I am planning on starting a dog walking business this summer. I am planning on putting up flyers and business cards and offering two free walks for ’signing up’, and maybe a dog washing.
I was wondering if you have any tips. I am worried about other dogs while walking, and not getting along with clients dogs. What about washing a dog any tips? And how much should I charge I am in the south west US. What do you do as a dog walker, or look for in a dog walker? Do you have any cute bussiness name ideas? Thanks!
I think you have a great idea. I would not get into the dog washing thing at all. It’s one thing to walk a dog quite another to give it a bath.
Stick to the dog walking and you’ll do fine.
July 2nd, 2009 at 6:28 pm
The DogWalk! I had a business like that and that was its name and it was successful! i made about 200$ in 1 month! hey! have you heard about Dogphoria? its really cool! its like myspace but for dogs!! go to and join and add me as a pal!
July 3rd, 2009 at 10:32 am
Go to a local grooming place and volunteer a few days to learn about bathing a dog. There are certain things one needs to do that I don’t want to get into here. But its not an amature thing to start, so get some bathing experience.
I’d carry a ****** gun to ****** stays or ask at the grooming -place.
Good luck
July 4th, 2009 at 7:36 am
You might also consider babysitting neighborhood dogs if owners go on vacation. I’m with the Goldengal though, don’t get into dog washing or grooming. Call local boarding kennels and ask what they charge to board dogs. I have neighbor kids come in and take care of my dogs while I’m gone. I pay $50 a day.
July 5th, 2009 at 8:35 am
I used a dog walker for about 7 years until I retired. He charged $15 per day for one dog and $20 for two. After a while, his knees started killing him, so he’d pack up a bunch of dogs and take them to the beach or the dog park. The dogs really looked forward to seeing Frank. When it rained, the dogs didn’t want to go, so Frank didn’t get paid. Make sure you are bonded and insured. The issue is you are going into peoples’ homes when they are away and they need to be absolutely convinced that you are honest. The owner will be the challenge – not the dogs. Good luck to you.
-MM
July 8th, 2009 at 5:05 pm
Make sure you know ahead a time if the dog you are walking has issues with other dogs and if they are not dog friendly, keep them away from other dogs. You should always meet the dog and owner ahead of time and see how you get along with the dog. If you or the owner is uncomfortable, or the dog is aggressive towards you, then you should not take care of this dog. Make sure you always have an emergency number available for the owner in case you need to take the dog to the vet while under your care. I ran my own pet sitting business for 7 years and charged $15.00 per visit (I’m in California) but took care of both dogs and cats, did daily dog walks while people worked and took care of animals while people were away on vacation, as well as providing overnight stays as well for those that needed it. It sounds like a fun job….don’t get me wrong…it is…BUT it can also be a huge responsibility. I suggest you get bonded for your own safety. Check out these website for inexpensive bonding/insurance etc. and lots of pet sitting info that might be useful:
feel free to email me if you have more questions.
July 9th, 2009 at 10:15 pm
I would offer two free walks when they buy a package… say 15 walks for whatever you plan on charging an hour… have 1/2 hour walks, 1 hour walks, packages with 5, 10, or 15 walks. make sure you book by appointments only. make sure you come up with a list questions about their dog… like how friendly is your dog on a scale from 1-5, is your dog socialised with other dogs often, is your dog nurtured or spade( don’t want to get someones dog preg) also have a legal doc written up so you are not liable for their dogs bad behaviour… just in case they attack someone or another dog while you have them in your care. maybe give a free wash with a purchase of a package. make business cards and give them to all your clients, make fliers, & I would create a cute my space page for your new buissiness… good networking… you can have your clients leave good testimonials in your comment part on your page… but make sure you set your account so you preveiw the comments before they are posted. sport pups, pamppered pups, so many other ideas email back if you want more.
July 10th, 2009 at 2:59 pm
If you have a car forget the dog walking and be a pet sitter. You’ll still have to walk dogs but you’ll make as much in a few minutes as you would in a 1/2 hour as a dog walker.
Until you get more animal experience stay away from grooming (dog washing) as it covered by occupational licensing laws in most states and harder to get into. A minimum amount of equipment to get setup to be profitable is at least $4,000.00 plus you need professional training. A good groomer should also be able to diagnose many illnesses (hence the licensing and training).
Business owners typically don’t get bonded. (Owners get their employees bonded). You DO need insurance though. It’s cheap through and they are highly reputable. You will also need a business license, get setup for sales and income tax, and everything else that goes along with starting a business (several hundred dollars minimum). Remember if you are making money and not an employee of another business YOU are a business and must operate within the law.
July 13th, 2009 at 2:58 am