What to Charge? A Practical Guide to Pricing Dog Walking Services in New Zealand

Pricing your dog walking services in New Zealand can be a bit of a puzzle, with different factors like location, dog size, and client expectations playing a part. This guide offers practical, Kiwi-friendly tips tailored for dog walkers and small business owners to price their services fairly and grow their client base confidently.

Here are some tips that you might find interesting:

1. Know Your Costs Inside Out

Start by calculating all your expenses: travel costs, leashes, treats, insurance, and the time you spend walking. Don’t forget to include admin tasks and any training you do to upgrade your skills.

Dog walkers in Auckland might account for higher petrol prices and parking fees, while those in rural areas like Waikato may have longer travel times to clients.

Understanding your costs upfront means you set prices that keep your business sustainable.

2. Research Local Pricing Averages

Check dog walking rates on popular Kiwi platforms like TradeMe Services, Yada, and local community boards to get a sense of what others charge.

Prices in cities like Wellington tend to be higher due to demand, while smaller towns like Nelson might have slightly lower rates.

Knowing the market helps you position your services confidently and competitively.

3. Set Clear, Tiered Pricing Options

Offer different packages or pricing tiers based on walk length, group sizes, or special needs. For example, a 30-minute solo walk might cost less than an hour-long group walk.

In Christchurch, some walkers charge $20 for a 30-minute solo stroll and $35 for a one-hour shared walk, providing choices for different budgets.

Sharing these tiers on Yada or your website makes it easy for clients to decide what suits them.

4. Be Transparent About Extras

Upfront disclosure of extra fees for early mornings, late evenings, or additional pets avoids surprises.

Some Dunedin walkers add a small surcharge for weekend or holiday walks when demand spikes.

Clear communication about extras builds trust and smooth client relationships.

5. Offer Loyalty Discounts and Packages

Encourage repeat business by providing discounts for regular bookings or package deals, like a set number of walks per week.

One Tauranga dog walker grew her client list by offering a 10% discount for block bookings over a month.

Packages help clients budget and build steady income for you.

6. Adjust Prices During Busy Seasons

School holidays, Christmas, and weekends often mean busier schedules. Raising rates slightly during these times can help manage demand and recognise your extra effort.

In Auckland, walkers might charge a 20% peak-season premium, clearly advertised in advance.

Clients appreciate when you explain why, helping keep good relationships.

7. Highlight Your Experience and Skills

Showcase your certifications, years of experience, and special skills such as handling anxious or reactive dogs.

A Wellington walker promotes her dog behaviour training certificates and often works with rescue dogs, setting her apart.

This helps justify higher rates and reassures nervous owners.

8. Collect and Share Testimonials

Positive reviews from happy clients on Yada, local Facebook groups, or Google Business Profiles can boost your bookings.

One Nelson walker credits glowing testimonials and shared doggy photos for her rapid client growth.

Social proof builds trust more than any ad could.

9. Use Kiwi Platforms for Greater Reach

List your services on trusted New Zealand platforms such as Yada and TradeMe Services to connect with local dog owners.

Yada’s no-fee model means you keep more profit and can offer competitive, honest pricing.

Its handy mobile-friendly interface helps you manage bookings and client chats easily.

10. Communicate Openly and Personalise Rates

Use Yada’s private chat or phone calls to discuss each dog’s needs, exercise levels, and behaviour before quoting prices.

A Kapiti dog walker customises rates slightly based on dog size and temperament, making clients feel heard and valued.

This friendly approach often leads to loyal, happy clients.

11. Avoid Competing on Price Alone

Lowering prices too much can damage your reputation and business viability. Instead, emphasise quality, reliability, and trustworthiness.

Christchurch walkers who focus on personal care and feedback keep steady fees and healthy booking levels.

Kiwis are happy to pay for a dog walker who genuinely cares and communicates well.

12. Review Pricing Periodically

Market conditions and your experience evolve. Review and tweak your rates every 6-12 months to stay competitive.

Yada provides insights via ratings and booking trends, helping you adjust pricing smartly.

Regular updates keep your dog walking business healthy and sustainable.

13. Build Local Networks and Referrals

Connect with vets, pet stores, and trainers to create referral partnerships.

A Wellington walker grew her clientele by attending local dog events and linking up with a popular doggy daycare.

Community connections are a quiet but powerful way to boost your profile and justify your pricing.