How to use the dog walker cost calculator
- Enter the price per walk and the walks per week.
- Set the weeks of walks per year. Lower it for weeks you are home or away.
- In More options, enter a tip percent if you add one to each walk, and a second price per walk to compare another walker or a package.
- Read the headline for the average cost per month and the stats for the weekly and yearly cost.
Formula
cost per walk = price x (1 + tip / 100)
cost per year = cost per walk x walks per week x weeks per year
average per month = cost per year / 12
Dividing the yearly cost by 12 averages out months with four and five weeks. A comparison price is shown without a tip.
$25 a walk, 3 walks a week
3 walks a week x 52 weeks = 156 walks. At $25 that is $3,900 a year, or $325.00 a month. A week of walks costs $75.
Adding a 15% tip makes each walk $28.75, so the year is $28.75 x 156 = $4,485 and the month is $373.75. If you use the service 48 weeks a year, the cost is $3,600, or $300 a month. A walker who charges $22 a walk would cost $3,432 a year, which is $468 less than $3,900.
Why a monthly figure can mislead
A common shortcut is to multiply the weekly cost by 4. A month averages about 4.33 weeks, so that shortcut leaves out roughly 8% of the walks in a year. Working from the yearly total and dividing by 12 gives a figure that matches what you spend across the year, even if some months bill five weeks.
If you are billed on a fixed monthly package, use the package price as the price and set the walks accordingly, then compare it with the pay-per-walk cost.
Beyond walks
Walks are one part of what a pet costs. Use the Annual Pet Cost Calculator to add food and vet care, the Cost Per Use Calculator to judge a recurring service, and the Pet Food Bag Duration Calculator for the other regular purchase.
Assumptions and limits
- Every walk costs the same. Holiday rates, longer walks and discounts for multiple dogs are not modeled.
- The tip is a percentage of the price per walk, and it applies to every walk.
- Weeks per year runs from 1 to 52.
- Money is rounded to the cent, half up.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a dog walker cost per month?
Multiply the price per walk by the walks per week and the weeks per year, then divide by 12. At $25 a walk and 3 walks a week, that is $3,900 a year, or $325 a month. Prices vary by area, so enter the one you were quoted.
Why not multiply the weekly cost by 4?
Because a year has more than 48 weeks. Four weeks a month covers only 48 of the 52, so it understates the cost. Dividing the yearly total by 12 is more accurate.
Should I include a tip?
That is your choice. The tip field adds a percent to each walk so you can see the full cost with it. It starts at 0, and the comparison price in More options is shown without a tip.
How do I compare two dog walkers?
Enter one walker's price as the main price and the other's in the comparison field. The page shows the second walker's yearly cost and the difference, with a lower cost in parentheses.