Start A Dog Walking Business

A dog walking business can be started on a shoestring. You probably will not get rich with this business, but you can earn some extra income with it. Here are a few tips.

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A dog walking business is a simple business. Your customers will be people who work away from home. They need a reliable and trustworthy care taker for their dog.

Dogs need to be exercised daily. A dog that gets exercise and has the opportunity to relieve themselves is a happier dog. An unhappy dog barks and disturbs the neighbors. Disturbed neighbors complain to the dog's owner. The owner needs to find a remedy to the problem.

You are the solution. You are providing a needed service that has many benefits not only to the owner, but to the dog too!

You will be asked to walk dogs daily, maybe even on weekends and holidays. Are you willing for that? If not, choose another business.

Liability

This business opportunity does have some liability and risk you need to address. Not only are your customer's trusting you to enter their homes, but they are trusting you to keep their pets safe.

As you walk your client's dog, you need to keep them free from harm. That includes other dogs biting them or otherwise molesting them as you walk your client's dog. Of course, you do not want your ward to escape and get hit by a vehicle or lost.

You can't eliminate all risks. You can protect yourself in two ways.

1. Create a simple Limited Liability Company (LLC). This will help protect your personal assets from liability. For a few hundred dollars you can create an LLC. Contact a business lawyer or use LegalZoom.com.

2. Get liability insurance. It is called Errors and Omissions insurance. Your insurance agent can help you to choose the best insurance.

Transportation

Adults will need transportation to their clients' homes. This could be your greatest expense. Try to keep your commute short.

Try to get several clients in the same neighborhood. This will cut your trip cost greatly. Don't forget this real cost when calculating your service charges.

What Can You Charge?

What can your dog walking business charge? This is a frequently asked question in all businesses.

My answer is charge what the market will bear. Simplistic I know. Many businesses shop their competition before setting their prices. Call your competition and ask as if you are looking for a service for your dog.

I would charge as much as $10 to $15 for the first 15 minutes. Less for the additional time. If you have more than one dog at the same location, give a discount if you like. Get yourself a multi-dog leash. This will allow you to walk more than one dog at the same time.

Promoting Your Dog Walking Business

Teenagers can start this business just by asking their neighbors. I had a young neighbor boy who advertised his services by placing a home made flyer in each paper box on my street.

Start your business by distributing flyers in your local neighborhoods, pet stores, groomers, veterinarians, and other dog related businesses. Then expand by advertising in your local newspaper.

Advertising in your phone book is expensive. A short ad with your website address and telephone number could bring you some leads.

I would recommend building a website over using the Yellow Pages. It is simple to do. Every business needs one!

SBI (new window) makes it simple to create a website that attracts local customers. I use SBI myself and recommend them without any reservations.

SBI helps you in many ways. They teach you everything you need to know via their online videos and Startup Guide. Their process works!

Don't worry about getting a domain name for your website. It is included with the price. First follow SBI's guidance before you pick a domain name. Their process will help you build a better website.

If your primary business is dog walking, be sure that is in your domain name. For Example. TulsaDogWalkingService.com would be an excellent domain name if you live in Tulsa Oklahoma. Change the city name to yours.

To find out more about SBI and their excellent business creating service, watch this video. (new window)

A dog walking business can be started on a shoestring. You probably will not get rich with this business, but you can earn some extra income with it. I hope these tips gets you started in the right direction.

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