Women in Business: Juggling Kids and Dog Walking
- Tori Lynn Crowther
- Oct 20, 2025
- 5 min read
Women in Business: Juggling Kids and Dog Walking
Being a mother and running a dog walking business is not easy—but it can work. I know this first hand. I was a single mum with two little babies, trying to keep everything afloat while making sure the dogs were happy, the clients were satisfied, and my children were cared for.
Dog walking is ideal for parents because it’s flexible. You can schedule walks around school runs, nap times, and after-school activities. But flexibility comes with challenges. Illness, unexpected events, and tantrums don’t wait for you to have free slots. Here’s how to make it work without burning out.
1. Plan Around the School Day
The biggest advantage of dog walking for parents is the ability to schedule around your children’s routines.
Tips:
Schedule your busiest walks during school hours.
Use early mornings or late afternoons for solo clients or short walks.
Keep one or two blocks free for emergencies, homework help, or school pickups.
Planning ahead means you can maximise earnings without sacrificing family time.
2. Build a Backup Plan for Sick Days
Kids get sick. Dogs can get sick. Life happens. This is where many parents feel the pressure.
Strategies:
Create a list of reliable local dog walkers you can call to cover urgent walks.
Consider building a “swap” system with other walkers — they cover your clients, you cover theirs.
Let clients know your policy in advance: emergencies happen, and you’ll communicate quickly if a walk can’t go ahead.
Keep your schedule flexible enough that a short-notice change doesn’t derail the whole day.
Having this safety net reduces stress and helps you continue running your business without guilt.
3. Combine Work with Family Life Where Possible
Some tasks can be done with kids nearby:
Admin, invoicing, and social media updates while the children play or nap.
Walking dogs with children in tow, if they’re old enough to be safe and engaged.
Training older children to help with simple tasks — carrying leads, filling water bowls, or collecting poop bags.
This keeps them involved, teaches responsibility, and helps you feel less pulled in two directions.
4. Set Realistic Expectations
You are not a superhero. Some days will not go to plan. Some walks may need to be rescheduled. Clients will understand if you communicate clearly.
Tips:
Don’t overbook yourself.
Block out family time as firmly as you block work time.
Remember: doing fewer walks consistently is better than promising more than you can deliver and ending the day exhausted and stressed.
5. Use Technology to Your Advantage
Apps and tools can make a huge difference:
Scheduling apps to plan walks and reminders
Online invoicing to save time and reduce admin stress
GPS tracking apps that reassure clients while letting you monitor multiple walks efficiently
Automation and digital tools free up mental space for your family and clients.
6. Communicate With Clients Honestly
Parents who run businesses often fear looking “unprofessional” if life interferes. The truth: honesty builds trust.
Let clients know you’re a parent and occasionally things happen.
Give clear instructions on what happens if a walk needs to be rescheduled.
Offer solutions, not just apologies. Clients respect solutions.
7. Take Care of Yourself Too
The biggest trap for parent-preneurs is forgetting themselves. You can’t pour from an empty cup.
Self-care tips:
Schedule short breaks between walks
Sleep when possible — even short naps help
Make time for exercise, meditation, or a hobby
Connect with other parent-walkers for support and advice
Your health, sanity, and energy are the engine of your business. Protect it.
8. Build a Flexible Routine
Children grow, school schedules change, and your business will evolve. A flexible routine means you can adapt without panic.
Practical ideas:
Use colour-coded calendars for family and business commitments
Plan meals and prep in advance to save time
Batch-admin tasks during quiet periods
Keep a list of “quick wins” for busy days (short walks, local clients, solo sessions)
Final Thoughts
Running a dog walking business as a mother is challenging, but it is also empowering. You can earn a living, maintain flexibility, and be there for your children — all while doing meaningful work you love.
It’s not perfect. Some days will be messy, and some days you’ll feel stretched. But with planning, honesty, and support, it’s completely achievable.
Dog walking can fit your life, not the other way around.
A Note on Business and Professionalism
This guide assumes one thing: you are running a business, not a hobby.
Being a parent does not excuse poor communication or missed commitments. But it does mean you need systems that protect both your family and your clients.
You are allowed to:
Charge enough to make your business sustainable
Set boundaries for both work and family
Expect respect from clients and peers
Build a business that supports you, your children, and the dogs you care for
Professional success starts with self-respect — and parent-preneurs who run businesses with self-respect thrive for the long term.
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. Before building my own dog walking company, I worked as a dog trainer and held corporate roles at Pizza Hut’s Head Office in London and at PricewaterhouseCoopers, based at Embankment Place. Business, structure, and people management have been part of my life for a very long time.
With full time, hands-on experience in the dog industry since 2007, 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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