Start A Pet and Dog Walking Business with This Guide

If you have an undying love for dogs then you must have thought about Starting a pet and dog walking business. Surely this is a good idea but like any other business, this needs some basics figured out. If you are feeling lost on where and how to start then this is blog is going to help you start a dog walking business with confidence.

• Are You Sure About This?

Just because you love dogs does not mean you can run a dog walking business. So take your time to think and then decide if you are ready for the commitment that comes with it. You’re going to have to do it in the sun, rain, and snow. You’re going to have to get dirty. Pets can be unpredictable which may seem like a huge problem sometimes. Looking after someone else pet is also a big responsibility. If you are sceptical then you can take a course for the same offered by the National Association of Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers (NARPS UK).

• Do Your Research

Goes without saying that when you want to start a new business, you are going to have to do some research. Not only do you have to learn about your target customers but also the competition in your area. You will also need to learn about animal psychology and how to deal with them in general. Make sure that the area you are selecting for your business has potential customers since you don’t want to spend more time traveling to and fro than walking the dogs.

• Choose Your Area

An important factor in dog walking is the area you are going to run your business in. This will require some more research on your part. It is essential that you select an area which is near your residence since it will save you a lot of time in traveling. But it must also have enough clients to sustain your business.

• Certifications

Certifications in specialized dog walking courses will come in handy when you go out to get clients. NARPS UK offers some great courses to help you get accustomed to dealing with different kinds of dogs and behaviour that will give you more confidence. It will also have another added benefit since your clients will be more comfortable with leaving their pets with you.

• Get Registered

Once you have the points above sorted out, then it is time to register your business. Never take these decisions without the help of a professional. It is best to consult with an accountant before you go forward with your registration process. They can teach you about government procedures, company options, and more in detail. Also, a professional can take care of the legal paperwork for you and the little details that you might miss out on.

• Register Your Vehicle

If the area you choose is far away from your home or there’s a lot you need to carry then having a vehicle along with you is a great idea. It is also an essential thing if you are walking the dogs farther from where they live. In that case, make sure that you register the vehicle under your business to avoid any legal issues. Again, it is best to consult a professional while making these decisions.

• Dog Walking Contract

Make sure that your clients sign a dog walking contract with you before you decide on taking their business. This does not only establish you as a professional but also helps in building your reputation as a reliable dog walker. Dog walking forms are a must and you should have them prepared by a professional. These should be informative of your services, charges, and any clauses that you may want to include to save you from conflicts later on.

• Insurance

This is an important step since dogs are unpredictable and can behave strangely around new people. Some dogs get anxious or aggressive in new places which is not unheard of. In such moments, dogs can cause problems for you or others around you. It is advised to get insurance done for such cases. Insurance will help cover you in unplanned circumstances, for example, if the dog causes an accident or injures other people. With insurance, you can be assured that you will not be held responsible for any issues caused by the dogs.

• Be Informed

Like any other business, there are also rules and regulations around dog walking business that you must follow. Take time to learn about these regulations before you start walking the dogs. Rules like having the dog’s collar imprinted with the owner’s name and contact details, being in control of the dog at all times, and cleaning up the dog faeces from public places have to be followed at all times.

• Equipment

Although there’s not much need for dog walking equipment, there are a few things you must have like harnesses, leads, raincoats, dog raincoats, dog shoes for hot days, litter scoopers, compact feeders and water bottles for traveling, and a vehicle for transport to and fro from the walking area. These are necessities that you must have sorted out before you start walking the furry ones.

• Marketing

Now that you’re all set to start walking dogs, it is time to advertise your business. From social media marketing, flyer to mouth publicity, there are various ways you can do your advertising. For best results, you can also hire marketing experts who can let you be known to dog owners locally. A good idea is to try local SEO which will help you be known to dog owners nearby. Furthermore, ask your friends and family to advertise your business through mouth publicity. Also, ask your clients to do the same. They can help you grow by giving reviews and recommendations as well.

• Get Started

Now that everything is in place, you have a registered business, a dog walking contract, insurance, proper equipment, and a good number of clients to continue your business, you can start your business. It is time to put on your walking pooches and go have a good walk with your new furry friends.

So these are fundamentals of starting a dog walking business. Once you have got these basics covered, you are ready to take a stroll with the pooches! For more information, follow us.

Author Bio:

Marilyn Lewis is an entrepreneur and writer who has built an empire out of her love for dogs. Owner of NarpsUK Ltd, a leading pet sitting and dog walking business, she loves to divide her time between growing her business, providing guidance to dog lovers, and writing informative articles on dog handling.