- Dog walking apps at a glance
- Ten dog walking apps worth a look
- Matching an app to what you need
- What the law says about dogs in public
- Booking apps, business apps and tracking apps
- Questions to ask a new dog walker
- Starting a dog walking business with an app
- My plain advice on dog walking apps
- Frequently asked questions
A dog walking app either helps owners find and book a local walker, helps walkers run their business with scheduling, GPS and invoicing, or helps owners track their own walks. A few do two of these. Ten options follow, in no particular order, sorted by type in the table so you can find the right kind quickly.
The phrase dog walking app means three different things depending on who's searching. An owner at work wants a walker for the afternoon, a walker with a growing client list wants to stop juggling texts and spreadsheets, and plenty of owners just want a record of every walk.
The apps below are listed alphabetically and in no particular order, and each description comes from the provider's own website or app store listing, read this week. If you're thinking of walking dogs for money, my guide on what walkers earn on the biggest US platform sets out how the earnings work.
Dog walking apps at a glance
I checked the free plan column on each provider's own website or app store listing, as of Oct 2026. Yes means the page names the app, an account, a plan or a version of it as free. Trial only means a time-limited trial. Not stated means the page I read named neither, even where there's a button inviting you to start or a store download button, so check the provider's own page before you sign up.
| Tool | Type | Good for | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| DOGES | Walk tracking and routes app | Making daily walks a game | Not stated |
| HappyPupper | Dog walk step tracker | Counting your own steps | Not stated |
| Pawshake | Pet sitter and walker platform | Owners outside the US | Yes |
| Precise Petcare | Walking and sitting business software | Growing walking teams | Not stated |
| Rover | Pet care booking platform | Booking a local walker | Not stated |
| Swifto | Dog walking service with app | New York, Miami and Charlotte owners | Not stated |
| Time To Pet | Business software for pet care | Solo walkers going professional | Trial only |
| Wag! | On-demand dog walking app | Last minute walks | Not stated |
| Walkies | Dog walker business app | Running it all from your phone | Trial only |
| WoofTrax | Walk for charity app | Supporting a local shelter | Not stated |
Ten dog walking apps worth a look
DOGES
Best for: Families who want to map routes, earn rewards and climb a leaderboard on the walks they already take with the dog.
HappyPupper
Best for: Runners and walkers who head out with their dog and want steps, distance, time and speed saved to Apple Health.
Pawshake
Best for: Pet parents in Australia, the UK, Canada and Europe who want to meet a local walker or sitter before booking.
Precise Petcare
Best for: Walking companies with staff who want scheduling, GPS tracking, client messages and payroll in one place.
Rover
Best for: Owners who want a 30 or 60 minute walk from a background-checked walker in their own neighbourhood.
Swifto
Best for: City owners in its three markets who want vetted walkers, GPS tracking and text alerts from one company.
Time To Pet
Best for: Independent walkers and sitters who want client management, scheduling and invoicing that grows with the business.
Wag!
Best for: Busy owners who need a walk at short notice and want to read caregiver profiles and reviews before choosing.
Walkies
Best for: Walkers, sitters and groomers who'd rather run GPS walks, client updates and invoices from their pocket.
WoofTrax
Best for: Animal lovers who'd like every walk to earn support for an animal shelter or rescue of their choice.
Matching an app to what you need
- Owners booking a walker in the US: Wag! or Rover.
- Owners outside the US: Pawshake.
- Walkers running a business: Time To Pet, Walkies, Precise Petcare.
- Tracking your own walks: HappyPupper, DOGES.
- Making walks count for a good cause: WoofTrax.
What the law says about dogs in public
GOV.UK says you can get an unlimited fine or be sent to prison for up to 6 months, or both, if your dog is dangerously out of control. The same guidance makes it clear that a dog can be dangerously out of control anywhere, not just in a public park.
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For owners using a walker, the person holding the lead is in charge in that moment. Ask any walker how many dogs they take at once, how they handle dogs that pull or react, and what happens if something goes wrong. A good walker will be glad you asked.
Booking apps, business apps and tracking apps
Booking apps connect owners with local walkers, show profiles and reviews and handle payment. They're the quickest route to a walker, but quality depends on the individual, so read reviews and book a meet and greet first.
Business apps are for the walkers themselves, handling schedules, client details, GPS reports and invoices. Tracking apps are simpler still, recording distance, time and routes for owners who walk their own dogs.
Questions to ask a new dog walker
- How many dogs do you walk together? Fewer dogs means more attention for yours.
- Are you insured? Ask what the cover includes before the first walk.
- Will I get updates? GPS maps and photos are standard with many apps.
- What happens if you're ill? Find out who covers and how you'll be told.
For other jobs around the house, compare TaskRabbit alternatives.
Starting a dog walking business with an app
- Start with a few local clients and a simple booking routine.
- Use an app that sends GPS reports so owners trust you quickly.
- Set clear rules for cancellations and keys from day one.
- Move to full business software once juggling messages takes over.
- Ask happy clients for reviews to win the next ones.
Do you make dog walking, pet sitting or pet care apps? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.
My plain advice on dog walking apps
Decide which of the three jobs you need first, booking, business or tracking, and pick from that group in the table. For owners, a meet and greet matters more than any app feature; for walkers, GPS updates and easy invoicing are what clients remember.
Walking for the other big US platform? My breakdown of how much Wag pays walkers and sitters covers how its earnings compare.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best app to find a dog walker?
It depends where you live, as some booking apps are US-focused while others cover the UK, Australia, Canada and Europe.
Are dog walking apps free for owners?
Most booking apps are free to download, and one on this list names free contact and meet and greets on its own listing.
What app do professional dog walkers use?
Many use business software that handles scheduling, client details, GPS reports and invoicing in one place.
Can I track my dog's walks with an app?
Yes, tracking apps record distance, time and routes, and some save steps to Apple Health.
How many dogs can a walker take at once?
Rules vary by area, so ask your walker and check local guidance where you live.
Is it safe to book a dog walker through an app?
Read reviews, book a meet and greet first and ask about insurance before you hand over keys.
