Dog Walking Business
You want to spend your time doing something you thoroughly enjoy and still be paid for it? Enjoy being with dogs then a dog walking business could well be for you. You must not forget though, it is a business and the whole point is to make a living from it. In order to treat it as a business these four step are essential in your planning for your new dog walking business.
- You need to work in an area where there are likely to plenty of customers who will want to use your services. So if you are in a rural area you could travel to a nearby town to set up your business. Built up areas in the towns and cities are more likely to be the best area to setup in.
You will need to check out what competition you will have in the area. Look in local newspaper adverts,in the telephone directory and make a search on the internet. You can also make contact with different types of dog businesses in your area such as dog groomers, training schools and vets. They may give you useful information about other dog walking businesses in the area or allow you to leave leaflets for their customers to pick up. You could ring up competitors you find, check out their charges and availability.
- Make a plan. Work out a budget. You need go get some idea of what your outgoings will be and so work out the rates you can charge. You must keep in mind here how much is charged by other dog walking business in your area. Your aim will be to keep your outgoings as small as possible. Make sure you list all the outgoings and not only the obvious including lead (always sensible to carry a spare just in case), suitable clothing as you will be out in all weathers, dog treats and toys you may wish to carry with you. The less obvious paper and printing costs, petrol to travel to and from customers and insurance in case of accidents. Within the printing costs do not forget receipts and record keeping.
You will need to work out a set of charges, for all your services, to make it a viable proposition. Always keep in your mind how much other local dog walkers charge. What about the other services you could offer such as feed the dog, taking it to the vet or just extra time playing with the dog.
- How you will deal with all your customers? How you will be able to get your customers to take up more of the services you offer.You need to have some agreement set out detailing your responsibilities and obligations. This document will need to be signed by each customer. What about dealing with angry or disappointed customers – can you cope with this type of person?
You will also need to develop a plan as to how you will get new customers. What advertising will you do, leaflets or flyers, surveys, get a story in the local paper about your new start up and paid newspaper advertisement. Will you deliver leaflets yourself or pay someone else to do it? Do not forget your contacts at the t raining school,grooming parlour and vets surgery.
- You will need to get a good reputation for your business. So any experience you have handling dogs will enhance the value of the services you can offer. Have you been on training courses for dealing with dogs such as grooming or obedience training. Any such experience can be used in your sales literature. Is there any way you could get more experience through helping out at any dog rescue centre or training school.
All the planning done and your first customer booked. The feeling you have when you take the first dog out is sensational. Your first step to making a living and doing something you are going to enjoy.
