How do you start a dog walking business in 2027?

Startup costs: $500-$2,500 (waste bags, leashes, harnesses, basic insurance, branded shirt, business cards, scheduling app like Time To Pet or Scout). Permits/licenses/insurance: business license in most cities ($50-$400), pet care liability + bonding ($200-$600/yr through Pet Sitters Associates or Pet Care Insurance), some HOAs require proof. Customer acquisition: Rover and Wag get you started but take 15-25% per booking. Faster traction usually comes from local Facebook groups, Nextdoor, lobby flyers in dog-friendly apartment buildings, vet clinic partnerships, and groomer cross-referrals. Revenue model: $20-$35 per 30-min walk, $30-$50 for 60-min, group walks scale margin once you trust the dogs together. Year-1: realistic gross $20K-$45K solo, profit thinner once gas, taxes, no-shows hit. Burnout risk is real in winter and summer extremes.