Dog walking is one of the best jobs for teenagers. It gets you outside, it repeats every week, and owners who find someone reliable tend to stick with them. It also comes with real responsibility, because you are looking after someone's pet, so it is worth starting properly.
Can teenagers be dog walkers?
Yes. There is no national licence needed to walk dogs in the UK, although some councils have rules, such as limits on how many dogs one person can walk at once in parks. As a teenager you should keep it simple anyway: one dog, or two from the same household, at a time.
How to get your first customers
- Start with dogs you know. Neighbours, family friends and relatives are the easiest first customers, because the dog already knows you.
- Offer a free meet-and-walk. A short walk with the owner lets them see how you handle the dog and lets the dog get used to you.
- Be reliable. Turning up on time every time is what turns one walk into a weekly booking.
- Use KidsHustle. Owners near you post dog walking jobs, and your parent approves each one before you apply.
Before your first walk, ask the owner
- Is the dog good with other dogs, people, children and traffic?
- Does it pull on the lead or react to anything?
- Can it ever go off the lead? The safe answer for a new walker is no.
- Any health issues, allergies or treats it cannot have?
- Which route and how long?
- What should you do if something goes wrong, and who do you call?
Safety rules for teen dog walkers
- Keep the dog on the lead unless the owner has walked off-lead with you and is happy for you to do it.
- Walk one dog, or dogs from one household, at a time.
- Stick to routes you know, in daylight.
- Always pick up after the dog, and carry bags and water.
- Do not walk dogs that are aggressive, much stronger than you or recovering from illness.
- Keep your phone charged and make sure a parent knows your route.
What to charge for dog walking
Professional dog walkers typically charge around £10 to £15 for a 30-minute solo walk in 2026, according to Protectivity. As a teenager, a fair starting price is around £5 to £8 for a 30-minute walk, rising as you build reviews. Pet sitting visits to feed and check on a dog are often priced at around £5 to £10 per visit. See the full price guide.
Turning it into regular income
Three or four regular dogs walked after school and at weekends can add up to steady weekly money. Ask happy owners to recommend you to friends, and offer holiday pet sitting to the same customers so you earn while they are away.
For dog owners
If you are an owner wondering whether a teen walker is right for you, read dog walker costs in the UK.
Find dog walking jobs near you
Download KidsHustle to find paid dog walking jobs posted by ID-verified adults near you, with payment set aside before you start.