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Research shows that dogs are the most popular pet in the world. Globally, approximately one-third of all households have at least one dog. With the growing number of dog owners, demand for dog-walking services has boomed. And as some newer pet parents navigate finding the time to walk their dogs, the need for dog walkers is only likely to continue. In fact, some countries are imposing fines for those who don’t walk their dogs at least once every 24 hours. For example, in the Australian Capital Territory, dog owners could face fines up to $4,000 for not walking their pet.
If you’re looking to set up a dog-walking business, this step-by-step guide will walk you through how to start. From relevant qualifications, regulations, and marketing, we’ve got you covered.
What are the benefits of starting a dog-walking business?
Before you prepare for your puppy-focused profession, here are a few of the benefits of starting a dog-walking business:
- Being around dogs: This is an obvious one, though it can’t be understated: you need to understand dogs and feel confident working with them in public. It also helps to know how to communicate well with their (less fun and fluffy) owners – your clients.
- Being outside: This gig is ideal for those who enjoy spending hours outdoors, come rain or shine.
- Being active: It goes without saying that you’ve got to be active, or the dogs might give you a run for your money.
- Being your own boss: It’s great for those who want to call the shots, schedule their own hours, and value flexibility in their job role.
How to set up a dog-walking business
So, what do you need to set up a dog-walking business, and what extra ideas might you want to consider?
What qualifications do you need to be a dog walker?
While there are no required qualifications or certifications to becoming a professional dog walker, there are a few things to look into to ensure a smooth operation:
- Animal first-aid experience
- Animal behavior training
- Dog handling experience – research any local centers that may allow volunteers to receive training
- Insurance (more on this later)
- Business license
Pets and dogs are precious members of your client’s family, so it’s important to take care while enjoying your new profession. Showing commitment to your role will benefit your business as you begin to advertise services.
What regulations are there for dog walkers?
As a dog walker, dogs in your care become your responsibility. While each city and county has different local regulations, here are a few to keep in mind:
- Sanitation regulations: Nearly all communities have laws and regulations around cleaning up after pets, and they often come with fines if not followed. For instance, in New York City, authorized employees of the New York City Departments of Health, Sanitation, or Parks and Recreation can issue tickets up to $250. In cities like Los Angeles or Austin, Texas, these fines can go up to $500.
- Safety regulations: Safety is paramount when it comes to caring for dogs. Because dogs can often be unpredictable, local leash laws exist in several communities around the country to ensure innocent bystanders are protected. In Arizona, for example, dogs are required to be on a leash or otherwise restrained at any public park. In some cases, unleashed dogs can also be impounded. To protect the reputation of your business and the community at large, consider encouraging the pet owners you work with to always provide a leash.
- Licensing and tagging regulations: Licenses and tags help owners keep track of dogs to help decrease the number of stray and lost dogs. Several cities require a license or tag for dogs. Tags usually list crucial contact information like the owner’s email, phone number, and more, while licenses show proof of registration for your dog within a state. In LA County, dog owners with unrenewed licenses can face a $20 penalty. To protect your clients and your business from penalties and fines, always ensure that your client keeps their dog’s licensing and tagging up-to-date.
To find out more information about the regulations for controlling your client’s dog in public, visit your local government’s website.
Other things to consider before starting up
Before you start daydreaming about playing fetch with your new furry pals, there may be a few other details to iron out ahead of getting started.
How many dogs can you walk?
In some cities, the number of dogs that can be walked at a time is regulated. In San Francisco, the limit is eight dogs per person. Be sure to check local laws and regulations to help protect your business.
You may also want to consider your own realistic expectations — how many dogs you can handle at once, as well as per day or week. The latter may be easier to determine once you build your client base. Otherwise, this might depend on your preferred working hours.
What areas will you serve?
Where do you plan to offer dog-walking services? Think about how you’ll get between clients and whether you’ll need to factor transport times and costs into your business plan. Consider the competition in the area too.
Will you offer other services on top of dog walking?
Such as:
- Collecting dogs from their owners rather than being dropped off
- Doggy day care and dog sitting — and could this extend to other pets?
What vehicle might you need?
Think about whether your current vehicle is up to the task of transporting dogs. You might need something larger if you plan on transporting multiple dogs at a time. If using your current vehicle, you may need to inform your car insurance provider.
What kind of insurance does a dog walker need?
Insurance is important to protect you and your clients (of both the human and hairy variety) in case anything goes wrong while a client’s dog is in your care.
This will cover you if a client or member of the public is accidentally injured, or their property is damaged, while you’re rendering services.
Here are the different types to consider:
- Workers’ compensation insurance: If you plan to hire other employees to walk dogs, this covers them and protects them in case of any work-related injuries or illnesses. In many states, this type of insurance is also mandatory, so be sure to check your local laws and regulations to protect your business.
- Auto insurance: Auto insurance protects you and your employees if you plan to include services like transport. This type of insurance is also required in many states if you plan to operate a vehicle to support your business.
- Data breach insurance: Data breach insurance helps cover and protect small businesses in the event personal, confidential, or sensitive information gets lost or stolen.
- Animal bailee insurance: Animal bailee insurance protects your business if you are held responsible for injuries, damages, or the death of an animal that’s in your care.
- Animal damage insurance: Animal damage insurance protects against animal damage caused by a dog to buildings and your business’ personal property.
There may be other types of insurance that your business needs that aren’t listed above. Do your research on all of the types of insurance available to dog walkers. If you plan to use your home or personal car as part of your business, you should speak with your home and car insurance provider in case it invalidates your current policy.
How to register your dog-walking business
Before welcoming your four-legged friends, you’ll also need to register your dog walking business, choose a business name, and determine a legal business structure and business entity, such as a limited liability company (LLC), sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation.
The Small Business Administration’s business guide can help you register your business and determine which licenses you need.
How to set prices for dog walks
Research local competitors before setting your prices. This way, you can gauge the average rate at your location and choose your charges from there.
The average price for a dog walker in the US is $24.84 for a 30-minute dog-walking service. Keep in mind that this price can increase or decrease depending on location, number of animals, and other services, including transport.
If you’re starting from scratch, you could offer introductory rates to boost new business. It’s also a good idea to consider drawing up a service agreement with your clients to set expectations for services in case anything goes wrong.
How to organize your business
Keep your dog-walking business on a tight leash and organize your schedule. The best way to stay organized is to create a business plan tailored to your goals and stick to it.
Plan your time efficiently and stay ahead of busy schedules by setting time aside to assess your workload each week. You can even use scheduling software such as Square Appointments to manage your availability and payments for you. Using a handy booking tool can take away the pressure caused by manually organizing your schedule.
It’s sometimes easy for work to get away from you when you’re self-employed. Make sure to factor in time for your own well-being, too. You’ll be your own boss, after all.
How to take payments
Before you start accepting dog walks, determine how you plan to accept payments.
Will you charge per walk? Alternatively, you might consider weekly or monthly charges for regular clients. Along with payment cadence, you might expect to negotiate fee amounts with clients as you go.
Once you start charging for dog-walking services and invoicing your clients, make sure to keep an organized record — save copies of invoices and back them up safely. You can automate your invoice system online with the help of Square Invoices to manage your payments in one place.
Accept card payments with Square Virtual Terminal for easy remote billing. Or, if you regularly see clients in person, check out Square Reader to make simple card and contactless payments at collection time.
How to market your dog-walking business to customers
The idea of starting a dog walking business is very exciting, but how are new clients going to find out about your services? Here are a few ways to market to customers:
- Social media: Join local Facebook groups and build a social media presence to help boost business growth.
- Square Marketing: Use custom-designed email marketing campaigns to help craft your brand and expand your customer reach. Invest in a tool that lets you reach customers via email or text and automate different aspects of your outreach so you can set it and forget it.
- Create a website with Square Online: Drive more customers to your website with seamless integration with Google, Facebook, and Instagram. Plus, if you choose to use business cards, you can direct customers to an efficient and eye-catching website.
- Encourage reviews: Referrals can be an excellent way to advertise services affordably. Create a space for customers to write testimonials and utilize any feedback.
If you love all breeds of dogs, getting lots of fresh air, and marching to the beat of your own drum, starting a dog-walking business could be the smart path for you.
Invest time in doing your research, creating a solid business plan, and ensuring all your legal requirements are underway, and you’ll have tails wagging in no time. Don’t forget to have fun and get a little creative along the way.
