Reinvent Yourself as a Dog Walker.
If you love dogs and exercise and enjoy spending time outdoors a job as a dog walker might be down your alley. Dog walkers take pooches out for exercise and to do their business one or more times a day, either individually or in groups. The job allows you to spend time outside with as many appointments as desired, interact with pets all day and make a pretty darn good wage. In some larger cities like Chicago, Los Angeles and New York dog walking can be a very lucrative business.
Years ago, this profession didn’t exist. Back in the day folks relied on family members or neighbors to check on their pets while they were out. Today with a decrease in stay-at-home moms and younger couples beginning their careers there is a definite need for a professional to walk and exercise their pets.
And really just about anyone can do it. It helps to be in reasonably good physical condition as you’ll be taking your charges out for daily walks and runs. Beyond that the main requirements are a good rapport with animals and a genuine affection for dogs.
You can start your dog walking business on either a part time or a full time basis. You can walk the dogs yourself or as you start to get more calls than you can handle, hire a staff of professional dog walkers. All you’ll need is a few steady customers to turn this into a profitable business.
So how much can you earn? Depending on where you’re located you can charge from $10.00 to $15.00 for a half hour and as much as $20.00 to $30.00 for a full hour. According to the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters, the national average is $16.00 per visit. You can maximize your income by walking several dogs at the same time. A manageable number is three to four dogs per group. Additional value added services such as feeding and playing with pets, bringing in newspapers and mail and turning on household lights can also be offered to your clients. Research the field. What are other dog walkers in your area charging and what specific services are they offering?
To get started:
Have some stylish business cards printed describing the services you offer.
Design and print a standard dog walking agreement for your clients to sign.
Call your county clerk’s office to see if you need a business license.
Obtain a general liability insurance policy to protect yourself in case one of the dogs damages someone’s property or harms another dog or person. Dog walking insurance is cheap.
Learn some basic dog first-aid. Ask a local veterinary for some first-aid tips for dogs. Or contact your local Red Cross and see if they offer Canine First Aid classes
Market your business:
Post flyers on bulletin boards at your local grocery and pet stores.
Ask your friends and family if they know anyone who owns dogs and would be interested in using your services.
Stop residents walking their dogs, introduce yourself and offer your business card to them.
Contact your local veterinarian for referrals.
Advertise on Craigslist.
Later, ask your initial clients to refer you to their friends, associates, etc.
Create a website or blog marketing your service.
Your first job:
Make sure your clients, the human ones, sign a standard agreement authorizing you to walk their dog. The agreement should include a disclaimer stating that the owner must provide appropriate IDs and up-to-date vaccinations. The owners should supply the collar and leash. You provide the pooper scoopers and bags.
Get to know the neighborhood where you’ll be working. Find out where the local dog parks are and determine if there are any off-leash parks in the area. Bring along some doggie treats and extra water as well as a spare leash just in case.
Some dogs can be a challenge to walk and keep under control. One way to make sure you don't take on an impossible dog is to meet the dog first before you commit. Check out how well he responds to commands and how well mannered he is. Stray dogs can also pose a problem. It’s a good idea to carry some pepper spray or vinegar in case a stray dog becomes aggressive.
Dogs are definitely "in" these days.
The pet industry is huge and getting bigger all the time. Dog walking is just one part of this growing industry. As your business grows you may want to expand your services to include pet sitting, grooming or dog training as well. The sky’s the limit.
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by: john fluent
email: info@passagespress.com
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