How Much Should You Charge for a Wag! Dog Walk?

Americans are spending more and more on their companion animals each year. The pet industry is showing no signs of slowing down, so if you’ve been thinking about starting a career in dog walking, don’t wait. In 2021, pet parents spent an estimated $9.7 billion on non-veterinary care services, which include walking, sitting, boarding, training, and grooming. 

Dog walking is a viable business. But in order for your business to be successful, you need to set prices that not only pay the bills but also make your clients happy. So how much should you charge for a Wag! dog walk? Here are some factors to help you decide on just the right price.

Where do you live? The cost of living varies widely across the country, so you need to consider your location when pricing your dog walking services. For example, if you’re located in a smaller, more affordable city, your rates would be lower than someone who lives in a big and expensive muttropolis, and vice versa. Though you’re both offering the same service, how much you would charge for it can depend on where you live.

You can charge higher prices if you have experience, special qualifications such as first aid certifications, and/or lots of positive referrals. Many pet parents consider their dogs as family members and are willing to pay more to make sure they’re getting the best care possible.

It goes without saying that longer walks should cost more than shorter strolls. Walkers on the Wag! platform offer three walk lengths to accommodate pups with different needs and energy levels. Express Walks are 20 minutes, with an average cost of $12.75 to $19.99 for one dog; Wag! Walks are 30 minutes, with an average cost of $17 to $26.99 for one dog; and Deluxe Walks are 60 minutes, with an average cost of $25.50 to $36.99 for one dog.

What are other Pet Caregivers in your area charging? Of course, you shouldn’t base your prices solely on this, as everyone has different skills and amounts of experience. But looking at some of your fellow Pet Caregivers’ fees will give you an idea of how much walks normally cost in your city if you’re having trouble deciding on your rates. 

It may be tempting to set your rates low in order to “beat the competition,” but being the cheapest may also decrease your perceived value. It’s not a smart move if you want to sustain your dog walking business for the long-term either, so aim for a middle of the road amount that you can feel confident with.

Remember to factor in related expenses when pricing your dog walking services as well. These caninclude transportation, vehicle maintenance, gas, income tax, and insurance. Keep in mind that your profit is your revenue less your expenses, not the amount you receive for each walk, so make sure your rates can not only cover your expenses but also create profit.

How much you charge for a Wag! walk will depend on a combination of different factors: where you live, how much experience you have, the length of the walk, what other Pet Caregivers in your area are charging, and the expenses you need to cover. Use all these considerations to come up with an average price that you are comfortable charging and start there. Remember that you can always adjust your rates as needed.