With the growing need for skilled dog care, it’s no surprise that many aspiring entrepreneurs are asking how to start a dog-walking business.
It may be the ideal next step for a dog lover, so here’s our step-by-step approach. It covers everything from how to get started as a dog walker to promoting your dog walking service.
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5 Ways on How to Start Dog Walking Business
It may seem ridiculous to inquire about how to start a dog walking service, but it isn’t as simple as putting on some sneakers and heading out. Before embarking on any type of business venture, there are several factors to consider.
You’ll have to make the same financial decisions that you would with any other small company enterprise, and you’ll almost definitely have to balance administrative chores with your daily walk schedule. Let’s take a look at what you should know before beginning your own dog-walking service.
1. Gain Skills and Experience
If you want to excel in the dog walking profession, you must first get experience. To begin, you might give your services for free in order to gain the confidence of people that engage with your business.
For example, you may begin by giving free dog walking services to friends and family to develop the necessary expertise and reputation. Remember, if you don’t have the appropriate expertise, no pet owner will let you walk their dog.
2. Work out how much you’re going to charge
For walks lasting between 30 minutes and an hour, you may expect to earn roughly £8-15 per dog.
If you walk many dogs at the same time, you may earn a lot of money. These costs, however, might vary based on your business’s overhead, the number of dogs you walk every day, and the number of hours you walk per day. Be prepared to bargain with your clients on pricing.
Rates can also vary by area, and due to the nature of the service, there is no standard fee you should charge. Finding out what similar businesses charge by phoning them and structuring your charges properly is critical here. When you’re first starting out, you can think about giving introductory pricing to attract new customers.
3. Write a dog walking service agreement
It is a good idea to have a formal agreement between you and your clients since it can safeguard your business if there are any issues or conflicts.
Your contract should include a statement of the service and your obligations, as well as how much the customer will pay you and when and how far the walks will be. You can also give information on the dog, such as whether it has any special requirements.
4. Get Animal Boarding License
To begin offering housing services for your customers’ canines at your house, you must first get an animal boarding license and, if you want to look after your clients’ pets on their premises, pet-sitting insurance. Expect to pay approximately £300 to cover everything from beginning to end; however, rates might vary depending on the location.
If you want to take things a step further and make sheltering dogs a greater part of your cash flow, you may try starting a dog kennel business. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
5. Know the Rules and Regulations
If you want to establish a dog walking company, you must follow the laws and restrictions provided by the UK government. If you do not follow the regulations for the latter, your license may be revoked.
The National Association of Petsitters and Dog Walkers, often known as NarpsUK, can assist you to understand the rules and regulations that the government expects you to follow.
Related: Pet Health: How to Keep Your Dog Happy and Healthy
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a dog walking business profitable?
Highly profitable.
How do I find dog-walking clients?
- Get a website for your business.
- Get licensed.
- Get booking software.
What qualifications do I need to walk a dog?
You don’t need any formal training and qualifications to become a dog walker.
What risks are involved with a dog walking business?
- Difficult clients.
- Sick dogs.
- Losing a client.
- Loss of income.
Final Thought
Starting a successful dog-walking business may lead to financial independence. With minimal initial expenses and great demand, this is an ideal business to start if you live in the United Kingdom, the United States, or another country across the world.
Use the advice provided above to launch a successful dog-walking business right away.
