Are You Ready to Start Your Dog Walking Business?
You most certainly are! This guide should have inspired you to take the first step toward starting your own dog-walking business. Having all of this guide's information at your fingertips should take a lot of the stress out of the planning process.
It may seem silly to wonder how to start a dog-walking business, but it isn't as simple as putting on some sneakers and heading out. Before embarking on any type of entrepreneurial venture, there are numerous factors to consider.
You'll have to make the same financial decisions as you would with any other small business venture, and you'll almost certainly have to balance administrative tasks with your daily walking schedule. Let's take a look at what you should know before starting your own dog-walking business.
How can I start my own dog-walking business?
You may be asking how to establish a business that earns enough money to be sustainable, or how to go about getting your dog-walking business off the ground. Starting a dog walking company isn't always a stroll in the park (sorry, couldn't resist), since there are several financial and risk-related concerns to consider.
However, learning how to establish a dog-walking company may be well worth the effort. Aside from the obvious benefits (dogs! ), it also affords a great deal of independence and flexibility. So, are you ready to launch your own dog-walking company? In this article, we'll go over everything you need to know about starting a dog-walking business, from the licenses and insurance you'll need to the financial options that can help make your idea a reality.
Choosing your brand name
Choosing a name for your dog walking service might be more difficult than it appears. But it doesn't have to be that way! Here are a few things to think about:
Do you intend to only provide dog walking or cat sitting? If yes, choose a name that accurately expresses what you provide.
Will you be offering upmarket pet care services? Because you have a veterinary background, would you provide medical treatment for pets in addition to pet sitting? There are other factors to consider when deciding on a name for your business, but it will ultimately come down to availability.
Assess the local dog-walking business landscape
You've certainly heard of the concept of "supply and demand," which applies to almost every sector. In this scenario, the demand for a certain type of business or specialty helps establish how much supply there should be.
What do your competitors charge? Do your homework. Examine your competition and learn what others in similar-sized cities throughout the country are charging. Check out our free rate calculators for assistance in determining charges for various services. It's also a good idea to think about how you'll position yourself in relation to your competition. Will you provide a high-end service? Do you have any specialized medical training? Do you provide added value with your software? Higher-demand services may charge their clients more as long as there are more customers than firms. If there are too many providers servicing too few consumers, each service ends up decreasing costs to preserve a competitive edge over the smaller pool of clients.
Secure the necessary business licenses
Almost every town and state needs businesses to get business licenses before they can legally operate. This is true for both large organizations and individuals and solopreneurs. Even if you want to start a dog walking company with just you and your four-legged pals, you'll need to register with your local governing body to ensure that what you're doing is legal. In most circumstances, you will be able to get by with a simple business license.
A sole proprietorship, for example, is straightforward and easy to set up, but it provides lower protection than other business forms, such as a limited liability company (LLC). Unlike sole proprietorships, LLCs aid in the separation of an individual from his or her business.
If you are unsure about the type of corporate organization your dog-walking business requires, it is always a good idea to visit a small business attorney who can help you balance the advantages and cons of each. You'll have to pay a little more for the extra assistance than you would if you went it alone, but you may save a lot of money in the case of a problem later on.
Develop a business plan
Including a business plan when starting your dog-walking business may appear excessive depending on the size of your firm. Creating a strategy in the early phases, on the other hand, might prepare you for future development. It is also preferable to create a business plan now rather than later when your company has grown and you have less time to spend on the effort.
Even the most simple new enterprises may benefit from a detailed business strategy. You wouldn't build a dog's home without plans, after all. The same concept applies to your new dog-walking business. Drafting a business plan provides you with a framework for your company to follow, and can help you determine the right strategies to help it grow in those crucial first few months." This is an important time for your business, and you want to make sure that you are doing everything you can to help it succeed.
First and foremost, you must have a clear and succinct company strategy. This plan should include your long-term goals and objectives, as well as a clear marketing approach. Second, you must concentrate on developing a strong internet presence. This entails having a well-designed website that is simple to use and offers potential clients all of the information they want about your products or services. You should also maintain an active presence on social media platforms and in web directories. You will be able to reach out to potential clients who may not have heard of your company otherwise. You may use social media to provide information about new goods and services as well as special deals. Additionally, ensure that your company is mentioned in web directories. This will make it easier for potential clients to locate you when they are looking for firms in your field. You may also advertise your company in print directories, but be sure to keep your information up to date so that potential clients can reach you.
Learn and familiarize different dog breeds
If you're just starting out as a dog walker, being acquainted with the many breeds you'll come across can undoubtedly benefit you in the long run! If you love dogs but are unfamiliar with the breeds, it might be difficult to tell whether a small white dog is a Maltese, a Bichon Frise, or a Poodle. Large dog breeds can be equally perplexing. Fortunately, with a little practice, you may understand the many types of dogs in general, which will help you distinguish your hounds from your hunters. Dogs are classified by kennel club organizations based on their breed, size, function, and other characteristics. You may learn to place dogs into their respective groupings and then into the many breeds within those groups by studying these basic categories.
Startup Costs for Starting Your Dog-Walking Business
How much will it cost to launch a dog-walking company? Fortunately, establishing a dog walking business is less expensive than starting other businesses, such as launching a restaurant. If you are truly on a shoestring budget, you may get started for less than $500.
Registering your business as an LLC or DBA— $10 to $500+
When you first start out, you must decide on the legal framework for your dog-walking business. The two most common formats are LLC (Limited Liability Company) and DBA (Doing Business As) ("Doing Business As"). Both structures enable you to conduct business under a name different than your legal given name. You can also create a bank account in your company's name. LegalZoom gives further information on both sorts of business structures; with a little study, you'll be able to choose which is best for you. The fee will vary based on the type of business structure you select and your location. An LLC is more costly, but it provides additional liability protection.
Opening a business bank account — $0 to varies
A separate bank account for your dog-walking business is generally a smart idea. It will assist you in keeping track of costs and filing taxes at the end of the year. NerdWallet provides some useful information on selecting the correct bank account. The Small Business Administration contains a wealth of information on the issue as well.
Obtaining a business license — $0 to $400+
You may or may not require a business license depending on where you reside. The Small Business Administration offers materials for what you may require in your state. You will also require an Employer Identification Number (EIN) (EIN). The IRS website allows you to register for an EIN for free. You will need to provide your business name and contact information, as well as your Social Security number. Once you have registered for an EIN, you will use it to open a business bank account, file your business taxes, and hire employees.
Joining professional organizations — $0 to $300+
It is not required to join a professional pet care group. Nonetheless, it might give you several advantages when beginning your firm. The National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS) and Pet Sitters International are the two most notable organizations (PSI). Membership and application costs differ. Both organizations also provide professional dog walkers and pet caretakers with certificates. PSI offers a more comprehensive certification program, which includes a written exam and a practical skills test.
Obtaining professional pet care insurance — $129+
It is absolutely necessary to get dog walking insurance. It will safeguard both you and your consumers. If you don't have one, it might be a deal breaker for pet parents when scheduling your services. And there are several types of insurance available for your dog-walking company. You will need to decide which type of insurance is best for your business. The most common type of insurance for dog walkers is general liability insurance. This type of insurance will protect you from any legal liability if your dog walker is injured while on the job. It will also cover any medical expenses that may be incurred as a result of the accident. This is a vital form of protection for any pet owner who employs a dog walker, as it can help to ensure that both the pet and the owner are getting what they need out of the arrangement. The pet owner can be sure that their pet is getting the exercise and socialization they need, while the dog walker can provide some peace of mind that the pet is in good hands.
Building a website— $15 to $50+
Your dog-walking business must have a website. The majority of clients will look for local dog walking services online. Consider your website to be a digital storefront and a local listing page. Clients will typically base their initial impressions on your website, which is often the first thing they will view. If you have any expertise in designing websites, creating one with WordPress may be reasonably affordable. Wix and Squarespace are two highly user-friendly website-building platforms. They are a little more expensive, but they allow you to rapidly create a professional-looking site. If you need assistance getting started, we have an excellent piece on what information to add to your website.
Creating marketing materials — $10+
When it comes to marketing, the old school is sometimes the finest school. Making business cards and flyers is a low-cost strategy to market in your neighborhood. Vistaprint is one of the largest firms that can create marketing materials for you. They have a number of templates and can make flyers, business cards, magnets, and other things. Also, be sure to create your free listing on Local Pet Care, a new Time To Pet resource that connects pet parents with local pet care professionals!
Taking a pet first aid class — $50 to $200+
It is undoubtedly a good idea to learn about pet first aid. Pet First Aid and CPR training might come in handy in an emergency. Pet owners will also enjoy the fact that their puppies are in the hands of skilled specialists. If you've ever been in an emergency scenario, you know how critical it is to have someone who understands what they're doing with you. That is why having skilled pros on your side may be invaluable. These experts have gone through the process and know just what to do to bring you the greatest outcomes. They will collaborate with you to develop a strategy that is suited particularly to your needs and will assist you in carrying it out effectively.
Dog walking supplies — $5+
It's advisable to start with the essentials, such as a leash, collapsible water dish, dog treats, and poop bags. You'll quickly understand what things you need after some time working in the field and going on dog walks. When you're just starting out, there's no need to cram a whole pet store into your trunk. You only need a few fundamental things to get started. A leash, a collar, some food and water, and a couple of toys should suffice.
Get the right insurance
Most small companies, whether they are home-based or manufacturing, require some type of insurance, and a dog-walking business is no exception. In most circumstances, the more probable it is that something will break, someone will be harmed, or anything will go wrong on your property, the more likely it is that you will require comprehensive business insurance to protect your firm in the event of an emergency. Even if your state or municipality does not need you to carry certain types of business insurance, it is still a good idea to think about it.
When working with animals, like in the dog walking industry, the requirement for insurance becomes even more critical. To begin, you should check into a robust general liability plan that will protect you in the event of any harm while on your client's property (or on anybody else's land during a walk).
Market your business
Small business owners frequently underestimate their power to impact word-of-mouth advertising. This is especially crucial for small businesses like the dog walking sector because people prefer to commit the care of their cherished dogs to recommendations from friends and family. A client referral program may also assist incentivize satisfied consumers to endorse your services by awarding them with pre-determined rewards such as free walks.
How much you’ll charge for your services
How much should you charge for pet sitting and dog walking? When clients are looking for a pet sitter or dog walker, price is often a decision factor. It is also possible that a potential client would glance at it first while visiting your website. That is why you want a simple price structure. Make sure your rates are properly displayed and easy to grasp on your website. You will be more dependable, and clients will know what to expect, resulting in fewer rate misunderstandings.
What types of services will you provide? Remember to keep things simple. It might be as simple as providing 30-minute, 45-minute, and 60-minute walks. Then, for the same length of time and at the same charge, you could also provide home visits. If you see that another sort of service is often desired, you can quickly add it to your list of offers.
Obtain dog walking insurance
Yes, you read that correctly.
Walking a dog isn't all fun and games. Accidents happen, and dogs occasionally cause property damage or harm themselves or others. It's one thing if you're the lone employee at your firm. If you have any other pets, ensure sure they are protected by a pet insurance policy. The extra cost is well worth it.
You won't have to worry about the cost of any unexpected vet costs this way. You will also have peace of mind knowing that your pet is always well-cared for and will receive any required medical attention. You can be confident that your pet will always receive the best possible care and that any medical issues will be addressed swiftly and efficiently. You'll never have to be concerned about your pet's health again.
Get ready for challenges
When you establish a business, you will face obstacles sooner or later. Successful entrepreneurs understand this and are able to roll with the punches and pivot quickly. They are aware that there will be barriers and problems along the path, but they are not deterred. They are constantly on the lookout for new prospects and methods to better their operations. They are continually learning and growing, and they are eager to take on new tasks. They are always seeking new and inventive methods to better their company and are not hesitant to take chances. They are constantly open to new ideas and recommendations, and they are always prepared to try new things. And dog-walking might change from customer to client because you will encounter different dog types and must adjust to each of your client's preferences and behavior.
Prepare to get paid
After you've sorted out all of the above, it's time to decide on your invoicing strategy.
To increase cash flow, charge your clients and collect payments at the start of each week. This way, you'll know each consumer has paid and is ready to depart. Scout provides an automatic invoicing mechanism to handle this for you. This removes a significant burden off your shoulders and allows you to concentrate on other elements of your organization.
Using dog walking software
The dog-walking and pet-sitting industries are sophisticated and time-consuming. With so many moving pieces and so little time, scaling may be difficult, especially if you want to develop your firm to a greater size. Scout does this by automating time-consuming administrative procedures such as completely automated billing, electronic service agreements, and rapid alerts. Scout's dog-walking software allows you to save time, earn money, and return to doing what you love. Take a long, deep breath! Scout guarantees that everyone on your team is on the same page and that nothing falls through the cracks. The Scout for Pet Sitters app ensures that your staff is intended to expedite the process of knowing where they need to be and what they need to do when they arrive. iOS and Android versions are available.
The Bottom Line
If you want to start your own business and you love dogs, a dog walking service might be the right fit, and take advantage of Scout's amazing features that will help your business grow and ensure that you're always on track on keeping your schedules open and organized! Just keep in mind that beginning a business is not simple. Even when everything is going well, an unforeseen occurrence may knock the wind out of your sails at any time. That is why it is critical to protect yourself by incorporating an LLC, obtaining suitable dog walking insurance, and having ready access to small business funding choices. By taking these precautions, you can help protect your business and yourself from any potential liability. Incorporating an LLC can help shield your personal assets from being seized in the event that your business is sued. Dog walking insurance can help cover any medical expenses that your dog may incur while in your care. This type of insurance can also help cover any legal fees that you may incur if your dog is involved in an incident while in your care.
Here's to growing a dog-walking company that efficiently serves your neighbors and offers joy to your town!