Most dog walkers charge $15–$25 for a 30-minute walk, with Chicago rates typically falling in the $25–$35 range for quality service.
Chicago 30-Minute Walk Pricing Breakdown:
- Experienced walkers: $25–$30 (established track record, reliable service)
- Premium walkers: $30–$35 (perfect reviews, specialized skills, insurance)
- Multiple dogs: $5–$10 extra per additional dog from same household
What Affects 30-Minute Walk Rates:
- Neighborhood: Lincoln Park and Gold Coast command 15–25% higher rates than outlying areas
- Timing: Midday weekday walks (peak demand) cost more than morning/evening slots
- Dog behavior: Reactive or high-energy dogs requiring extra handling may cost $5–$8 more
- Weather: Some walkers charge winter premiums for extreme cold walks
On Tails, walkers set their own rates and keep 90% of earnings — Tails charges providers just 10%, and pet parents pay a separate 5% booking fee. Rover charges providers 20% and adds an 11% fee for pet parents; Wag takes ~40% from providers. See our rate guide for more pricing strategies.