Why Dog Walking is Good Business

By Trails and Tails Dog Walking – Seattle

If you're considering dipping your toes into the world of small business ownership, dog walking might just be the perfect place to start. Here at Trails and Tails, we've seen firsthand how dog walking can be both a profitable and fulfilling business—whether you're looking to go all-in or just explore entrepreneurship for the first time.

Low Overhead, High Profit Margins

Let’s start with the numbers. One of the biggest perks of starting a dog walking business is the extremely low overhead. There’s no need for office space, expensive equipment, or a big upfront investment. At the most, you’ll need a good pair of walking shoes, a few leashes, some poop bags, and a reliable way to get around (hello, Seattle public transit or your trusty bike!). That means nearly all the money you earn goes directly into your pocket, giving you very high profit margins—a rarity in the business world.

Easy to Get Started (Even Without a Business Plan)

You don’t need a fancy marketing campaign or a big launch. In fact, most successful dog walkers start with just a few clients, often from their own network of friends, family, or neighbors. People love hiring someone they trust to walk their pets, and a personal referral goes a long way. In a dog-loving city like Seattle, word spreads fast—especially if you do a great job.

Start Solo, Grow When You’re Ready

Another huge plus? Dog walking is easy to start solo. You don’t need employees, partners, or a big team to get going. Just you and a few furry clients. And when the time comes to expand, you can start bringing on extra walkers as needed. It’s the kind of business that grows with you, not ahead of you.

Dog Walking is Good for the Body and Soul

Let’s be real—dog walking isn’t just profitable, it’s fun. Spending time with dogs, getting fresh air, walking through Seattle’s scenic neighborhoods, parks, and trails... it’s honestly one of the most satisfying ways to earn a living. It’s good for your physical health, gets you outside every day, and gives you a chance to connect with both pets and people. If you’ve ever dreamed of a job that doesn’t feel like work, dog walking might be your calling.

A Great “Tester” Business for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Not sure if you want to commit to a lifelong business venture? No problem. Dog walking is also a fantastic “starter” business. It’s a low-risk, low-stress way to test the waters of entrepreneurship. You'll learn how to market yourself, manage clients, handle scheduling, and maybe even hire help—all valuable skills you can take into any future business adventure.

Final Thoughts: Dog Walking in Seattle = Smart, Fun, and Rewarding

At Trails and Tails, we believe that dog walking is more than just a side hustle—it’s a lifestyle and a business that can truly bring joy, freedom, and financial success. Whether you're just starting out or looking to build something bigger, walking dogs is one of the most accessible and rewarding ways to begin.

Thinking about starting your own dog walking journey in Seattle? Reach out—we’re always happy to share insights, tips, or just talk dogs 🐾.

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Scheduling Dog Walking

At Trails and Tails Dog Walking, we know that an efficient dog-walking schedule benefits both pet owners and our walkers. A well-planned schedule ensures your pup gets the best care possible while allowing us to optimize our routes and time. Here’s how we schedule dog walks to keep things running smoothly in Seattle!

1. Time Blocks - Otherwise everyone wants a walk at Noon

We schedule our walks in set three-hour time blocks to maintain efficiency and flexibility. We start our walks any time within the time window that a client chooses (which we review during the meet and greet)

Our available windows are: 9 AM - 12 PM, 11 AM - 2 PM, 12 PM - 3 PM, 2 PM - 5 PM

Sticking to structured time blocks helps us serve as many dogs as possible without delays.

2. Sticking to Familiar Areas for Efficient Routes

Seattle is a great city for dog walking, and knowing the neighborhoods well helps us stay efficient. We recommend limiting travel time between walks to 10-15 minutes to avoid unnecessary delays. In the areas we service, you can get from South Lake Union (SLU) to Madison Park, to Central District, and back to Capitol Hill all within 15 minutes. This means we can ensure timely walks while keeping pups on schedule.

3. Centralizing Walks for Multiple Walkers

If you have multiple dog walkers, it’s a huge advantage to centralize their routes. Grouping walks by location allows walkers to focus on specific areas rather than traveling long distances between clients. While this might mean adjusting schedules as things settle, it helps maintain consistency and ensures no pup is left waiting.

4. Considering Walk Length in Time Windows

Longer walks are great for high-energy dogs, but they also take up a significant portion of a time block. Scheduling appropriately ensures we have enough time for all our clients. For example, we do not accept 90 minute walks during our busiest block 11-2 because it eats up too much of our time.  By balancing walk duration, we can provide the best service without overbooking.

5. Flexibility and Communication Are Key

Scheduling dog walks efficiently requires clear communication between dog walkers and pet owners. We always strive to accommodate special requests, but keeping time slots, travel times, and walk lengths in mind helps ensure every pup gets the attention they deserve.

Book a Walk with Trails and Tails Dog Walking!

We love making life easier for Seattle pet owners by offering a well-structured and reliable dog walking schedule. If you’re looking for a trusted local dog walker, get in touch with Trails and Tails Dog Walking today. Let’s keep those tails wagging!

Why Guerrilla Marketing is Best for Dog Walkers

Why Guerrilla Marketing is the Best Way for Dog Walkers to Find New Clients

As a local dog walking company in Seattle, Trails and Tails Dog Walking understands the importance of attracting the right clients—pet owners who care deeply about their furry friends and prefer to support small businesses over big-name corporations. One of the most effective and budget-friendly ways to grow a dog walking business is through guerrilla marketing.

If you’re a dog walker looking to expand your client base, here’s why guerrilla marketing is the perfect strategy for increasing your visibility and attracting loyal pet owners.

1. Target Local Dog Owners in Your Area

Guerrilla marketing focuses on hyper-local advertising, allowing you to connect directly with dog owners in your neighborhood. Instead of spending money on broad, impersonal ads, guerrilla marketing enables you to be strategic with flyers at dog parks, sidewalk chalk messages, and branded poop bag dispensers in high-traffic pet areas. By placing your business where dog owners frequently visit, you increase your chances of gaining new clients who need reliable dog walking services in Seattle.

2. Cost-Effective Marketing Strategy for Dog Walkers

One of the greatest benefits of guerrilla marketing is that it’s affordable and highly effective. Unlike expensive digital ad campaigns, guerrilla marketing focuses on creative, low-cost tactics that maximize exposure. Consider handing out branded dog treats at local farmers’ markets, placing eye-catching posters in pet-friendly cafes, or offering first-time free dog walks to generate buzz. A little effort and ingenuity can go a long way in growing your dog walking business without breaking the bank.

3. Build Strong Community Connections in Seattle

Seattle is known for its strong sense of community and its support for small businesses. By leveraging guerrilla marketing, you can establish trust and familiarity with local pet owners. Hosting dog-friendly events, engaging with pet owners at local parks, and sponsoring neighborhood meet-ups all contribute to your brand’s credibility and word-of-mouth referrals. People are more likely to hire a dog walker they’ve met in person and feel a connection with rather than booking through a faceless online platform.

4. Attract Loyal Clients Who Support Small Businesses

Guerrilla marketing helps you find the right type of clients—those who prefer shopping local over corporate dog-walking apps. Pet owners who respond to flyers in coffee shops, community bulletin boards, or local word-of-mouth recommendations are more likely to stay loyal to your services. These engaged, pet-loving clients often appreciate personalized care, fostering a long-term relationship that benefits both you and their furry companions.

Get Started with Guerrilla Marketing for Your Dog Walking Business

At Trails and Tails Dog Walking, we’ve seen firsthand how guerrilla marketing helps dog walkers increase brand awareness, connect with the community, and attract loyal clients. This cost-effective and engaging strategy is an excellent way to stand out in a competitive market. So, grab some flyers, start networking at local dog-friendly spots, and take your dog walking business to the next level!

Looking for a reliable dog walker in Seattle? Contact Trails and Tails Dog Walking today and let’s hit the trails together!