As of 2024, 58 million US households own a dog, and most of these pet owners lead busy lives. They may not have the time or energy to take their pups on proper walks, so there’s a demand for such a service.
If you love canines and are looking for a source of income, then this is an excellent option. Not only will you get to interact with cute dogs, but you’ll also be your own boss.
Are you ready for entrepreneurship? Then keep reading to see how to start a dog walking business.
Research and Plan
As with any other type of business, you’ll have to do some market research before you dive in. After all, if there are no dog owners in your local area, or if it’s already oversaturated with dog walkers, then you might be wasting your time, energy, and money.
So first off, assess the demand for dog walking services in your area. While you’re at it, identify potential competitors and understand their offerings, pricing, and customer base.
In addition, define your target market. They can be people such as:
- Busy professionals
- Elderly individuals
- Families
You should also consider the types of dogs you’re comfortable working with and what services you’ll offer. For example, besides dog walking, you can pet sit, feed, and provide other pet care services.
Remember the competitor prices you’ve researched? You can use these numbers to set your own prices competitively. Just make sure you don’t undercut your competition by too much, as it should still reflect the quality of service you’re providing.
If you’re wondering how to set your rates, most dog walkers charge by the half-hour or hour.
Get Trained and Certified
You might be the most responsible person on this planet, but accidents and emergencies can still happen while you’re walking other people’s pets. For this reason, we highly recommend getting certified in pet first aid and CPR. Not only will you be able to handle emergencies better, but these things will set you apart from your competition too.
Earlier, we said you should decide which dog breeds you’re comfortable working with. But just because you’re ok with them doesn’t necessarily mean you have experience with these breeds. So if you need more practice with them, volunteer at animal shelters or work with trainers to develop more of your skills and widen your comfort zone.
Write a Business Plan
Most small businesses aren’t self-funded, so there’s a very good chance that you’ll have to either get a loan and/or find investors. Having a solid business plan can help convince people to help out financially, as they’ll see a clear path to success. Plus, this document can help you stay on track in your entrepreneurial journey, so even if you don’t need funding, it’s great to have.
Key points you should outline in your dog walking business plan include:
- Your services
- Pricing structure
- Marketing plan
- Financial projections
Get Licensing and Determine Your Legal Structure
Do you need a license to be a dog walker? Well, in some places, you’ll have to get a business license to operate, so check local regulations. In addition, you might need special permits for dog-related services too.
Regardless, you should obtain pet insurance to cover liability in case of accidents, injuries, or damages. The best policies will cover both you and the dogs in your care.
To formally register your business, you’ll have to determine which legal structure is best for your situation. Most entrepreneurs choose to form limited liability companies (LLCs), so that’s something to consider.
Explore your options, and then use our free business registration service. We’ve got experience handling paperwork, and all you’ll have to pay is the state fees.
Get the Right Equipment
The owners may already have their own things, and they might even prefer that you use them. However, you can’t always count on them to remember and bring everything with them when they drop off their pets. Plus, equipment can break, so it’s best if you’re proactive and responsible.
Go out and buy supplies, such as:
- Leashes
- Treats
- Waste bags
- Harnesses
Are you planning on picking up dogs and/or taking them to parks? Then ensure that your vehicle is pet-friendly and safe for transporting animals.
Set Up the Essentials
Now that you’re almost ready to become an official pet walker, one of the last steps is to set up the essentials.
Start with your professional website, as this is where most potential clients will land. Here, they can learn about your experience, services, and pricing. Include testimonials if possible so you can build more trust. Also, make sure you have an easy-to-find contact page.
Once that’s set up, get your social media accounts going for your dog walking business. Utilize platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and X to showcase your services. Post pictures of happy pups and engage with potential customers.
If you anticipate challenges with scheduling, then find a tool to ease your worries. For example, you can use Time To Pet, which also offers invoicing and client management features.
Market Your Business
Starting a dog walking business isn’t easy, and the last push you’ll need to be successful is to go hard on marketing. An easy way to do this is to ask family, friends, and others in your social network to spread the word. If you already have some initial clients, ask them for referrals (offer them discounts for added motivation).
You can also have flyers printed and then distribute them in pet stores, veterinary clinics, and dog parks. Consider leaving business cards at these locations as well.
Don’t forget about online marketing too. On top of posting about your services and taking out paid ads on social media, you can list your business on dog walking platforms like Rover or Wag.
This Is How to Start a Dog Walking Business
You might’ve grown up loving animals, and you’ve always wished you could work with them. Now that you know how to start a dog walking business, this dream can easily become a reality.
It’ll take some research and planning; you may need to get financing too. But in general, it won’t take much to get started, and you can make your own hours as well.
Sign up with Business Anywhere today to use our free business registration service. We’ll take away your stress and provide affordable services that’ll set you up for success.
