Tips for Starting a Dog Walking Business
Do you love caring for dogs and want to consider doing it for a living? Perhaps you walked a friend’s dog and loved it. Here are a few tips to get your dog walking business started on the right foot.
Get Solid Recommendations
Word of mouth is vital when trying to get professionally established as a dog walker. You must be able to provide references and/or testimonials from clients who can vouch for your professionalism. Building a strong and positive reputation may be the one thing standing between you and the next client. If you’re good at what you do, you’ll be up and running in no time!
Find Backup
It’s always a good idea to have a back-up plan in case you need a helping hand. Consider working with another dog walker who can help you out if you get into a bind. This will provide you with peace of mind that you have someone to rely on and you will not have to turn any customer down because of competing demands.
Figure Out Your Dog Walking Rates
Do you want to know how to set up your rates, but don’t know where to start? The best way is to look up other local dog walker and find out what the rates are in your area. Then you can create a pricing structure based on your years of experience and any additional services you may provide.
Prepare a Questionnaire
Pet parents will surely have questions for you, so its equally important to have a list of primary questions to ask your prospective clients. This is a good time to figure out if the dog you will be caring for has any special or medical needs you must be aware of. Older dogs may also need extra care or attention, so make sure you’re up to the task prior to taking on the new client.
These are some of the first steps you should take when starting a dog walking business. Make sure to also think about walking times, modes of communication, and whether you will offer private and/or group walks. Don’t forget to also create a profile on PetSitter.com where we have a community of pet parents looking for a loving dog walker for their pup. Here’s to a pawsitive and growing business!
