How to Set Up a Successful Dog Walking Business
Make Money from Home Walking Dogs
1. What's Involved in a Dog Walking Business?
Dog walkers go into peoples' homes and walk their dog - sounds incredibly simple - but there are many issues to consider.
2. Your Dog Walking Credentials
You should get yourself a criminal records check certificate, as well as public liability insurance. This will reassure the people whose home you are entering that you are trustworthy and professional.
As you build up a customer base, you will find some are more than happy to give you a reference, and to offer this in advertising is also a big plus.
3. Your Dog Walking Skills
Customers will expect you to be professional and organised, but also have a caring nature. It's so important to show you have a friendly confidence, and are going to love their dog almost as much as they do! Be prepared to talk about your previous experience with dogs and put them at ease if they are worrying about your skills.
4. Your Dog Walking Advertising
Advertising must be varied and continuous. Don't make the mistake of stopping advertising once you have a set of customers - if they cancel you or mess you about - you will be left high and dry. A waiting list is no bad thing! Don't ever get complacent about advertising.
Advertising works best in local newspapers and cards in newsagents, and to some extent directories such as Yellow Pages. Cards in vets, pet shops, dog groomers and on dog-orientated websites also help spread the word. You could advertise on your vehicle and wear T-shirts with your name and phone number in big letters while dog walking. Always carry business cards for enquirers.
However the best form is word of mouth. Tell everyone you know about your fledgling business and give current customers your business card to pass on to others. As you build a good reputation in your area, people will ring you mainly as a result of word of mouth. Your best form of advertising is the reliable, flexible service you offer.
5. Your Dog Walking Customers
Most customers will either have grown up children who aren't around anymore to walk the dog or may be childless couples, usually professionals and possibly working long hours.
They need their dog walker to be self sufficient and capable so they don’t have to worry while they are at work; they are more likely to choose a mature walker rather than a youngster.
6. Your Relationship with Your Dog Walking Customers
Unfortunately you will be messed around by your clients - sorry to say, but their lives are usually hectic and subject to sudden changes. You will need a lot of patience and must start out as you mean to go on.
It's strongly recommended that you take payment weekly in advance rather than arrears; that way, if they cancel on short notice (and some will), you haven't lost out financially. Make the arrangement clear.
While some clients will be super reliable and super nice, others will see you simply as a service provider and will be quite difficult to build a relationship with, which is where your professional attitude comes to the fore.
Some will leave you notes and even presents, but others will act as if you don't exist! You will have do develop quite a thick skin with some people.
Every customer will have a different requirement in terms of times and number of weekly walks, and flexibility will be needed in co-ordinating your working day.
In conclusion, your new business will provide you with many moments of pure happiness as you see the dogs in your care flourish and mature as a result of your daily or weekly care. As long as you advertise relentlessly, even with a full book of customers, and bite your tongue when certain clients are unreasonable, you are destined for a very satisfying and rewarding income.
