How to get customers for a dog walking / pet sitting business
The channels that actually work for a dog walking / pet sitting business, in the order to try them — and the one hard truth about it. One reliable walker becomes 'the walker' for a whole neighborhood. Density (many dogs, small area) is the only path to a real income.
The one thing to get right
One reliable walker becomes 'the walker' for a whole neighborhood. Density (many dogs, small area) is the only path to a real income.
Before you spend a dollar on ads
Paid channels amplify what's already working. If your Google Business Profile is thin, you have under ten reviews, or your offer isn't clear, ads just buy you expensive clicks that don't convert. Fix those first — they're free.
Where the customers come from
Nextdoor + neighborhood groups
FreePet owners ask their neighbors first. Be active, be reliable, post the occasional cute update (with permission).
Referrals from past customers
FreeAsk directly, every time, right after a job goes well. A simple 'if you know anyone who needs this, I'd appreciate the intro' converts far better than any paid click.
Rover / Wag (early only)
PaidFast first clients; high fees. Move them to direct booking once trust is established.
Vet & groomer bulletin boards / partnerships
FreeCards and a good relationship with the local vet and groomer.
Turn this into your plan
FirstBearing builds a step-by-step roadmap for your exact business and city — formation, licenses, taxes, filled-in forms — then a 12-week plan to grow it, one move a week. $99/month, cancel anytime.
Build my plan Or try the take-home calculatorFrequently asked
What's the best way to get customers for a dog walking / pet sitting business?
Nextdoor + neighborhood groups. Pet owners ask their neighbors first. Be active, be reliable, post the occasional cute update (with permission).
How do you get your first dog walking / pet sitting customers with no money?
Free channels only: Nextdoor + neighborhood groups, Referrals from past customers, Vet & groomer bulletin boards / partnerships. One reliable walker becomes 'the walker' for a whole neighborhood. Density (many dogs, small area) is the only path to a real income.
Do dog walking / pet sitting businesses need to advertise?
Eventually paid ads can scale you, but most dog walking / pet sitting owners never need much of it. Rover / Wag (early only) works once your reviews and reputation are solid — not before.
How should I price my dog walking / pet sitting services while I'm getting customers?
Per-walk with package discounts and recurring weekly schedules. Group walks (where allowed) multiply your hourly. Don't lead with the cheapest price to win early jobs — underpricing attracts customers who leave the moment someone cheaper shows up, and it's very hard to raise later.
Figures are commonly-cited ranges for a US owner-operator, last reviewed 2026-01. Your market, crew size, and pricing will move them a lot — this is orientation, not a projection. Educational information, not financial advice.