{"id":21222,"date":"2021-06-04T11:53:51","date_gmt":"2021-06-04T15:53:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wordpress-715453-3009179.cloudwaysapps.com\/?p=21222"},"modified":"2023-06-22T16:16:01","modified_gmt":"2023-06-22T20:16:01","slug":"how-to-start-a-dog-walking-business","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wordpress-715453-3009179.cloudwaysapps.com\/blog\/how-to-start-a-dog-walking-business\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Start a Dog Walking Business: The Dog Lover’s Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"
People will do just about anything to make their fur babies happy. Believe it or not, dogs have been a source of joy for people since prehistoric times<\/a>!<\/p>\n In the past year alone, dog adoption<\/a> has soared as people spent most of their time at home. But, with the work-from-home epoch ending, dog parents will need help keeping their dogs happy and active.<\/p>\n This presents an opportunity for folks looking to earn a little cash on the side or start a business. If you love dogs and the great outdoors, we\u2019ve created this guide on how to start a dog walking business so you can get started in no time!<\/p>\n Here’s what we’ll cover:<\/p>\n Building trust is the foundation of starting a dog walking business. Your clients need to feel comfortable leaving their dogs in your hands. The dog needs to trust you, and you need to feel comfortable with the dog!<\/p>\n To get your small business<\/a> started you\u2019ll have to research dog training, insurance, and safety. Fortunately, we\u2019ve ironed out the answers for you below.<\/p>\n You don\u2019t need formal education, but experience with walking dogs of various sizes is paramount.<\/p>\n It\u2019s important to consider different dog breeds<\/a> and personalities when thinking about your dog walking services. Some breeds are wary of strangers<\/a>, and others tend to lunge or bark<\/a> when they\u2019re in uncomfortable situations.<\/p>\n To better understand dog behavior, there are pet sitting certificates you can earn to get started. Consider this a great investment in potentially expanding and starting a dog sitting business as well!<\/p>\n Here are a few resources to help you learn how to become a dog walker:<\/p>\n All dogs have different needs and personalities, we\u2019ll cover more on how to vet your (furry) clients in step 7!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Yes! Insurance gives you and your clients peace of mind and coverage if anything happens. It will increase your startup costs significantly, but consider it an essential cost of getting started. Having insurance makes it easier for potential clients to consider you for dog walking services.<\/p>\n Ask your local insurance provider about animal bailee coverage<\/a> and general liability coverage. These two protect you, the dogs in your care, and others who may interact with the dogs.<\/p>\n As a dog walker, you can expect to charge from $11 to $20 an hour per dog<\/strong>. Prices also vary based on group walks or individual walks, we\u2019ll cover more pricing strategies in step 4!<\/p>\n Naming any business can be the greatest hurdle to getting started. Take your time with this step and choose an original, lovable, and creative business name<\/a> that makes it easy to build a brand.<\/p>\n Try using Looka\u2019s free business name generator<\/a> to brainstorm some ideas. We\u2019ve gone ahead and added some suggestions to get you started, all hand-picked from the business name generator!:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Branding is a way of differentiating yourself from the competition. To create a brand identity<\/a> you\u2019ll need a logo and a website to communicate your value as a small business.<\/p>\n Dogs, just like people, sometimes have special needs and quirks. Although they require extra work and more training, it opens up a whole new world of opportunity for you!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Build your brand around all the special services you can offer. Honing in on a niche can help you differentiate yourself and expand your potential client pool!<\/p>\n If you\u2019re comfortable with the extra effort, considering the following niches:<\/p>\n Most will involve an initial grace period but it will be worth it to see those tails wagging!<\/p>\n Your logo will be the face of your business. It should communicate your services and appeal to the right audience at a glance. The cost of getting a designer<\/a> to create a logo can increase your investment significantly and delay the start of your business.<\/p>\n\n
1. Do your research<\/h2>\n
What qualifications do you need to be a dog walker?<\/h3>\n
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Do you need dog walking insurance?<\/h3>\n
2. Name your dog walking business<\/h2>\n
3. Brand your dog walking business<\/h2>\n
Identify your niche<\/h3>\n
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Make a logo<\/h3>\n