07/06/2026
It’s with mixed emotions that I tell you lovely lot that I’ve decided to step away from dog walking.
I’ve loved it, but, I’ll be honest, it pays too little and life costs too much.
The rising costs of petrol, multiple insurances, the tax man, online courses, marketing, online fees, licensing, then things like equipment, poo bags, treats etc. all add up enormously.
Not to mention, that from my walks, after all these costs, I’m meant to pay myself a liveable wage for food, bills and general life costs, a pension, annual leave, sick leave, my own insurances, my own tax and NI and everything else in between...
I’ve given it my best shot and I’ve put everything on the line in the process but I’ve haemorrhaged my savings and see no light at the end of the tunnel — I have to put my hands up and admit that it’s just not sustainable long term. I probably “make” around £3 per dog walk, which is nuts!
So, what am I doing next, you ask? Well, I’ve got a job as a project manager again, with an eco-friendly, very environmentally-aware and ethically-conscious architecture firm, which I’m really happy about. They seem like a lovely company and they share my values, which is incredibly meaningful to me.
For a select few (close to home), I’ll still be enjoying lunchtime walks and I’ll certainly still be promoting evening and weekend hikes for those who need a “day off” or whom may have a working breed that need some extra stimulation and excitement.
I’ll also still be offering a wedding chaperone service, because I’ve loved being a part of your special days!
I hope, when things have settled down a bit for me, I’ll be able to reorganise some group hikes, too, because a bunch of you got in touch with me privately to say that you’d love me to try again to organise a group get together, so I will!
All my existing clients are already aware of this change, but if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch! I’ll still be available online and checking WhatsApp, DMs and emails, it’ll just be more casual around my new job 🙂
I also want to take a moment to thank all of my incredible friends, family and clients for being so supportive, generous and…
