DOG WALKERS · PAYMENT LINKS
How Dog Walkers Get Paid in the UK
A detailed breakdown of how UK dog walkers get paid, including cash, bank transfers and modern payment links. Compare the pros and cons of each method, see typical rates, and learn a simple system to reduce late payments and admin.
Getting paid as a dog walker is rarely complicated on paper, but in real life it can feel messy. Some clients pay weekly by bank transfer. Others hand over cash when they see you. A few forget entirely until you send a reminder.
Because dog walking often involves regular clients, ad-hoc bookings and holiday cover, payment methods can quickly become inconsistent. What works smoothly for one client can create delays or awkward follow-ups with another.
This guide breaks down the most common ways dog walkers get paid in the UK and the strengths and weaknesses of each option. It also shows how these methods fit into a simple payment system that protects your time, reduces chasing, and keeps your income predictable.
Part of the Dog Walkers Payment Links Guide Series.
For the full overview, start at the pillar page: Payment Links for Dog Walkers – Complete UK Guide .
The Most Common Ways Dog Walkers Get Paid
Most UK dog walkers use a mix of payment methods. Each one works, but each affects reliability, admin and how often you need to chase. The best option usually depends on whether the client is home, how regular the walks are, and whether the booking needs to be secured.
1. Cash
Cash is still used by some dog walkers, particularly with long-term clients who prefer simple routines and pay face-to-face. It can work well when the client is home, but it becomes unreliable when handovers are missed.
Pros
- Immediate payment when clients are present
- No technology required
Cons
- Not practical when clients are at work
- Manual tracking and higher risk of missed payments
2. Bank transfer
Bank transfer is one of the most common payment methods for dog walkers with regular clients. It usually means clients pay weekly, fortnightly or monthly, and you match payments to walks yourself.
Pros
- Works even when clients are not home
- No hardware or setup costs
Cons
- Payments are often delayed or forgotten
- Unclear references increase admin time
3. Payment links
Payment links let you send a secure checkout link after a walk or at the end of the week. Clients tap the link and pay by card or wallet, without needing an account. For many dog walkers, it becomes the cleanest option because it works when clients are out and reduces the amount of follow-up needed.
- Clients can pay instantly, even if you are not there
- Automatic reminders reduce chasing
- Each payment is clearly labelled per walk or booking
- Professional receipts are generated automatically
Many dog walkers combine payment links with reminders so they do not have to manually follow up each week. See Automatic Payment Reminders for Dog Walkers for real examples.
Typical Dog Walking Rates in the UK
Rates vary by location, demand and experience. The ranges below reflect what many UK dog walkers charge today, and they are useful context when deciding whether you need weekly payments, upfront payment, or a deposit for certain bookings.
- 30-minute walk: typically £10–£15
- 60-minute walk: typically £15–£25
- Weekly packages: often discounted for regular clients
- Holiday cover or short-notice bookings: usually higher
If you offer holiday cover, deposits are common because you are reserving time in your diary. We cover deposit systems in How Dog Walkers Can Request a Deposit .
Real Payment Situations Dog Walkers Face
Here are a few examples of how different payment methods play out in real life. These scenarios reflect common patterns dog walkers deal with across the UK.
The client is not home after the walk
Cash is not possible and payment is delayed until you follow up. Even with bank transfer, you may still be waiting days for the client to remember.
A payment link sent before you finish your route removes the delay. Many dog walkers get paid faster when the payment step is as simple as tapping a link.
Weekly client regularly forgets to pay
Walks happen as normal, but payment slips until reminders are sent. Over time it becomes admin you do not get paid for.
Automatic reminders solve this without awkward conversations. See Automatic Payment Reminders for Dog Walkers for examples.
Holiday cover cancelled at short notice
A new client books multiple walks while they are away, then cancels at short notice. You have reserved time in your diary and may have turned away other work.
A common system to prevent this is to request a 50 percent deposit via payment link to secure the dates, with the balance due before the first walk. See How Dog Walkers Can Request a Deposit for practical examples.
A Simple Payment System for Dog Walkers
You do not need one perfect payment method. Most dog walkers use a simple system, then apply it consistently. This reduces chasing, keeps things professional, and makes it easier for clients to do the right thing.
Decide when payment is due
Weekly clients often pay in arrears, while holiday cover and new bookings are usually paid upfront. Decide your default rule, then only make exceptions when you choose to.
Choose a method that works when clients are out
If clients are at work when you collect the dog, cash is not reliable. Bank transfer works but can still be forgotten. Payment links work regardless of availability and reduce friction.
Use deposits for higher-risk bookings
Deposits reduce cancellations and protect your schedule. For examples of how dog walkers structure deposits for holiday cover and new clients, see How Dog Walkers Can Request a Deposit .
Automate reminders
Automatic reminders reduce chasing and protect your boundaries. This is especially useful for weekly clients who are lovely, but forgetful. See Automatic Payment Reminders for Dog Walkers for practical examples.
Example Payment Messages
These examples reflect how many dog walkers request payment today. Keep your tone friendly, keep it consistent, and avoid long back and forth messages when you are trying to finish your day.
Weekly payment link message
Thanks for today’s walk. Here’s your payment link for this week. Tap to pay when you’re ready.
Deposit message for holiday cover
To secure holiday cover, a 50 percent deposit is required. Here’s the payment link. The balance is due before the first walk.
If you want a system that gently chases for you, see Automatic Payment Reminders for Dog Walkers .
The Big Wins
Choosing the right mix of payment methods helps dog walkers gain:
- More predictable weekly income
When clients pay on time, your weekly cashflow becomes far more stable.
- Less chasing and admin
A clear payment system reduces how often you need to follow up.
- Clear boundaries with clients
Deposits and reminders make expectations clear without you needing to be strict or awkward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do dog walkers need to take payment upfront in the UK?
Many dog walkers ask for payment upfront for new clients or holiday cover to reduce cancellations and protect their schedule. For regular weekly clients, some walkers charge weekly in arrears.
Is it normal to ask for a deposit as a dog walker?
Yes. Deposits are common for holiday cover and short-notice bookings, especially with new clients. A typical system is 50 percent upfront to secure the dates, with the balance due before the first walk.
What’s the easiest way for dog walkers to collect payments?
Many dog walkers use payment links because they work even when clients are not home, they reduce admin, and they can be paired with automatic reminders. See Automatic Payment Reminders for Dog Walkers for practical examples.
Do I need multiple payment methods?
Most dog walkers use two methods depending on the situation. For example, cash for certain clients and payment links or bank transfer for clients who are usually out. The key is consistency.
Related Guides
Continue learning with these related guides:
Payment Links for Dog Walkers — Complete UK Guide
The complete UK guide to payment links for dog walkers. Learn how to take deposits, reduce cancellations, and get paid faster.
Read guideHow Dog Walkers Can Request a Deposit Professionally
A professional UK guide for dog walkers on requesting deposits using payment links.
Read guideHow Dog Walkers Can Reduce Cancellations
A practical guide to reducing last-minute cancellations and no-shows for dog walkers.
Read guideHow to Send Payment Links as a Dog Walker
A simple guide for UK dog walkers on how to send payment links by text, WhatsApp and email.
Read guideCreate a Simple Payment System for Your Dog Walking Business
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