Free tool
How much does it cost to start a dog walking business?
Less than most people think. For most solo walkers the first year comes to roughly $700 to $2,000, and the biggest swing is your state's LLC fees. Pick your state, change anything that doesn't fit, and see what you'll spend and how many walks it takes to earn it back.
Free, no sign-up. Everything runs in your browser.
Your setup
Sets your LLC filing and yearly fees.
Varies by city. Some places charge nothing.
$1M general liability with pet care coverage. Solo policies often run $200-400/yr.
Covers theft claims, reassures clients handing you a key.
Online courses are typically $25-90.
Many clients ask. Usually $20-50.
Leashes, poop bags, treats, towels, a pet first aid kit.
Vet offices, pet stores, neighborhood boards.
A domain is about $20/yr. Many walkers start with just a Google Business Profile, which is free.
Nuzzo Solo is $29/month. Set to 0 if you'll use paper and texts.
Used to show how many walks cover your costs.
First-year cost
$1,183
Covered after about 54 walks at $22. A walker doing 4 walks a day, 5 days a week, gets there in roughly 3 weeks.
Not included: a car, gas and your phone, which most walkers already have. Mileage for business driving is usually tax deductible, so keep a log from day one.
Where the numbers come from
- LLC fees come from each state's Secretary of State and are the same figures used in our state-by-state startup guides. Some states charge a yearly fee (North Carolina $200, Georgia $60), some charge every two years, and South Carolina charges nothing after filing. California is the outlier: its $800 minimum franchise tax applies to every LLC each year.
- Insurance is the one cost you should not skip. A $1M general liability policy with care, custody and control coverage protects you if a dog in your care is hurt or causes damage.
- Everything else is a typical starting figure. Change any line to match your quotes.
Do you need an LLC to start?
No. You can start as a sole proprietor under your own name with no state filing at all, and many walkers do. An LLC separates your personal assets from the business, which matters once you have keys to clients' homes. Untick the LLC box above to see the difference.