Fair Prices for Dog Walking: how much to pay someone to let your dog out
Okay, here's my blog post about how much to pay someone to let your dog out, written from my personal experience:
So, my furry buddy, Buster, he's a golden retriever with the energy of a toddler on a sugar rush. I work long hours, and leaving him cooped up all day just wasn't fair. I needed a solution, and that solution was finding someone to let him out for potty breaks and a bit of playtime.
First, I asked around. You know, neighbors, friends, the usual. A couple of folks were willing, but their schedules were as unpredictable as mine. No good.
Next, I hit up the local Facebook groups. I posted what I was looking for – basically a midday visit, let Buster out, make sure he does his business, maybe toss a ball around for 15 minutes. I got a few bites, mostly from teenagers and college students.
I interviewed a couple of them. Nothing fancy, just a quick chat at my place so they could meet Buster and I could get a feel for them. I was looking for someone reliable, obviously, but also someone who genuinely seemed to like dogs. You can't fake that.
One girl, Sarah, she was great. Super friendly, Buster loved her instantly, and she lived just a few blocks away. Perfect!
Now, the big question: how much to pay? I had no clue. So, I did what any sensible person does – I asked the candidates what they expected. Some were like, "Uh, I don't know, whatever you think is fair." Others gave me a range.
- Some said $10 per visit is Okay.
- Some suggested $15 per visit is great.
I considered a few things: the time involved (about 20-30 minutes total), the fact that it was every weekday, and the going rate in my area (which I kinda sorta researched online). It's not rocket science.
I decided to go with $12 per visit. It felt fair to me, and Sarah was happy with it. It worked out to $60 a week, which I could definitely swing. If thing goes well, maybe I will raise to $15.
We trialed it for a week. I left a key, gave her specific instructions (where the leash was, where the poop bags were, Buster's favorite toy), and we were good to go.
It's been a few months now, and it's been awesome. Buster's happier, I'm less stressed, and Sarah's got some extra spending money. Win-win-win!
So, that's my story. To make long story short, I pay $12 per dog-walking visit. It might be different for you, depending on where you live and what you need. But hopefully, my experience gives you a good starting point.
