A 30-minute dog walk should be priced between $20–$30 depending on your location, experience, and service quality. In Chicago, the standard is $25–$35 for a single dog.
Factors That Affect Your Rate:
- Experience level: Walkers typically charge $25–$30, while established professionals charge $30–$35+
- Number of dogs: Add $5–$10 per additional dog from the same household
- Time of day: Midday weekday walks (11am–2pm) can command 15–20% premium pricing
- Neighborhood: Affluent areas like Lincoln Park or Gold Coast support higher rates
- Add-ons: GPS tracking, photo updates, or off-leash play justify premium pricing
On Tails, Chicago dog walkers keep 90% of their rate — Tails charges providers just 10%, and pet parents pay a separate 5% booking fee. Compare that to Rover, which charges providers 20% and adds an 11% fee for pet parents, or Wag's ~40% provider cut. Check our comprehensive rate guide for detailed pricing strategies.