How Much Does It Cost To Start A Dog Walking Business? (In 2023)
Please note that the data provided in this article are estimates and may vary depending on various factors, and should not be considered as perfect or definitive.
The cost of opening a a dog walking business can vary based on several factors. However for a a dog walking business you can expect to spend $62 to $35,923 with an average cost of $19,267.
- The minimum startup costs for a dog walking business: $62
- The maximum startup costs for a dog walking business: $35,923
- The average startup costs for a dog walking business: $19,267
Here's a detailed list of a dog walking business startup costs:
Learn more about starting a dog walking business:
Where to start?
-> How to start a dog walking business?
-> Pros and cons of a dog walking business
Need inspiration?
-> Other dog walking business success stories
-> Examples of established dog walking business
-> Marketing ideas for a dog walking business
-> Dog walking business slogans
-> Dog walking business names
Other resources
-> Dog walking business tips
-> Blog post ideas for a dog walking business
-> Dog walking business calculator
Retail Business Expenses
If you plan to have a brick & mortar location for your dog walking business, you must weigh the costs of your rent, as it may be the most expensive part of running your business.
Rent costs for your dog walking business very much depends on your location. This cost will vary by both region and specific areas of town: a lease in the heart of Manhattan could cost over $80,000/month in rent. Meanwhile, a storefront lease in Florida or Tennessee could cost less than $1,000/month.
Cost | Required? | Min Cost | Max Cost |
---|---|---|---|
Utilities (storefront business) |
Optional |
$0 |
$1,000 |
Building improvements and remodeling |
Optional |
$0 |
$950 |
Storefront Property Rent ➜ |
Optional |
$1,250 |
$3,500 |
POS System |
Optional |
$0 |
$1,200 |
Business Formation Fees
There are a few key costs associated with forming your business entity, such as setting up an LLC and getting trademarks, copyrights, and patents sorted.
Cost | Required? | Min Cost | Max Cost |
---|---|---|---|
Set up business: LLC & Corporations |
Required |
$50 |
$500 |
Small Business Insurance |
Recommended |
$500 |
$2,000 |
Permit and License Fees |
Optional |
$50 |
$700 |
Lawyer Fees |
Optional |
$0 |
$1,500 |
Software Expenses
Your dog walking business needs software to run efficiently!
Why spend money on software? Because it can help you save time and automate certain parts of the business, so you can focus on the most important matters. Software and technology can help you grow your business, and save you from expensive personnel costs.
Cost | Required? | Min Cost | Max Cost |
---|---|---|---|
CRM Software ➜ |
Recommended |
$12 |
$300 |
Accounting & Invoicing Software |
Recommended |
$0 |
$50 |
Email marketing tool |
Recommended |
$0 |
$100 |
Internal Communication Tool |
Recommended |
$0 |
$20 |
IT Support ➜ |
Optional |
$150 |
$2,000 |
Payroll Software |
Optional |
$0 |
$200 |
Social Media Management Tools |
Optional |
$0 |
$50 |
Employee & Freelancer Expenses
Cost | Required? | Min Cost | Max Cost |
---|---|---|---|
Payroll Costs & Fees ➜ |
Optional |
$150 |
$250 |
Employee Hiring Expenses |
Optional |
$1 |
$2 |
Website Costs
Every business should have a website, and it's worth spending a bit of money to set it up right.
Cost | Required? | Min Cost | Max Cost |
---|---|---|---|
Domain Name ➜ |
Required |
$12 |
$200 |
Website Hosting Costs ➜ |
Required |
$0 |
$300 |
Website Builder ➜ |
Recommended |
$10 |
$500 |
Business Email Hosting Service ➜ |
Recommended |
$1 |
$15 |
Web Designer ➜ |
Optional |
$200 |
$6,000 |
Vehicle Expenses
Cost | Required? | Min Cost | Max Cost |
---|---|---|---|
Mode of Transporation |
Optional |
$0 |
$10,000 |
Advertising & Marketing Costs
Cost | Required? | Min Cost | Max Cost |
---|---|---|---|
Business Cards ➜ |
Optional |
$0 |
$50 |
Business Signage ➜ |
Optional |
$75 |
$2,486 |
Direct Campaigns, Printing and Mailing |
Optional |
$0 |
$300 |
Press |
Optional |
$0 |
$500 |
Google Ads |
Optional |
$0 |
$300 |
Facebook & Instagram Ads |
Optional |
$0 |
$350 |
Office Space Expenses
It will be your call to determine if you need office space. It is not a requirement but may be necessary as your dog walking business grows.
Cost | Required? | Min Cost | Max Cost |
---|---|---|---|
WiFi & Internet ➜ |
Optional |
$0 |
$100 |
Specific Industry Expenses
Cost | Required? | Min Cost | Max Cost |
---|---|---|---|
Handyman Tools |
Optional |
$0 |
$500 |

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