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Introduction

The most important part of starting a business is a strong desire to the job. Are you suitable? Do you have the physical stamina for the task? However, there is more to it than simply wanting to have fun job. Basically you’ll be in a service industry: is there need for it in your local area? Will there be enough work in your area to keep you fully employed? In the end nothing beats good old fashioned research! Fortunately there are plenty of trade journals and websites to help with this.

What is a Dog Walker?

Qualify what a dog walker does. Do you know? For example there is a great deal of difference between a pet sitter and a dog walker. Pet sitter responsibilities are based around the general domestic needs of a wide variety of species: not just dogs. A pet sitter might be required to feed, administer medication and keep the pet happy. A dog walker simply walks dogs, and cleans-up the poop of the canines in their charge. Watering and maybe administering meds can also be part of the remit.

The Legal Side of Business

What sort of business type will you be setting up? A sole proprietor is the most common for dog walkers. Although with any business separating your business and personal assets might be considered a wise move. In that case a Limited Liability Company would be more prudent. What about other aspects of the legal side? Perhaps your local government requires you to obtain a licence etc. Or they may insist that you are registered your business. Put that research hat on again and check it out. It goes without saying that good insurance is a must: expect the unexpected especially where dogs are concerned.

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.