a group walk and £12 to £20 for a solo walk. Shorter walks are common for puppies, senior dogs, or smaller breeds that don’t need long exercise sessions. Prices can be higher in cities like London, where the cost of living and demand for pet services are greater. Some walkers also offer discounts if you book multiple walks per week or as part of a package.
A 2-hour dog walk usually costs around £30 to £50 in the UK, depending on whether it’s a group or individual walk. Longer walks are often priced at a premium because they take up a significant part of the walker’s day. Solo walks, remote locations and special requirements (such as training or high-energy breeds) can push prices toward the higher end of the scale. Group walks tend to be cheaper per dog, as the walker can exercise several dogs at once.
Daily dog walking services in the UK typically cost around £16 to £40 per day for one standard walk, but £40 to £80+ per day if your dog needs multiple walks or longer sessions. Many professional dog walkers offer weekly or monthly packages, which can reduce the cost per walk. Daily rates vary based on the number of walks, the length of each session, and whether the walks are solo or in a group. If you need multiple dogs walked, some walkers offer multi-dog discounts, which can help keep daily costs down.
The cost of a dog walking service typically includes pick-up and drop-off, exercise time, basic supervision and updates on your dog’s behaviour or wellbeing. Many professional walkers are also insured and trained in pet first aid, which adds peace of mind. Some may offer extras such as feeding, basic training reinforcement or transporting your dog to parks or countryside locations, though these services can increase the overall price. Always check what’s included when comparing dog walking prices near you.
The average rating for Bark Dog Walkers is 4.93, based on 169,602 reviews
5/5
based on 169,602 reviews
