Dog walking and dog sitting side hustle UK: licences, rates and getting started
How to start dog walking or pet sitting in the UK: when you need a council licence, insurance, how to set your prices, finding clients and tax on your earnings.
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Which kind of pet care?
| Service | Where | Licence in England? |
|---|---|---|
| Dog walking | Out and about | No |
| Pet sitting | In the owner's home | No |
| Drop-in visits (feeding, letting out) | In the owner's home | No |
| Home boarding (dogs stay overnight with you) | Your home | Yes, if you charge |
| Dog day care | Your home or premises | Yes, if you charge |
When you need a licence
Under the Animal Welfare Regulations 2018, looking after other people's dogs in your home as a business needs a licence from your council. Swindon Council's guidance is a typical example: it says even a small fee counts, and licences last one to three years after an inspection.
Fees and rules vary by council, so check yours before you take bookings. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own rules.
Getting set up
- Insurance: pet care insurance covering public liability and care, custody and control of the animals. Many owners will ask to see it.
- A basic DBS check: reassures owners who give you their house keys.
- Pet first aid training: short courses are inexpensive and look good on your profile.
- Kit: spare leads, poo bags, treats, towels and a phone with a good camera.
- Contracts: a simple agreement covering your prices, cancellations, emergencies and vet consent.
How to price your services
There is no standard rate, so research locally:
- Search for walkers and sitters in your area and note their prices.
- Start in the middle of the range, not the bottom.
- Charge more for solo walks, extra dogs, weekends and bank holidays.
- Offer weekly packages for regular clients.
How to find clients
- Local Facebook groups and community apps
- Pet care platforms, which help with early bookings and reviews but take a fee
- Vets, groomers and pet shops: ask if you can leave a card
- Neighbours and friends with dogs
- Great service: owners recommend walkers they trust
Rules to follow
- Most councils limit how many dogs one person can walk at once, often to four or six. Check local rules and any park restrictions.
- Keep dogs on leads where required and always clear up after them.
- Know each dog's needs, health issues and behaviour before the first walk.
Tax on pet care income
Dog walking and sitting is self-employed income. If you earn more than £1,000 in a tax year (£3,000 from April 2027), register for Self Assessment. You can claim insurance, licence fees, kit, training and travel, or take the trading allowance instead.
Free toolSide hustle tax calculatorSee how much tax and National Insurance you owe on side income, and what to set aside each month.Common questions
Do I need a licence to be a dog walker in the UK?
Not to walk dogs. You need a council licence in England if you board dogs or run day care in your own home for money.
Do I need insurance for dog walking?
It is not a legal requirement, but you should have it. If a dog is injured, lost or causes damage while in your care, you could be liable.
How many dogs can I walk at once?
It depends on your council and the parks you use. Many limit walkers to four or six dogs, and insurers often set their own limit.
This is general information, not personal tax or financial advice. Tax rules change and depend on your circumstances, so check GOV.UK or speak to an accountant before acting.