Nov 03 2008
Home Business - Professional Dog Walker
In a previous article, the home business, Dog Bakery was discussed. Adding your skills as a professional Dog Walker would be an excellent complimentary business to a dog bakery. With both a service and a product as part of your home business they can very easily sell each other. Whether you are peddling your dog treats at a farmers market, Saturday market or doing walk-ins at kennels, veterinarian’s offices or dog daycares you should hand out flyers or have a large sign telling about your dog walking service. Always have your walking schedule ready to sign up a new dog.
Step 1. Business hours. Consider your dog walking schedule. Unlike your dog bakery, where you can bake anytime and sell on the weekends, for your dog walking you will want to have particular days and hours available especially if you have other obligations such as another job or if you are a student. Also, consider when scheduling if you have to go clear across town to walk one dog and then back to do another dog. Schedule dogs that are close together in location one after the other. If they are close enough and the dogs have been socialized you can walk them together.
Step 2. Fees. How much will you charge. Make sure that your car mileage is an additional charge or in the fee. Decide if you will have one time for each walk, say 30 minutes or will you have shorter and longer walks available. Be professional and punctual at all times, this is a business after all and one that will grow mostly by word of mouth. Nevertheless, have printed business cards and flyers with you at all times. Leave flyers with anyone that will post one in their business window or will let you put a few on their counter for customers to grab.
Step 3. Obtain legalities. Check with your local governmental offices to find out what kind of licenses, permits or insurance you will need for this business. Also ask about dog walking guidelines for your location. There are sometimes a maximum number of dogs you can walk at one time. Have all of your ducks in a row before you take on your first client. Consider taking an animal first aid class. Check with a community college for comparable classes.
Step 4. Buy working products. You will need to keep extra leashes, collars, dog bowl and water, and of course, dog treats from your bakery. Keep all of these items in a plastic storage container in the trunk of your care. Always be prepared, have a pooper scooper and plastic bags handy for picking up after your client’s dog. A good idea to sell your dog bakery treats would be to make up a small package of just a few treats. Have your label on the outside and give these to the owner as part of your service when you return the dog after the walk. My dog loves these homemade dog treats and I bet most other dogs will too. When the owner sees how much their dog enjoys the treats they will order some from you.
Home Business Dog Walking Resources
IACP (International Association of Canine Professionals - Dog Walkers Division
Professional Dog Walkers Association
