What You Should Expect to Pay for a Responsible Dog Walker These Days

Owning a pet isn’t cheap. You may think you’ve got it all figured out with food, toys, and vet bills, but there may be other fees and expenses you haven’t considered. For example, if you’re often busy at work or with friends, it may be a good idea to hire a dog walker to break up the long stretches of time when you’re out of the house. Be aware, though, that dog walkers aren’t cheap. Here’s what drives the pricing and what you can realistically expect to pay for a reliable, responsible dog walker.

Factors That Change Dog Walker Prices

Before we get into the cost of hiring a dog walker, you first need to know some factors of a walk that could affect the walker’s pricing.

Location

Every city and state likely has differing prices for dog walkers. It’s not unlike anything else — it’s often based on cost of living and demand. However, you also need to think about travel costs for the walker.

If you’re hiring someone who lives on the same block as you, you might get lower prices than if you hire someone who lives on the other side of town. Many dog walkers will factor in transportation costs for walks that are out of their way.

Group or Solo Walk

If you’re in an area that’s popular for your dog walker, they may have multiple clients in the area. To save time, your walker will likely walk multiple dogs at once, if it’s alright with their owners and the dogs get along.

Unless your dog isn’t good with other dogs, there’s really no reason to turn down this offer. It provides your precious pet with extra mental stimulation, and they’re still getting the walk they need. As an added benefit, you may get a discounted rate for letting the walker take multiple dogs on the same trip.

Length and Frequency

Of course, the length of the walk matters. Most prices are for a 30-minute walk. If you want to have your pet walk longer so they can burn more energy, you’ll have to pay more. Often, it’s just double the price for double the time.

However, how often you want your dog walker to take your pet out may also change the price. If you are a regular customer and have your dog walker take your dog out on several walks a day, you may get charged a different price.

Some dog walkers include package deals, where you can save a little money for multiple walks a day based on their usual fees. This isn’t the standard deal, though. Some dog walkers will charge more instead of less for additional walks.

Which way this goes may depend on whether these walks are regularly scheduled or a last-minute request. How far your dog walker has to travel and how well-behaved your dog is may also impact the price.

Number of Dogs

If you have several dogs to walk and they can all be walked at the same time, you may get a discount. While you will still have to pay more in total for all your dogs than you would for one, the cost per dog may decrease.

It’s important to note that not every dog walker does this. However, since they’re still taking just one trip, it still saves a walker some time.

Holidays

Like with other jobs, an increase during the holidays is something to expect with a dog walker as you’re likely not the only person busy with the holidays and looking for someone to take one extra task off your hands. Also, walkers are in high demand during the holidays as people travel and need additional care for their pets.

If you know you’ll need a dog walker during the holidays, it’s a good idea to ask as soon as you know your plans. That way you’re not scrambling to find someone when they’re all booked up.

Average Dog Walker Prices

Current average pricing for dog walks in the United States ranges from $20-$35 per 30-minute walk, tip not included. This price can fluctuate greatly, however, based on the state as well as the area of town in which you live. If you live in an affluent ZIP code, for example, you can expect higher rates.

When you begin looking for the ideal dog walker for your pup, make sure you get references (and check them!), and that the walker has solid experience. It’s best to have an introduction between the walker and your dog first to ensure there’s compatibility, too.