How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Dog Walker in Miami?
The first question we get after a dog parent finds out that we offer dog walking services is how it works: how many times a week do our dog walkers visit their pups and how long the walks are? The second question is how much hiring a dog walker will cost.
In Miami, hiring a dog walker will generally cost between $17-35 per half hour, and will increase depending on several variables. These include the length and frequency of dog walks, the number of dogs being walked, and the experience of the dog walker. Whichever dog walker you choose, always make sure they are reputable, bonded, licensed, insured, and have a backup on days they may get sick or have an emergency.
What Determines the Cost of a Dog Walker?
1. The length of time for the dog walk.
The cost of a dog walker depends on how long a walk is. Equipaws’ dog walks start at twenty-five minutes, and we also offer 35, 45, and 60-minute walks as our standard. Some dog parents book us for two or four-hour chunks of time as well. Two-hour dog walks include walking their dogs with lots of sniffing and exploring, and also playing in their backyard, feeding them, playing in the pool, practicing tricks and behaviors, and giving tons of cuddles (our favorite!).
2. The number of dogs on the walk
Most dog walkers will charge a small fee per additional dog walked. For example, our walks start at $27 per dog per 25 minutes, and each additional dog is $5 more. Our most popular walk is 35 minutes and costs $31, with $5 per additional pet.
Equipaws Pet Services does not offer group dog walks. We walk dogs from one household at a time for their safety. Well-behaved dogs can go out in pairs, or we take dogs out separately to focus on reinforcing good dog walking behavior. Dog walks should be tailored to your dog’s needs and what’s best for them, and we’re always happy to chat with a dog parent about the best options for their pups.
3. The number of dog walks a week
The cost of a dog walker also depends on the frequency of the dog walks. Our dog-walking clients typically book either three times a week (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) or five days per week, Monday through Friday. Some book two walks per day, as well. Dog walking schedules are customizable and work with the pet parents’ schedule and the dog’s needs and habits.
4. The experience of the dog walker
There is quite a range in prices for dog walkers, especially when you factor in independent contractors from Rover and Wag, hobby dog walkers, or walkers who are just starting out. Our company has been in business since 2011, and our walkers are professional employees who receive training from our head trainer and continuing education on dog behavior, including how to properly walk dogs (using the right equipment, tools, and cues), what to do in case of an emergency, and more.
5. Whether it’s an IC or a licensed, bonded, and insured small business
It’s very important to know whether your dog walking service is covered in case of emergency or mishaps, and who your dog walkers are. Equipaws, for example, runs background checks on all employees as part of our hiring process, and we invest in insurance.
Hobby or single dog walkers might choose to charge lower rates because of the lower overhead. Businesses with employees often have a higher overhead because they carry proper insurance and are bonded, which protects their employees and their clients. Local businesses like ours re-invest in our community and offer other benefits. For example, businesses with multiple employees have a backup, which means reliability and zero no-shows, help in case of emergency, invest in training their team, and more.
Whichever dog walker you choose, it’s important to make sure they are reputable and trustworthy, have a backup plan in case something happens on the day they’re scheduled to walk your dogs, and that they reinforce good dog walking habits and behaviors.
Equipaws Pet Services’ dog walkers are always happy to help with your dog walking needs. Please contact us today to learn more about booking daily services with us. We walk pups in Brickell, Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, South Miami, and down to Palmetto and Cutler Bay. We look forward to helping you!
