The Walk & Freshen™ Business Guide
- Tori Lynn Crowther
- May 26
- 9 min read
The Walk & Freshen™ Business Guide
How Dog Walkers Can Add £1,000+ Per Month with a Simple Add-On Service
The Concept
Walk & Freshen™ is a between-groom maintenance service offered alongside dog walks.
It is designed to keep dogs:
• Clean
• Comfortable
• De-shedded
• Fresh-smelling
It is not a grooming service, but a convenience-based premium add-on.
What the Service Includes
Each session should take 10–15 minutes post-walk and include:
• Full body brush (coat-appropriate)
• Light de-shedding
• Face and eye clean
• Paw wipe and check
• Finishing spray (dog-safe fragrance)
Optional add-ons can be layered for additional revenue.
Pricing Strategy
1. Add-On to Walk (Primary Revenue Driver)
• Small dogs: £10
• Medium dogs: £12
• Large dogs: £15
This is the most effective pricing model due to:
• No additional travel time
• High client uptake
• Strong perceived value
Important Note on Frequency and Pricing
Walk & Freshen™ is designed as a weekly maintenance service.
Weekly sessions prevent knots, compacted undercoat, and hygiene issues from developing.
If a client prefers monthly freshen sessions, the price must be higher because:
• The coat will require more work
• Brushing will take longer
• De-shedding will be heavier
• The risk of matting increases
• The service becomes closer to a mini-groom rather than maintenance
You can position this clearly:
“Weekly pricing is for maintenance. If you prefer monthly sessions, the coat will need more work, so the price will be higher.”
This protects your time, your income, and your professional boundaries.
2. Standalone Service
• Small: £18
• Medium: £22
• Large: £25
Use this where walking services are not required.
3. Premium Add-Ons
Increase average spend with:
• Nail clipping: +£10
• De-shed upgrade: +£12
• Flea/tick check: +£5
• Paw/nose balm: +£5
Packaging for Recurring Income
Weekly Fresh Dog Plan
Offer a discounted bundle:
• 3–5 walks per week
• Freshen included at £5–£8 per walk
This creates:
• Predictable income
• Higher client retention
• Easier scheduling
Why Weekly Matters
Weekly brushing prevents:
• Knots
• Matting
• Excess shedding
• Dirt build-up
• Coat deterioration
It also ensures the service remains quick, efficient, and profitable.
Monthly brushing does not achieve the same results and should be priced accordingly.
Moulting Season Package
Target heavy-shedding breeds with:
• Increased brushing frequency
• De-shedding focus
Position as:
“Reduce shedding in your home during peak coat change.”
Equipment Requirements
Start up costs are minimal (£50–£100). Essential items include:
• Slicker brush
• De-shedding tool
• Microfibre towels
• Dog-safe wipes
• Coat spray
• Treats for positive reinforcement
Service Boundaries
To protect your business and reputation, clearly define limits:
This service does not include:
• Cutting or styling
• Severe matting removal
• Handling aggressive or highly distressed dogs
Always refer complex grooming needs to a professional groomer.
How to Position the Service
Avoid describing this as “grooming”.
Instead, use client-focused language:
“I can return your dog home clean, brushed, and fresh-smelling after every walk.”
This emphasises:
• Convenience
• Outcome
• Value
Income Potential
Example:
• 5 dogs per day at £10 = £50
• 5 days per week = £250
• Monthly income = £1,000+
This is achieved:
• Without increasing working hours
• Without additional travel
Implementation Plan:
Step 1: Introduce to Existing Clients
Offer as a simple add-on to current walks.
Step 2: Start with a Trial Offer
Encourage uptake with an introductory price or bundle.
Step 3: Build into Routine
Incorporate into your daily schedule efficiently.
Step 4: Upsell Add-Ons
Increase revenue per client over time.
Step 5: Package for Retention
Move clients onto weekly plans.
Final Thoughts
The Walk & Freshen™ system is not just an extra service; it is a business strategy.
It allows dog walkers to:
• Increase income without burnout
• Add value for clients
• Differentiate from competitors
When implemented correctly, it becomes a reliable, scalable revenue stream within your existing business.
Client facing version
Walk & Freshen™
A Weekly Coat-Care Add-On for Your Dog
Walk & Freshen™ is a simple, gentle coat-care service added to your dog’s regular walks. It keeps your dog clean, comfortable, and fresh between grooming appointments, without the need for a full groom.
This is a weekly maintenance service designed to prevent knots, reduce shedding, and keep coats in good condition. Monthly sessions require more work and will be priced higher.
What’s Included
Each Walk & Freshen™ session takes around 10–15 minutes after your dog’s walk and includes:
• Full body brush (appropriate for your dog’s coat type)
• Light de-shedding
• Face and eye clean
• Paw wipe and check
• Finishing spray (dog-safe)
This is not a grooming service. It is a light, maintenance-based freshen-up to keep your dog comfortable and tidy between grooms.
Why Weekly?
Weekly sessions help to:
• Prevent knots and matting
• Reduce shedding in your home
• Keep coats cleaner for longer
• Maintain comfort for your dog
• Make grooming appointments easier and less stressful
If you prefer monthly sessions, please note that the coat will require more work, so the price will be higher.
Pricing
Add-On to Walk
(Added to your dog’s regular walk)
• Small dogs: £10
• Medium dogs: £12
• Large dogs: £15
Standalone Visit
(For dogs not booked for a walk)
• Small: £18
• Medium: £22
• Large: £25
Optional Extras
• Nail clipping: +£10
• De-shed upgrade: +£12
• Flea/tick check: +£5
• Paw or nose balm: +£5
Weekly Fresh Dog Plan
For dogs who walk with us regularly, you can add Walk & Freshen™ to 3–5 weekly walks at a reduced rate of £5–£8 per walk.
This plan offers:
• Consistent coat care
• Less shedding at home
• Better long-term coat condition
• A clean, fresh dog returned after every walk
Moulting Season Support
For heavy-shedding breeds, we offer increased brushing and de-shedding during peak coat-change periods.
This helps to reduce loose hair in your home and keeps your dog more comfortable.
What This Service Does Not Include
To keep your dog safe and comfortable, Walk & Freshen™ does not include:
• Hair cutting or styling
• Removing severe matting
• Handling aggressive or highly distressed dogs
If your dog needs full grooming or specialist coat work, we will recommend a qualified groomer.
How We Describe the Service
We avoid calling this “grooming”.
Instead, we focus on the outcome:
“I can return your dog home clean, brushed, and fresh-smelling after their walk.”
It’s a simple, convenient way to keep your dog looking and feeling their best.
A Note on Business and Professionalism
This guide assumes one thing: you are running a business, not a hobby.
Pet care is more than a passion—it’s your livelihood, and it deserves the same professionalism, planning, and respect as any other business. Treating it like “just a job for fun” won’t get you the results or freedom you want.
You are allowed to:
• Charge enough to make your business sustainable
• Set and enforce clear boundaries with clients
• Expect respect from clients, peers, and the wider pet care industry
• Take your work seriously, even when others don’t
• Build a business that supports you, not just every pet and client
Professional success starts with self-respect—and pet care businesses built on self-respect thrive for the long term.
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⭐ Poo Pick Pro™
A Scheduled Garden Hygiene Service for Your Home
Poo Pick Pro™ is a simple, reliable garden waste‑removal service designed to keep your outdoor space clean, hygienic, and usable all year round.
It’s ideal for busy households, multi‑dog homes, winter months, or anyone who wants a consistently clean garden without the hassle.
This is a recurring convenience service, not a one‑off chore.
Weekly or twice‑weekly visits ensure your garden stays fresh, safe, and ready to enjoy.
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What’s Included
Each Poo Pick Pro™ visit typically takes 20–30 minutes, depending on garden size and number of dogs, and includes:
• Full garden scan and waste collection
• Secure bagging and disposal in your general waste bin
• Quick visual check of garden condition
• Gate and access security check before leaving
Optional add‑ons are available for clients who want a deeper clean or extra freshness.
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Why Regular Visits?
Weekly or twice‑weekly visits help to:
• Maintain a clean, hygienic outdoor space
• Reduce odours and mess
• Prevent waste build‑up
• Save you time and effort
• Keep gardens safe for children and pets
One‑off clearances are available, but regular plans offer the best results and value.
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Pricing
Weekly Service (Core Model)
Pricing varies based on dog size, garden size, and waste volume.
• Small dog (up to 10kg): £10–£15 per visit
• Medium dog (up to 25kg): £12–£18
• Large dog (25kg+): £15–£22
Additional dogs:
• Extra small dog: £2–£6
• Extra medium dog: £5–£8
• Extra large dog: £6–£12
Twice‑Weekly Service
A discounted rate for high‑demand households:
• £18–£30 per week for one dog
One‑Off Clearance
For heavily soiled gardens:
• Small garden: £25–£40
• Medium garden: £40–£70
• Large/severe: £70+
Assessment recommended before quoting.
Premium Add‑Ons
• Patio rinse‑down: +£10–£20
• Artificial grass treatment: +£15
• Deodorising spray: +£10
• Bin sanitising: +£5–£10
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⭐ Weekly Clean Garden Plan
Our most popular option.
A fixed weekly visit at a discounted rate, offering:
• Predictable costs
• Consistent hygiene
• Less odour and mess
• Easier route planning for your technician
• Long‑term garden cleanliness
Perfect for busy families and multi‑dog homes.
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Multi‑Service Bundle
Combine Poo Pick Pro™ with your dog walking service for:
• A discounted rate
• Fewer separate appointments
• A cleaner garden and a happier dog
Bundled services increase convenience and long‑term value.
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Waste Disposal Policy
To keep your garden hygienic and comply with UK waste regulations:
• All collected waste is securely bagged
• Waste is placed in your general waste (black) bin
• If your bin is full or inaccessible, we will follow your preferred alternative location
We do not remove waste from your property unless pre‑arranged as an additional service.
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What This Service Does Not Include
To maintain safety and professionalism, Poo Pick Pro™ does not cover:
• Hazardous waste (e.g., chemicals, needles, wildlife remains)
• Overgrown or unsafe gardens
• Handling aggressive or unassessed dogs loose in the garden
Policy: Dogs must be indoors during service unless assessed as safe.
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How We Describe the Service
We avoid framing this as a “dirty job”.
Instead, we focus on the outcome:
“A professional garden hygiene service that keeps your outdoor space clean, safe, and usable all year round.”
It’s a simple, convenient way to maintain a fresh, healthy garden with zero effort on your part.
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A Note on Professionalism
Poo Pick Pro™ is built on the belief that pet care is a skilled profession — not a hobby.
You can expect:
• Clear communication
• Respect for your home
• Reliable scheduling
• Consistent, high‑quality service
Your time, your home, and your pets deserve a service delivered with care, pride, and professionalism.
About Tori Lynn C. & The Dog House
Welcome to The Dog House — my cosy corner of the TLC Canine Crusaders Business Hub. I’m Tori Lynn C., the founder of TLC Dog Walking Limited, mentor to professional dog walkers, and lifelong advocate for dogs and the people who care for them. With over 17 years of hands-on experience in the industry, my mission is to guide you through the realities of running a successful, sustainable dog walking business — from client care and safety to wellbeing, confidence, and professional growth.
The Dog House is where I share the honest, behind-the-scenes conversations we all need: the tricky moments, the funny bits, the business lessons, and the mindset work that keeps us thriving rather than merely surviving. Whether you're just starting out or scaling up, you’ll always find support, guidance, and a friendly nudge forward here.
You’re never alone in this journey — you’re part of a community of canine crusaders.
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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