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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 ...
How to Set Up a Website for a Professional Pet Care Provider
A professional website is no longer optional in pet care—it is part of your risk management, client screening, marketing, and brand authorit
Tori Lynn Crowther
Jan 275 min read
The Ultimate Guide to Professional In‑Home Dog Pet Sitting (UK)
one of the most complex, responsibility‑heavy roles in the dog care industry. You are caring for a living, feeling animal and occupying someone’s private home, often for days or weeks at a time. Dog professionals who understand behaviour, welfare, boundaries, and the realities of working with real dogs and real ...
Tori Lynn Crowther
Jan 246 min read
The Time-Freedom Myth: What Friends & Family Think Dog Walkers Have vs The Real Reality
On paper, self-employment looks flexible. In reality, dog walking is driven by when clients need you, not when it suits you. Most dog walking demand sits firmly between 10am and 2pm — when owners are at work and dogs need exercise, enrichment, and toilet breaks...
Tori Lynn Crowther
Jan 225 min read
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 117 min read
Dog Walking in Public Spaces: UK Laws and Restrictions
Dog walking in public spaces is part of everyday life in the UK, but it comes with legal responsibilities — especially for professional dog walkers. While many people assume there is one national rulebook, dog walking laws are actually a combination of national legislation and local council restrictions.
This guide explains what the law says, how local rules work, and what dog walkers need to...
Tori Lynn Crowther
Jan 96 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, 20255 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, 20256 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, 20255 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 20, 20253 min read
Risk Management for Dog Walkers & Pet Care Providers
Risk management is not about fear or red tape. It is about professionalism, foresight, and business survival. Every dog walking business, whether solo or multi-staff, is exposed to risk daily: dogs, traffic, members of the public, weather, equipment failure, human error, and the unpredictable nature of...
Tori Lynn Crowther
Oct 17, 20255 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 29, 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 22, 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 5, 20251 min read
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