Embarking on a dog-walking service is a strategic business move, offering a consistent income stream that can significantly boost the cash flow of your pet-care business. With pet ownership soaring, evidenced by the 83.3 million dogs in U.S. households, the demand for reliable dog-walking services has never been higher! Before launching your dedicated dog-walking service or integrating it into your existing pet-care offerings, Pet Sitters International (PSI) provides four key tips to ensure your success.
1. Comprehensive Education is Key
A foundational understanding of canine behavior is crucial for confidently walking dogs. Staying current with pet first aid skills is equally important. Furthermore, you’ll need to be well-versed in the various types of collars, harnesses, and leashes. Dog owners may not always select the most suitable equipment for their pets. Knowledge in this area will empower you to recommend the appropriate gear and facilitate easier, safer walks. The ideal collar is dependent on the individual dog, the specific situation, and the walker. Crucially, any equipment used must be approved by the dog’s owner and utilized correctly.
2. Establish and Uphold Clear Policies
Setting up your dog-walking service requires the pre-establishment of clear procedures and policies. While these can be adapted as needed, having fundamental guidelines in writing from the outset is vital. This foresight prevents the need to formulate policies on the spot when clients inquire. If you employ staff dog walkers, ensuring they are fully aware of your company’s policies is paramount. Key policies to define include your business hours, specific dog-walking hours, your designated service area, and your procedures for handling client keys. You should also determine your cancellation policy, protocols for walking dogs in adverse weather conditions, and how you will manage dogs exhibiting behavioral issues. For guidance, consider PSI’s free ebook, “Pet-Sitting Policies & Procedures to Consider,” which offers valuable insights. Check out this free PSI Ebook: Pet-Sitting Policies & Procedures to Consider.
3. Understand and Mitigate Risks
As you formulate your policies, it’s essential to be cognizant of the inherent risks associated with dog-walking services. For instance, a client might request that their dog be walked off-leash. While dogs undoubtedly enjoy the freedom of running and playing without a leash, this practice can introduce significant risks and liabilities. Many municipalities enforce strict leash laws, prohibiting off-leash dogs entirely or permitting them only in designated areas. Many professional pet sitters proactively inform clients that all dogs under their care will be walked on a leash. Some dog walkers who do accommodate off-leash requests require pet owners to sign a liability waiver. Business Insurers of the Carolinas, PSI’s Preferred Provider for liability insurance and bonding for professional pet sitters and dog walkers in the U.S., emphasizes the importance of vigilance when walking dogs. Some of the most expensive insurance claims stem from dog bites, with the most frequent incidents occurring when a sitter is on a walk and allows a third party too close to the pet. Read about these 4 dog-walking claims that totaled more than $74K.
4. Strategize Your Marketing Efforts
To build a successful dog-walking service, attracting clients quickly is essential. Fortunately, numerous cost-effective or free marketing strategies can reach local pet owners. Begin by identifying your target audience. Consider why a pet owner might require a midday dog walk. Owners of new puppies who struggle to hold their bladder until their owner returns from work can greatly benefit from a dog walker’s services. Owners of adult dogs may use dog walkers to provide their pets with necessary additional exercise, especially if the dog is overweight. Senior dogs, who may experience incontinence, can benefit from midday walks to help prevent accidents indoors. Essentially, all dogs can gain from the extra attention and activity a midday walk provides!
Distributing a press release to local publications announcing the launch of your dog-walking service is an excellent, free method to gain media coverage for your new business. Depending on your budget, advertising in local newspapers or community newsletters is also an option. Online marketing, from your business website to social media platforms like Facebook and YouTube, offers a vast array of opportunities to connect with local pet owners. Explore PSI’s complimentary download featuring 33 low to no-cost marketing ideas to try for your pet-sitting or dog-walking business this year.
Offering professional dog-walking services, when approached with proper preparation and clear policies, can be a rewarding and lucrative addition to your pet-care business. By educating yourself, setting firm guidelines, understanding potential risks, and implementing effective marketing strategies, you can build a trusted and successful dog-walking service that benefits both pets and their owners.
