Dog Walking calculator
Startup Cost Calculator
Add up what it costs to launch your dog walking business — what you buy once, what you pay each month, and the cushion to keep aside.
1. Equipment and uniform (one-off)
What you buy before your first client. Open a trade account with a supplier before your first order, and watch for new-account discounts. Buy the essentials first and add extras once you're earning.
Typical price: £30–£70. Spare leads and multi-dog couplers for group walks.
Typical price: £20–£50. Handy if a client's harness breaks or doesn't fit well.
Typical price: £20–£40. Bags and dispensers, training treats and a travel water bowl.
Typical price: £15–£30. So dogs go home clean and dry.
Typical price: £25–£50. A canine first-aid kit to carry on every walk.
Typical price: £60–£300. Only if you transport dogs in a vehicle.
Typical price: £60–£120. Hi-vis, waterproofs and sturdy boots. A branded top helps clients recognise you at the door.
2. Insurance and registrations
Fixed official fees are filled in for you.
£52 a year for small businesses. Some sole traders are exempt — take the ICO's two-minute check.
£20 one-off. Optional for most trades, but many clients like to see one.
Get two or three quotes — see the insurance step for links. Enter your quote here.
3. Vehicle (monthly)
Fuel is worked out from your miles. Keep routes tight to keep this low.
4. Phone, website and apps
The tools you'll use to take bookings and stay in touch.
Leave at 0 if you'll use your own phone.
A simple site can be built yourself or by a provider.
Many have a free plan to start.
5. Accounts
Keeping records and doing your tax return.
QuickBooks Sole Trader Plus is £10 a month + VAT. FreeAgent is free with a NatWest, RBS, Ulster Bank or Mettle business account.
Optional — many sole traders do their own.
6. Marketing
Start with free listings (Google Business Profile, Home Help Hub) and add paid options only when they pay for themselves.
Printing a first batch to post through doors in your area.
Parish magazines and community newsletters reach nearby homes.
Optional. If you try it, set a hard monthly cap and track bookings, not clicks.
7. Safety cushion (working capital)
Money set aside to pay your monthly costs while you build up regular clients, so a quiet month doesn't stop you.
Free version — figures aren't saved. The Launch Kit saves your numbers.
- Cash you need to start
- £43.00
- One-off total
- £0.00
- Monthly recurring total
- £14.33
- Safety cushion
- £43.00
Breakdown
- Equipment and uniform£0.00
- Training and registrations (one-off)£0.00
- Phone and website set-up£0.00
- Flyers and business cards£0.00
- Fuel per month£0.00
- Other vehicle costs per month£0.00
- Insurance and ICO per month£4.33
- Phone, website and apps per month£0.00
- Accounts per month£10.00
- Marketing per month£0.00
Please note: Pre-filled figures are UK starting points checked in October 2026. Replace them with your own quotes and prices.