From the Ground Up: Seattle Dog Walkers on Growing with the Right Vehicles

Running a small business in Seattle often means long days on the road, tight schedules, and making thoughtful choices that align with both values and practicality. For Seattle Walk Stars, a dog adventure business built around pack walks, trust, and joyful movement, the vehicle behind the scenes matters just as much as the service itself.

Owner and longtime dog walker has spent decades navigating Seattle’s neighborhoods, parks, and pick-up routes. When it came time to rethink how she moved her four-legged clients around the city, she wanted something that was cleaner, quieter, reliable, and genuinely workable for a full day of driving. Enter the Mullen ONE.

In this customer profile, we sat down with the owner of Seattle Walk Stars to talk about how her business operates, what a typical day looks like behind the wheel, and how partnering with Range helped her transition to an electric vehicle that supports both her dogs and her values.

Meet the Seattle Walk Stars

Tell us about your business—how did Seattle Dog Walkers get started? What do you offer?

Seattle WalkStars is my dog adventure business. Technically, I am a dog walker, but that does not quite encapsulate the level of fun we are having at the off-leash parks. My goal is for my pups to get in touch with their roots by running with their pack. Of course, safety is key. I am there to monitor our surroundings, and keep the fun fun. But, I think they learn so many important skills from each other. It is so rewarding to see my dogs gain confidence by being part of the pack. It is like they are learning their ancient language.

What sets you apart from other dog walking services in Seattle?

I have been a dog walker since 1996. Back then, it was a fairly new industry. Now there are loads of dog walkers, which is great because it shows how much people cherish their dogs.

The Role Vehicles Play in their Day to Day

Which model(s) of EV(s) do you use to operate your business?

I bought the Mullen One last year for my business. I am so happy with it! I pick up and drop off all my pups, and it is so nice to not be emitting fumes while idling in front of each of my dog’s houses. I can do my whole day with plenty of charge left over, and I am stoked to not have to factor in any gas station stops.

What does a typical day look like for you / your team on the road? Be as specific as possible b/c other business owners find this very useful e.g. time on road, mileage, charging stops, etc.

I take two packs out, which means I am driving between 50-70 miles a day. In the winter, I may come home with as low as 20% charge left over on a really busy day with extra errands. In the summer, I don’t think I’ve gotten under 30%, but often it is at 40-50%.

What is your charging cadence (how often) and where do you charge your vehicle?

I charge my van when I get home and keep it plugged in until the next morning.

Have you customized or upfitted your vehicle at all to better suit your business? If so, how?

I built a plywood divider that sits diagonally between the sliders. So, one door opens to the front and the other opens to the back. I have a VIP section up front for the small dogs and/or elderly dogs. I have mats that I can slide in and out of the back to make it easy to clean.

Why They Chose Range

What were you looking for when you first approached Range? Did Range help you problem-solve anything in particular along the way?

My husband found Range, and they came out to us for a test drive. It was super convenient and helpful.

Which specific features, if any, have you been surprisingly, or expectedly, happy with as you’ve used the vehicle for your business?

I was impressed with how easy it is to clean. I can pressure wash the back while keeping the front dry with my divider in there. That is crucial for a dog biz!
I am, of course, very happy to not have to stop for gas.

Have you noticed or even calculated any specific cost savings related to maintenance, gas or other?

I used to spend up to $500/month on gas. I now spend less than $100 for charging. It also seems like it is going to be so much more straightforward as far as maintenance goes.

Advice for Other Small Business Owners

Any tips for other service businesses thinking about upgrading their vehicle(s) to electric?

I feel so much better, with all the miles I drive, making this environmentally sound choice to go electric.

How did you think about cost, flexibility, and/or reliability when making your decision to try electric?

I wanted to go electric for the environment, and also to save money. But, I also am in my vehicle all day every day and wanted to make sure it would be comfortable for me and my dogs. I am stoked that it has met or surpassed all of my considerations.

Conclusion

For Seattle Walk Stars, going electric was not about chasing trends. It was about finding a vehicle that could keep up with daily demands, reduce operating costs, and create a healthier experience for both the driver and the dogs inside. From eliminating gas stops to cutting monthly fuel expenses by hundreds of dollars, the Mullen ONE has proven itself as a practical tool for a service-based business that spends most of its day on the road.

Just as important, the switch has brought peace of mind. Less noise, no fumes during pickups, easy cleaning, and reliable range all add up to a better workday and a more sustainable way of doing business. With Range’s hands-on approach, from test drive to delivery, the transition to electric felt approachable and tailored, not overwhelming.

Seattle Walk Stars is a reminder that electrification does not have to be complicated to be impactful. For small business owners looking to reduce costs, lower emissions, and drive something that truly fits their workflow, stories like this show what is possible when the right vehicle meets the right use case.