Embarking on a new Dog Walking Startup is an incredibly rewarding venture, opening doors to wonderful opportunities and meaningful connections. The allure of running your own business, setting your own terms, being your own boss, and spending your days in the delightful company of furry companions is undeniable. However, the initial stages of starting out can quickly become overwhelming. Deciding to launch your own business is a monumental step, but the sustained effort you put into the follow-through is what truly defines the future success of your new pet care company.
One of the first crucial considerations for any aspiring entrepreneur looking to start my own dog walking business is the kind of operation you envision. The pet care industry is diverse, featuring everything from local teenagers walking dogs after school to large corporations utilizing mobile apps and gig workers for on-demand services. Understanding your specific goals and aspirations is key to shaping your strategy and determining the steps needed to achieve them. This comprehensive guide is designed for anyone interested in launching a successful dog walking or pet sitting business, equipping you with essential resources and practical knowledge gleaned from years of industry experience, including insights from our own pet care ventures.
We aim to provide the most thorough guide available online for a dog walking startup. Feel free to navigate through the sections that are most pertinent to your journey. Remember to revisit this article periodically, as it will be continuously updated to reflect the evolving nature of the dog walking and pet care industry.
Starting Your Dog Walking Business: Key Foundations
Grasping the operational intricacies of a professional dog walker is invaluable as you lay the groundwork for your own company. Here’s a rundown of essential concepts to familiarize yourself with when planning your dog walking startup.
1. What Does a Dog Walker and Pet Sitter Do?
While you likely have a general understanding of the daily responsibilities of a professional dog walker, there are specific considerations for you and your business that may not be immediately obvious. Foremost among these, a professional dog walker’s primary duty is the safety and well-being of every animal under their care. This must be your top priority from day one. It means securing appropriate dog sitting business insurance and bonding from a credible provider, and educating yourself on pet first aid and how to handle various pet (and occasionally non-pet) emergencies.
 professional dog walker with two dogs on a leash, walking in a residential area, representing home pet care services
professional dog walker with two dogs on a leash, walking in a residential area, representing home pet care services
Though caring for pets for a living can feel like a dream job, pet care professionals encounter numerous challenges, especially when first establishing their dog walking startup. Your schedule will rarely be the same day-to-day. You’ll often be in constant motion, spending significant time outdoors, and visiting multiple client homes daily, which can involve considerable travel. It’s also a physically demanding role, requiring you to work in various weather conditions to ensure pets receive proper care. On any given day, you might be traversing town to see clients, undertaking multiple walks of varying lengths, and managing client requests and communications. Despite these demands, the dynamic nature of the work can be inspiring, presenting new challenges to conquer.
 a woman studying pet care materials on a laptop, emphasizing the knowledge needed for a dog walking startup
a woman studying pet care materials on a laptop, emphasizing the knowledge needed for a dog walking startup
However, this doesn’t mean there won’t be tough days. Regardless of how fulfilling or exciting the work is, there will always be moments of stress or feeling overwhelmed. When these days arise, it’s crucial to maintain a calm, cool, and professional demeanor. This includes arriving on time, delivering the agreed-upon services, and exhibiting a positive attitude when interacting with pets and their owners. It can be tempting to become impatient with an uncooperative pet or to skimp on a visit update for a client, but these minor lapses can have a significant long-term impact. A neighbor might witness an undesirable interaction and report it, or a poor client exchange could erode trust. Such seemingly small incidents can accumulate, leading to major breaches of trust, so consistently striving for the best service possible is vital.
Being a dog walker or pet sitter shares similarities with a mail carrier – come rain or shine, the job must be done! You’ll also work irregular hours, with many holidays dedicated to pet care as clients travel or celebrate with loved ones. Peak holiday periods like the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, and Christmas are incredibly busy and often generate the highest revenue for dog walkers and pet sitters, meaning you won’t be able to take all of them off. It’s important to plan for these sacrifices in advance. You and any staff you hire deserve time off around holidays, so scheduling personal time amidst the holiday rush is essential, while ensuring your company remains adequately staffed for clients who depend on your services during these times.
Despite the potentially intimidating aspects, being a dog walker and pet sitter primarily involves spending your time getting to know and building relationships with wonderful furry pets and their devoted owners. The bonds and memories you forge with your clients (both human and animal) can last a lifetime, ultimately making every challenging day worthwhile.
The dedication and energy you invest in providing exceptional pet care services will be deeply appreciated by your clients, securing their trust and loyalty. This loyalty, in turn, will encourage them to recommend your business to friends, family, and colleagues, fostering growth quicker than even the most sophisticated marketing tactics. While there are many ways to operate a dog walking startup, there’s a clear reason why people often prefer a local, dependable dog walker over a mobile app service. When entrusting their beloved family members to a pet care provider, pet parents expect professional, responsible, and compassionate care. While sitters from larger app-based companies may be skilled, it often doesn’t compare to the personalized experience a local company can offer – a valuable distinction to remember as you build your business.
2. What Services Will You Offer, Where Will You Offer Them, and How Much Will You Charge?
The services your dog walking startup provides, your service area, and your pricing structure are fundamental to how your business operates and generates revenue. Making informed decisions on these key factors is crucial for your business’s success, especially in its early stages. Below, we delve deeper into what to consider for each component and offer advice to guide your choices.
 A person calculating dog walking and pet sitting rates on a calculator, symbolizing pricing strategy for a pet care business
A person calculating dog walking and pet sitting rates on a calculator, symbolizing pricing strategy for a pet care business
What You’ll Offer
Deciding on the services you will offer is a critical step in starting a dog sitting business or dog walking business. This essentially boils down to the types of animals you wish to care for and your available resources. Do you plan exclusively to walk dogs? Are you able to provide overnight stays at a client’s home, or will you offer sitting services at your own residence? Are you comfortable with cats, or do allergies prevent it? Your answers to these questions will inform your service menu.
We recommend keeping your services as straightforward as possible, particularly when you’re just getting started. It’s easy to get carried away with enthusiasm and offer a vast array of services – from basic dog walking and cat sitting to more specialized offerings like dog running, hiking, early morning/late evening walks, or half-day vs. full-day sittings. However, having a distinct service for every minor variation of a basic offering can confuse both you and your clients. Aim for simplicity initially; you can always introduce more services later. In the meantime, focus on excelling at the services you currently offer or plan to offer until you’re ready for expansion.
While it’s always better to keep it simple, you should still offer the services that suit your business and your goals the best. Here are some ideas for services to offer:
- Dog Walking: Standard walks of various durations.
- Dog Running: For high-energy breeds.
- Dog Hiking: Adventure walks in natural settings.
- Dog Park Visits: Supervised playtime.
- Training: Basic obedience or specialized training.
- Pet Sitting: For any animal type, including cats, birds, small mammals, and various durations.
- Overnight Stays: In the client’s home or yours.
- Emergency Visits: Short-notice care.
- Medication Administration: As needed.
- Litter Box Cleaning: For feline clients.
- Plant Watering: Indoor and outdoor.
- Mail and Newspaper Collection: For house-sitting services.
- Pet Waste Clean Up: Yard maintenance.
- House and Home Security Checks: Part of house-sitting.
- Customized Exercise Programs: Tailored for individual pets.
- Pet Food Pick Up and Delivery: Convenience service.
- Pet Taxi: Transportation to vets or groomers.
- Pet Wedding Attendant: Bringing pets to special events.
- And much more: Be creative and responsive to client needs.
Where You’ll Offer Your Services
When launching your dog walking startup, defining your service area is paramount. Your location will heavily influence this decision. For instance, if you live in a large metropolitan area like Los Angeles or New York, attempting to serve the entire city is impractical. Your time is better spent caring for pets than driving across town all day! Many new dog walking companies are tempted to accept any prospective client to generate initial revenue. However, accepting work from all clients can quickly lead to overextension, leaving you exhausted and thinly stretched. The most effective way to expand your service area is organically. Begin small and grow in response to your clients’ needs and your own capacity. You might soon discover it’s time to hire additional walkers as requests start pouring in!
Conversely, if you reside in a more rural location or a smaller town, servicing multiple areas and zip codes might be more logical. Regardless, always account for travel time and additional expenses when taking on new clients. While accepting every job might seem appealing initially, as mentioned, it can strain your resources and hinder your ability to provide exceptional service to your existing clients. Financially, it might not be worthwhile in the long run, especially if the extra travel time and expenses for distant clients could have been used to complete several visits closer to home.
You should also research your competition and their service areas. Market research is invaluable here and will significantly aid in finalizing your service zone. If you are in a densely populated area with high demand and minimal competition for pet sitting or dog walking, focusing on a smaller neighborhood might be effective. If demand is lower and competition is high, you may need to broaden your service area. If your research indicates that competitors are concentrated in similar areas, consider branching out to an underserved nearby area, which will likely have high demand for pet care services. By understanding competitor offerings and service locations, you can better decide on your own service menu and target areas.
How Much You’ll Charge for Your Services
How much should you charge for dog walking and pet sitting services? Price often plays a significant role in prospective clients’ decisions when hiring a dog walker or pet sitter. It’s also likely one of the first things a potential client will check on your website. Therefore, ensuring your dog walking startup has a clear and easy-to-understand pricing structure is essential. Your prices should be prominently displayed on your website, and any additional fees or charges – such as late booking fees, after-hours charges, or additional pet fees – must be transparently disclosed. This upfront clarity will establish your company as trustworthy and reliable, allowing clients to know exactly what to expect regarding rates and preventing misunderstandings.
 A professional pet care provider confidently holding a dog's leash, illustrating a skilled dog walking professional
A professional pet care provider confidently holding a dog's leash, illustrating a skilled dog walking professional
The key ingredients for deciding what to charge:
- What services will you offer? Keep it simple. Perhaps offer 30-minute, 45-minute, and 60-minute walks. You could also provide home visits for the same durations and rates. If a specific service is frequently requested, you can easily add it later.
- Where are you located? Your geographical location significantly impacts your pricing. Research average service costs in your area. You generally don’t want to be the cheapest or the most expensive, but rather position yourself competitively around the average rate while offering superior value.
- What is your competition charging? Conduct thorough research. Observe what other local pet care companies charge and compare notes with businesses in similar-sized cities nationwide. Consider how you wish to position your brand. Will you be a luxury service? Do you possess special medical qualifications? Do you offer added value through robust client communication or the use of professional software like Time To Pet?
- What are your expenses? If you have employees, their wages must be factored in. When setting rates for your dog walking startup, consider labor, insurance, gas, marketing, supplies, and other miscellaneous operational costs. Your profit is not merely the revenue from each service, but the revenue generated minus all your expenses. Ensure your rates adequately cover business costs and leave a healthy margin for profit.
- How much do you want/need to make to sustain your workers and business? This is often an overlooked aspect of pricing. You need to ensure your services generate enough profit to sustain a viable business and provide a decent living for yourself and your team.
3. Startup Costs for Your Dog Walking Business
How much will it cost to start your dog walking business? Fortunately, launching a dog walking startup is relatively inexpensive compared to many other types of businesses, such as opening a restaurant. In fact, it’s possible to get started for under $500 if you’re operating on a tight budget. However, these costs can fluctuate based on the scope of your business and your available resources. Below, we’ll outline some typical expenses you’ll need to factor in when beginning your business and their potential cost ranges.
 A person writing notes on a clipboard with a dog leash nearby, representing the initial planning and startup costs for a dog walking business
A person writing notes on a clipboard with a dog leash nearby, representing the initial planning and startup costs for a dog walking business
Costs of starting a dog walking business:
- Registering Your Business as an LLC or DBA — $10 to $500+ 
 When you’re first starting out, you’ll need to choose the legal structure for your dog walking business. The two most common structures are LLC (Limited Liability Company) and DBA (“Doing Business As”). Both allow you to operate under a business name different from your legal given name and open a bank account in your business’s name. Resources like LegalZoom provide more information on comparing LLCs, sole proprietorships, and partnerships. We recommend thorough research to determine the best fit for your dog walking startup. Registration costs vary by business structure and location. An LLC, while more expensive, typically offers greater liability protection.
- Opening a Business Bank Account — $0 to varies 
 It’s highly advisable to open a dedicated business bank account separate from your personal accounts as you begin your entrepreneurial journey. NerdWallet is an excellent resource for finding truly free checking accounts in your area. Having a separate business account significantly simplifies tracking expenses and managing taxes for your company. For more guidance on opening a business bank account, consult resources from the Small Business Administration.
- Obtaining a Business License — $0 to $400+ 
 The cost of obtaining a business license varies by state, typically ranging from $25 to $550. Some states may not require a business license, while others necessitate multiple licenses or permits depending on your specific business type. The Small Business Administration can help you understand the licensing requirements in your area. To apply for a business license, you’ll need an Employer Identification Number (EIN), which is free to register for directly via the IRS Website.
- Joining Professional Organizations — $0 to $300+ 
 While optional, joining a professional pet care organization can offer numerous benefits for new pet care business owners, including access to certifications for professional dog walkers and pet sitters. The two most prominent organizations are the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS) and Pet Sitters International (PSI). Membership and application fees will vary.
- Obtaining Professional Pet Care Insurance — $129+ 
 Pet sitting insurance is absolutely essential for a new pet care business. It safeguards not only you and your business but also your staff and clients. Many clients will inquire about your insurance status during the onboarding process. Being able to confidently state, “Yes, we are insured and bonded!” is a significant selling point, especially for a brand-new dog walking startup. Consult a definitive guide to pet sitting insurance for a full breakdown of coverage and recommended providers.- Several providers offer Pet Sitting Insurance in the United States, with four major ones being common choices. 
- Building a Website— $15 to $50+ 
 A website is indispensable for your dog walking startup. Most clients will search for local dog walking services online, making your website your digital storefront and local listing page combined. Your website is often the first impression clients have of your business and can be the deciding factor in whether they contact you for services. Therefore, ensuring your site is visually appealing and easy to navigate is paramount.- If you have some web development experience, building a WordPress site can be relatively inexpensive. User-friendly website builders like Wix and Squarespace are also available. While slightly more costly than WordPress, they enable you to quickly create a professional-looking site. For guidance, explore resources on essential website pages for pet sitting businesses.  A close-up of a tablet displaying a pet sitting business website, highlighting the importance of an online presence for a dog walking startup A close-up of a tablet displaying a pet sitting business website, highlighting the importance of an online presence for a dog walking startup
- Creating Marketing Materials — $10+ 
 Sometimes, traditional marketing methods are still the most effective. Creating business cards and flyers is a cost-effective way to advertise locally. Companies like Vistaprint offer numerous templates for flyers, business cards, magnets, and more. Additionally, ensure you create a free listing on platforms like Local Pet Care, a resource connecting pet parents with local pet care professionals.
- Taking a Pet First Aid Class — $50 to $200+ 
 Attending a Pet First Aid Class is an excellent investment for a new pet care business owner. Beyond acquiring valuable knowledge to share with any staff, being Pet First Aid and CPR Certified is a significant reassurance for new clients. Pet Tech is a fantastic resource for learning about CPR and First Aid for pets and finding local classes. For online courses, consider options like PetProHero. More information on pet first aid for dog walkers and pet sitters is readily available in specialized blog posts.
- Dog Walking Supplies — $5+ 
 You can’t run a dog walking startup without essential supplies! For new businesses, whether solo or with staff, it’s wise to acquire the basics: poop bags, spare leashes, collapsible water bowls, and some dog treats. These can be purchased from your local pet store. The budget for supplies can vary widely depending on your choices and needs. Don’t overspend initially; focus on the essentials. Once you gain field experience, you’ll discover exactly what additional supplies are truly necessary and what you can leave behind.
- Dog Walking Software — Time To Pet Free Trial 
 While pet sitting software might not seem immediately necessary when you first launch your dog walking startup, implementing an efficient system early on can work wonders. It not only impresses your clients but also significantly simplifies managing the many facets of your growing business. Whether it’s scheduling services, invoicing, managing staff, or client communications, robust pet sitting software streamlines your operations. Moreover, it’s always easier to start with software than to attempt a transition after your business has already scaled. Explore Time To Pet’s 14-day free trial to see how it can benefit your business today!
4. Creating Your Business: Name, Logo, and Website
Your company’s name, logo, and website are key identifiers for your clients. They represent your brand’s essence, conveying its overall vibe and personality. This is your chance to get creative! Feel free to be playful (pet-related puns are always a hit), or opt for a cool, calm, and professional approach. It’s your company, so express your vision! Just ensure your name and logo are memorable, and your website is exceptionally user-friendly and mobile-optimized. For practical tips and resources on creating your dog walking logo and website, consult specialized Academy Lessons.
 A person signing a service agreement with a pet sitting client, emphasizing the legal aspects of a dog walking business
A person signing a service agreement with a pet sitting client, emphasizing the legal aspects of a dog walking business
Name:
Choosing a name for your dog walking business can be more complex than it first appears, but it doesn’t have to be. When brainstorming names for your dog walking startup, consider these points:
- What services will you provide? If you plan to offer specialized dog walking or cat sitting, select a name that clearly reflects your core offerings.
- What is your brand’s positioning? Are you aiming for upscale pet care services? Do you aspire to be the leading provider in your market?
- Do you envision future expansion? Consider if you might expand to other geographical markets or offer diverse services, and choose a name that won’t limit you.
- What impression do you want to leave? Do you want clients to perceive your business as fun, reliable, or highly professional?
- Do you have specialized experience? If you have veterinary or medical animal care expertise, this could be integrated into your branding.
- What is your desired tone? Playful or sophisticated?
Beyond these questions, it’s crucial to ensure your chosen name is available for registration and that the corresponding domain name for your website is free to use. It’s also wise to check if your desired social media handles on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) haven’t already been claimed, preventing client confusion with other businesses. If you’re still struggling, consult a comprehensive guide to naming your pet care business.
Logo:
Like your name, your logo will be featured prominently on your website and marketing materials, so it must effectively represent your dog walking startup. If you don’t have an in-house designer, numerous online resources like Fiverr and 99designs offer affordable graphic design services. For those with design experience or a team member who does, free tools such as Canva provide a full suite of design tools and tutorials to help you create a professional logo.
Website:
While countless companies and freelancers can build a website for you, if you’re tech-savvy and adventurous, several user-friendly website builders are available. Platforms like Wix and Squarespace feature drag-and-drop tools that simplify the process of creating a professional-looking website for your dog walking startup. Here’s the essential information your website should contain:
- Homepage: A welcoming and informative entry point.
- About Us Page: Detail your company’s mission, values, and team.
- Services Page: Clearly list all services with descriptions and benefits.
- Service Area Page: Define the geographical regions you serve.
- FAQ Page: Address common questions from potential clients.
- Reviews or Testimonials Page: Showcase positive feedback from satisfied clients.
- Blog: Offer valuable content and establish expertise (like [the farmer's dog story](https://dogcarestory.com/the-farmers-dog-story/)).
- Policies Page: Clearly state your cancellation, payment, and other operational policies.
- Job Page: If you plan to hire, this page lists openings.
- Contact Page: Provide multiple ways for pet parents to reach you.
These don’t necessarily need to be separate pages, but all this information should be easily accessible on your website, along with abundant opportunities for pet parents to contact you and book services.
5. Creating Your Business: Contracts, Procedures, and Policies
The contracts, procedures, and policies you establish for your dog walking startup will define its operational framework. They will inform clients about what to expect from your services and what is expected of them in return. For this reason, it is imperative that your policies and agreements are clearly articulated and easily understood to prevent potential confusion with clients. Well-defined policies and procedures will also enhance your business’s professional image and simplify your life in what can often be a bustling industry.
 A dog walker handing a leash to a client, representing the professional client-dog walker relationship and contract signing
A dog walker handing a leash to a client, representing the professional client-dog walker relationship and contract signing
Dog Walking Insurance
Having dog walking and pet sitting insurance is an absolute requirement. There are thorough guides available to assist professional pet sitters and dog walkers through the process of obtaining proper insurance and bonding. This is a critical step for any dog walking startup.
Dog Walking Contracts
Your dog walking contracts should encompass a comprehensive range of details.
Note: As with all sample agreements, these are provided for educational purposes only. Always have your attorney review all contracts and agreements before finalizing any documents for your business.
Cancellation Policy
Given the dynamic nature of life, flexibility is key. Occasional cancellations for your dog walking services – sometimes last-minute – are inevitable. While typically not a major issue, you must have a clear policy in place to avoid questions or confusion regarding cancellations. It’s important that you are still compensated for your time and expenses, especially for very late cancellations. Resources are available on setting and enforcing your pet sitting or dog walking cancellation policy.
Meet and Greets
Meet & Greets for dog walking services provide new clients with the opportunity to get acquainted with you and your company. These sessions are often the first, and sometimes only, time a pet sitter or dog walker meets clients in person, making a strong first impression especially important. A Meet & Greet is the ideal time to review your company’s policies and procedures and have clients sign your Service Agreements. It’s also a great opportunity to address any questions they might have or to instruct them on how to schedule visits, pay bills, communicate with sitters, and so forth. Depending on your approach, these consultations might be conducted over the phone or via email. Regardless, ensure you clearly communicate to your clients what will be covered during the meeting. For more information, explore definitive guides to mastering Meet & Greets and conducting virtual Meet & Greets.
Certifications
Becoming a certified dog walker is not a mandatory prerequisite for launching a dog walking startup, but it is a valuable endeavor to consider. An accredited industry certification demonstrates your commitment to your profession and to upholding specific professional standards. Certification can also help you acquire relevant skills and training you might not otherwise attain, serving as an excellent marketing tool. For those considering a starting a dog walking business UK, certifications are equally valuable.
Here are a few of the benefits of being certified:
- Professionalism: It signals to clients that you take your profession and their pets’ welfare seriously.
- Resource Access: Some certifications grant access to exclusive resources and communities.
- Life-Saving Skills: Certifications like Pet First Aid and CPR are critical and can literally save a pet’s life.
- Competitive Edge: Being certified helps differentiate you from competitors.
- Continuous Learning: Staying updated on industry trends through continuous learning is vital for business growth.
6. Software and Tools for Your Business
When you start a dog walking business, some essential tools of the trade are obvious – like leashes or poop bags. But what are the less conspicuous tools you need to ensure your business thrives? That’s where specialized dog walking software comes in; it’s a vital component for managing and growing your business effectively!
Time To Pet was developed by former dog walkers and pet care professionals who recognized the need for superior tools that met the demands of working in the field and caring for beloved pups. Dog walking software will not only save you time but also help you manage your staff and foster stronger communication and relationships with your clients.
 A joyful dog playing with its owner in a park, symbolizing the positive client and pet experience enhanced by efficient dog walking software
A joyful dog playing with its owner in a park, symbolizing the positive client and pet experience enhanced by efficient dog walking software
Dog Walking Software
The right dog walking software simplifies your operations, enhances the experience for pet parents, and propels your business growth. You might be wondering which software is right for you, and whether you truly need it. Read on to discover the specifics of pet sitting software like Time To Pet and its critical importance for your dog walking startup.
What is Dog Walking Software?
In its simplest form, dog walking software is a field management tool that enables you to perform Scheduling, Invoicing, Client Management, and Staff Management, all while you’re out in the field caring for your four-legged clients. These are just a few basic features; platforms like Time To Pet offer advanced versions of these and many more functionalities.
Why Do I Need It?
A robust pet care business needs software to build stronger client relationships, save time, ensure timely payments for you and your team, prevent mistakes, and boost productivity. Time To Pet also provides a Client App, leveling the playing field between your new dog walking business and larger tech-driven, “Uber-for-dog-walking” companies.
Okay, I Need It. But How Do I Get Started?
If you haven’t already signed up for a free trial, we highly recommend taking it for a spin! If you’ve completed the free trial and are considering signing up, review resources on what to expect from the Time To Pet onboarding process. You can also contact their support team with any questions – they are always happy to assist.
I’ve Got It. Now What?
Time To Pet’s Onboarding Manager has created an excellent resource on how to announce your new pet sitting and dog walking software, which is highly recommended for review.
Accounting Software
Quality accounting software will help you organize your finances and make running your business more efficient and effective. Setting up with accounting software like QuickBooks Online can save you time and keep you organized. As an added bonus, Time To Pet supports QuickBooks Online integration to streamline real-time accounting processes for your dog walking startup.
Are You Ready to Launch Your Dog Walking Startup?
Yes, you absolutely are! We sincerely hope this guide has provided the inspiration, answers, and clarity you need to take the momentous first step in launching your own dog walking startup. Having all the comprehensive information from this guide readily available should significantly reduce the stress associated with the planning process, making it much more manageable.
Once you’ve successfully hit the ground running, remember to periodically revisit this guide. We are committed to continuously updating it with new and relevant information to support your ongoing success. Furthermore, the resources from Dog Care Story and Time To Pet mentioned here are just the beginning! We are constantly enhancing our Blog, Time To Pet Academy, and Email Courses. Our unwavering goal is to provide the best possible resources to help dog walkers and pet sitters start, manage, and grow their pet care businesses.
 A friendly dog and a curious cat sitting together, representing the diverse pet care services offered by a dog walking startup
A friendly dog and a curious cat sitting together, representing the diverse pet care services offered by a dog walking startup
All the Resources for Starting Your Dog Walking Business:
Make sure to check out our Time To Pet Academy and Blog for more great resources.
- General Startup Guidance: - Start My Own Dog Walking Business
- Dog Sitting Business
- Starting a Dog Sitting Business
- Starting a Dog Walking Business UK
- Time To Pet Academy – Starting Your Business Section
- Time To Pet Blog – How to Start a Dog Walking Business
- Small Business Administration (SBA)
- LegalZoom – Business Structures
- NerdWallet – Business Bank Accounts
- IRS Website – EIN Application
 
- Services & Pricing: - Time To Pet Academy – What Services Do Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers Offer
- Time To Pet Academy – What Does a Pet Sitter and Dog Walker Do
- Time To Pet Blog – Cat Sitting Tips
- Time To Pet Academy – Where Will You Offer Your Pet Sitting and Dog Walking Services
- Time To Pet Academy – Pet Sitting Metrics Expenses
- Time To Pet Academy – Understanding Competition for Your Pet Sitting Business
- Time To Pet Blog – Pet Sitting Rates
- Time To Pet Free Calculators
 
- Costs & Funding: - Time To Pet Blog – The Costs to Start a Pet Sitting or Dog Walking Business
 
- Professionalism & Compliance: - Time To Pet Blog – Your Definitive Guide to Pet Sitting Insurance
- Time To Pet Blog – Understanding Pet Sitting Certifications
- National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS)
- Pet Sitters International (PSI)
- Pet Tech – CPR and First Aid Care for pets
- PetProHero – Online Pet First Aid Course
- Time To Pet Blog – Pet First Aid for Dog Walkers and Pet Sitters
- Time To Pet Blog – The Complete Guide to Dog Walking Contracts
- Time To Pet Blog – Setting and Enforcing Your Pet Sitting or Dog Walking Cancellation Policy
- Time To Pet Blog – Mastering the Meet and Greet
- Time To Pet Blog – Virtual Meet and Greets
 
- Branding & Marketing: - Time To Pet Academy – Creating a Website and Logo for Your Dog Walking Business
- Time To Pet Blog – What Should I Name My Pet Sitting Business
- USPTO – Trademark Database Search
- Instant Domain Search
- Namecheckr – Social Media Handle Availability
- Fiverr – Graphic Design Services
- 99designs – Graphic Design Services
- Canva – Design Tools
- Time To Pet Blog – 10 Must-Have Pet Sitting Website Pages
- Time To Pet Academy – Building Your Website: The About Us Page
- Time To Pet Academy – Building Your Website: The Services Page
- Time To Pet Academy – Building Your Website: The Contact Us Page
- Time To Pet Academy – Creating the Perfect Pet Sitting or Dog Walking Business Card
- Time To Pet Blog – Using Pet Sitting Flyers to Grow Your Business
- Vistaprint – Marketing Materials
- Local Pet Care – Pet Care Professional Listing
- The Farmer’s Dog Story (for content ideas)
 
- Software & Operations: - Time To Pet Free Trial
- Time To Pet Blog – What is Pet Sitting Software
- Time To Pet – Scheduling
- Time To Pet – Invoicing
- Time To Pet – Client Management
- Time To Pet – Staff Management
- Time To Pet Academy – Why Does a Pet Care Business Need Software
- Time To Pet – Mobile Apps: Client App
- Time To Pet Blog – What to Expect from the Time To Pet Onboarding Process
- Time To Pet Blog – How to Announce Your Pet Sitting Software
- Time To Pet Blog – Accounting Software 101
- QuickBooks Online
- Time To Pet – QuickBooks Integration
 

 A close-up of a tablet displaying a pet sitting business website, highlighting the importance of an online presence for a dog walking startup
A close-up of a tablet displaying a pet sitting business website, highlighting the importance of an online presence for a dog walking startup