Price Guide

How Much Does a Dog Walker Really Cost?

Compare prices for 12 services across 342 UK locations. Data-driven pricing updated for .

12 services priced 342 cities covered Updated

National pricing

Dog Walker Prices

National average prices. Select a city below for local pricing.

All prices include materials and labour unless stated otherwise. Prices verified 2026

Group Dog Walk (1 Hour)

Low

£10

Average

£14

High

£18

1 hour

More details

Walking your dog with a small group (typically 4-6 dogs). Most common and affordable option.

What affects the price

  • Group size and dog-to-walker ratio
  • Location and distance from walker's base
  • Distance and route of the walk
  • Dog temperament and behaviour with other dogs

Solo Dog Walk (1 Hour)

Low

£15

Average

£20

High

£25

1 hour

More details

One-to-one walk for dogs that need individual attention.

What affects the price

  • Dog size and breed requirements
  • Special requirements (reactive dogs, elderly dogs)
  • Distance from walker's base
  • Regular booking discount for weekly clients

30-Minute Pop-In Visit

Low

£8

Average

£11

High

£15

30 minutes

More details

Quick visit for feeding, toilet break and companionship. Popular for puppies and elderly dogs.

What affects the price

  • Distance from walker's base
  • Number of pets to care for
  • Whether medication administration is required
  • Frequency of bookings per week

Puppy Visit (Lunchtime)

Low

£10

Average

£13

High

£18

30-45 minutes

More details

Midday visit for puppies who can't be left all day. Includes toilet break, play and socialisation.

What affects the price

  • Puppy age and needs
  • Toilet training stage and cleanup required
  • Number of visits booked per week
  • Additional puppies in the household

Dog Day Care (Full Day)

Low

£20

Average

£30

High

£40

full day (8-10 hours)

More details

Your dog spends the day at the walker's home or daycare facility.

~90% labour, ~10% materials

What affects the price

  • Facility type (home-based vs dedicated centre)
  • Number of dogs in the group
  • Indoor and outdoor space available
  • Whether pickup and dropoff is included

Overnight Pet Sitting (In Your Home)

Low

£25

Average

£35

High

£50

overnight (12-14 hours)

More details

Sitter stays in your home overnight with your pets. Includes evening and morning walks.

What affects the price

  • Number of pets to care for
  • Additional duties (watering plants, collecting post)
  • Distance from sitter's home
  • Duration of the overall stay

Home Dog Boarding (Per Night)

Low

£20

Average

£30

High

£40

per night

More details

Your dog stays at the walker's home. More personal than kennels.

~90% labour, ~10% materials

What affects the price

  • Host home environment and space
  • Other dogs already present in the home
  • Garden access and outdoor space
  • Special dietary needs or medication

Holiday Pet Sitting (Per Day)

Low

£25

Average

£35

High

£45

per day

More details

Daily in-your-home care while you're on holiday. Usually 2-3 visits per day.

~91% labour, ~9% materials

What affects the price

  • Number of pets to care for
  • Number of visits per day required
  • Distance from sitter's home
  • Length of holiday booking

Cat Sitting Visit (Per Visit)

Low

£8

Average

£10

High

£15

20-30 minutes

More details

Visit to feed, water and spend time with your cat. Includes litter tray cleaning.

What affects the price

  • Number of cats in the household
  • Whether medication needs to be administered
  • Distance from sitter's base
  • Frequency of visits booked

Dog Taxi / Transport

Low

£10

Average

£18

High

£30

varies

More details

Transporting your dog to the vet, groomer or other appointment.

What affects the price

  • Distance to the destination
  • Vehicle type and suitability for dog size
  • Size and number of dogs being transported
  • Whether waiting time is required

Weekly Dog Walking Package (5 Walks)

Low

£45

Average

£60

High

£80

5 x 1 hour walks

More details

Discounted weekly package for regular clients. Typically 10-15% cheaper than individual walks.

What affects the price

  • Group walks vs solo walks
  • Distance from walker's base
  • Regularity commitment and contract length
  • Additional dogs from the same household

Small Animal Care Visit

Low

£8

Average

£10

High

£15

20-30 minutes

More details

Care visit for rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, birds etc. Includes feeding, cleaning and health check.

What affects the price

  • Number and type of animals
  • Cage or hutch cleaning requirements
  • Special dietary or medical requirements
  • Distance from carer's base

Popular locations

Dog Walking Costs by City

London

£10–£20

Birmingham

£10–£15

Leeds

£10–£15

Glasgow

£10–£20

Sheffield

£10–£20

Manchester

£10–£20

Bradford

£10–£15

Edinburgh

£10–£20

Liverpool

£10–£20

Bristol

£10–£20

Coventry

£10–£15

Leicester

£10–£15

Local pricing

Find Dog Walker Costs in Your City

Browse all 342 cities for local dog walker pricing.

Barking and Dagenham Barnet Bexley London
Brighton Milton Keynes Reading Southampton
Bournemouth Bristol Gloucester Plymouth
Colchester Luton Norwich Peterborough
Birmingham Coventry Stoke-on-Trent Wolverhampton
Derby Leicester Northampton Nottingham
Bradford Leeds Sheffield York
Bolton Liverpool Manchester Warrington
County Durham Middlesbrough Newcastle upon Tyne Sunderland
Blaenau Gwent Bridgend Cardiff Swansea
Aberdeen Dundee Edinburgh Glasgow
Belfast

Regional comparison

Group Dog Walk (1 Hour) by City

Average cost of group dog walk (1 hour) across key UK cities.

London
+24% £15
Manchester
-2% £15
Birmingham
-7% £15
Glasgow
+5% £15
Bristol
+7% £15
Leeds
-3% £15
Cardiff
-2% £15
Belfast
-13% £10

Overview

What Does a Dog Walker Do?

A dog walker provides professional services covering dog walking, pet sitting, home boarding and puppy visits. They cover a range of services from straightforward options to more complex, bespoke work. Choosing the right dog walker ensures you get quality results and a professional experience.

You should hire a dog walker whenever you need specialist expertise or professional-grade results. The right dog walker brings experience, proper equipment, and industry knowledge that makes a real difference to the outcome.

Pricing for dog walker services depends on the complexity of what you need, the options chosen, and where you live in the UK. Simpler services sit at the lower end of the scale, while more involved or premium options will be significantly more expensive. The prices on this page give you a realistic range for each type of service so you know what to expect before getting quotes.

When hiring a dog walker, always get at least three quotes from different pet care professionals. Read recent reviews and ask for references. Always check RCVS registration and reviews. A reputable dog walker will be happy to provide a detailed breakdown of costs and explain exactly what is included in their quote.

Related services

Related Services

Services often needed alongside a dog walker.

Dog Grooming UK price guide £25–£50 Vet UK price guide £40–£115 Pest Control UK price guide £120–£350 Hairdresser UK price guide £35–£80 Tutoring UK price guide £20–£40 Cleaning UK price guide £25–£45 Dentist UK price guide £27–£27 Landscaping UK price guide £500–£1,200

Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about dog walker costs in the UK.

How long should a dog walk be?
Most adult dogs need 30-60 minutes of exercise per day as a minimum. High-energy breeds like collies, spaniels and retrievers may need more. A professional dog walker typically offers 30-minute or 60-minute walks, with group walks being the most popular option.
Is a group walk or solo walk better for my dog?
Group walks are great for socialisation and are more affordable. Solo walks suit dogs that are nervous, reactive, elderly, or recovering from injury. Most professional walkers limit group sizes to 4-6 dogs for safety and quality of attention.
Does a dog walker need insurance?
Yes. A professional dog walker should have public liability insurance covering at least 1 million and ideally 5 million. This covers them if a dog in their care causes injury or damage. Check they also have care, custody and control cover, which covers vet bills if a dog is injured during a walk.
How do I know if my dog walker is trustworthy?
Ask for references from existing clients, check online reviews, and ask about their insurance and qualifications. A good dog walker will want to meet your dog before the first walk, ask about temperament and health, and provide updates or photos during walks. Many hold qualifications from organisations like the National Association of Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers.
How many dogs can a dog walker take at once?
There is no national legal limit in England, but many local councils and licensing schemes cap it at 4-6 dogs per walker. Responsible walkers stick to a manageable number based on the dogs' temperaments and the walking environment. Ask your walker how many dogs they take in a group and how they manage different energy levels.
What happens if my dog is injured during a walk?
A properly insured dog walker should have care, custody and control cover, which pays for veterinary treatment if your dog is injured in their care. Check this is in place before hiring. The walker should contact you immediately if there is an incident and take your dog to the nearest vet if urgent treatment is needed.
Should I use a dog walking app or find a local walker?
Apps like Rover and Tailster make it easy to search, book and pay, and walkers are usually reviewed and verified. However, a local independent walker recommended by people you trust may offer a more personal service and be more flexible. Either way, always check insurance, meet the walker first and start with a trial walk.
Can a dog walker also feed and give medication to my dog?
Most dog walkers are happy to feed your dog, top up water and administer basic medications during a visit. Let them know about any medication requirements when you first meet. Some walkers charge a small extra fee for administering medication, especially if it involves injections or multiple doses.
What is the difference between home boarding and kennels?
Home boarding means your dog stays in the walker's own home, living as part of their household. Kennels are purpose-built facilities where dogs are kept in individual pens. Home boarding is generally a calmer, more homely experience and suits dogs that are anxious in new environments. Both options should be licensed by the local council.
How much does a dog walker cost in the UK?
The most common dog walker job, group dog walk (1 hour), costs between £10 and £18 nationally, with an average of £14. Prices vary depending on the scope of work, materials used, and your location within the UK.
What affects dog walker prices?
The main factors are the complexity and scope of what you need, the options and products chosen, and your location. London and the South East are typically 15-35% more expensive than northern regions. Getting multiple quotes is the best way to ensure a fair price.
How do I find a reliable dog walker?
Get at least three quotes from different pet care professionals, check recent reviews and references, and ask for a detailed written quote that breaks down all costs before committing. Always check RCVS registration and reviews.
Do dog walker prices vary by location?
Yes, significantly. London is the most expensive area, with prices typically 20-35% above the national average. The South East is also above average. Northern England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland tend to be 5-15% below the national average. Our city pages show exact local pricing for 342 UK locations.
Do the prices shown include materials?
The prices on this page include all typical costs. However, when getting real quotes, always confirm what is and isn't included. Some pet care professionals break out costs separately, while others give an all-in price. Ask for a detailed breakdown before agreeing to any work.
When is the best time to hire a dog walker?
Demand for dog walker services tends to peak in autumn and winter, which can mean longer wait times and higher prices. If your job isn't urgent, booking during spring or summer may get you a better rate and faster availability. Emergency work will always cost more regardless of the time of year.