How to Become a Dog Walker in Reading (2026 Guide)

If you love dogs and want flexible work that pays you to be outdoors, becoming a dog walker is one of the most rewarding ways to earn around your own schedule. Reading and the wider Berkshire area have a huge number of working dog owners who genuinely need reliable help during the day, and demand keeps growing.

This guide walks you through what it actually takes to become a dog walker locally in 2026: what you need, how much you can earn, and the quickest way to get your first paid walks.

Is dog walking right for you?

Before anything else, be honest with yourself about whether the work suits you. The best walkers are reliable, calm around animals, and happy to be out in all weather. You will be trusted with someone's dog and often their house keys, so dependability matters more than anything.

You are likely a good fit if you:

• Genuinely enjoy being around dogs of all sizes and temperaments
• Are punctual and organised, because owners plan their day around your arrival
• Are reasonably fit and comfortable walking for several hours
• Have your own transport or can cover a tight local area on foot

What you need to get started

You do not need a formal qualification to walk dogs in the UK, but a few things separate the professionals from the hobbyists, and owners notice the difference.

Insurance

Public liability insurance is the single most important thing. It protects you if a dog in your care causes damage or injury. Care, custody and control cover protects the dogs themselves while they are with you. Owners increasingly expect proof of cover before they will book. If you walk with Walkies UK, you are covered through the platform on every booking, so this is handled for you. You can read more in our guide to dog walker insurance in the UK.

A DBS check

A DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check is a background check that gives owners peace of mind. It is not a legal requirement, but it is fast becoming the standard that serious owners look for, since you may be entering their home when they are out. It is straightforward to arrange, and a good platform will guide you through it.

The basics

A phone for photos and messages, suitable outdoor clothing, spare leads, poo bags, water and treats. Nothing expensive, but having the right kit shows owners you take it seriously.

How much can you earn?

Local dog walking rates in Berkshire typically run between 8 and 15 pounds per walk, depending on length and whether it is a solo or group walk. Build a regular round of repeat clients and a part time schedule can turn into a steady, reliable income. Because you set your own hours, you can do a couple of lunchtime walks alongside other commitments, or build it into a full local round.

The honest part: your income depends on getting a steady flow of bookings. That is where most independent walkers struggle, because finding and keeping clients takes time and marketing. Joining an established local platform removes that problem, since the bookings, payments and customer messages are handled for you.

The fastest way to start in Reading

You have two routes. You can set up entirely on your own, which means sorting your own insurance, marketing, bookings, payments and admin from scratch. Or you can join a local platform that already has the systems and customers in place.

Walkies UK is launching across Berkshire (Reading, Ascot, Windsor, Bracknell, Maidenhead, Wokingham, Newbury and Slough) and is looking for caring, reliable walkers right now. You get full insurance cover on every walk, a professional booking and payment system so you never chase an invoice, and a genuine stream of local clients, all while keeping complete control of your own schedule.

If that sounds like the right fit, you can apply to become a Walkies UK walker here. We review every application personally and will talk you through the next steps.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a qualification to be a dog walker in the UK?

No. There is no legal qualification required to walk dogs in the UK. What matters most is reliability, insurance, and ideally a DBS check, because these are what owners trust.

How much do dog walkers earn in Reading?

Most local walks pay between 8 and 15 pounds depending on length and whether they are solo or group walks. A regular round of repeat clients can build into a steady part time or full time income.

Do I need insurance to walk dogs?

You should have public liability insurance, and most owners now expect it. If you walk through Walkies UK, insurance cover is included on every booking through the platform.

How do I get my first dog walking clients?

The hardest part of going solo is finding clients. The quickest route is to join an established local platform like Walkies UK, which provides the bookings, payments and customer communication so you can focus on the dogs.