Lots of dog walkers start with a Facebook page, and that makes sense. It's free, it takes ten minutes, and your friends and neighbors share it. Some of your first clients probably came from there.
But at some point most dog walkers ask: do I really need a website too? Here's an honest answer.
What Facebook does well
- It's free and easy to set up.
- Word of mouth spreads fast. Happy clients share your posts, tag you and recommend you in neighborhood groups.
- Photos are easy to post from your phone during a walk.
- Clients can message you right from the page.
Keep your Facebook page. The question isn't Facebook or a website. It's whether Facebook alone is enough.
Where Facebook falls short
1. People search Google, not Facebook
When someone moves to Bellaire or the Heights and needs a dog walker, most of them type "dog walker near me" into Google. Google's results are mostly websites and Google Business Profiles. Facebook pages rarely show up for these searches, so the people who don't know you yet may never find you.
2. Not everyone is on Facebook
Many younger pet owners hardly use it, and some people simply don't have an account. If your only home online is Facebook, those people see a login screen instead of your prices.
3. Your best information gets buried
Your prices, service area and insurance details end up in an old post nobody can find. A website keeps that information in the same place every time, organized the way a new client needs it.
4. Facebook decides who sees your posts
Only a small share of your followers see each post, and Facebook can change that whenever it wants. Pages can also get hacked or locked, and getting them back can take weeks. Your website doesn't disappear because a social network changed its rules.
5. A website looks more established
Pet owners are trusting you with their dog and often their house key. A clean website with your services, prices, insurance and reviews says "this is a real business." For many people, that's the difference between calling you and calling the next walker on the list.
When Facebook alone is fine
To be fair, you may not need a website yet if:
- You walk dogs part-time for a few neighbors and friends
- Your schedule is already full and you aren't looking for new clients
- Every client you have came from a personal recommendation
But if you want to grow, take on more walkers, or reach people who don't know you yet, a website is usually the next step.
What a dog walker's website needs
It doesn't have to be big. One page can do the job if it has:
- Who you are, the neighborhoods you cover and a tap-to-call phone number
- Your walks and visits, with prices
- Insured, bonded, pet first aid certified, said plainly
- A few reviews and real photos of dogs you walk
- A simple way to ask for a meet & greet
- A link to your Facebook page, so people can see you're active
For the full list, see What should a pet sitter's website include? It works for dog walkers too.
Use them together
The best setup is all three working as a team:
- Your Google Business Profile gets you found on Google Maps.
- Your website answers questions and turns visitors into clients.
- Your Facebook page keeps current clients and neighbors engaged with happy-dog photos.
Link them to each other: your website on Facebook and Google, and your Facebook page on your website.
What does it cost?
Less than most people expect. A simple website can cost less per month than one dog walk. If you're weighing your options, our article How much does a small business website cost? breaks down every choice.
Nicks Web Shop builds and manages websites for dog walkers, pet sitters and groomers in Houston and beyond, starting at $20/mo with no setup fee and no contract. Changes are free: just text us. See our websites for pet care businesses, or try the pet sitting demo.
