How to Run a Successful Dog Walking Business: The Five Key Ingredients

Use a customer referral progam to increase your dog walking clientele.

All dogs require routine walks to help them expend energy and get exercise, and to provide them with time to use the bathroom. Dog owners aren't always available to take their dogs on walks, due to demanding work schedules, family obligations/emergencies or being away on vacation. They may rely on a professional dog walker to assist them by walking their dogs throughout the neighborhood once or several times a day. Dog walking business owners have to focus on five key ingredients, which heavily impact whether or not their businesses run successfully.

Things You'll Need

• Positive attitude
• Love of dogs
• Desire to be your own boss
• Willingness to try something new

Instructions

1. Ensure that you're regarded as a highly qualified dog walker by obtaining experience with dogs, your dog CPR certification and insurance for your dog walking business. Dog owners want to hire professionals who are dedicated to protecting both dog owners and their dogs. Training in dog obedience, experience with pet sitting and working in a veterinarian office or with a groomer can also help demonstrate your qualifications.

2. Select geographical locations that are heavily populated with dogs, as well as affluent owners. Dog owners with large amounts of disposable income and those individuals located in large metropolitan areas are more likely to use dog walker services. You can find pertinent demographics about neighborhoods in your area on your state's website or through your local chamber of commerce.

3. Establish an online presence so that potential customers can find your business and services when they need you to walk their pets. An online presence can include a website that lists information about your business, credentials, services and pricing; a blog that offer tips on caring for dogs; or social media profiles that detail your services and provide dog tips. Your website, blog and social media profiles should include your phone number and email address, as well as a brief description of the locations you cover.

4. Keep track of your appointments using an online, desk or wall calendar that lets you list each appointment date, time, location and the dog owners and their dogs' names. Efficiently tracking appointments will ensure that you don't arrive late or miss appointments altogether, which can damage your reputation as a dog walker.

5. Develop an ongoing marketing strategy, filled with tactics to keep a steady clientele for your dog walking business. Your plan may include blogging on your website, guest blogging on pet blogs and websites, advertising on websites that target the communities you service, sending out direct mail promotions or sponsoring local dog-related events. You can also attract new clients by developing a referral system that gives your existing customers discounts if their friends, family or colleagues sign up for your services.

Tips & Warnings

• Visit my website http://www.dogzanny.com for more information and resources.

• Dog Walking is a great way to supplement a dog training business or vice versa!

• Learn and Earn... Dog walking is a great way to learn and practice to be an effective dog trainer.

• Don't undersell your services! You'll create a price war which will hurt your business in the long run.

• Compete by selling your services and enhancing them.

• Be sure to have a lawyer help with any and all legal matters. I offer a sample agreement on The Dog Walker's Companion (DVD) which will help get that process started.

• Have an adequate backup plan in case you are unable to meet your obligations (your regular walks).

• Come to the client interview prepared with forms, checklists, and information about your services and business. Coming to a client interview with nothing but a smile won't win their business.

References

• "Entrepreneur" Magazine: 9 Pet Businesses to Start Today; James Stephenson; October 2005
• "Entrepreneur" Magazine: Business Idea Center: Dog Walker
• "Entrepreneur" Magazine; Become a Pet-Sitter or Dog-Walker; Eileen Figure Sandlin; December 2006
• "Inc." Magazine: How to Start a Pet Care Business; Lou Dubois; October 2010