How To Start a Dog Walking Business in 13 Steps

Before opening your dog walking industry to the public, consider how you want to bring in customers. This may help you decide on a business model.

Operating Your Own Business

Traditionally, dog walking business owners sell their services to new clients they may already know, like neighbors and friends. Through word of mouth referrals and advertising, they can expand and grow their customer base. You may be a sole proprietor using a DBA (doing business as) as a corporate dog walking company.

Utilizing Existing Mobile Apps

In the modern world, apps and online services are available to help entrepreneurs grow their businesses. Dog walking apps help connect dog walkers to customers. Some apps even provide dog walking professionals with training and insurance coverage. Becoming a member of a dog walking app can simplify the process of starting a small business.

They also usually offer a built-in customer base of existing users. However, you should be aware that these apps charge a fee for those benefits. Choosing whether to register with a dog walking app will depend on your preferences and plans for your business's future.

Purchase a Franchise Dog Walking Pet Business

Rather than create a business plan and start your own company, you could purchase franchise rights to an existing company. The company provides equipment, a business plan, and operating systems to you for a fee.

Sometimes, these franchises have name recognition that potential clients will recognize. The downside is that you can't deviate from the franchise's procedures and must pay them a portion of your profits.

You can make your new dog walking business stand out from competitors by choosing a unique name. You should check to make sure your business name isn't copyrighted or trademarked. It's also best if your business name is not used by anyone else by doing a domain name search, internet search, and trademark search.

Writing a business plan is an important step before starting your dog walking business. The plan should include content focused on your marketing strategy, objectives, financial projections, and growth strategies.

Another important detail to include in your business plan is your break-even analysis. In other words, at what level of sales does your business start to become profitable? If you need financing, a business plan helps investors understand why they should put their money into your business.

If you decide not to register on a dog walking app, a good marketing plan can help you formulate strategies for making your target market aware of your pet-walking services. Creating a successful dog walking business does not come by luck. You must thoroughly research your target market and customer demographics. By defining your customer base, you can learn more about them.

Business Cards

Creating business cards is a good way of making people aware of your services. When you meet dog owners in your neighborhood or at a dog park, you can give them your card and explain your services. You might also meet potential clients in pet stores or dog groomer facilities. Bring your business cards with you when you visit, but ask before leaving them at the counter.

Online Presence

You should have a good website and social media presence for your business. These will help prospective customers contact you and see if you have dog walking insurance. Even if you don't have experience building a website, online website builders like Squarespace and Go Daddy can help.

To be competitive in the marketplace, charge reasonable prices for your services. If you struggle to determine the right price level, research your local competition's pricing. See what these dog walking services charge.

• Will you charge by the hour or per visit?
• Will you include new dog poop bags in your pricing list as an add on or will it be included in services?
• Does how far you walk a dog factor into your pricing?
• If you have certifications in pet first aid, will you charge more?
• How will you price additional dogs per household? Will you have a discount?

Dog walking services are unique to the professionals giving the services. Don't be afraid to price yourself higher than competitors if you offer extra care and services above and beyond the regular competitors.

Formalizing your business's legal structure can have some clear advantages. Being a sole proprietor is the simplest type of business entity if you are in business by yourself. But other legal structures come with certain advantages over a sole proprietorship.

To protect your personal assets from your business liabilities, you might consider starting a limited liability company (LLC) or corporation. LLCs and corporations may also have advantages when it comes to business taxes.

Keeping a business credit card can help you keep your personal finances separate from your business. Separating business expenses from personal ones must happen if you have an LLC or a corporation. Otherwise, you open your personal assets up for seizure if someone wins a lawsuit against you.

The dog walking business has low startup costs compared to other small businesses. As a service-based business, your startup expenses will mainly be insurance and pet care supplies. Pet supplies include:

• Leashes
• Dog food
• Dog treats

You will also need to pay for license fees and transportation.

You have a few financing options if you have difficulty securing a business loan from a bank:

• Reach out to friends and family to see if they can help you with startup costs.
• Consider a business auto loan through a financial institution if you need to purchase transportation.
• Apply for an SBA loan.

In the dog walking business, ongoing expenses are usually low. Before agreeing to any financial agreement, make sure you understand your financial projections.

It might come as a surprise that you may need a permit or business license for a dog walking business.

The federal government doesn't require particular licenses. But there might be local licensing requirements and local health code ordinances for these types of businesses.

For example, you should make sure the dogs you care for have their rabies vaccines. This is especially the case if you add on professional dog walker services and walk more than one dog at once.

Some local permits you may need include:

• Occupational license
• Sales and use tax license if you sell any physical products from dog treats to shampoo
• Zoning permit if you operate your own business in an area not zoned for commercial use

The U.S. Small Business Administration can help you determine whether you need a license or business permit to operate legally and avoid hefty fines.

All businesses should have insurance. Dog walking businesses need an extra layer of coverage. Specialized pet-sitting insurance is available to help cover any potential costs of veterinary care.

Look for a business insurance policy that covers property damage and personal injuries. You may need to seek additional insurance if you care for dogs in your home.

A comprehensive insurance policy is a good idea. In some states, there are laws that hold a dog's owner strictly liable for dog bites. But depending on your state, a dog walker is liable, too.

Your clients' pets might behave unpredictably at times. It's a good idea to have policies and procedures that talk about how you will handle a dog that bites or does not get along with other animals in your care.

Your policy can specify which breeds of dogs you will not accept, if any. Some states expressly forbid these types of policies. Asking your clients to agree to a policy in your dog walking contract upfront will prevent fewer surprises later.

If your business grows and you hire employees, these policies and procedures will help them manage their client expectations, too. Good policies and procedures also help maintain a high standard of services across your employee base.

Your business contracts need to include your policies. This type of contract is sometimes called a professional service agreement.

It should cover:

• Abandonment of the client's dog (failure to pick up the dog)
• Cancellation of appointments or services
• Emergency veterinary care procedures, including bills assessed to the client
• Indemnity (if any) and hold harmless clauses
• Invoicing
• Vaccination standards

It's also a good idea to include a section on your house key policy. This includes who will pay for a locksmith if a key is not left for you.

As a small business owner, understand the taxes you must pay. You should also keep good records of your sales and expenses.

If you're starting your own dog walking business, you classify as self-employed for tax purposes. You will need to pay federal and state income taxes for other sources of income.

If your net earnings in a tax year are $400 or more, you must pay self-employment tax and complete a schedule SE with your IRS tax return.

If you want to grow your pet care empire, you could consider expanding into additional services. Some ideas are below.

Housesitting Pets

For many pet owners, leaving their precious dog at a kennel is difficult and stressful. They would feel more comfortable knowing their furry friend is at home.

While the dog is at home, it will need walks, feeding, and company. Your services can help with this. If you offer this or any other in-home service, ask your clients to sign a contract.

The contract should describe your services and emergency policies. It should also state who is responsible for any damage to the home.

Boarding Services and Doggy Daycare

Consider opening your home to dogs who are alone all day. You could also provide a boarding service to dog owners who go out of town and need longer-term pet care.

There are even business franchise opportunities for doggy daycares. Check your local zoning laws before getting started.

If you plan to invite clients and pets into your home, consider some additional insurance. Pet insurance or animal bailee insurance can protect you if an animal gets sick or injured while you are taking care of it.

Your general insurance policy should also include public liability insurance. This policy can pay damages on your behalf if someone (or some dog) is hurt on your property or in your care.

Additionally, before opening your home as a doggy daycare, you should check with your homeowners association.

To operate a dog-sitting business out of your home, you may need different business licenses. Your local authorities can help you determine your licensing needs.

Become a Dog Trainer

Enrolling in a dog training course could make you a certified dog trainer. This service can attract puppy owners and people whose pets have behavioral issues. States and local governments may require dog trainers to be licensed.

You should check with your local authorities to learn more. You should also talk to your insurance provider to ensure your policy covers dog bites and other injuries. Asking your clients to sign a liability waiver can also be an excellent way to help limit your risk of a lawsuit.