How much does it cost to get someone to walk my dog?
The cost of hiring us to walk your dog is between £15 and £18. Elsewhere in the UK you can expect prices to vary based on:
Location (with higher prices in urban areas, especially London)
Duration of the walk
Number of dogs
Time of day (with premium rates often charged for early morning, evening, or weekend walks)
On average, you can expect to pay between £10 to £20 for a 30-minute walk, or £15 to £30 for an hour-long walk. In London and other major cities, prices can be higher, potentially reaching £20 to £30 for a 30-minute walk.
What is the hourly rate for dog walking UK?
The hourly rate for dog walking in the UK typically ranges from £10 to £30 per hour. However, many dog walkers charge per walk rather than per hour. Rates can be higher in urban areas, particularly in London where hourly rates might reach £20 to £40 or more.
Factors affecting the rate include:
The walker's experience and qualifications
Whether it's a solo walk or a group walk
Any additional services provided (e.g., feeding, administering medication)
The size and breed of the dog
It's worth noting that many dog walkers offer discounts for regular bookings or for walking multiple dogs from the same household.
Is one hour walk enough for a dog?
For most dogs, a one-hour walk is sufficient to meet their daily exercise needs. However, the ideal duration and intensity of exercise can vary depending on several factors:
Breed: High-energy breeds like Border Collies or Huskies may need more than an hour, while lower-energy breeds like Bulldogs might be satisfied with less.
Age: Puppies and senior dogs generally need shorter, more frequent walks.
Health status: Dogs with certain health conditions may require adjusted exercise routines.
Fitness level: A dog's individual fitness level can affect their exercise needs.
While a one-hour walk is generally good, it's important to consider the quality of the walk. A walk that includes opportunities for sniffing, exploring, and mental stimulation can be more beneficial than just physical exercise alone.
How long can you leave a dog alone?
The length of time a dog can be left alone depends on various factors, including age, breed, and individual temperament. However, as a general guide:
Adult dogs (18 months+): 4-6 hours, up to 8 hours maximum
Puppies: 1 hour per month of age (e.g., a 4-month-old puppy can be left for up to 4 hours)
Senior dogs: May need more frequent bathroom breaks, so 2-6 hours depending on health
It's important to note that while some dogs can physically "hold it" for longer periods, it doesn't mean they should be left alone for extended periods regularly. Dogs are social animals and can develop behavioural issues if left alone too often or for too long.
If you need to be away for longer periods, consider:
Hiring a dog walker or pet sitter
Using doggy daycare services
Asking a friend or family member to check in
Why are dog walkers so expensive?
Dog walkers may seem expensive, but there are several reasons for our pricing:
Time commitment: Walking dogs is time-consuming, including travel time between clients.
Responsibility: Dog walkers are responsible for the safety and well-being of the dogs in their care.
Insurance: Professional dog walkers need insurance.
Equipment and transportation costs: Leads, treats, poo bags, and vehicle maintenance all add to operating costs.
Limited working hours: Most demand is concentrated in the middle of the day, limiting the number of walks a walker can do.
Training and experience: Many dog walkers invest in animal behaviour training or qualifications.
Business overheads: Marketing, accounting, and other business expenses contribute to the overall cost.
While it may seem expensive, professional dog walking services provide valuable care and peace of mind for pet owners.
How much does it cost to walk a dog 3 times a day?
The cost of walking a dog three times a day can vary depending on the length of the walk, our dog walks are all around 1 hour at £15 (for a group walk)
Assuming 1-hour walks at an average rate of £15 per walk: £15 x 3 walks = £45 per day £45 x 5 weekdays = £225 per week £225 x 52 weeks = £11,700 per year
It is worth noting that most dogs will not require 3 hours of walking a day, most can have a short walk in the morning, a longer hour walk in the day and another short relief walk in the evening.
How long can dogs hold their pee?
The length of time a dog can hold their pee depends on several factors, including age, size, and health status. Here's a general guide:
Puppies: Can typically hold their pee for about 1 hour per month of age, up to about 8 hours maximum.
Adult dogs: On average, 6-8 hours, but it's best not to push beyond 8 hours regularly.
Senior dogs: May need to go more frequently, often every 4-6 hours.
It's important to note that just because a dog can hold it for a certain period doesn't mean they should. Regular opportunities to relieve themselves are important for a dog's comfort and health. Holding urine for too long can lead to urinary tract infections or other health issues.
Factors that can affect how long a dog can hold their pee include:
Size (smaller dogs generally have smaller bladders)
Diet and water intake
Activity level
Medical conditions
Is there a law on how many dogs you can walk in UK?
In the UK, there is no nationwide law specifying a maximum number of dogs that can be walked by one person. However, many local councils have introduced Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) that limit the number of dogs that can be walked by one person in public spaces.
Common limits include:
4 dogs per person in many areas
6 dogs per person in some rural areas