How to Start a Pet Taxi Service

As people become aware of their pet's needs, new business opportunities arise in the animal care industry. A pet taxi service requires a small start-up cost and you can begin recruiting customers just as soon as the paperwork is complete. If you're looking for an opportunity where you can work with animals, this might be the one for you.

Instructions

1. Get your certification and licensing requirements out of the way. Check with your state licensing board to see if you must obtain a permit or a license to operate. In addition, contact the Internal Revenue and get your Federal ID number.

2. Save your receipts from now on for everything you purchase that has anything to do with the service you provide. Kennels, leashes, dog treats and water bowls are all deductible. Advertising material is also deductible. Make an appointment with a tax accountant if you are unfamiliar with keeping business books.

3. Determine the scope of your pet taxi service. If you live in a large metropolis, you can limit your trips to one portion of the city. Alternately, if you are in a small rural community, you may want to widen your taxi service to nearby towns.

4. Make business cards and fliers and set out to speak with every veterinarian and pet groomer nearby. Your local humane society is another good place to stop. Explain what services you offer and ask if you can leave a few cards and fliers for their clients. Vets and groomers are good sources of pet taxi clients, since they want the pets brought to them for their services.

5. Equip your automobile so you can safely transport animals. A van is good for holding a number of large and small crates but you can transport a few animals in a car. Secure the crates with seat belts. In a van, attach the crates to the walls and floor for safety.

6. Provide a leash hook for pet owners who do not want their animal transported in a crate. Although a crate is safer, some owners think Fluffy should lay on the floor or the seat. If you agree, make sure the animal is wearing a leash that is attached to a secure hook.

7. Calculate the hourly wage you need and add in other expenses, like fuel, maintenance on the automobile and an insurance policy that covers your liability if a pet suffers an injury in your care. Compare your charges with pet taxi services in nearby communities and offer competitive rates.

8. Schedule pet appointments to overlap, if possible. The more clients you get, the more financially efficient you will become if you plan ahead and map out your route so you can transport multiple animals at the same time.

Tips & Warnings

• Show affection to all your clients' pets and they will happily trust you to transport their animals.