10 Ways to Find Clients as a Dog Walking Professional in New Zealand

Navigating the dog walking market in New Zealand can feel a bit daunting, especially when you’re flying solo or running a small outfit. But there’s good news-there are plenty of tried-and-true, Kiwi-friendly strategies to connect you with local clients who need your services. Whether you’re in Wellington, Auckland, or a smaller town, these 10 tips will help you grow your client list with confidence and ease.

Here are some tips that you might find interesting:

1. Set Up a Google Business Profile

Nearly everyone in New Zealand starts looking for local services through Google, and a well-crafted Google Business Profile can put you right in the spotlight when locals search for “dog walker near me” or “dog parks Christchurch.”

Include clear business hours, locations served, lovely photos of happy dogs you walk, and most importantly, encourage satisfied clients to leave reviews. Positive feedback is a huge trust-builder in NZ communities.

Weirdly enough, this simple setup can generate a steady stream of inquiries with almost no ongoing effort.

2. Leverage Yada for Job Opportunities

Yada is an emerging New Zealand platform great for dog walkers-no lead or success fees mean you keep your full earnings. It’s simple to join, whether as an individual or a business.

On Yada, you can respond to local job posts for free, with your daily responses regulated by your rating, keeping things fair. The internal chat system makes bookings and communication straightforward and private.

Mobile-friendly and designed with Kiwi users in mind, Yada is a smart tool to add to your client-finding toolkit.

3. Join Local Facebook Groups

From “Auckland Dog Owners” to “Wellington Pet Lovers,” local Facebook groups are buzzing with pet owners seeking trusted dog walkers.

Rather than hard selling, offer useful advice, share great dog walking spots, or post happy customer stories. This builds your reputation as a knowledgeable and friendly local expert.

Many dog walkers have turned casual engagement into full schedules simply by being helpful and consistent in these groups.

4. Register on Pet Service Directories

Platforms like Pawshake NZ and Trade Me Services are popular places where Kiwi pet owners look for professional dog walkers and pet care.

Ensure your profile stands out with plenty of photos, clear service descriptions, and up-to-date availability. Quick, friendly responses to inquiries really seal the deal.

A Christchurch dog walker shared how being active on these directories brought in half their new clients in just six months.

5. Offer Trial Walks or Discounts

Sometimes clients are hesitant to commit. Offering a discounted or free trial walk helps build trust and demonstrates how much you care about their dog’s wellbeing.

Advertise this offer through social media, Yada, and local listings. It can turn curious pet owners into regular customers faster than you might think.

Trial offers have been a successful icebreaker for many Kiwi dog walkers, especially in competitive markets like Auckland.

6. Collect and Share Testimonials

Happy clients are your best advocates. After each job, ask them to leave reviews or share a quick testimonial about how your walks helped their pets stay healthy and happy.

Showcase these on your website, social media, and platform profiles to build trust with new prospects.

One Wellington dog walker says testimonials often lead to walk bookings from people who first found her online reading glowing client feedback.

7. Connect with Vet Clinics and Pet Businesses

Local vets, groomers, and pet shops like Animates often get asked for dog walking recommendations. Reach out to them with your info and build referral networks.

This kind of word-of-mouth referral in tight-knit Kiwi pet communities is invaluable and leads to steady client flow.

In Dunedin, a walker grew her business substantially by collaborating with local pet shops to leave flyers and be the go-to recommended walker.

8. Highlight Your Knowledge of Local Dog-Friendly Spots

Kiwi dog owners love parks, beaches, and trails where their pooches can roam safely. Showcase your local knowledge as part of your service.

Sharing favourite dog-walking routes or new off-leash spots on social media or during consultations builds trust and shows commitment to dogs’ happiness.

This personalised touch resonates especially well in regional centres like Hamilton or Tauranga.

9. Use Flyers and Posters on Noticeboards

Community noticeboards in New World supermarkets, libraries, and vet clinics are surprisingly effective in New Zealand.

Keep flyers simple, colourful, and clear-what you do, service areas, and contact details. Encourage clients to snap photos for later reference.

Older demographics especially appreciate seeing this low-tech but reliable local touch.

10. Maintain a Simple Website or Online Profile

A straightforward, mobile-friendly website or profile on platforms like Google Sites or Carrd gives a professional face to your business.

Include services, rates, areas covered, and client testimonials. Keep content fresh and easy to navigate since most Kiwis search on their phones.

Nothing fancy needed-just clear, accessible info that boosts confidence and encourages contact.