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Dog Walker

Job Description:

Do you love dogs? Can you physically handle walking or running for several hours a day? In any weather? Then dog walking can be a business for you.

Many people are gone from their homes 6 to 12 or more hours a day and that is a long time for a dog to be inside the house, a kennel or even a fenced in cage out back. Dogs need to use the facilities outside, they need fresh air, companionship, love and a chance to stretch their legs.
Basically, this job is easy to start as you just need to find someone who trusts you with their dog. Word of mouth is a huge part of growing this business. You can expand and add employees to help walk the dogs.

Read on to find out everything needed to start this business.

Type of Business:

A sole proprietorship may be the way to start this business. However, since this business has such a potential to grow fast, then a partnership is also a possibility. See Business Structure on our Start Up Checklist for specific details on each business type and how to start one.

Knowledge and Skills:

Your love of dogs and the ability to walk for long periods of time is all you need to start this job. A knowledge in pet first aid will be an invaluable skill.

Equipment and Supplies:

A great pair of walking shoes will be essential. Whether you supply the leash, bags and pooper scooper, and treats will be decided between you and the owner (determine this upfront in your pricing so there is no misunderstandings later).

Pros and Cons:

Pros of dog walking - fresh air and exercise, spending the day with fluffy balls of fur, lots of love and slobbery kisses.

Cons of dog walking - every day the same thing, in every type of weather.

Potential Customers:

This one is easy - anyone who has a dog.

Pricing:

An average price to charge your customers is $15 to $20 for half hour and $23 to $30 for an hour.

There are many factors to consider when determining pricing: Consider a dog walker in New York City can charge $20 for a half hour while a teenager in your neighborhood will make $3-5. This site researched a number of cities for their prices - Dog Walking Rates.

You will need to decide when you will walk the dog - every day, weekdays only, no holidays or charge double for holidays.
How many times a day - am and pm, every two hours, morning, noon, and night. (You should walk the dog at the same time each day so the dog gets used to the schedule.)
Do they have more than one dog in the household? You can provide a discount for the second dog.
Will you walk other dogs at the same time? You can offer a discount for walking in a group.
Will you provide additional services, like feeding and watering (you should give the dog water when you return anyway), cleaning up any messes made while owner is away. Will you be responsible for pooper scooping? Will you supply your own bags or will they have to buy?
Will you be responsible for administering medication or grooming the dog?
Where you live can affect the pricing. If you are in a big city, you will be able to charge more than if you lived in a small town.
How long does it take to get to their house - five minutes across town or twenty minutes through traffic? - will you charge for gas money or bus fees?

Licenses and Permits:

Check with your local city and county offices for license information. Some cities require a specific animal license for any animal business. Most cities require just a business license. Some may require your business to be insured and bonded.

Other Costs:

For your peace of mind and the pet owners trust, having pet insurance should be a top priority. Pet Sitter Association offers insurance for pet businesses, including dog walking, pet sitting and more. This $174 a year investment will be invaluable to you with the hope that you will never need it, but if something should happen while the pet is in your care, your business will survive.

Your children will be covered under this insurance and a spouse and/or employee or partner can be covered for an additional fee.

I love that you can use their cute logos in your advertising.

Education and Training:

CLASSES

DogTec.org offers training for a professional dog walking certification and first aid certifications. Taking the classes in person provides a great opportunity for learning. They do offer free dog career resources.

EBOOKS

BOOKS

More Dog Walker Books at WAHM Bookstore

KINDLE BOOKS

More Dog Walker Kindle Books at WAHM Bookstore

Franchise Options:

I do not endorse any franchises - I only provide a link to franchise opportunities, so please do your research carefully.

Pros of buying a franchise - Dog Walking or Pet Business Franchises offer you a complete business already set up with advertising paid for by the company. They provide or will pay for first aid classes and training. Check if insurance is included.
Cons of buying a franchise - you will pay hefty for their knowledge and they will essentially be your boss. These franchises may include all aspects of a pet business, not just dog walking.

Snagglefoot

Fetch

Pet Pals

Business Plans:

Employees or Contractors:

You may hire employees or independent contractors to help you walk the dogs. This will be helpful also if you are ever sick or on vacation.

Wholesale Companies:

Do not need

Expansion Ideas:

There are other businesses you can add to dog walking. See any of the pet businesses for ideas.

Real Life Examples:

Words of Wisdom

The Dog Walking Tycoon offers a home training mini-course.

How to Get Started:

Promotional Tools:

Get listed on DogWalker.com

Website Ideas:

Organizations:

The International Associations of Canine Professionals or IACP, provides support and training for dog walkers and other dog business owners.