Do you enjoy the great outdoors and have a love of dogs? Then this could be just the venture you are looking for. More people than ever before now own a canine pet, and the owners are prepared to spend a lot of money to ensure their pets happiness and well being.
Most owners have a very busy lifestyle which can often result in not having enough time to give their pet the thing it would enjoy the most outdoor walks and play, and this is where you can be of assistance.
What is involved in a Dog Walking Business?
As a dog walker you would simply take your clients dog or dogs for a walk. You might also consider grouping your clients by neighbourhood and walk several dogs at one time.
On the other hand you could schedule appointments and walk the dogs individually throughout the course of the day. Your charge can be based on a per dog fee,or per walk or as a package rate.
You could also offer other services to your clients, such as feeding, taking the dog to the vets, or even pet sitting whilst the owner is away on business or on vacation.
What You Would Need To Start Your Business.
In Fact You Will Need Very Little. All You Need Is.
* A Real love and caring nature towards dogs.
* A business plan
* A few extra leads/ leashes and a couple of pooper scoopers.
* A Good solid pair of walking shoes.
*A Marketing plan and materials.
You can start a dog walking business for less than $100 dollars, this is because the majority of your Marketing will take place through word of mouth. You could also post flyers in and around your local area or town.
Before you start to market your business ensure you have a good business plan. What are your business goals? How much do you anticipate making each month? Each year?
How many clients will you realistically need to reach your end goal? Consider your rates? Check out the competition? Who would be your ideal clients?
Spend time checking and researching other such like businesses, then once you’ve created your own business plan, take to the streets and market your business to your ideal clients.
Marketing Tips and Business Growth.
You may want to consider creating a website for your business. This will give greater coverage and help people learn more about you and your business. Include a page entitled “About me” on your website. This will prove important as clients will have to trust you with their beloved pets.
They will certainly want to know more about you. Also include a services page that lists the services you offer and how much it will cost. Also you may want to consider a policies and procedures page along with FAQs.
Another plus is to have downloadable forms on your website, then the clients will fill out the form and you will have all the information readily available to you. For example it will ask the name, age and breed of the dog. It may also leave space for the client to document any special requirements or needs their dog might have.
Try to publish a few articles or blog posts on your website as well. These can be articles you have written or had permission to reprint. These articles should refer to the care and keeping of dogs. This information will be educational and informative for your clients. It will also give a boost to your credibility as a care provider for their precious pets.
Ensure your dog walking business and your website are listed with the local online search engines. For example, Google Places. Include your website on any marketing materials you print.
On a Final note, try asking your local pet stores if they would display your brochure or flyer. With your online efforts and a some strategic offline marketing efforts you will find in no time at all that you have a full dog walking schedule.
Tags: dog walking, dog walking business, home business, walking dogs
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