How to Start a Dog Walking Business
Combine a Love of Dogs and the Outdoors for the Perfect Job
Sep 27, 2009
In these tough economic times, many job seekers are looking for new and creative ways to make a living. One woman thought about her hobbies, interests, likes, and dislikes and realized that her new profession was licking her right in the face.
"Ten years ago I got a Mini Pinscher," says Jackie. "Then, three years ago I adopted an Italian Greyhound. My dog walker actually suggested to me that I should become a dog walker after I left my corporate job. She knew how much I love the outdoors and spending time with 'my kind of people.' After thinking it over for a month, I realized that starting a dog walking business just felt right."
But before Jackie, 41, started her dog walking business in Brooklyn, New York, she took some very important steps.
Research, Research, Research
Potential business owners must research the need for that particular business in the neighborhood they are considering. Talk to residents in the desired area to find out who the pet owners are and where the pet stores are located. Is a dog walking business viable?
Determine Dog Services
Many dog owners like their pets to have a variety of services available to them. Determine whether the dog walking business will have additional services other than just walks. Dog walking businesses can include walks, runs, daycare, and boarding. Determine what type of services the dog walking business will offer so dog owners have clear choices for their pets.
Money Matters
How much will your business charge per walk, run, daycare, and boarding? Be sure to calculate how many dogs (groups or individual) will need to be walked weekly in order to make enough money to survive. Research the rates available at other dog walking businesses and come up with comparable rates.
Initially, Jackie offered only individual walks because she wanted to concentrate on one dog at a time. But after a few months, she realized that adding group walks proved to be a more lucrative and sensible business decision.
"I started offering only individual walks, running, and boarding," says Jackie. "Then, I realized that I needed to offer group walks to accommodate clients that wanted their dogs to be socialized. But I still keep the number of dogs to a controlled pack for my convenience and sanity." Jackie realized that she needed to adjust her business services so she could maximize her time and earning potential.
Advertise Dog Services
Once rates, services, and the basic business plan are established, print out fliers and post them in desired neighborhoods, on trees, and on lampposts. Ask storeowners for permission to leave a few fliers in their establishments. Also, build a web page with the dog walking business information and design business cards.
There are also dog related and non dog-related sites that may allow free business postings. Servers such as Craigslist will allow you to advertise your business for free.
Manage Your Money
Get a money-managing program. Organization is key to running any successful business. Keeping track of client payments manually may quickly become overwhelming. Programs such as Quicken help business owners manage their billing systems with a few simple steps.
Very Serious Business
Always treat your clients, both the pets and their owners, with care and respect. While walking a dog may seem like a piece of cake, there are many responsibilities that come along with caring for a pet. Dog owners are entrusting you with their family member, their pride and joy. Take that responsibility very seriously. Clients are also entrusting dog walkers with the keys to their homes, and in most cases, their alarm codes, too.
Jackie is in year two of her dog walking business, and she, like most new business owners, is always learning something new about the business and herself each day. These learning moments continue to help her improve and grow her successful dog walking business.
"I never thought that this would be my profession, but I really like it. I can't imagine going back to sitting behind a desk," Jackie says. "I'm in the best shape I've ever been in my life from all of the walking and running. I'm just really happy with the decision I made to change my career."
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