Are you passionate about dogs and enjoy being outdoors? Starting a dog walking business and becoming a dog walker can be a lucrative and fulfilling career. However, it is important to know how to navigate the dog walking industry and secure professional contracts. In this blog post, we will discuss how to become a dog walker, the necessary steps to start a dog walking business, and how to secure a dog walking business contract.
How to Become a Dog Walker
Becoming a dog walker involves a few steps that can help you stand out in the competitive market. Here are a few tips that can help you get started:
Gain experience with dogs: Consider volunteering at a local shelter or fostering dogs to understand their behavior and needs.
Learn about safety: Educate yourself on basic dog handling skills and CPR for pets to ensure the safety of both the dog and the walker.
Market yourself: Create a website or social media profiles to showcase your experience, references, and services.
Set a competitive price: Research the dog walking rates in your area and set a competitive price for your services.
Get insured: Protect your business and clients by obtaining a liability insurance policy.
Starting a Dog Walking Business
Once you have the foundational knowledge of being a dog walker, you can start your own dog walking business. It involves some legal, financial and marketing aspects, which can be summarized as:
Legal: Register your business with the state, obtain a tax ID and a business permit and acquire necessary documents such as a contract, necessary licenses, and waivers.
Financial: Establish proper money management systems, purchase necessary equipment and tools, and set up a budget and plan.
Marketing: Create a brand identity for your business, including logos and websites, advertise through social media and other marketing channels, and establish partnerships with local veterinarians, groomers and pet stores.
How to Secure Professional Dog Walking Association Contract
One of the most crucial factors in your dog walking business is securing a Professional Dog Walkers Association contract. Here’s how you can go about it:
Research: Do your research on professional dog walking associations such as National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS) and Pet Sitters International (PSI) and meet their minimum qualifications of experience and insurance.
Follow their rules: Adhere to the guidelines of the professional dog walking association contract.
Showcase your expertise: Provide the association with references and resumes prior to obtaining a membership and provide excellent services to your clients.
Starting a dog walking business and securing a contract with a professional dog walking association requires dedication and hard work, but can be fulfilling and profitable. If you are passionate about dogs and enjoy spending time outdoors, becoming a dog walker may be the perfect career for you. Follow these steps, and you could be on your way to running a successful dog walking business.
