29/10/2026
Totally agree with everything they say.
I have been running Animal Crackers for over 20 years, have been through a few economic crises, but it feels different this time, I can’t see an end to it at all.
Hopefully it will improve soon for everyone’s sake.
🐾 The reality of running a dog walking business in 2026… 🐾
I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many fellow dog walkers struggling as I have this year, and it’s genuinely heartbreaking.
Over the last few months, I’ve watched several walkers make the difficult decision to close their businesses, while others have had to take on second jobs just to make ends meet.
And truthfully? I completely understand why.
This year has been incredibly tough for our industry. Fuel prices have soared, insurance premiums have increased, vehicle maintenance is more expensive than ever, and that’s before you even begin to factor in all the other costs associated with running a legitimate, fully insured dog walking business.
Unfortunately, while our expenses continue to rise, there’s only so much we can increase our prices before we risk pricing ourselves out of the market.
People often see us out walking dogs, enjoying the countryside and think we have the best job in the world. And we do! But behind those muddy boots and wagging tails is a business with bills to pay, endless expenses and an awful lot of hard work that goes unseen.
Loving what you do doesn’t automatically make it financially sustainable. 💔
To every fellow dog walker who has had to close their business, take on extra work or is simply doing everything they can to keep going, I’m sending you so much love.
It’s a tough industry to be in right now, and I genuinely hope things get easier for all of us.
Please support your local dog walkers. Behind every small business is someone working incredibly hard to keep their dream alive. 🐾
