DOG WALKERS · PAYMENT LINKS
How Dog Walkers Can Request a Deposit in the UK
A clear UK guide explaining when dog walkers should request a deposit, how much to ask for, and how to do it professionally without awkward conversations or lost bookings.
Deposits are one of the most misunderstood parts of running a dog walking business. Many dog walkers worry that asking for a deposit will scare clients away or make conversations feel uncomfortable.
In practice, deposits protect your time, reduce last minute cancellations, and help set clear expectations with new or higher risk bookings such as holiday cover.
This guide explains when dog walkers in the UK typically request a deposit, how much is reasonable, and how to ask in a way that feels professional and fair rather than pushy.
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 .
Why Deposits Work for Dog Walkers
Deposits are not about mistrust. They create a clear agreement that your time is reserved and your availability has value. Many service based businesses use deposits to reduce cancellations and make bookings more predictable, and dog walking is no different.
When Should Dog Walkers Request a Deposit?
Most dog walkers do not ask for deposits on every single walk. Deposits are usually reserved for situations where your time is committed in advance or where the risk of cancellation is higher.
- Holiday cover bookings where multiple walks are reserved
- New clients booking several walks upfront
- Short notice or high demand dates
- Clients you have not worked with before
For regular weekly clients you trust, many dog walkers continue to charge weekly without deposits. The key is applying deposits consistently in higher risk situations rather than randomly.
Real Situations Where Deposits Help Dog Walkers
Many UK dog walkers deal with similar booking issues. Here are a few examples of when a deposit prevents stress and protects your schedule.
Holiday cover cancelled at short notice
You block out a full week of walks while a client is away. A few days before departure, plans change and the booking is cancelled. Without a deposit, that income is lost.
New client books multiple walks then disappears
A new enquiry books several walks in advance, then stops responding once dates are agreed. Deposits filter out time wasters and signal that the booking is real.
Feeling awkward asking for money
Some dog walkers avoid deposits because they worry it feels rude. A clear system and simple wording removes emotion from the request and makes it routine rather than personal.
A Simple Deposit System for Dog Walkers
Decide when deposits apply
Set clear rules such as deposits for holiday cover, new clients, or bookings over a certain value. Consistency avoids confusion and sets expectations early.
Set a realistic deposit amount
Most dog walkers request a percentage rather than a flat fee. Typical deposits range from 30 to 50 percent depending on the booking value and risk.
Explain what the deposit secures
Be clear that the deposit reserves your availability and protects against short notice cancellations.
Collect the balance before the first walk
Many dog walkers collect the remaining balance shortly before the booking starts. This avoids chasing while you are busy working.
If you want to structure this clearly, see deposit and balance payments for dog walkers for a practical breakdown.
Deposit Message Templates for Dog Walkers
These examples show how many dog walkers request deposits. Keep your tone friendly and consistent, and avoid long explanations.
Holiday cover deposit message
To secure holiday cover, I ask for a 50 percent deposit. This reserves the dates in my diary. Here is the payment link, with the balance due before the first walk.
New client deposit message
For new bookings, I take a small deposit to confirm the dates. Once that is paid, everything is locked in.
Deposits work best when combined with clear payment timing. See how dog walkers get paid in the UK to understand how deposits fit into a wider payment system.
The Big Wins of Using Deposits
When deposits are part of a clear payment system, dog walkers gain:
- Fewer last minute cancellations
Deposits signal commitment and reduce no-shows.
- More predictable income
When bookings are secured, your weekly cashflow becomes more stable.
- Clearer boundaries with clients
Deposits make expectations clear without awkward conversations.
- Less stress and less chasing
A clear deposit system reduces admin and protects your time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal for dog walkers to ask for a deposit?
Yes. Deposits are common for holiday cover, new clients, and higher risk bookings. They help protect your time and income.
How much deposit should a dog walker ask for?
Most dog walkers ask for 30 to 50 percent depending on the booking value and risk.
Do deposits put clients off?
When explained clearly and applied consistently, most clients understand deposits and see them as professional.
When should the remaining balance be paid?
Many dog walkers collect the balance shortly before the first walk to avoid chasing during busy periods.
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 Get Paid — UK Methods Explained
A breakdown of the common ways UK dog walkers accept payments for regular and ad-hoc walks.
Read guideDeposit and Balance Payments for Dog Walkers
How to take deposits upfront and collect balances professionally as a dog walker.
Read guideHow Dog Walkers Can Reduce Cancellations
A practical guide to reducing last-minute cancellations and no-shows for dog walkers.
Read guideSet Clear Boundaries Without Awkward Conversations
Request deposits, secure bookings, and protect your time with a simple payment system built for UK dog walkers.
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