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Dog Walking Service

💰 £10-£15/hr ⏱ Ongoing 📊 Beginner

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What is it?

Starting a dog walking service is a fantastic way for UK teenagers to raise funds for overseas expeditions, Scout trips, or adventure travel. It’s beginner-friendly, requires minimal upfront costs, and lets you earn money while getting exercise and spending time with furry friends. Plus, it’s an ongoing opportunity that can fit around your school and social life.

Why does it work?

People love their dogs but often struggle to find time to walk them, especially during busy workdays or bad weather. By offering a reliable, friendly dog walking service, you tap into a real, ongoing need in your local community. This creates repeat customers and steady income, making it easier to reach your fundraising goals.

What you'll need

  • A good-quality lead (leash) for walking dogs safely
  • Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and footwear
  • A mobile phone with emergency contacts
  • Access to local parks or walking areas
  • Flyers or posters to advertise your service
  • A notebook or app to schedule walks and track payments

Step-by-step plan

1
Research local demand: Ask neighbours, friends, and family if they know anyone who needs dog walking, or check community noticeboards and social media groups.
2
Set your prices: Typical rates in the UK range from £10 to £15 per hour depending on location and number of dogs; consider offering discounts for regular bookings.
3
Create simple flyers and posters with your name, contact details, prices, and availability. Distribute them in local shops, community centres, and popular dog walking spots.
4
Register with local online platforms or community Facebook groups where people post about pet services.
5
Start by walking dogs for people you already know to build experience and get references.
6
Plan your walking routes and schedule to maximise efficiency—group walks in the same area if possible.
7
Always arrive on time, be polite, and communicate with dog owners about any issues or special care instructions.
8
Keep track of appointments, payments, and feedback to improve your service and build a loyal client base.

How to advertise it

  • Post flyers at local vets, pet shops, libraries, and community centres.
  • Join local community Facebook groups and Nextdoor to advertise your services.
  • Ask satisfied clients for referrals and reviews.
  • Create a simple Instagram or Facebook page sharing photos of your happy dog walkers (with permission).
  • Offer introductory discounts or ‘first walk free’ to attract new customers.

Realistic earnings

Most teenagers can expect to earn between £10 and £15 per hour. If you walk 2-3 dogs a few times a week, you could make around £100-£200 monthly, steadily building up to your fundraising target over several months.

Top tips

✅ Always ask dog owners for any health or behavioural issues before walking their dogs.
✅ Carry dog waste bags and clean up responsibly to maintain your reputation.
✅ Be punctual and reliable—word of mouth is your best marketing tool.
✅ Consider offering add-ons like pet sitting or feeding for extra income.

Common mistakes to avoid

⚠️ Not confirming bookings or arrival times with dog owners, leading to missed appointments.
⚠️ Taking on too many dogs at once beyond your ability to control safely.
⚠️ Ignoring local rules about dog walking in parks, such as leash laws.