Start a Dog Walking Business
in Animals by admin on 23 Jan
What you’ll need:
• A love of dogs
• Flyers and business cards
• Dog treats
• Leashes
There are plenty of professional people who are unable to come home during the day to walk their dogs. You can fill a need in this niche group by offering to walk their dogs for them–for pay, of course.
To get started, you’ll want to own a couple of sturdy leashes of whatever type you prefer. If you’re walking several dogs at once, don’t use the retractable leashes. They can get tangled easily. Stick with a fixed length leash, and make sure you have plenty of weights available to find one appropriate for the dog you’re walking.
It’s also a good idea to keep a few treats with you, in case you have to “sweet talk” one of your dogs away from an area where they don’t belong, or if you have trouble controlling them.
Set your prices competitively based on what the service goes for in your area. Search online to get other dog walkers’ rates, or ask people who use a service what they pay. Don’t underprice yourself where it’s not worth your time. But don’t overprice either where you can’t get any clients.
When you walk, carry a waste disposal bag and a “pooper scooper” with you. In many cities, walking a dog without one can get you ticketed and fined. Also, when you’re walking dogs for current clients, keep in mind that potential clients are all around you. When they see you caring for other dogs, they may be interested in having you care for theirs. Keep plenty of business cards with you on dog walking days.
Map out a good route. Walk around town for several days and see where other dogs are walked on a regular basis, or decide on an area around a nearby park that allows dogs. Consider the type of dogs you’ll be walking. A Pomeranian requires different exercise than a Great Dane, and probably a different route.
On the first few walks, take some time and get to know the dog. Make sure he or she doesn’t have problems with other animals or people. Make sure you’re able to control him on your own. If you weigh 100 pounds soaking wet, you may want to pass on Great Danes, unless you’re sure of the dog’s training and demeanor.
Here are a few ways to advertise your services:
• Place ads in the local newspaper.
• Hang flyers in high-traffic areas such as grocery stores, laundromats, banks, and other places where people will see them.
• Hang flyers in targeted stores, such as pet supply stores and veterinary offices.
• Ask for referrals from friends and family. Find out who they know who owns a dog. Ask them for the type of dog, age (if they know it), and then ask for an introduction to the dog owner.
• Ask for referrals from targeted businesses like veterinarians and shelters, as well as gourmet dog food stores. Be sure to leave business cards, brochures, and flyers to be set out at the register. You may need to provide a business card or brochure holder, so be prepared.
• Ask for referrals and references from current clients. Potential clients may want to talk to your happy customers.
• Network online. Do a few searches online and find dog groups to participate in, websites where you can advertise services in your city, and local breeders. Be careful to read the rules of each of these sites, to be sure that your advertisement isn’t considered SPAM, and participate in the community.
Most groups will allow you to put a signature on your messages. Include put your name, services offered, and contact information or website address.
• Post notes on FaceBook, MySpace, LinkedIn, Twitter, and other social networking sites.
• Start a blog that outlines what you do, adventures you have with the animals, and your services.
Be responsible and caring, network with other people who have animals, and most of all, have fun! When people see that you love what you do, they’ll be drawn to you because of it. Soon you’ll be doing what you love and earning good money doing it.
Are you a Pet Lover? Make money from your love of animals.
You may even consider offering a full service pet-sitting or boarding business and offer dog training as well. You can cross-sell your expertise to the owners and make a steady income.
Starting a Pet sitting Business — this guide will help you start a profitable Pet Sitting Business.
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