Should I start a Dog Walking Business?

Question

Can some people who have dog walking businesses please tell me the pros and cons of having such a business and what kind of revenue you can earn doing this. I'm thinking about starting a dog walking business and need some helpful advice. Thanks!

Answer 1

A Dog Walking Business can be a very profitable business to start with little overhead costs to run! Typically dog lovers go into a dog walking business so you will also have the luxury of loving your job!.


Many families have hectic schedules and they are gone from the early morning straight through until dinner time. With your dog walking service you can go to the home and once or twice per day to take the dog(s) for a walk. Many families would rather have a dog walker come into their home so the dog feels comfortable rather than taking the dog to a new environment.


All you will need is a few steady customers to make this a profitable business for you. The owners should supply the collar and leash, all you have to do is show up! Also be sure the dog has his id tags on at all times, better safe then sorry! You can also supply dog treats and toys as an extra way of making money with your dog walking business.


Marketing a dog walking business can also be done on a shoestring budget. You can use business cards, flyers, post on bulletin boards in grocery stores and the like. Word of mouth and referrals will also help you to pick up new clients. In fact you could also contact some pet sitters and doggie daycares in the area and you can refer your customers that need petting and they can refer you customers that only need dog walking its a win/win for both businesses.
Do be sure to get a form for the customer to fill out, which includes the name fo their vet (for any emergency) Their own contact info, signature that relieves you from legal responsibility in case the dog bites someone, or escapes beyond your careful efforts, etc.
Ask at a boarding kennel to see their forms.
there are cool leashes on ine for walking multiple dogs.
When you get set up, call me! I'm always needing a dog walker!!! LOL

Here are some good sites>> http://www.petsitusa.com/dogwalker_faq.htm

http://www.seefido.com/html/untitled38.htm
http://www.marketingprofs.com/ea/qst_question.asp?qstID=8409
http://www.mymommybiz.com/ideas/dogwalker.html
http://www.ehow.com/how_3767_choose-dog-walker.html
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6462169/

Answer 2

There is no "certification" for dog walkers. Check with your local government as to what you need to run a business legally. There are non-profit organizations that will help small business owners for a nominal fee. The main things you should know are...
1. How to catch a dog if it gets loose. Leashes can break and collars can pop off!
2. How to treat a dog for injuries or illness in an emergency. Where is the nearest vet or emergency clinic and how will you get there?
2A. Know the breeds that you are walking - pugs and bulldogs can have severe respiratory problems on a hot day.
3. Can you get bonded or insurance to protect yourself if one of your client's dogs is lost, injured or killed while in your care? What if a dog you are walking bites someone?
4. Be careful about taking keys to your clients' property to walk the dog when they're not home - if something goes missing, you'll probably get the blame.

Being sued is an expensive nightmare - even if you win. Make sure that if you charge and collect sales tax you turn it in to the government - it's a major felony if you don't and they take it a lot more seriously than failing to report some of your income.

You may not make as much working for someone else, but your boss will have most of the headaches!

Answer 3

It would be good exercise for you and probably fun! But think about the liability...if a dog you were walking would get away from you and run away or get him by a car!! Or what if the dog would bite someone while you were walking it!! It wouldn't be your dog, but you would be responsible for it, since you were walking it! Not sure how the liability factor would work!!

Plus walking dogs during the winter is very cold and sometimes impossible!! And summer months are sometimes unbearable for dogs and people to be outside!! Keep this in mind if money is something you would have to depend on from this service!

Just something to think about!!

Answer 4

The pros are being outside, doing what you love and the money can be great. The cons are that you really don't have a set schedule and work weekends and holidays since these are primary times dog walkers are needed.

I've done this for 5 years with another business and my own. Be available but don't forget you need a life too. It can be all encompassing. If you have specific questions let me know.

Answer 5

Hi, I understand that you are looking for some advice or resources to help fully train your dog or fix behavior problems. If a professional dog trainer is not an option at this time, or if you want to trt training your dog on your own (a great way to bond), I'd suggest you https://biturl.im/aU76y

A friend recommened it to me a few years ago, and I was amazed how quickly it worked, which is why I recommend it to others. The dog training academy also has as an excellent home training course.

Answer 6

uh...you can't walk several dogs at a time...none of them will be satisfied

Answer 7

That is unclear there are actually more than one answers to this question

Answer 8

well it depends on how well u like dogs.

Answer 9

Not sure about that

Answer 10

its fun