Saving Money on Fuel (and Running Your Dog Business Smarter)
- Tori Lynn Crowther
- Apr 6
- 5 min read
🚗 Saving Money on Fuel (and Running Your Dog Business Smarter)
With fuel prices still all over the place, anything we can do to cut costs in our dog walking and pet sitting businesses really matters right now. Fuel is one of our biggest daily expenses, so I wanted to share something simple that can genuinely make a difference.
There are two apps worth having on your phone:
They work very differently — and that’s actually why using both is the smartest approach.
Fuel Finder UK – Live Prices uses official data reported by petrol stations. It’s usually consistent and gives you a solid baseline of what fuel should cost in your area.
Gaspy, on the other hand, is powered by real people. Drivers like us update prices when they fill up, so you sometimes spot cheaper fuel that hasn’t filtered through yet — or catch price increases before they show elsewhere.
👉 The best strategy?
Use both apps side by side for a couple of weeks and see which one is most accurate in your area. Every location is different.
And here’s where we can all help each other…
If you download Gaspy, take a few seconds to update the price when you fill up. It might seem small, but it helps other dog walkers and pet sitters avoid overpaying — especially those doing multiple runs a day. The more people that contribute, the better it becomes for everyone.
🐾 A Few Simple Ways to Keep Fuel Costs Down in Your Business
Beyond apps, here are some practical things that really add up over time:
1. Tighten your routes
Plan your walks in clusters. Less back-and-forth = less fuel wasted.
2. Build “zones” for your clients
Try to keep clients within certain areas or days. It makes your schedule smoother and cuts mileage.
3. Avoid unnecessary engine idling
If you’re waiting outside a house, turn the engine off. It’s a small habit that saves more than you think.
4. Keep your vehicle in good condition
Tyre pressure, servicing, and even clean air filters all improve fuel efficiency.
5. Combine visits where possible
If you’re doing pet sits or drop-ins nearby, group them rather than spacing them out across the day.
6. Be mindful of driving style
Smooth acceleration and steady speeds use less fuel than stop-start driving.
7. Factor fuel into your pricing
If fuel rises, your prices should reflect that. Your time, travel, and costs matter.
💬 Final Thought
Running a dog walking or pet care business isn’t just about caring for animals — it’s about running it smart.
Using tools like Fuel Finder and Gaspy, alongside tightening how you work day-to-day, can make a real difference to your profits without adding more hours to your day.
If you’re already using either app, let me know below which one you’ve found more accurate 👇
You’ll find all of the guides linked above inside The Dog House, our membership mentor programme designed to support you every step of the way as you build your dog walking business.
Instead of trying to figure everything out on your own, The Dog House brings all the information you need into one place. Each guide breaks things down in a clear, easy‑to‑understand way, so you can move forward with confidence — even if you’ve never run a business before.
Inside the membership, you’ll be guided step by step through setting up your business properly, staying legal and insured, pricing your services, creating policies, and building a professional reputation you can feel proud of. You can work through the guides at your own pace, revisit them whenever you need, and apply what you learn in real life as your business grows.
The Dog House isn’t just about information — it’s about support, reassurance, and having a clear path to follow so you don’t feel overwhelmed or stuck. You don’t need to know everything right now. The guides are there to help you build your business one solid step at a time.
The Whole Hound and Human by Tori Lynn Crowther teaches dog owners and professional dog walkers how to understand dog behaviour, communication, and emotional needs. Using positive reinforcement, predictable routines, and science-backed methods, it shows how to train dogs through fulfilment, not force, creating calm, confident, and well-behaved dogs.
Take your dog care skills to the next level with The Dog House, Tori Lynn Crowther’s exclusive community for dog walkers, pet care professionals, and trainers. The Dog House gives you ongoing support, templates, expert advice, practical tips, and real-world strategies to work confidently with dogs of all breeds and behaviours. Learn how to apply science-backed training, positive reinforcement, and emotional awareness in everyday walks, group sessions, and professional dog care. Connect with like-minded professionals, improve client satisfaction, and create calm, happy, and well-managed dogs under your care.
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.
Legal Disclaimer
The information provided on this website is for general information and educational purposes only. It is intended to support pet care professionals in understanding common legal considerations when operating a dog walking or pet care business in the UK.
This content does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for advice from a qualified solicitor or legal professional. Laws, regulations and local authority requirements may change over time and can vary depending on location and individual circumstances.
While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date at the time of publication, no guarantees are made regarding completeness or applicability to your specific situation.
By using this website, you acknowledge that:
✓ You are responsible for ensuring your own business complies with all relevant UK laws and local authority rules
✓ You should seek professional legal advice before drafting, using or relying on any contract or legal document
✓ The website owner accepts no liability for loss, damage or legal issues arising from the use of this information
If you are unsure about any legal obligations, contractual terms or liabilities, it is strongly recommended that you consult a solicitor experienced in small business or consumer law.
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