Spokane, Washington, is a mid-sized city with a strong outdoor culture and a growing population of pet owners. The city is home to more than 220,000 residents, and according to local veterinary surveys, pet ownership rates are above the national average. Many owners work traditional 9-to-5 jobs at employers such as Providence Health & Services, the local school district, or downtown businesses, creating steady demand for midday dog walking services.
The market is segmented by neighborhood. High-density areas like Browne’s Addition, the South Hill, and the Perry District have many apartment dwellers who need daily walks for their dogs. Suburban areas such as Mead, Liberty Lake, and the Spokane Valley offer detached homes with fenced yards, but owners still seek walks for exercise and socialization. The presence of large dog parks—High Bridge Park, the Canine Commons at Mirabeau Park, and the off-leash area at Riverside State Park—means clients expect walkers who can safely handle dogs in both urban and trail environments.
Competition is moderate. A handful of established businesses (e.g., Spokane Dog Walkers, Paws in the Park) dominate search results, but there is room for new walkers who specialize in small dogs, reactive dogs, or early-morning and weekend service gaps. Seasonal demand peaks in spring and fall, with a slight dip during Spokane’s cold, snowy winters. Walkers who invest in traction gear for icy sidewalks and offer indoor play alternatives can capture loyal clients year-round.
Every dog walking business operating within Spokane city limits must obtain a City of Spokane Business License. The application is completed online through the city’s licensing portal, and the current annual fee is approximately $60–$80 depending on the business structure. If you plan to serve clients in Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, or other municipalities, you must check each city’s separate license requirements. Washington state also requires a Unified Business Identifier (UBI) number from the Department of Revenue for tax purposes—register at no cost through the state’s Business Licensing Service.
Although Washington does not mandate specific insurance for dog walkers, every reputable business should carry general liability insurance (minimum $1 million coverage) and a surety bond. Many apartment complexes in Spokane require proof of insurance before allowing walkers to enter their buildings. Policies tailored to pet services can be obtained through providers like Pet Sitters Associates or Business Insurers of the Carolinas. Additionally, consider commercial auto insurance if you transport clients’ dogs.
The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) does not currently license dog walking businesses unless they also offer boarding or grooming. However, you must comply with local leash laws (Spokane Municipal Code 10.06) and the state’s animal cruelty statutes. If you walk more than four dogs at once, you may be considered a “commercial dog walker” and could face additional scrutiny under Spokane County’s animal control rules—stick to a maximum of three dogs per walker to avoid issues.
While not required, obtaining a Pet CPR and First Aid certification from the American Red Cross or a local provider like the Spokane Regional Animal Protection Service (SCRAPS) builds trust with clients and may help you qualify for better insurance rates.
Go to google.com/business and claim your listing using your real business name and a physical address. For a dog walking business that operates at clients’ homes, you can set your service area to Spokane and hide your street address if you don’t want client visits. Use a local phone number with a 509 area code.
Fill in your business category as “Dog Walker” or “Pet Sitter.” Choose secondary categories like “Pet Care Service” and “Pet Training Service” if applicable. Write a business description that includes key Spokane neighborhoods (e.g., “We provide reliable dog walks in the South Hill, Perry District, and downtown Spokane”). Add your service hours, website URL, and high-quality photos of you walking dogs in recognizable Spokane locations: the Centennial Trail, Manito Park, or the Spokane Riverfront.
Google reviews are the number one ranking factor for local SEO in Spokane. After each walk, send a follow-up text or email with a direct link to your Google review page. Offer a small incentive—like a free 15-minute add-on walk—for every fifth review. Respond professionally to all reviews, both positive and negative, mentioning Spokane landmarks when appropriate (e.g., “Thanks for trusting us with Rocky’s walks at Comstock Park!”).
Use Google Posts at least once a week to announce Spokane-specific events (e.g., “We’ll be offering extra early walks during Spokane’s Pig Out in the Park”) or share seasonal tips (e.g., “Booties recommended on icy sidewalks in the South Hill this week”). This signals activity to Google’s algorithm.
Target phrases such as “dog walking Spokane,” “pet care South Hill,” “dog walker Perry District,” “Spokane Valley dog walking,” and “puppy walking services Spokane.” Use Google’s Keyword Planner or a free tool like Ubersuggest to find long-tail variants. Avoid overly competitive terms like “dog walker” without a location.
Create a simple website (using WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace) with pages dedicated to each neighborhood you serve. For example, a page titled “Dog Walking in Browne’s Addition” should mention nearby parks (e.g., Coeur d’Alene Park), typical walk routes, and pricing. Include a map embedding your service area. Every page should have a meta title and description that include “Spokane” and relevant neighborhoods.
List your business on local directories: Spokane Regional Chamber of Commerce, Yelp, Nextdoor, Angi, and the Spokane Pet Sitters Network. Ensure your name, address, and phone number (NAP) are identical across all platforms. Consistency builds authority with Google’s local algorithm.
Reach out to Spokane-based blogs, the Spokesman-Review’s community section, or local pet rescue groups (e.g., Spokane
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