How to Get More Local Clients Without Spending Money on Ads (NZ Guide for Dog Walking)

If you're a dog walking professional in New Zealand, attracting local clients doesn’t mean you need a big advertising budget. With a few effective, no-cost strategies tailored for Kiwi communities, you can build trust, gain visibility, and keep your client list growing. This guide delivers 10 practical tips designed specifically for dog walkers wanting more local work without spending on ads.

Here are some tips that you might find interesting:

1. Set Up a Google Business Profile

Your Google Business Profile (GBP) acts like your online storefront. When locals search for "dog walker near me" or "dog walking Wellington," a well-optimized GBP places you at the top of search results and on Google Maps.

Be sure to provide detailed business info, photos of happy dogs, service areas, and opening hours. Encourage satisfied clients to leave reviews mentioning their suburb or neighbourhood, helping you rank higher locally.

For example, a Hamilton dog walker saw new enquiries rise steadily after posting photos of walks around local parks and collecting glowing client reviews.

2. Engage in Local Facebook and Community Groups

Kiwis love their Facebook and neighbourhood groups like Neighbourly for local recommendations. People regularly ask for dog walking referrals, making these platforms goldmines for warm leads.

Instead of hard-selling, focus on sharing useful tips, answering questions about dog behaviour, or posting photos of walks in local spots like the Auckland Domain or Hagley Park.

Join groups like “Christchurch Dog Walkers,” “Auckland Pet Owners,” or your local community pages and contribute genuinely to build trust.

3. Use NZ Pet Care Directories

List your services on popular New Zealand directories such as Yada, Pet Backer, and K9 and Kats. Many pet owners start their search on trusted platforms, and directories help you get found more easily.

Complete your profile with clear descriptions, service areas, photos, and reviews. A strong, detailed profile attracts enquiries while you get on with your walks.

A Rotorua dog walker grew their local client base significantly after appearing on multiple NZ directories and gathering positive feedback.

4. Leverage Yada for Free Local Jobs

Yada’s platform connects New Zealanders with local specialists like dog walkers without the usual lead or success fees. You can respond to job posts within your area and chat directly with clients.

The rating system rewards reliability and good service, so the more you walk, the better positioned you are to win new jobs. Its mobile-friendly interface makes managing bookings easy on the go.

One Wellington dog walker credits Yada for helping them quickly establish a local client base by responding promptly to nearby jobs.

5. Ask for Reviews and Referrals

Kiwi word-of-mouth is powerful. After each walk or package, ask your clients to share a honest review on Google, your directory listings, or social media.

Make it effortless by sending direct links and sample phrases. Offering a small referral reward, like a discount on a future walk, can encourage sharing too.

A Christchurch dog walker boosted bookings by 30% in a few months simply through proactive review and referral gathering.

6. Showcase Walks on Social Media

Share pictures and short videos of happy dogs roaming favourite local walks like Auckland’s North Shore or Wellington’s Zealandia Reserve.

Real-life, casual posts and helpful tips create connection and trust much better than polished ads.

An Auckland dog walker built a loyal following by posting routine walk updates and tips, leading to regular direct client enquiries.

7. Partner with Local Pet Businesses

Create relationships with vets, pet shops, groomers, and trainers who already serve your target dogs and owners.

Swap flyers, offer referral incentives, or collaborate on promotions, like a discounted grooming and walking bundle.

A Tauranga walker teamed up with a local vet clinic, resulting in steady referrals and mutual trust in the pet community.

8. Post Flyers on Community Boards

Local community noticeboards at New World, libraries, cafes, and vet clinics still work in NZ. Keep flyers clear and simple with a friendly photo, services, and contact details.

Deliver flyers in letterboxes of dog-friendly suburbs, focusing on areas with lots of parks or pet facilities.

A Christchurch walker who posted flyers in local parks gained several regular clients through this low-cost method.

9. Offer Free Meet-and-Greets

Trust is key in dog walking. Offering a free meet-and-greet lets dogs and owners get comfortable with you before booking.

Use this time to ask about routines, health needs, and personality quirks. It reassures owners you’re the right fit.

Yada’s internal chat is great for organising and following up on these meetings securely and conveniently.

10. Keep Reliable Systems and Strong Reputation

Manage your bookings, keys, and dog information with simple tools like spreadsheets or apps to avoid any mix-ups.

Reliability breeds repeat business and positive ratings on platforms like Yada, crucial in tight-knit Kiwi communities.

Consistently communicating, being punctual, and sending photos during walks builds client trust and encourages glowing reviews.