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Running A Business
The Running a Business blog category is your go-to hub for everything you need to build, manage, and grow a successful dog-based business. Whether you're a dog walker, trainer, groomer, sitter, or pet-care professional, this category is packed with practical guidance to help you stay organised, profitable, and compliant.
Inside this category, you’ll find:
Business Foundations – How to set up your business properly, choose your structure, register with HMRC, and understand essential legal ...
Dog Walking Contracts in the UK: Laws, Legislation and Best Practice (2026)
An in-depth legal guide for new and established pet care professionals
Running a professional dog walking business in the UK involves far…
Tori Lynn Crowther
Jan 116 min read
What Your Insurance Really Covers — and What It Doesn’t
Most professional dog walkers only find out the limits of their cover after something has gone wrong. By then, it’s too late to change…
Tori Lynn Crowther
Jan 35 min read
A Dog Walker’s Guide to Self-Assessment This January (With Links)
January the looming Self-Assessment deadline. If the idea of returns makes you want to hide under the duvet, don’t panic – by following…
Tori Lynn Crowther
Jan 17 min read
Dog Walking Insurance Explained: Why Both Vehicle and Business Cover Matter
both vehicle insurance and business insurance play very different roles, and both are essential…
Tori Lynn Crowther
Dec 30, 20254 min read
What Expanding Your Dog Walking Business Really Looks Like Behind the Scenes
The Pack Lounge with TLC Canine Crusaders Business Hub BACK TO THE PACK LOUNGE What Expanding Your Dog Walking Business Really Looks Like (The honest version no one puts on Instagram) Most dog walkers reach a point where they think: “I’m fully booked — should I take someone on?” “Maybe I could expand into the next village?” “I’m turning clients away — I need help!” “I want to earn more without physically walking more hours.” And yes… expansion can change your life, give you f
Tori Lynn Crowther
Dec 27, 20255 min read
Employing Dog Walkers vs. Using Self-Employed Walkers
Should you hire employees? Should you use self-employed walkers? Or should you expand by franchising your business model?
Each path affects your income, workload, legal responsibilities, branding, and quality control. And importantly — each one changes your financial thresholds, including how close you come to VAT registration. (Most solo walkers never hit the VAT limit, but expansion can push you there quickly...
Tori Lynn Crowther
Dec 20, 20254 min read
If You’re a Solo Dog Walker, What Are Your Options When You’re Sick, Need a Holiday, or Something Goes Wrong?
The Pack Lounge with TLC Canine Crusaders Business Hub BACK TO THE PACK LOUNGE What Are Your Options When You’re Sick, Need a Holiday, or Something Goes Wrong? One of the biggest challenges of being a solo dog walker is this: You are the entire business. If you stop, everything stops. And while working alone can be wonderful—no staff to manage, full control, no payroll—there will be days when life throws you a curveball. So what can you do when you’re: Sick Needing a holi
Tori Lynn Crowther
Dec 13, 20254 min read
Should You Hire Another Dog Walker When You Get Busy — or Stay Solo? The Honest Truth
The Pack Lounge with TLC Canine Crusaders Business Hub BACK TO THE PACK LOUNGE Should You Hire Another Dog Walker... One of the biggest questions dog walkers face as their diary fills up is this: “Should I bring someone in to help…or am I better staying on my own?” There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but there are clear benefits, challenges, and things you must think about before taking the next step. This post will help you figure out what’s right for you—and for the long-
Tori Lynn Crowther
Dec 6, 20254 min read
Insurance for Dog Walking Businesses with Employees: A Comprehensive Guide
Running a dog walking business with employees requires a solid insurance foundation to ensure you're protected from all potential risks. The right mix of employers’ liability, public liability, vehicle insurance, and other specialised coverage will protect your business and employees from accidents, claims, and other unforeseen events.
Ensure you work with a reputable insurance provider who understands the unique risks of the dog walking industry. With the right insurance
Tori Lynn Crowther
Nov 15, 20256 min read
How to Expand Your Dog Walking Business with Additional Services
Learn how to grow your dog walking business by offering additional services like pet sitting, training, grooming, and more — boost income and client satisfaction.
Tori Lynn Crowther
Nov 10, 20251 min read
How to Handle Client Feedback and Complaints Like a Pro
Learn how to handle client feedback and complaints professionally as a dog walker, build trust, resolve issues, and improve your services.
Tori Lynn Crowther
Nov 3, 20253 min read
Professional Image & Marketing Tips for Dog Walkers
Whether you're just starting out or elevating an existing business, refining how you present yourself and market your services can transform your client base, your confidence, and your income.
Below, you’ll find advanced insights and proven strategies to help you stand out as the dog walker people actively seek out...
Tori Lynn Crowther
Oct 19, 20253 min read
How to Price Your Dog Walking Services with Confidence
Learn how to price your dog walking services fairly and confidently, covering costs, reflecting your expertise, and attracting the right clients.
Tori Lynn Crowther
Sep 28, 20251 min read
How to Build Strong Client Relationships as a Dog Walker
Strong client relationships are the foundation of a thriving dog walking business. Beyond professionalism, trust, and reliability, your ability to connect, personalise, and follow up can turn clients into loyal supporters—and advocates for your business.
This guide provides practical tools, sample messages, and checklists to help you consistently deliver exceptional client experiences....
Tori Lynn Crowther
Sep 21, 20253 min read
Dog Walking Contracts & Client Expectations: Protect Your Business
Learn how to create a clear dog walking contract and set client expectations to protect your business, prevent misunderstandings, and build trust.
Tori Lynn Crowther
Sep 4, 20251 min read
When Clients Cancel: How Professional Dog Walkers Can Stay Sane, Strategic, and One Step Ahead
cancellations don’t have to be a catastrophe. With the right systems and a dash of creativity, you can turn them into opportunities. This…
Tori Lynn Crowther
Jul 19, 20255 min read
Boost Your Monthly Recurring Revenue as a Professional Dog Walker: 50 Sustainable Ways to Build Stability (Without Burning Out)
Professional dog walking is often sold as a “lifestyle business”, but anyone doing it properly knows the truth: income can fluctuate wildly if your business relies solely on ad-hoc walks. One school holiday, one run of client annual leave, or one injury can expose how fragile a purely session-based model really is...
Tori Lynn Crowther
May 31, 20255 min read
Why Cancellation Policies Matter and How to Bring One In To Your Business
juggling busy schedules, unpredictable weather, and the occasional last-minute change of plan. While flexibility is part of the job, frequent short-notice cancellations can quickly chip away at your income and create unnecessary stress. That’s why having a clear, cancellation policy...
Tori Lynn Crowther
Mar 8, 20254 min read
Knowing When to Let Go: How (and Why) to Release Difficult or Draining Clients
there are clients whose name on your schedule makes your shoulders tense before the day has even started.
Most dog walkers assume this tension is just “part of the job”. It isn’t. It is usually a sign that a client is no longer aligned with your business — or never truly was.
Releasing clients is not failure. It is not unkind. And it is certainly not unprofessional. In fact, knowing when and how to let clients go is one of the clearest markers of a mature, sustainable busin
Tori Lynn Crowther
Jan 31, 20254 min read
How to Communicate Price Rises with Your Dog Walking Clients
Many walkers worry about upsetting clients or losing bookings—but the truth is, most clients understand that costs increase and professionals adjust their fees accordingly. The key is communicating the change clearly, confidently, and with plenty of notice....
Tori Lynn Crowther
Jan 25, 20253 min read
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