What are some things I need to consider before dog walking?

	What are some things I need to consider before dog walking? I'm interested in starting a small dog walking business in my town. What are some things I need to consider before I do this? Do I need any sort of insurance? How do you figure out how much to charge? Etc. I've had dogs all my life. I know lots about dogs. I love dogs. So, I figure why not do a job I'd love! And work for myself. I'm just not sure what things need to be considered first. How do you get insurance? What type of insurance? Asked By: Domino - 7/3/2009

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Well, first you'll want to consider your neighborhood. The people in one state or city will not pay the same as the people in another. First consider your area before even starting the business. If you live in a "poor" state or city, I would stop right there because you will be hard pressed to find people willing to pay for your services, especially in this economy. If you are lucky enough to be in a fairly well off city (perhaps suburbs off of a major city/metropolitan area) I would set my price around something in the ballpark of what babysitters/lawnmowers charge in that same area. Ask around to different people what they have gotten charged/do charge to babysit a kid. If a person pays 5 dollars an hour for a babysitter, they'll do the same for their pet. Or you can even make packages that give people discounts, like each walk for 5 dollars, or a week of walking (mon-fri) for 20$. Things like this will help you get more stable business. And I would also offer additional services like vacation pet sitting. I would also charge more for dogs that can not be walked with other dogs. Next you should consider what times of day you will do this and what areas you will serve and make sure to include this in your advertising. If you don't drive it will be hard to serve the neighborhoods within a 20 mile radius as you wont have time to get to people's houses between the hours of 9-5 when most people usually need to have their dogs walked. So make sure to have a list of areas or neighborhoods you serve on your flyer so you don't have issues. Also, give customers incentives or discounts when they refer friends to you, like a free walk, or half off pet sitting when they refer a friend. Last thing to consider are your expenses. You'll probably want to carry backup leashes, or even invest in a multi-leash dog walker. You may even want to add an additional line to your cell phone strictly for business calls so that you can always answer in a professional manner. Usually you need insurance if you are going to be doing something in which you can damage a customer's property. As long as you don't plan on injuring or hurting a dog you should be fine, but save up some backup money just incase you do have an issue with a customer. Maybe one customer's dog gets fleas from another customer's dog and they will want you to pay for flea medicine or something. You don't necessarily "need" a license for this kind of thing if you plan on doing as an "under the table" kind of business where its like a paid favor that you perform for people. Basically like when kids go around mowing lawns. But if you're going to go full scale, hire employees, create a website, place ads, and be able to claim the salary on your taxes and your employees want to as well, then you will need a license and insurance. EDIT: You can get business insurance through a company like state farm, all state, liberty mutual, nationwide... etc. Just like car insurance. I hope this all helps, good luck! Answered By: Vee - 7/3/2009

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You will need insurance. charge on the basis of how long they are with you will you collect and take back the dogs or will they bring and collect their dogs? What is the average going rate in your area? do the owners want their dog walked on it's own or with other dogs? Answered By: Eno - 7/3/2009

You'll need to get a business license from your county/city and you'll also need a liability policy to cover you incase a dog is injured while in your care. You'll also need some references from previous jobs where you've worked with dogs, such as your local animal shelter/rescue. You'll also need some references from some obedience clubs. Answered By: Lindsay B - 7/3/2009

Well, you may want to consider your own strength, and maybe some release forms. You don't exactly want to get sued if someone's prize pup gets away from you and ends up under a tire now do you? It's a horrible thing to think of, but you have to be careful if you're starting your own business. Also, maybe some sort of form that would protect you. If someone's dog decides to go berserk, you want to be legally covered. Maybe have the owner sign a form stating that their dog will behave appropriately, and that the owner will be responsible for any consequences if it does not. Source(s): my own thinking Answered By: Anne - 7/3/2009

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What are some things I need to consider before dog walking?

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