How much does a Dog Walker cost?

Benefits of getting a Dog Walker

Just like humans, dogs rely on regular social interaction and exercise to stay healthy and happy. Daily exercise is scientifically proven to prevent a range of diseases that could crop up in your pup’s lifetime. It’s also a great way to relieve excess energy, significantly improving their behaviour.

But no matter how much we love our dogs, life can sometimes get in the way of looking after them. Whether you work long hours or have a health condition, you might need a helping hand walking your dog from time to time. 

Your dog walker will ensure your dog gets the regular exercise and stimulation they need. While the standard requirement of a dog walker is to get them out and about in the fresh air, some also offer training services, which is particularly useful if you’ve got a cheeky young pup! 

How much does a Dog Walker charge? 

Wondering how much it’ll cost to get someone to walk your pup? Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, and so do their exercise needs. While there’s no fixed fee when it comes to dog walking, we’ve put together the average cost based on local Australian professionals: 

Factors influencing costs: 

The rate of a dog walker changes depending on different factors: 

• Group vs. single dog walks

• Location

• Length of walk

Group vs. single dog walks

Dog walkers normally offer group and individual dog walks. If your pooch is well behaved around other animals, then group walks are an ideal option as they tend to be the most cost-effective. 

If your dog doesn’t interact well with other dogs, you’ll have to pay a higher price for an individual walk. To give you an idea of the price difference for group walks and individual walks, here’s a quick summary: 

Group Dog Walking

Single Dog Walking

Location 

Dog walkers set different rates depending on where they live. If you live in a big city then be prepared to pay more than someone living in a rural area. This is simply because the cost of living is likely to be higher. 

To give you an idea of how much a dog walker costs where you live, we’ve put together a useful breakdown of the average price across different regions in Australia: 

Length of walk 

Depending on your pooch’s needs, the walk could last anywhere from a quick 15-minute runaround to a leisurely long walk. If your dog requires longer exercise time to expel its energy, you’ll pay more as dog walkers tend to charge by the hour. 

Bear in mind that your breed of dog will determine how long their walk needs to be. Breeds such as Spaniels need up to 2 hours of walking time every day, whereas if you’ve got a Bulldog, napping will be a preferable option to exercising most of the time! 

How to save money with your Dog Walker 

Dog walking doesn’t have to cost the earth! Here are our top tips and tricks for keeping costs to a minimum: 

• Ask about package payments - If you’re paying for a package of dog walking sessions in one go, you might be able to agree on a reduced fee per session with your dog walker. 

• Ask about discounts for multiple dogs - If you have more than one dog from the same household, you might be able to get a discounted price if they can be walked at the same time. 

• Avoid weekend walks - Dog walkers tend to charge more for the same services on a weekend, so if you want to keep costs down, try to stick to Monday to Friday. 

Keep your pup happy and relaxed with a professional Dog Walker on Bark.