The Ultimate Guide to Starting a Pet Care Business in the UK
Everything you need to know to launch a pet care business in the UK — startup costs, realistic earnings, licences, insurance, and a 30-day plan to your first paying clients. Free guide included.
Thinking about turning your love of animals into a career? You are in the right place. The UK pet care market is worth over £10 billion and growing, with more than 34 million pets across the country. Whether you want to earn a little extra on the side or build a full-time business, there has never been a better time to start.
This guide gives you the honest picture — what it costs, what you can earn, and exactly how to get started. And at the bottom, you can download the full free PDF guide including a 30-day launch plan.
Is a pet care business right for you?
Before diving into the practicalities, it is worth being honest about what running a pet care business actually involves. It is not just cuddles and walks in the park (though there is plenty of that). It is also early mornings, unpredictable animals, admin, client communication, and the responsibility of caring for someone else's beloved pet.
If that sounds like a challenge you would relish, read on.
What services can you offer?
- Dog walking — solo or group walks, typically 30–60 minutes
- Pet sitting — visiting a client's home to care for pets while they are away
- Home boarding — hosting pets overnight in your own home
- Doggy daycare — looking after dogs during the working day
- Grooming — bathing, trimming and styling
- Training and behaviour — one-to-one or group sessions
Each service has different requirements in terms of licences, insurance and startup costs. The free guide covers all of them.
How much can you realistically earn?
Earnings vary widely depending on your services, hours and location, but here is a realistic breakdown:
- Side income: £300–£800/month — a few dog walks per day around a day job
- Part-time: £1,500–£3,500/month — a growing client base across two or three services
- Full-time: £4,000–£15,000+/month — running a multi-service business, possibly with staff
Providers on My Pet Pal who combine boarding, daycare and walking consistently reach the higher end of these figures within 12–18 months of starting.
What does it cost to start?
Much less than most people expect. For the majority of pet care services:
- DBS check: ~£18 (basic, online)
- Pet business insurance: from £82/year (via our partner Pet Business Insurance UK, use code
mypetpal10for 10% off) - My Pet Pal profile: Free to create
Most providers are up and running for under £150. If you want to offer home boarding or daycare, you will also need a local authority licence (typically £250–£400/year).
Do you need a licence?
Only if you plan to offer home boarding or daycare, which require a licence from your local council under the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) Regulations 2018. Dog walking, pet sitting, grooming and training do not require a licence.
How My Pet Pal helps you get started
My Pet Pal handles the parts of running a pet care business that most people find time-consuming and awkward:
- Online booking management
- Secure card payments (no chasing invoices)
- Automated client communication
- Verified reviews to build your reputation
- A public profile that ranks in local search results
Creating your profile is completely free. Paid plans start from £7.99/month and unlock priority placement and lower platform fees.
Download the free guide
The full guide includes a step-by-step 30-day plan from zero to your first paying clients, plus detailed breakdowns of earnings, startup costs, licences and insurance for every service type.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need any qualifications to start a pet care business?
No formal qualifications are required. A genuine love of animals and a responsible attitude go a long way. My Pet Pal does require a basic DBS check, which costs around £18 and takes minutes to apply for online.
How much does it cost to start a pet care business?
Much less than most people expect. Most providers are up and running for under £150. The main costs are a DBS check (around £18) and pet business insurance (from £82/year via our partner Pet Business Insurance UK with code mypetpal10).
How much can I realistically earn?
Providers on My Pet Pal earn anywhere from £300/month as a side income to £15,000+/month as a full-time multi-service business. The free guide includes a full earnings breakdown at every stage.
Do I need a licence to start a pet care business?
Only for home boarding or daycare, which require a local council licence. Dog walking, pet sitting, grooming and training do not require a licence.
Is My Pet Pal free to join?
Yes. Creating your profile is completely free. Paid plans start from £7.99/month and unlock priority placement and reduced platform fees, but you do not need to upgrade to get started.