Starting a dog walking business sounds simple. Leash up, show up, get paid — right?
Not quite.
What separates a weekend walker from a trustworthy pro is what happens behind the scenes: automated scheduling, GPS walk tracking, client updates, digital payments, and a polished client experience. You’re already falling behind if you’re still juggling texts, sticky notes, or a shared Google Calendar.
More importantly, you’re giving clients a reason to doubt your reliability.
Today’s pet parents expect professionalism from the very first walk, and without the right software, you risk looking like an amateur. 71% of consumers now expect businesses to offer digital tools like scheduling, mobile apps, or online payments — even in traditionally “offline” industries (Salesforce, 2023).
People are even more discerning when it comes to their pets. According to a recent Packaged Facts survey, over 72% of pet owners see their pets as family members, and they treat hiring a dog walker with the same scrutiny they would a childcare provider.
In this guide, we’ll show you what features to look for in dog walker software and why PetCheck is the tool built to help you run your business like a pro, from day one.
Why Dog Walking Software Matters (Even If You’re Just Starting Out)
It’s tempting to “just get started” and figure it out as you go. After all, it’s just walking dogs… right?
But in the pet care industry, trust is your currency. And whether you’re booking your first walk or managing a growing list of clients, professionalism isn’t optional — it’s why people hire (and refer) you.
Even solo operators quickly realize how fast things spiral without the right tools:
- Appointments overlap
- Walks are forgotten
- Clients are confused or anxious
- Payments go missing
- Notes get lost
Worse, the “homemade” system of text threads, Venmo, and calendar scribbles can leave clients questioning if you’re serious, even if you’re amazing with dogs.
“I used to think Google Calendar and text messages were enough. But I lost two clients in a week after I forgot a visit and took too long to respond. PetCheck helped me clean it all up — and I haven’t had a single no-show or late payment since.”
— Natalie F., Walks With Wags
Top Features to Look for in Dog Walker Software
Not all dog walking software is created equal. Here’s what matters most — and why.
Scheduling & Calendar Management
Life gets hectic fast. PetCheck helps you manage:
- Recurring visits
- Time windows
- Last-minute requests
- Staff availability (if you grow your team)
No more double-bookings. No more spreadsheet juggling.
GPS Walk Tracking
Transparency isn’t optional. Clients want proof that you showed up and walked their dog as promised. PetCheck includes:
- Real-time GPS tracking
- Walk start/end timestamps
- Photo or note uploads for each visit
These walk summaries help build trust and are great for client retention.
Client Communication Logs
No more digging through old texts. PetCheck logs all client communication in one place. That means:
- Fewer mix-ups
- Easier dispute resolution
- A consistent, professional experience
Invoicing & Online Payments
Forget chasing checks or reconciling Venmo payments. PetCheck automates:
- Invoice creation
- Payment reminders
- Credit card payments
- Tip tracking
You get paid faster — and more predictably.
Custom Branding & Client Portal
Clients interact with your brand, not a generic app. PetCheck offers:
- Your logo and business name front and center
- A dedicated client portal
- Streamlined onboarding and booking experience
This level of polish makes a big difference when a pet parent compares options.
What Sets PetCheck Apart From Generic Dog Walking Software
Most dog walking apps were designed as lightweight scheduling tools, not full platforms for business growth.
PetCheck was built by pet care professionals, for pet care professionals.
We understand your daily challenges, and our features are designed to solve them.
Here’s what makes PetCheck different:
Features:
Feature
- Real-time GPS walk tracking
- Automated scheduling
- Integrated payments
- Communication tracking
- Full branding customization
- Human support
PetCheck
- With a map, time stamps, and visit verification
- With last-minute booking and recurring options
- 1-day payouts + optional tipping
- Central hub for client chats & notes
- Your logo, portal, and email templates
- US-based team ready to help
“PetCheck made us look like pros from day one. Our clients rave about the portal — and I no longer waste hours managing texts and payments.”
— Jason R., Fetch & Run Pet Care
When clients feel taken care of, they stick around. And when your business runs on autopilot? You grow faster, with less stress.
How PetCheck Helps You Grow Faster
PetCheck isn’t just about organizing your day. It’s about setting you up for long-term success.
Here’s how:
- Faster Client Conversion: A branded portal, clear pricing, and walk summaries give prospects immediate confidence
- Time Saved Weekly: Automate everything from invoices to pet notes so you can walk more (and worry less)
- Stronger Client Loyalty: Clients trust you more when they can see updates and walk logs
- More Referrals: Happy clients are more likely to recommend you when the experience is smooth and tech-enabled
“Since switching to PetCheck, I’ve on boarded 12 new recurring clients — just from referrals. People love how easy everything is.”
— Alison B., Pack Pals Dog Walking
Common Mistakes New Dog Walkers Make (And How PetCheck Prevents Them)
Every new business hits speed bumps. But you don’t have to repeat the same mistakes others have made. PetCheck helps prevent:
Mistake
- Missed or double-booked visits
- Forgotten client preferences
- Late payments and cash flow gaps
- Lack of professionalism
PetCheck Solution
- Smart calendar with alerts and staff assignment
- Pet profiles and visit logs are accessible anytime
- Automated billing + reminders + online payments
- Branded interface, timely updates, digital walk reports
Even if you’ve never run a business before, PetCheck helps you avoid the pitfalls that turn promising walkers into part-timers.
Choosing the Right Dog Walking Software
Let’s face it: choosing the right software can feel overwhelming. But it shouldn’t.
Here’s how to know PetCheck is right for you:
- You want to look professional from day one
- You’re tired of juggling calendars, texts, and invoices
- You want clients to trust and refer you
- You’re thinking about growing — even if you’re just starting
Whether you’re a solo walker, a duo, or building a team, PetCheck scales with you. There is no complicated setup or tech headaches—just software that works.
Still unsure? Try a free trial and see the difference yourself.
Final Takeaway: Look Legit From Day One
Pet parents aren’t just hiring someone to walk their dog — they’re hiring someone they can trust.
With PetCheck, you’ll:
- Save hours each week
- Impress every client from the first interaction
- Get paid faster and more reliably
- Build a brand that feels like a real business, not a side gig
Sign Up Now
Start your dog walking business with the software that makes you look like a pro — and helps you grow like one.
