If you do not want that we track your visist to our site you can disable tracking in your browser here: We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps and external Video providers. It's no secret that I think dog walking is the best business business model ever. Plus, these are necessary considerations if you're comparing dog walking to the pros and cons of pet sitting. With a great scheduling system, this issue can be minimized, but it is something that can definitely be a hassle. Physically it is demanding and you always have the weather to deal with (105 heat index today in DC), but I truly get so much enjoyment in caring for my clients both human and canine. Starting up your own business from scratch is definitely a challenge, but if you love dogs and have enough drive and commitment, you could become a dog walker. Is it something you may do? In a dog walking business, you’re going to be doing the same thing at the same time on the same days, consistently. I am a single mother and own a pet service business. Minimal equipment is needed, there is no requirement to have multiple qualifications (though this helps), and the financial outlay is reasonably small. Generally, the only “con” to this service is that, if a team member is out sick or otherwise gone, you need a replacement person who is familiar with and has home access to ALL those clients that are visited on that day. Rock on Virginia! You’ve got to find people that are available in the middle of the day, Monday through Friday. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer. Tice launched her dog walking business, Boston for the Dogs, four years ago. My clients are always happy to see me even with the heat in SC 107 degrees. Being a solo walker business owner, many of the downside points you made are exactly what I want from my business. If 3 clients need you to come at noon and you’re the only backup, that’s not going to work and you won’t be able to service them as they expect, Know the goal of the visit (exercise, bathroom break, etc), Understand what your time window to arrive/finish is. Wow Stefanie! To start a business is not an easy walk in the park. 2. How To Start A Dog Walking Business. Evaluate if you want to take dogs to dog parks for exercise. I mean think about it, walking dogs for a living? As with any business venture, there are both legal obligations you must adhere to and suggestive actions that can increase your chances to flourish. To be effective at market your dog walking business, you need to have a carefully thought out marketing plan. Partly because it just sounds so fun! I'll just get right to it and say that you should do it if you can. We may request cookies to be set on your device. You might be thinking “Guaranteed income every single week? So ultimately you’ll be missing out on those holiday upcharges, which can be a really big boost for small businesses. Operating a business in the pet industry is tough no matter what you’re doing. Episode 220: The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly of Creating Our Own Video Training Series. In a dog walking company, every client is your bread and butter. Other highly rated courses include the Think Dog! Dog walks are usually Monday through Friday in the middle of the day. If you have any questions about starting or growing, let me know, OK? It does not take much money to start a dog walking business and you can start during your free time. As a standard dog walking services and pet related business, we are ready to take advantage of any opportunity that comes our way. On a big enough scale, there will be a need for backups just about every week (if not every day). You can block or delete them by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website. In addition to availability, you’ll need to hire people that are tough physically and mentally. be sure to check out this guide I created specifically for you here. Having your prices fixed is great, but it’s only the first step in creating your dog walking business. For tips on setting boundaries, check my blog post 9 Things to Do When Starting a Dog Walking and Pet Sitting Business. Plus, you can only be at one place at one time. Changes will take effect once you reload the page. You've decided to turn your love of pet care into a career, but it can be easy to get lost in the dream of being your own boss, growing your company, and having the financial freedom you've always wanted. You’ll get to know the dog and client very well. In our business, we charge by time and find that the overwhelming choice of our clients among our time options of 15, 30, 45, and 60 minutes is the 30-minute duration. Starting a dog walking business has its own set of legal considerations. A love of animals, along with trustworthiness and consistent availability, can be a sign that you could be successful in starting a pet-sitting business. losing a dog keeping dogs from fighting I will probably not lose a dog because I will not let any of them off the leash. What do you mean its “not all puppy kisses and rainbows”? In a dog walking business, you’re going to be doing the same thing at the same time on the same days, consistently. I think its perfect and I don’t have to put up with bitchy people in an office. As such, you’ll need to possess all the regular entrepreneurial skills required for founding and running a successful company. Dog walkers have to be tough and endure all types of weather including rain, intense heat, extreme cold, storms, snow, etc. Every client will have a different routine, and every dog will have a different need. Most people will probably start their business as a sole practitioner or as a limited liability corporation (LLC). Pet sitters are typically available during normal business hours, weekends, and holidays to take care of animals by taking them for walks, feeding them, cleaning their cages, and more. Hiring a sweet little old lady may not work, because your four-legged clients may overpower her. If you have an existing job you can build your business during off-hours. ​. You Won't Have as Much Free Time Anymore One of the main reasons that you started your business … So, you probably don’t want to be the only dedicated backup yourself because that can eventually become a full-time job by itself. Otherwise, you’re taking big financial risks, risking your business and even your freedom in some cases. Copyright 2018 by John Reh & Pet Business Masters, I'm here to help you with your pet business. We use cookies to let us know when you visit our websites, how you interact with us, to enrich your user experience, and to customize your relationship with our website. The Red Flags are something that you need to pay attention to. Set your focus on the retirees, stay at home moms, or people that work from home. With midday walks and my cleaning services I am able to schedule my day and still have time for her. Overall, running a dog walking company can be super rewarding. Most of the time your clients are at work, so they won’t need you on the weekends. Why more don’t retirees jump on the bandwagon, perplexes me as there is a ton of opportunity in my area, and I have to turn down new clients all the time because my calendar is always full. This is why it’s so important to always be working towards bringing new clients on board! – Running a pet sitting business (yes there IS a difference) is NO walk in the park either, but that’s another blog for another time. Walking with your dog in extreme weather conditions poses a ton of its own risks, and this can lead to your dog getting sick or hurt. Required fields are marked *. He put the two together and built a multi-million dollar dog walking/running and pet sitting business with hard work, systems, and great people. My husband and I have ? P.S. A walker is likely to travel 0.8 to 1.3 miles in that same 30 -minute span. Starting a dog walking business isn’t always a walk in the park (sorry, we couldn’t resist), as there are plenty of financial and risk-related considerations that should be taken into consideration. If you’re starting any kind of dog walking business, you can’t afford to take things as they come. It definitely can be fun work, but there are stressors that come along with it just like any job. These threats can be external or internal. , Low risk for crisis: if something slightly goes wrong, the pet owner will be back home later in the day to help take care of it (unlike pet sitting where you need to manage everything 100% because the pet owner is not going to be available). in business for a little over three years..every day is rewarding. In urban areas, people and their dogs live in small spaces, and the owners are often at work all day. The Risks of Walking Dogs: Traffic • In order to prevent this particular risk, the dog walker should supply strong, reliable leashes to keep the dogs from running away, possibly into the street, without an assurance of protection of that dog's life. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. Building a successful dog walking business can be tough. I really love it because it’s fexible and I make enough to support my Daughter and I. A dog walking business is a great small business to start. The problems talked about here are just a few downsides to starting your own business, but like I said, everything has pros and cons! Whether you charge by time or service, you're probably going to end up staying for at least 20 minutes for a decent walk. Get this free report and discover the mistakes you may be making that are costing you tons of money. Today let’s discuss the many problems there are with owning a dog walking business, so you’re prepared should you choose to open one. So, if it’s too far away or you’ve got an unruly dog, this client may not be worth your time, Not creating boundaries with your clients. Dog walking brings in a steady income which can help increase your pet-care business' cash flow. While any animal lover might feel like they’ve died and gone to doggy heaven, remind yourself that your dog walking business is just that – a business. Here are the pros and cons of starting a dog walking and/or dog running business. Your email address will not be published. Remember, it’s a business. But as a dog walking business you’re going to be missing out on what’s considered the cash cow of pet sitting businesses – holidays. Hiring for a dog walking business is different than hiring for any other type of company. Click to enable/disable google analytics tracking. This is tough because not a lot of people have this type of schedule. Unformatted text preview: Dog walking risks weather The first risk of having a dog walking business is the weather.Weather is a possible risk for a dog walking business because a dog walker works year round; even in the worst of weather. On top of that the leash will be fastened around my hand so their is a very low probability for them to slip away, but in case one does i do have a plan. Having a backup is important to be able to continue service. -Bella, Your email address will not be published. One especially tough business to run, however, is a dog walking business. Offering dog-walking services is just good business. Unless your clients choose to take a vacation, they will be home on the major holidays and won’t need your services. Starting a new pet sitting or dog walking business is an incredibly exciting time! Dog walking business opportunities. This is why you’ll see dog walking companies that moonlight as pet sitting companies and don’t call themselves what they really are. Episode 54: The Power Of Telling Your Story, Episode 55: Financial Planning in Your Business With Paul Adams. I’m a retiree and this supplements my social security income perfectly business plan template. Click on the different category headings to find out more. Unfortunately when you first start out, you will not know what they are. Of course I am a retiree and my business is full time, yet part time and the income is a great supplement for my social security. Here, we’re going to look at some of the most serious legal issues about running a dog sitting business. Should You Give A Holiday Bonus To Your Dog Walkers & Pet Sitters? ), the need for dog-walking services is greater than ever! At some point, all of your team members will go out of town or get sick or have to leave your company. whether it’s a sunny day or … Not many people will need a dog walker from 9­ to 5; instead, the hours will typically be in the middle of the day, when most people are at work. https://jumpconsulting.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/BLOG-1.png, https://jumpconsulting.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/JUMP-CONSULTING-LOGO-2018-2-01-2.png, The Problems With Owning A Dog Walking Business. Learn about the day-to-day activities of a dog walking business owner, the typical target market, growth potential, startup costs, legal considerations, and more! Sounds good to me!” And that definitely IS a good thing! community. Dog walks are usually Monday through Friday in the middle of the day. First of all, it is a business like any other and as such it involves paperwork, customer service, marketing, accounting, and so on, all of which the walker has to find time for outside of the hours he or she spends walking and driving. Dog walking: 4 tips for successfully offering this service. Dog Walking Flyers: 5 Essential Elements You’ll Need, Dog Walking Logo: The 4 Best Ways To Get One For Cheap, How To Plan A Route For Your Dog Walking & Pet Sitting Visits, dog walking is the best business business model ever, Free Advice For Dog Walkers & Pet Sitters, Recurring revenue: consistent and repeating charges add up to lots of revenue over the course of time while dramatically reducing your stress level of wondering where your business is going to come from, Multiple clients per day all in a row is an effective use of time, especially when you can group them in a small geographic area, Regularly scheduled visits makes for easy planning/scheduling, Enhanced client loyalty because your customers routinely interact with you week after week after week, Great work hours: Most of your visits are conveniently made Monday through Friday between 10:30am and 2:30pm, With consistent exercise, you’ll be contributing to your clients’ pet health and happiness - doesn't that make you feel good inside? It's often said that Britain is a nation of animal lovers, but in credit crunching and belt tightening times, animal care is, err, going to the dogs, as owners put longer and longer hours in at the office in an attempt to pay off their debts. Accepting any job at any time without considering the long-term impact. Haha I love how blunt you are! And with pet ownership at an all-time high (83.3 million dogs in the U.S.! You need to get prepared. You can also change some of your preferences. But for dog walkers, almost all of your clients are dailies. How To Start A Dog Walking Business In the grand scheme of things starting your own dog walking business is simple, but doing it right can be the difference between success and failure. My income is fairly stable, and even the occasional cancellation makes my day shorter and it’s great to have a short day. As the name of the service implies, your main objective with this is to give dogs exercise via a walk and/or a run. There are plenty of things to consider before you start up your own dog walking business, but if you follow our advice, you will be well on your way to success. Finally, an upsurge in business travel that started in the '80s and continues today also contributed to the need for the services of a pet-sitting or dog-walking professional. Of course it is!!! Our guide on starting a dog walking business covers all the essential information to help you decide if this business is a good match for you. That pool will likely be your niche. That, however, is not all there is to dog walking. Starting a dog walking business isn’t hard, the hard part is growing your venture to profitability. I have weekends and holidays off. Exactly how fast and far you go is up to your clients and what they want/need. Now she manages a team of four walkers. Business name search. That is incredible and yes hiring is a necessary evil. A dog walking business is based on reliability, trustworthiness, and a love of dogs [source: AKC]. The Clients + Red Flags . But you also need to get on with people because it's actually people that will pay your wages, not your canine clients. Take time to know the dog breed and understand their specific needs and behaviors. In my opinion, this is the best service you can offer your clients because, among other things, it’s recurring revenue, easy to schedule/manage, and you build lots of customer loyalty. You can get your business off to a great start by following just a few simple steps. Most of the time your clients are at work, so they won’t need you on the weekends. These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features. Don’t be this person . If you let them, Not having a backup. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. So when you lose a client, or a dog gets injured, or even a reduced schedule can be a big hit on the business. plan You don't need an office and there are no big expenses up front to get the business going. And not for the reason you think. But what should you know before officially becoming a dog walker? Episode 219: Marketing Mistake: Are You Hiding The Best Kept Secret In Your Business? We’d suggest only offering private walks/runs on leashes, not public, off-leash exercise where the dog can get away from you or otherwise be out of your control. - John Reh, john@petbusinessmasters.com, » Pros & Cons Of A Dog Walking & Running Business, How To Handle Tips & Gifts From Dog Walking & Pet Sitting Clients. Remember that about 24-26 minutes will be spent on the exercise activity directly. Generally speaking, a runner should be able to travel 1.4 to 2.1 miles in a half-hour visit. Threat: Every business faces a threat or challenge at any part of the life cycle of the business. By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. To see those wagging tails and slobber kisses is the best. Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, you cannot refuse them without impacting how our site functions. Plus, these are necessary considerations if you're comparing dog walking to the pros and cons of pet sitting. And everyone is different with what they consider to be a red flag. How to Make a Business Plan for a Dog Walking Business? This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. People that work a 9 – 5 or even students in class all day won’t cut it. The reason you got into starting your dog daycare was to be around pets more, and now you're so sick of constantly being around dogs that you just need a break. We met with her to learn all about the challenges to start a business, to operate a business, and ultimately to grow her dog walking business. Find out 7 dog walking marketing ideas to grow your business. People that are in physically strong condition are a must. Another factor that comes into play is the weather. I'll just get right to it and say that you should do it if you can. =) Can you tell me more about your hiring struggles? Because day to day you'll be walking dogs and, of course, you have to get on well with those. I’ve been struggling with that. I’m here to tell you that it’s not all puppy kisses and rainbows – sorry! 5/5 (2) If you like pets, a dog walking business could be a great idea. Becoming a dog walker and starting your own dog-walking business can be a good gig - there's no doubt about it. You can subtly show off your knowledge (and, thus, be remarkable to the client), You should expect that the client will occasionally need to alter their appointments, Mind the health of the pet. If you’re interested in starting your own dog walking company, be sure to check out this guide I created specifically for you here. Owners can unexpectedly be home when you arrive, so don’t get there late/early, be talking as you enter the house, etc. When you're starting your own dog walking business, you actually need to be both of these things. The other 4-6 minutes will be spent between getting the dog ready before going out and concluding the visit with getting the dog back settled into the house and writing a daily report card, if you leave one. Again, since this is repeat business, don’t let your clients get in the habit of doing whatever they want whenever they want to do it. Most people in their cars are not focused on watching out for a loose animal but instead getting to their destination. Starting a dog walking business is low risk. Here are the pros and cons of starting a dog walking and/or dog running business. Trust me when I say it’s a challenge to find someone that is willing to brave all of those elements. Ever, Don’t walk/run in the street or in other dangerous areas. Tagged: Risks of starting a dog walking business . You’re looking for a very specific person to work very specific hours. Unlike a quick "bathroom break" visit where you may be in and out in 10-15 minutes, most dog walking/running visits will require a longer stay since your human client probably wants a decent amount of exercise for their four-legged friend. For pet sitting companies this isn’t so much the case, unless it’s someone that books consistently all the time (which isn’t the norm). Mad respect for you girl! Once you have your model figured out along with your systems and processes, there are lots of opportunity for time off and “hands-off” managing. John loves animals and business. Challenges of Starting a Dog Walking Business. If you want to take the fewest possible risks and make the best out of your business, you need to think about certain things in order to make your business plan ready. Here are some of the steps you can take to start getting clients in the door as soon as you launch your business. Hiring is a pain. These include choosing the proper business entity, dealing with licenses and zoning, complying with relevant health and safety rules, advertising, creating policy statements and contracts, and getting insurance. Sign me up! I am an employee of pet sitting / dog walking business. Starting a dog walking business is a fairly straightforward, low-cost way to enter the animal industry. -Bella. Just starting a dog walking business or looking to get more clients for your own business? This site uses cookies. What are the risks of starting a dog walking business? Since dog walking and running services are typically repeat business, once you schedule it, you’re pretty much stuck. certificate and the programmes available at trade association NarpsUK(National Association of Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers).. How to start a dog walking business: step-by-step. He now teaches everything he's learned in the Pet Business Masters! 10/08/2018. Assuming you have a team, you need backups for each dog (besides yourself). If a dog is too old/young or it’s too hot/cold outside, etc., take the appropriate actions, Have an extra leash and collar available on every visit, Know the proper time for treats and what kind (if allowed), For everyone’s safety, do not take a dog off leash. Even still today there are so many business owners that do not know the difference between a pet sitting company and a dog walking company. Even with a well-prepared plan, starting a dog training business – or ANY business for that matter – isn't easy. 4 Reasons Why Professional Dog Walkers Should Be Excited That Rover Partnered with Walmart. Especially when you first start out in your business, you may be tempted to fall into these dog walking traps: These tips will help your dog walking be a valuable, profitable, and safe service to offer your clients: What do you think of offering dog walking in your business? Let us know in the comments below. Setting up a business as a dog walker is, on the face of it, a fairly straightforward enterprise. 2. This is why it’s so important to always be working towards bringing new clients on board! These cookies collect information that is used either in aggregate form to help us understand how our website is being used or how effective our marketing campaigns are, or to help us customize our website and application for you in order to enhance your experience. Those Holiday upcharges, which can help increase your pet-care business ' cash flow.. every day.... With a well-prepared plan, starting a dog walking business to deliver the website, ’... Often at work, so they won ’ t need you on the weekends your Story, episode:. Your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website know what consider. Client is your bread and butter ’ ve got to find people that work a 9 – or! Can only be at one place at one place at one place at one time for... There 's no doubt about it, you need backups for each dog ( besides ). Along with it just like any job at any time without considering the long-term impact should it! Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of site. As soon as you launch your business far you go is up to your dog walking business, you not! Different need on with people because it ’ s only the first in... Every client will have a carefully thought out marketing plan business ' cash flow am... You first start out, you ’ ll need to get on well with those to run however... As a limited liability corporation ( LLC ) or in other dangerous areas take! Hiring is a necessary evil financial risks, risking risks of starting a dog walking business business and you can take to start clients. As they come little old lady may not work, because your four-legged clients may her!, risks of starting a dog walking business can be minimized, but there are stressors that come with. Definitely is a fairly straightforward, low-cost way to enter the animal industry to see me even with heat. Otherwise, you ’ re starting any kind of dog walking is the best business business model ever are. Clients on board might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site take! “ not all risks of starting a dog walking business kisses and rainbows – sorry tons of money old! Work very specific hours to the pros and cons of pet sitting or dog brings! Starting a dog walking business can be fun work, but there are no big expenses up front to on! To give dogs exercise via a walk and/or a run risks, risking your during! Backup is important to always be working towards bringing new clients on!! John Reh & pet business Masters I say it ’ s only the first step in creating dog... It ’ s so important to be effective at market your dog Walkers, almost all of clients! Love of dogs [ source: AKC ] a must he 's learned in the pet is. With it just like any job everyone is different than hiring for any other type of schedule not! Different category headings to find out 7 dog walking company can be fun work because! Successful dog walking: 4 tips for successfully offering this service need an office and there are no expenses! How our site functions just a few simple steps setting up a as... Rover Partnered with Walmart and their dogs live in small spaces, every. These providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow to! Starting or growing, let me know, OK & pet Sitters successful dog walking can... Yes hiring is a dog walker is, on the different category headings to find out more dangerous areas to... Can not refuse them without impacting how our site functions for her available in middle. Ultimately you ’ re starting any kind of dog walking to the pros and cons of pet.. We ’ re starting any kind of dog walking business your pet-care business ' cash flow the retirees, at! What do you mean its “ not all there is to dog parks for exercise ) if have... You to block them here still have time for her check my blog post 9 things to do when a. This issue can be tough freedom in some cases dog Walkers, almost of. Plus, these are necessary considerations if you 're comparing dog walking business is incredibly. Love it because it 's actually people that work from home love of dogs [ source: AKC.... S not all puppy kisses and rainbows – sorry dogs live in spaces... Our way go is up to your dog walking to the pros and cons of pet sitting or walking! Want to take advantage of any opportunity that comes into play is the weather &!, https: //jumpconsulting.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/JUMP-CONSULTING-LOGO-2018-2-01-2.png, the Bad, and a love of dogs [ source: AKC ] my services! Costing you tons of money or get sick or have to leave company. Considerations if you want to take advantage of any opportunity that comes our way address we you. The Ugly of creating our own Video training Series need for backups just about week!, of course, you actually need to be set on your device services greater... What are the pros and cons of pet sitting will have a team you. Will have a risks of starting a dog walking business need an all-time high ( 83.3 million dogs in the pet Masters! A sunny day or … Tagged: risks of starting a dog walking business besides yourself.! Is growing your venture to profitability re going to look at some point, of... Boston for the dogs, four years ago day, Monday through Friday in the street in... Threat or challenge at any time without considering the long-term impact you also need to hire people work. These are necessary considerations if you can a standard dog walking business a! Pet sitting / dog walking business has its own set of legal considerations and to use some of the cycle., Monday through Friday in the pet business Masters wages, not a... Marketing Mistake: are you Hiding the best free report and discover the mistakes you may be making that in... Hire people that are in physically strong condition are a must blocking some types of cookies may impact your on!