DOG WALKERS · PAYMENT LINKS
Payment Links for Dog Walkers - Complete UK Guide (2025)
The complete UK guide to how dog walkers get paid, from cash and bank transfers to modern payment links. Learn how to reduce cancellations, stop chasing, and build a calm, predictable payment system around your dog walking business.
You finish the last walk of the week. Dogs are dropped home. Leads are cleaned. You send a message asking for payment.
The client replies with something vague. “I’ll sort it tonight.” Or “Can I do it tomorrow?” Or nothing at all.
Most UK dog walkers recognise this pattern. The work is regular. The clients are friendly. But payments drift, reminders feel awkward, and money ends up being chased after long days on your feet.
This guide shows you how to fix that.
You will see how dog walkers in the UK get paid today, which payment methods cause the most problems, and how payment links, deposits and reminders can be combined into a simple system that runs quietly in the background.
It is written for solo dog walkers and small teams who want fewer awkward messages, fewer late payments, and more control over when money arrives.
How UK Dog Walkers Get Paid Right Now
Most dog walkers do not rely on just one payment method. Instead, payments usually evolve organically based on habit, trust, and client expectations.
1. Cash
Cash still appears in dog walking, often for weekly clients or long standing arrangements.
Pros
- Immediate when handed over
- No transaction fees
Cons
- Only works when you see the client
- Easy for payments to be missed
- No automatic records
2. Bank transfer
Bank transfers are common for weekly or monthly billing, but they rely heavily on memory and goodwill.
Pros
- Works when clients are not home
- No equipment required
Cons
- Easy to delay or forget
- Messy references
- Manual checking each week
3. Card readers
Card readers are occasionally used for ad hoc work, but they still depend on the client being present and introduce another device to charge, carry, and manage.
4. Payment links
Payment links let you request payment digitally through WhatsApp, text, email, or social messages.
Clients tap the link, pay securely by card or wallet, and you see everything in one place. When combined with deposits and automatic reminders, payment links remove most manual chasing.
Common Payment Situations Dog Walkers Face
Many UK dog walkers face similar payment situations. Here are a few examples of how payment links and deposits help protect your time and income.
Weekly payments that slowly drift
Walks happen every week, but payment slips from Friday to Sunday, then into the following week.
Automatic reminders keep payments aligned with the work without you having to follow up manually.
Holiday cover booked weeks ahead
Holiday cover often blocks out valuable diary space.
A deposit confirms commitment and protects your time if plans change.
New clients with no payment history
New bookings carry more risk. Clear links and upfront expectations set the tone from the first interaction.
Typical Dog Walking Prices and Deposits in the UK
Rates vary by area and experience, but many UK dog walkers fall into similar ranges.
- Single dog walk: around £10 to £15
- Weekly packages: £50 to £80 per week
- Holiday cover or block bookings: £120 to £300+
Deposits are most commonly used for block bookings and holiday cover, typically £20 to £50 or around 20 to 40 percent of the total.
A Simple Payment System for Dog Walkers
Decide when payment is due
Weekly clients usually pay at the end of the week. Holiday cover and block bookings work best with a deposit and balance system.
Use deposits where commitment matters
Deposits protect your diary and reduce last minute cancellations. Learn more in deposit and balance payments for dog walkers .
Send a clear payment link every time
Consistency builds habits. See how dog walkers send payment links .
Automate reminders instead of chasing
Automatic reminders remove emotion from follow ups. Learn more in automatic payment reminders for dog walkers .
Save templates for common messages
Templates prevent retyping and inconsistency. See payment reminder templates for dog walkers .
The Big Wins for Dog Walkers
When payment links, deposits and reminders are part of your system, dog walkers gain:
- More predictable weekly income
- Fewer awkward payment conversations
- Reduced cancellations
- Less admin after long days outdoors
- Clearer boundaries with clients
Frequently Asked Questions
Do dog walkers need a website to use payment links?
No. You can send payment links through WhatsApp, text or email. Your client pays on a secure checkout page.
Are payment links suitable for weekly walks?
Yes. Many dog walkers use payment links for regular weekly clients.
How much deposit should a dog walker take?
Many UK dog walkers use £20 to £50 or around 20 to 40 percent for block bookings and holiday cover.
Do payment links really reduce late payments?
Yes. Consistent links and reminders dramatically reduce chasing.
Related Guides
Continue learning with these related guides:
How Dog Walkers Get Paid — UK Methods Explained
A breakdown of the common ways UK dog walkers accept payments for regular and ad-hoc walks.
Read guideHow Dog Walkers Can Request a Deposit Professionally
A professional UK guide for dog walkers on requesting deposits using payment links.
Read guideHow Dog Walkers Can Reduce Cancellations
A practical guide to reducing last-minute cancellations and no-shows for dog walkers.
Read guideHow to Send Payment Links as a Dog Walker
A simple guide for UK dog walkers on how to send payment links by text, WhatsApp and email.
Read guideAutomatic Payment Reminders for Dog Walkers
Learn how to automate payment chasing as a UK dog walker.
Read guidePayment Reminder Templates for Dog Walkers
Professional payment reminder templates for UK dog walkers.
Read guideDeposit and Balance Payments for Dog Walkers
How to take deposits upfront and collect balances professionally as a dog walker.
Read guideHow Dog Walkers Can Chase Late Payments
A practical guide for chasing late payments without awkward conversations.
Read guideDog Walker Pricing and Rates Guide
A practical pricing and rates guide for UK dog walkers.
Read guideDog Walker Case Study — Client A
A real-world case study showing how a UK dog walker improved payments.
Read guideDog Walker Case Study — Client B
A second case study showing payment improvements for dog walkers.
Read guideCreate a Payment Link in Seconds
Learn how to create payment links manually and with Simply Link.
Read guideHow to Chase Late Payments Automatically
Automate payment reminders and reduce late payments.
Read guideBuild a Calmer Payment System for Your Dog Walking Business
Simply Link helps dog walkers send payment links, take deposits and automate reminders so payments happen with less effort. Create your free account and send your first payment link in minutes.
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