£ 26k wages from walkies

WALKING other people’s dogs is turning into big business, bringing in more than the average UK salary according to a report.

A typical income for a full- time dog walker is £ 26,496, while official figures put average pay at £ 22,044.

Owners too busy to exercise their own pets will fork out around £ 11.50 for an hour’s walkies in the park. That is 71 per cent higher than the minimum wage.

London dog walkers can rake in three times the average. Luke Winchester gave up being an estate agent to run a dog walking business called A Bit Of Ruff. He said: “It gives me greater freedom, a similar salary, no need for a suit and more appreciative clients.”

Day- care for dogs is also a nice earner, the study by Direct Line Pet Insurance found. Providers charge an average of £ 17.50 per dog per day and can care for around 305 pets a month. This equates to an average annual income of £ 64,050.

Britons spend around £ 4.6billion a year on pet food, grooming, coats, leads and dog walkers.