Planning Walks Efficiently: How Dog Walkers Can Make the Most of Lunchtime Demand
- Tori Lynn Crowther
- Dec 12, 2025
- 4 min read
Planning Walks Efficiently: How Dog Walkers Can Make the Most of Lunchtime Demand
If you’re a professional dog walker, you’ll know that the lunchtime rush can be chaotic. Nearly every client wants their dog walked at exactly 12 noon, and no matter how magical your scheduling skills are, you can’t be in three places at once. The key to surviving—and thriving—during this peak window is smart planning, structured services, and realistic boundaries. When you design your day intentionally, you not only protect your time and income but also deliver a calmer, safer experience for the dogs in your care.
Here’s how to fit in as many lunchtime walks as possible while keeping your workload manageable and your standards high.
1. Accept That Everyone Wants 12 Noon – and Plan Around It
It’s completely normal for clients to request a midday walk. Many dogs are home alone during working hours, and 12 noon is the natural time for a break, a loo stop, or a burst of enrichment.
But here’s the truth:“12 noon” doesn’t need to mean exactly 12 noon. Most clients are perfectly happy with a lunchtime window—10.30–1.30 is the industry standard.
By setting a lunchtime window rather than a fixed time, you free yourself to organise walks in the most efficient and practical order.
2. Make Lunchtime Group-Only
If you want to maximise your lunchtime capacity, stop offering solo walks during peak hours.
Instead:
Run group walks only between 10.30 and 1.30
Keep solo walks for the first walk of the day and the last walk of the day
Why this works:
Group walks earn more per hour
Travel time is reduced when collecting dogs for the same group
Dogs benefit from socialisation and structured enrichment
You avoid the impossible task of slotting multiple “solo at 12” requests into one hour
Let your clients know that lunchtime is your group walk period, and solos are reserved for other parts of the day. This gives you breathing space while still meeting clients’ needs.
3. Plan Walks in Logical, Geographic Routes
Time lost between houses is the silent killer of productivity. Smart route planning is essential.
Try to:
Build groups based on location, not just temperament
Arrange pickups in a circular route, ending near the first drop-off
Keep groups local—no more than a few minutes between houses
Avoid zigzag routes at all costs
The less time you spend driving, the more dogs you can walk.
Apps like Google Maps, Route4Me, or The Dog House booking software’s map view can help you streamline your path.
4. Start Your Prep Early
The smoother your morning, the smoother your lunch rush.
Consider:
Pre-packing leads, keys, towels, treats, and safety equipment
Checking road closures or weather warnings
Sending any client communication before your walking block starts
Making sure your van/car is clean and organised
The fewer micro-delays, the more efficient your schedule becomes.
5. Build Predictable, Consistent Groups
Some walkers shuffle groups daily, but a stable structure is far more efficient.
Create groups based on:
Neighbourhood
Walking speed
Sociability
Energy level
Then keep these groups consistent throughout the week. Dogs settle better, you collect quicker, and clients always know what to expect.
6. Set Clear Expectations With Clients
Communication is everything. Make sure clients know:
You run group-only during lunchtime
Lunchtime is a window, not an exact minute
Solo walks take place outside of peak hours
You may adjust routes based on safety, weather, or dog behaviour
Pick-up times can vary slightly day to day
Setting expectations reduces complaints, micromanagement, and schedule pressure.
7. Have a Strategy for Unexpected Issues
No dog walker gets through a week without surprises. Build flexibility into your planning by knowing how you’ll deal with:
A client forgetting to leave a key out
Have a key policy that ensures you always have access.
A dog refusing to go out
Offer a short garden visit instead of a full walk.
Traffic delays
Communicate if you're significantly delayed, and plan buffer time between groups.
Last-minute cancellations
Group-only lunches reduce the impact, but always have a clear cancellation policy.
Injuries, illness, or emergencies
Keep vet numbers handy, have a first-aid kit, and know which dogs can be left safely with others while you manage the situation.
Planning for the unexpected isn’t pessimistic—it’s professional.
8. Respect Your Limits
Being fully booked doesn’t mean squeezing in “just one more”. Instead:
Protect your schedule
Honour your energy levels
Maintain the safety and welfare of the dogs
If you hit capacity, it’s okay to:
Create a waiting list
Add new clients only outside lunchtime
Expand slowly and sustainably
Your business should work for you, not drain you.
Final Thoughts
The lunchtime rush doesn’t need to be stressful. With clear boundaries, structured group walks, smart route planning, and strong communication, you can handle the busiest hours with confidence and efficiency. By reserving solo walks for the beginning and end of the day, you free up your peak window for higher-earning, less chaotic group walks.
And by having a plan for the unexpected, you stay calm, professional, and in control—no matter what the day throws at you.
This is a template for the pack lounge, copy and change
About Tori & TLC Canine Crusaders Business Hub
I’m Tori, founder of TLC Canine Crusaders Business Hub and The Dog House, where I help dog walkers and dog owners build confidence, clarity, and success. With years of hands-on experience running a busy dog walking company and training academy, my mission is to make the industry easier to navigate. Whether you're growing your business or supporting your dog at home, you’ll find practical guidance, community support, and resources designed to help you thrive.
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