Things To Think About Before Starting A Dog Walking Business
Introduction
The first thing to do is list reasons why you would want to start a dog walking business: a love of dogs; enjoyment of great out doors; the need to be active in your work rather than sitting in an office all day. The second question: Are you physically fit enough to do all the walking? It’s no good starting a business if you aren’t up to the physical tasks involved. Finally do the research! There are plenty of pet trade magazines and publications on the web to help with this. Most importantly research your potential client base: is there need for your dog walking service in the local area?
What is a Dog Walker?
It is also a good idea to define exactly what you business will do, and what exactly you will be offering your clients. For instance there is a good deal of difference between a dog walker and a pet sitter, but some activities might overlap. A dog walker takes dogs for walks, cleans up the poop when it happens during walks, and make sure that the dogs have enough to drink. Pet sitters on the other hand will not just have dogs as their charges, as they will be responsible for feeding and other domestic needs, which might also include taking a dog for a walk. Both could be required to administer meds if qualified to do so.
The Legal Side of Business
A business, no matter how much fun, is still a business, and the legal side will also require attention. The type of business structure you intend to use needs to be researched, whether Sole Proprietor, or Limited Liability (which will protect your personal assets in the event of failure), it’s an important decision! Other areas to investigated are the legal requirements of you local area: you may need a licence, or to register your business. Of course good insurance cover should never be overlooked.
Administration
Once you have researched your potential client base, you need to set the rates that you can charge, and how you will manage them. You can charge by the hour: divide your time into slots, which the client can purchase. This useful if a client has more than one dog that requires exercise. Other services can be added on, such cleaning up gardens of poop, or administering meds if required. Make sure that the paper work is all in order: lists of client details; contract details; payments (including your own tax); vet details. All these are vital to the successful running of a business.
Conclusion
A dog walking business is a wonderful idea for any person who is active, and hopefully, likes animals. You will be rewarded for doing a job you like and for being out and about rather than for being behind a desk. However, you should always remember that it is a business, and you should treat it as a business. You should maintain a professional manner, and be ready to fulfil all of your commitments, irrespective of other considerations such as bad weather. If you can do all of this, then you could be looking at a successful and rewarding business.
Tags: Pets