How to be a dog walker
“Hi, how do I become a dog walker?”
My name is Jamie Shanks and I’ve been a pro dog walker since May 2010. I often get calls and emails from people asking for a job or for information so they can start their own dog walking business. If you’re thinking about becoming a dog walker then I hope this article can help so you can be one of the successful ones because I’ve sadly seen many not make it. If you’ve definitely decided you want to walk dogs for a living then it might make more sense to start your own business rather than work for another dog walker as you will have the unlimited potential that being a business owner provides rather than being trapped working for minimum wage, part time hours and making some other sucker rich!
Starting any small business is hard especially when living with such a fragile economy as we do now, dog walking especially so as it appeals to so many people, because a) the start up costs are very low, b) requires little knowledge and training and c) enables people to be their own boss and say goodbye to all those souless businesses that they’ve worked under before! More and more dog walkers are popping everywhere and all share the dream of finally earning a fair and honest wage while doing something they love. Since the recession more and more people have turned to dog walking but the work is still there for you as the general public is becoming more aware that hiring a dog walker is an option should they consider getting a dog. So you can get work and be successful even with little resources but you must be 100% committed and determined to make your new business work!
If you start and especially if you are short on cash then you have to be an optimist and realist cause you have tough times ahead! You’ll be broke and times (many times) feel that you made the wrong choice, especially when you are at home all day earning nothing or spending the day walking a handful of dogs and coming home with just a few pound notes or because your first dog is a nightmare both off and on lead! I looked at the first couple of years as if I was back at college or uni. I put up with being broke-ass-broke because I knew it wouldn’t last and I would come out of it educated and knowing eventually I could make a decent if not very nice living out of it in the long term!
First things first
Research everything you can about dog walking and especially the already established dog walkers in your area, the services they offer and the prices they charge, what a typical day is like etc. I offer dog walking, dog boarding, pet sitting and puppy care services for parts of Renfrewshire, Scotland. You can leave comments at the bottom of this page if you want to ask me anything, find out how I started and read my blog to see for yourself what dog walking is actually like! A good way to find out where dog walkers are is to locate them using Google maps, many will have websites detailing their services, prices and general info – this is all useful stuff. Find the going rate and make sure you don’t go over it nor beneath it too much as you have to make a living and the first few months (even the first year or two) will be a real test financially.
Dog Walking Prices
The prices of dog walking can range between £5-£12+ but generally it’s about £7-£10 per hour walked with discounts offered for secondary dogs in the home. There are two types of dog walking, group and solo. Solo walks tend to cost more and demand for it is less compared to group walking which is ideally what you want to do cause that’s where the money is. I remember when I first started (I had no car just a bike) the plan was to do solo walks throughout the day, one after the other from 9am-5pm. I assumed people would prefer their dogs being given a solo walk over a group walk and not have their dog put into a vehicle with other dogs and with that reasoning I thought I could charge £10 per walk (in an area where other’s charge around £8) with needing just 5 dogs a day to make a living. It didn’t work out!
Dylan enjoying an early morning solo walk!
Most people want their dogs walked at lunchtime while they’re at work and many owners of socialised dogs would prefer their dogs to be out with other dogs especially if those dogs are young and enjoy socialising. Sure, they’re dogs out there that can only be walked on their own but most can be walked in groups. Also I found out people didn’t want their dogs walked at 9am when they’ve only just left for work an hour before and neither 5pm when they are on there way home and can walk their dog themselves, so the lunchtime walk will be your peak working hours and you may only get three walks in that time and in that time you will earn most of your money for that day, so if you are doing solo walks in that time you are limiting what your income can be. I’m not saying solo walks aren’t important and that you wont do them. You will get asked to do solo walks from people like the elderly and disabled folk who don’t mind what time their dogs get walked during the day as long as they do get walked!
You’d be surprised how much time is spent travelling, picking up and dropping off dogs, even in a small area. I remember when I started I took on the dogs of another dog walker while they went on holiday as well as my own dogs, so at lunchtime I had two group walks to do, I picked up my first lot about 11am took them to park for 1 hours play and then left. By the time I dropped them home, picked up another four dogs and arrived back at the park it was exactly one hour later and none of the dogs I walked that day lived more than 2 miles away! You don’t get paid for travelling so keep you area of work as small as you possibly can. Petrol costs will take a lot of your income if you have a car so if you plan on using the car make sure it’s economical. I’m serious, when I started I had 3 dogs all within 6 miles of me, just picking them up and taking them to the park and back home racked up well over 100 miles a week and I was driving around in a v6 Volvo estate!
I’m allowed to walk 6 dogs at a time by my insurance but am more comfortable with around 4-5 at a time. I know there are people out there who walk 10 dogs at a time but I wouldn’t recommend it. Off-lead very few dogs are trained and while some will come when called some of the time, you are responsible for their well being. I guess it all depends on what kind of dogs you’re walking, whether they will be walked on-lead or off-lead and how many you feel comfortable with. Every dog walker will have a different opinion on this subject and you will have to find out for yourself what you can manage and that will depend on what dogs you are walking at the time. It only takes one dog to turn it into a nightmare.
Dog walking 4 dogs off lead!
Regarding the dogs the most important thing is that they are friendly! Most dog owners will tell you their dog is friendly, whether they are or not is another matter. If their dog doesn’t want anything to do with other dogs and refrains from ripping them to bits then you’ll be told it’s friendly! Dog walking can be quite funny that way cause unless it’s a puppy then you will have to find out for yourself what the dog is like. You could have a great wee team filled with lovely sociable dogs all having a great time together then bring in a new dog that ruins the whole walk for everyone. For me, dogs that cause problems in the pack is the worst part of dog walking and if I come across a dog that doesn’t fit in enough, cause it’s not good enough off lead, isn’t socialised enough or shows some form of aggression eg, defence aggression regarding toys and other resources then I will let owner know that its’ not working and end that dog’s time with us.
What services will you offer and how much will you charge?
Decide what services you are going to offer and your dog walking rates before you start, you don’t want leaflets here and there displaying different prices and services because you’ve learned that your prices were too high to begin with or the services you offered were unrealistic. Services dog walkers/pet sitters offer can include, pet sitting in the owner’s home (including cat’s and other animals), dog (and other pet) boarding, puppy visits, pet visits (including cat’s and other animals) and pet taxi. Some are even groomers. A license may be required to dog board so contact your local council or visit their website for more info!
Giving Gabby a treat!
Outside dog walking, pet visits and pet boarding will be the most popular services, especially in the summer. You’ll see many dog walkers/pet sitters advertising hard to get pets to care for while their owners go for a week or weekend away. Cat visits are quite common as they are people who would prefer their cat remain at home while they are away rather than a cattery. Dog boarding is quite common too. The prices for these services are about £3-£6 per home visit and between £12-£20 per night dog boarding and about £5 per day boarding caged animals. Pet taxi, which is a very uncommon service but so many pet services advertise it regardless of the fact that they’re rarely available during the working day. I’d also like to note that you consider your pet sitting prices reasonably. And on that note…
Don’t be naive!
I’ve seen on a website someone just starting their dog walking business and advertising pet sitting at £50 a day, which is madness! Think about it, it would cost someone £350 on pet care a week plus the cost of their holiday if they were going away. That pet service failed to put themselves in the owners position but I understand their thinking. They were thinking “Hey, £50 is reasonable! After all, it’s only around £2 per hour for 24 hours worth of care! We’ll be living the dream in no time!” But of course they weren’t living the dream but in a dream and soon their business disappeared never to be seen again! A kennel will board a dog for about £8+ a day! I offer dog boarding but only for my dog walking clients, I only charge £10 per night which is low for my area. I also will stay at a clients home to look after their dog on occasion. I charge £10 per night for that service too.
Not long ago I met up a guy who wanted to walk with me because he wanted to learn how to be a dog walker and was ready to start! He was talking about how the people are very well off in the area that he lives in and he could take their dog on a 3-4 hour walk and charge £30-£40 a time! I could see the pound signs appearing in his eyes and tried to let him know it doesn’t work like that. £30 for a dog walk! Think about it! Even if that was just once a week for a month then you are asking someone to pay you £120 to take their dog out four times. Just remember what your clients are going to have to keep aside from their monthly pay checks to pay just you and that hopefully will keep you grounded and from making expensive mistakes. Like I said earlier, I wanted to charge £10 for solo walks and ended up reducing my prices to £8. Sadly I had delivered leaflets to half the village with the old price and the other half with the new price.
Get prepared!
Being a professional dog walker is huge responsibility! I often get told I’ve got a dream job and that it’s easy and at times it can be, but I’m responsible for the life and safety of another persons pet and I’m always aware of that! When walking one dog on a lead then it’s a care free walk but when I’m walking six dogs off lead then I am 100% focused and alert and on the lookout for problems and potential problems at all times – my brain is on overdrive, because just one lapse in concentration and I’m left having to explain to owner why their dog is hurt…or worse!
I’ve been dog walking for several years and know a lot of dog owners. I hear about dogs being attacked or injuring themselves regularly. I’m a dog walker who works at Erskine beach mainly and I see broken glass or planks of wood with nails sticking out of them alongside other potential dangers and they keep me focused and alert.
I’ve been lucky that no dog I walk has suffered serious injury – apart from a cut pad that didn’t bleed and a broken toenail I haven’t had to deal with an injured pet under my care! But I’m aware that it will happen eventually no matter how vigilant and careful I am! The dogs I walk tend to be young and very energetic, occasionally getting knocks and limps but then walking them off. But what would I do if a dog I was caring for injured itself?
Dog walking at the beach in Erskine!
Walking lurchers and other fast dogs I’ve seen how fast they run and have worried about them breaking a leg. I’ve always thought that I’d try or at least want to try to splint their leg and assumed this would be the right thing to do but after the excellent canine first aid course I recently attended I learnt that if a dog can walk on three legs then there’s no need for a splint. In fact a splint can add extra weight onto their broken leg and you can end up hurting them further.
On my first day back dog walking after doing a first aid course I felt more in control and relaxed than I have ever done and it’s because I know now that if a dog needs CPR, the Heimlich manoeuvre, treatment of a cut or wound or collapses with a seizure I can deal with it and help with the situation until we get that animal to a vet.
If you want to be a dog walker or pet care service or even if you own a pet then I highly recommend doing a first aid course. Dog walking isn’t all the ‘Sunshine and rainbows’ that some think it is and at times can be quite stressful but learning the skills you need so you can deal with the situations you may encounter will make your life a lot easier as well as taking a lot of the anxiety away and could potentially be the difference of life and death for the pet you are caring for!!
Get to know a dog behaviourist! They can be quite easy to find on doggy forums or in your local area but learning and understanding dog behaviour is essential for a dog walker. If a dog is doing something wrong then it is easy to reinforce that behaviour and make it worse! Even just understanding why a dog is doing what it does can be important and help you learn about the dog you are walking. How would you deal with it if a new dog joined the group but one of the other dogs didn’t like it or there were pack issues? The dog behaviourist I work with also writes for my website and she has given me an insight into dog behaviour that I just could of never of found out on my own. Essential if you are walking dogs in groups!
Getting started
You should really get dog walking insurance, they’re a few dedicated pet insurance businesses around. Pet Businesses Insurance is one, Cliverton is another and who I’m insured with. It should cost about £15-£20 a month. Pet insurance covers things like liability, should the animal your walking cause an accident for example then you are liable and can be sued. Cover also includes keys and locks of owners homes in case you lose their keys or they are stolen and also cover vet costs should the animal you are looking after be harmed through your own negligence.
Since generally you are going to be given a key to the owners home while they’re away, it’s best to have a certificate showing you have been police checked. Letting strangers into their home alone is a big deal for most people and why dog walkers rely so heavily on recommendations, because if their friend or someone they know trusts you then they are far, far more likely to choose you than someone they know nothing about.
Getting known is the hardest thing. Get nice leaflets made and business cards too. While waiting for work you can distribute your leaflets in the area you want to work in, try and make them stand out and not just black text on white paper and keep the information brief and straight to the point.
Don’t expect to get flooded with phone calls that night, but don’t be disheartened either as many will hold on to the leaflets and keep you in mind if they need a dog walker/pet sitter in the future. Such people are those waiting to get a puppy, or those who know their circumstances may change or those planning a holiday etc. Always keep business cards on you wherever you are, a conversion with a stranger while out walking a dog can lead to a potential new customer. Pet shops, groomers, newsagents are ideal places to display leaflets and business cards, post offices, other small business premises should all be looked into. These methods help but leaflets through the letterbox and in shops can also be easily ignored. If you are really determined and have the nerve to make a real impact then get a outdoor banner made and place it somewhere like a busy junction advertising your brand new business.
Regarding advertising friends and family are great assets. Get them to spread the word, they can be invaluable as they can give a personal testimonial for you. A good website can also be helpful as those who don’t know of a dog walker will generally search for one online. People most likely to search online for dog walkers are those that have just moved to the area, the younger generation and new puppy owners. On your website make sure you tell potential customers a bit about yourself and what services you offer, also make sure you are listed on Google places and Google + business page as they help you rank better for local searches! But just remember it’s not about being no.1 on Google it’s about converting visitors to clients. There are loads of dog walking websites that rank high in local searches but their websites are hopeless and will never convert visitors to clients so make sure that if you have a website then you give the visitor what they want straight away. Too many websites focus on themselves and not the clients, paragraph after paragraph of why they are so good, remember people don’t read they scan! That means on the homepage you list what services you offer, how much they cost and how to get in contact with you. Testimonials help greatly as well as pics of happy pets!
In my opinion stay away from clip-art and the high quality dog pictures taken from the net to make your website, many dog walkers do this and it looks naff, too generic, impersonal and gives potential customers very little information about YOU! Once your businesses begins to take off you can then add a gallery and even a video.
Stickers being put on my car!
An excellent method of advertising is to get stickers put on your vehicle if you have one, that way hundreds of people see you every day and it doesn’t cost much. I remember when I got stickers for my estate. I was driving along and was slowing down to make a turn and someone was looking at my car and I’m thinking “why you staring at my car?” and then I realized it’s because I’ve got brand new stickers on it. Now when people look at the logos on my car I’m used to it, but I always get a wee thrill from being noticed! I also have hoodies and t-shirts that have my embroidered logo on them. I remember taking a puppy to puppy class while their owners were at work and there was this training exercise going on. We were all lined up and I noticed this woman staring from the corner of her eye at the logo on my hoodie. I pretended I couldn’t see her looking, but I knew she was and she therefore was aware of my business without me saying a word!!!
While walking dogs you will tend to go to dog friendly areas where other people walking their dogs will be – all potential customers, so don’t be shy to say ‘Hi’ and start making as many dog owning friends as you can.
Getting your first phone call or email
When you get that first phone call or email find out what services they are after, what area they live in. If you can give them the service they want and they live in your area that you’re prepared to go to and they are happy with the price then you can arrange to meet them and get to know their pet before you start working for them. Personally I wouldn’t like to enter into someone’s home without meeting their dog beforehand. Also understand that most dog owners are very forgiving of their pets sins, so even if their dog is unfriendly with other dogs many will tell you that their dog is fine. Take caution especially if you are doing group walks that this new dog is going to be ok. Also while you are meeting the new dog you can get to know each other, answer any queries they have and show them any documents you want to. Some dog walkers have ‘Welcome packs’ that they give to new owners. Make sure you take down their phone numbers including work, find out if there pet is insured and to what veterinary clinic they are with in case of emergency.
Do exactly as owner requires – no more & no less – do not improvise unless necessary.
Once you’ve started
You’ll need a few things when dog walking. Always carry a spare lead, I’ve had a new lead snap on me with a dog that was to be walked on-lead only and I got one hell of a fright, thankfully I got the dog back without any problems and put it on another lead. Carry a slip lead! You are responsible only for the dogs you walk but sadly you will confront dogs that are not friendly and owners lacking in response, so a slip lead means you can whip it over anyone else’s dogs that may be troublesome and be in control of that dog before anything bad happens. Poo bags are essential but instead of buying them buy baby nappy(diaper) bags as they cost a fraction of the price.
On hot days you might need to take water with you. And let’s not forget how important treats are. To begin with you wont have the same authority over the dog the owner has and it may take one day, several days or even weeks for the dog to bond with you and recognise you as a pack manager, treats make things a lot easier and I can’t think of a better treat than dried liver, every dog I’ve ever walked would walk on hot coals for a liver tit-bit, forget buying treats they are expensive and wont have the same appeal.
If the dogs can be let off-lead then you might want to take some toys, like a tennis ball, squeaky tennis balls are best I find. Now that I walk many dogs in groups I don’t bother using toys, instead I let them play with each other as it’s easier to manage them that way and toys can also be a quick way to get a scrap going as some dogs can be quite possessive.
Lastly
Be patient, it will take time for your businesses to pick up, but it will. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that once you chuck out a few leaflets that in a week you’ll be inundated with dog walking jobs. Everyone who needs a dog walker already has one that they trust and they ain’t going to chuck ‘em cause some Joe put a leaflet through their door saying they’ll do it a £1 less! It’s the people that will need a dog walker/pet sitter in the future cause their circumstances change or because they are getting a puppy or because they have just moved into the area – they will be your potential customers, but just remember you are fighting alongside the other more established dog walkers in your area to get those clients! And on that note why not offer puppy services such as puppy visits, a service to take puppies to puppy classes (or even host puppy classes yourself ) and socialisation walks?
If you found this article cause you want to know how to be a pet sitter then the same basic rules apply.
Good luck and please remember I am here to help! Any questions, unsure about anything? Ask me on the comment form below!
Copyright © 2011 - Jamie Shanks
Resources:
Example contracts
Additional information
Hi there. Thank you so much for all the info in your blog. It’s not often people want to pass on their hints and tips, and there is plenty here to consider.
Thanks Kaz. I’m not sure if your are a dog walker or not but I’m happy to give any help I can to anyone who wants it. So if you are a dog walker and have any questions or are unsure about things, please just ask and I’ll try to help you and any others that ask for it. We’re all just trying to make a living after all!
Hi Jamie
Yes, I am a dog walker and pet sitter, just starting out. I got my first phone call from my first potential customer, who I am going to talk to about her requirements next week. I was going to ask her about her pet’s likes and dislikes, and any special requirements, and if she wanted to go ahead, things like what time of day she would like me to visit, and ask for vet details, emergency numbers, and of course, ask about a key. Is there any thing else I should be asking?
Also, is there somewhere online that has the relevant forms I need? Like contracts? Or if I can do them myself, how do I word it? This is an exciting step! Really want this to work. Thanks in advance for any help you can throw my way.
Best wishes,
Kaz.
Well make sure you know whether you can let the dog off lead or not cause if you can let if off lead you will need to get it in writing first…for insurance purposes! Definitely ask how the dog is with other dogs, try to get as much detail as you can including if that dog went to puppy classes or not, ask if there are any kind of dogs they dont like, just remember owners are sympathetic to their dogs sins so although you might get permission to let dog off lead….you will have to make your own mind up if you feel safe to do so or not.
I suppose you could also find out if the dog is vaccinated or not and make sure you find out if the dog has been neutered or dressed as you could get sued if a bitch gets preggers under your watch!
Just write you own contracts…you could ‘buy’ them online but I’ll try and upload some in the next day or two for you or anyone else to use.
Now one thing you have to understand is payments…sometimes peeps forget to pay..it happens often…in fact very often…not just with dog walkers…but all peeps who give a service first then get paid afterwards. Don’t worry about it, but defo remind them (that on the day you agree to get paid) that you didn’t find it and that its ok..cause you’ll get it next time or something like that, cause I’ve had peeps text me and say, “hey i left your money” went there to find no money at all and hoped they remember next day, only for them not too and then the week after give me just that weeks money rather than two weeks and I was too embarrassed to say anything.
Make sure you remind them to leave a towel out incase the dog is wet or dirty when you bring back. And dont forget treats. Here’s the best treat you can get… http://www.bdws.co.uk/2011/05/08/homemade-liver-treat-recipe/
Funny you should say that, Jamie…had a look online, and found this site…http://www.free-legal-document.com/free-contract-templates.html (hope that works), and have now got some contract forms. Had to alter them slightly, as they are a little bit Americanised.
I looked at your liver treats. Thanks for that. They look a great. and cheap way to make a new dog your best friend!
Have heard about late payers, so am hoping I don’t have to face that one. If it’s a regular customer, it might be as well to set up a Direst Debit or standing order maybe.
The towel idea is good, too. Will carry one with me in the car as well, just in case they forget to put one out.
Will let you know how I get on next week. It’s only occasional, when she goes away, but its a start!
Hi Jamie,
Got the job! It’s only an occasional job, but my first one all the same. I will look after the pets when the owners go away for the odd weekend, holidays, etc. It looks like that will be once a month…writing out a contract for each time seems a bit much. Any ideas on how I can just write out one that covers “whenever I am needed”? I wonder how others get on with that?
Congrats on getting the job! Exciting stuff!
Hmm! Can you send me what you have written as a contract so I can have a look. Shouldn’t be too difficult to sort something out. My email is admin@bdws.co.uk
btw, what kind of animals are you looking after?
Hi Jamie. Have emailed you. Many thanks.
Hi Kaz! The dog walking doc seemed fine! For the pet sitting contract I’d just change “This Pet Sitting Contract shall come into effect on the ____ day of ____________________20____ and shall terminate on the…”
to
This Pet Sitting Contract shall come into effect on the ____ day of
.
____________________20___.
Dont really see the need to have a closing date. You might want to put that you have the right to change the contract at will and thus have a new contract signed and agreed by the other party. Try and make it as simple for the customer as possible regarding paper work and contracts.
There’s no reason why a contact cant be a ongoing thing unless you change your prices or policies!
That sounds a great idea, Jamie. Will do that! Thank you! Yes, to the making it easier on the Clients. I don’t want to be bothering them every five minutes with paperwork!
Simple when you think of it. 
Will keep you posted on my progress!
Thanks again, Jamie.
Thank you so much for your advice, I have been thinking of doing this for some time. I adore dogs, would love to work with them, getting older, it will help me keep fit for my own dogs and ponies as well as earning. This has given me a new lift, thank you again.
Thanks so much for those tips, they are, by far, the best and most helpful i have come across. I sooo want to do this… but in my spare time like evenings and weekends. I’m not too sure if that is something that people would be interested in though. With me not able to have pets of my own (due to my landlords no pet rule) i may aswell enjoy other peoples. Who know’s maybe i can ditch my job and become a full time dog walker. One can only hope.
Hi Kat!
Hope it works out for you! You might find weekends get much more work than evenings. Don’t forget other pet services like cat care in their own home with people going away for the weekend/week and leaving their cat at home.
This is amazing, I have been considering doing this for sometime, my job finishes at the end of the month and this seems like a brilliant next move….- I feel tonnes more confident with your blog support, Thanks for sharing it all
Emma!
Thanks Emma! Good luck with your new adventure!
What a fantastic website! Really informative I love it. In the very early stages of thinking of starting this as a business. Don’t think I have the confidence to go for it but reading this is very inspiring. Thank You.
Andrea
Thanks Andrea! If you decide to go for it I’ll wish you all the best!!
Looking to dtart s dog walking businrss can you help
What you wanna know buddy?
Hi what a great web site with loads of information. I am looking to start up my own dog walking business and am just looking to find out the best way to take the first steps.
Thanks jayne
Thanks Jayne! Good luck with starting up!
Hi Jamie,
Great tips and ideas I’ve already started and have built up a small group of lovely dogs and owners up to two walks a day now and a puppy visit!
Just one problem and one you haven’t covered. one of my clients wants a mon-fri prime time slot 11-1. I already give them a good deal as she comes on two walks instead of one as its a long day on her own but every time they have a shift change or unexpected day off they cancel often with just a couple of hours notice. I can’t really afford to keep losing money on this slot should I bring in a cancellation fee or retainer. I don’t mind the odd day but they’re really starting to take the pee now, sometimes they cancel three times in a week! I have asked if they’d like to reduce their days but they say they can’t because of their shift changes. Please advise me I feel sorry for the dog!
Hi Joanna! This is the tough part of dog walking. I also get the “We don’t need you today” routine but thankfully they are nice peeps and pay for the missed walk, so I’m quite relaxed in that situation.
But for you things are different and you are going to have to set rules. After all you are trying to make a living like the rest of us!
If they want 5 days a week and 2 walks in a row then they will have to pay that whether they need you or not or give you plenty of notice because as an insured dog walker who is limited to 6 dogs maximum you are gonna have no choice but to assume that she will be one of those 6 in both walks for those 5 days and plan those walks accordingly.
So I’d tell them they can cancel and change their minds but unless they give you a certain amount of notice then you must be paid as you have placed aside a slot for her for the week that other dogs may miss out on! Hardly unreasonable.
What ya think?
Thank you Jamie for a super informative website. It’s so greatly appreciated as I hope one day to be able to take the plunge and become a dog walker.
Thanks Christine! Its tough to get going but worth it in the end!
I too have had enough of the rat race & thought the dog race would be better for me. I know you have briefly mentioned this, but my main concern is walking in the lovely English countryside with our very English weather. I would be concerned that sometimes I would be returning the dog to their owner potentially in a condition that they would need to be put straight in a bath. Possibly 3-4 hours before they got back from work. Do your clients accept a rub down with a towel as a norm if its been raining or would they expect more than that. Many Thanks Andrew
Hi Andrew!
Being wet is ok it’s when they get really dirty that something may have to get done especially when its that thick dry mud that just sticks to the coat cause its hasn’t rained for a while. Thankfully I walk dogs at the river clyde so I can let them go in the river before I take them home, that way they just need a rub down.
Of course the tide isn’t always in and so I don’t have that option and there are days when dogs decide to rub in poop which does need to be dealt with.
In the back of my car I have a hozelock pressurised sprayer. I can wash muddy paws and feet and wash off poop that they may have rolled in. I also carry dog shampoo as showering with water alone will not get rid off poo stink! The sprayer is not that poweful but it works and gives me an option to the problem of dirty dogs.
Also I know what owners have a garden hose, so really dirty/poo covered dogs can get bathed if they are really bad!
Hope this helps and good luck if you decide to go ahead!
Hi Jamie, I am setting up in the dog grooming business and I am looking to do dog walking to raise a little more cash towards my dream. I currently don’t have a car so I am worrying about travel and that with the dogs. How did u manage this before you got your estate? Did you limit the amount of dogs you walked at one time? Thanks in advance.
Hi Kirstie!
When I started I had to use a bike to get anywhere. My cousin in Aberdeen who is also a dog walker can’t drive and has used a bike for 4 years. I know another who also can’t drive and she uses the buses. Cheap means of transport but terrible in bad weather!
Regarding walking dogs, as long as they are walking distance from each other then you can walk several at one time but if not then it’ll be before or after that dog. Tbh I found starting up and getting dogs quite difficult so never had to worry about trying to fit them all in. If you can do dog boarding then that pays well and doesn’t require a car.
Hi. I’m thinking about starting up a dog business ,just wanted to say thank you for your website ,finding it very helpful
k
Thanks Kirsty!
Hi there
Thank you for all the information, never thought to find a dog walker willing to give up there secrets. I can’t quite take the plunge and give up my day job but I am off on Friday’s and thought I would give it a wee bash and see if I cvan start a client base on that day fingers crossed it all goes well. I live in glasgow and was wondering how you would go about getting a police check? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again.
Hi Rebekah!
Hope it all goes well for you! You can find out more about getting a police check (disclosure scotland certificate) here: http://www.disclosurescotland.co.uk/
Hi Jamie,
I am looking into setting up on my own, and have found your site so helpful, i have a question though… What do you do about Holidays? I mean when YOU have time off for a well deserved break, what do you do about your clients? does someone else take over for you etc?
Cheers
Hi Lee!
That’s a good question! If you want a holiday give all your clients plenty of notice, as much as you can and at least a month before hand. Most can make their own arrangements but for some you may have to find another dog walker to fill in. This is what I do when I take a holiday and when that dog walker takes a holiday I take her dogs.
Another thing to think about is working weekends. You will find some clients work over weekends probably cause their two days off is during the working week. Decide if you will work weekends or not because you will be working 7 days a week before you know it and burn out pretty quick. We all need something to look forward to whether it’s a holiday or just the weekend slouching in front of the tv.
Hi Jamie,
Thank you so much for setting up this very informative page. Fantastic. Am currently setting up my dog walking business, is taking slightly longer than i thought it would but am getting there. (i wanna make sure i do it all properly).
I want to ask about the finance side and how you work it? Do you have a seperate bank account? A ledger to record credit/debit? Do you give reciepts? Is it easy enough to figure out tax??
Thank you in advance X
Hi Amy!
I have a business account with Satander that I use just for business and for the clients who prefer to pay by internet banking, but it’s no big deal I’d say as I haven’t had to show any bank records to anyone. I write down all payments I receive as well as the date I get them and also note down any business expenses like pet insurance etc. Personally I don’t do receipts but this is where a visit to see an accountant might be handy as they can tell you exactly what you need to know for the exact position you are in.
If you do your tax returns online (like I do at HMRC around January time) you are told what you owe in taxes after you enter all your info so you don’t have to work it out. I’m sure you can earn up to £8000 a year before you have to start paying tax. more info here! But if in doubt ask an accountant.
Don’t forget you are entitled to working tax credits which could amount to over £50 a week. The amount you get is determined by the amount you earn so it is essential when you are starting out and earning very little. I got mine sorted through the job centre.
Hi, I have started doing holiday relief walks for my own dog walker who has given me lots of support and information. I don’t want to set up my own business and am happy to help out. I have my own dog and am also starting to board occasionally. It’s great to find your website and realise that I am working for a really good person. One of my colleagues, who does it full time, has done the canine first aid course locally and said it was excellent.
Could you recommend a good site or book to find out more about dog behaviour?
Hi Carol! I have a canine behaviourist I use if I need info. But here is a book you might find useful.
Helen philips – clicker training gundogs
Excellent article – thanks. Although you promote the idea of considering group walking dogs, would you still suggest that it’s a good idea to do solo the first few times? Thanks.
Do you mean doing solo walks for the first few walks of your career while you are building up clients? Or solo walks for a new dog so you can spend some time getting used to it?
Hi, this is really useful and inspiring! I am 14 years old and I really love animals, especially dogs! Do you think people would let me/trust me when walking there dogs? Do you think I would get any business? I would probably charge £3 for a half hour walk, is this ok? Thanks!
Hi Kat! Are you wanting to start now or when you leave school? It’ll be tough whatever you choose. A lot of people will want their dogs walked at lunchtime during the week – are you available then? I’m sure you could get some work but I need to know more details about what you are able to do and when.
I am wanting to start dog walking now. I’m afraid I am not available for work during the day on weekdays but I am available in mornings and evenings. I am available for more work on weekends.
Charge whatever you feel comfortable with. Just remember to take into consideration that while a walk may be 30 mins, travelling there and back home or to another dog will add time and cost if you need a bus.
If you are not available during the days then you will not be able to walk those dogs whose owners are out at work during the working day as they will want a lunchtime walk. Most dog walks are lunctime. But there will be those who wont mind when their dogs get walked like the elderly or disabled, so you should target your advertising to them and drop off leaflets anywhere the old or disabled may group, like libraries, bowling clubs etc.
Another service you could offer is cat visits, where you feed and clean the litter tray of cats while their owners are on holiday. Many people like to keep their cat at home rather than a cattery. This can be done in mornings and evenings.
Thank you very much, this helps a lot! Thanks:)
Wow! What a fantastic and insightful website. My husband and I recently moved to the UK from South Africa and have been feeling desperately lonely without all my pets that I had to leave behind. Sadly we did not have the funds or the resources or even space to bring them with us and I spent several months very tearful and pining for them every time I saw any animal in the street or on telly . the many friends I have made here are all due to me “accosting” them on the street because of their dogs and they all suggested I take up dog walking/sitting. So when I found your website, I became so excited as I can indeed do what I love best. Thank you Jamie, you have made me confident enough to get started on this immediately. You are now a mentor and a hero to me.
Hi Belinda!
Thanks for the lovely compliments! You sounds like a real animal lover and I’m sure you’ll make a great dog walker too. All the best with your new adventure and I really hope it works for you. I’m always here if you wanna chat.
Thank you so much for this article. It’s a massive help.
I was just wondering about the police checks. I have never had one before and need to get one before I start my business. I saw you gave someone a link to Disclosure Scotland. I live in London so am I able to use this company too? Do you know of any others at all as I’m finding it difficult. Many are saying I can’t obtain a certificate for myself. Finding it all very confusing.
Also, do I need to register as self-employed? I’m making a list of everything I need to do so any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Jean
Try this website for a police check: https://www.askthe.police.uk/content/Q87.htm
If I find anymore info about police checks in England I’ll get back to you!
Yes, you need to register as self employed/sole trader at HMRC. I went to the local job centre and they helped me out, they even sorted out my working tax credits which began at £50 a week, so make sure you get that sorted too!
Pretty sure this is what you are after!
Basic level CRB check: http://www.criminalrecordchecks.co.uk/
Thank you so much for the response, Jamie. All very helpful indeed.
Kind regards,
Jean
Hi, it’s me again! I was just wondering, what is a good price to charge for home visits for, dogs/puppies, cats and small animals? Thanks again:)
Hi Kat! Well, it depends on how long you are gonna be there. When I do cat visits I charge £5 a visit but then I may only be there for 10 mins. I change water, feed them and clean litter tray. Maybe I’ll play with them but cats can be quite timid so quite often I leave after I’ve fed them. Pretty much same deal for caged animals.
Puppies are much more sociable than cats so I charge £8 for two 30 minute visits a day. Thats very, very cheap though, but I know pups grow fast and soon they’ll be getting walked just once with the other dogs, so I see it as an investment.
Thank you, this helps me work out the prices:) thanks!
Hi Jamie
Was delighted to find this information on your page today. I’ve been unhappy in my job for some time and always wanted to work with animals, financially its not been viable but due to a change, I’m hopeful its something I can consider in the near future. Did you do any formal training? I originally googled for training for working with animals, alot of the courses are distance learning and £100′s per course, are they relevant/needed to become a walker/sitter?
Hi Lyn!
Thanks for you comments! I didn’t do any formal training but am friends with a dog behaviourist who has helped me lots. Dogs are pretty complex animals and it helps if you can understand a bit about their behaviours. So anything that can help with this is worthwhile. One way you can do this is by joining a dog forum where other behaviourists are.
hi Jamie, great site. What age do you start doing puppy visits? thanks, Helen
Hi Helen! The pups are usually not long home when I start my puppy visits. Usually the new owner will have taken a week or two off work to spend time with them and when I start they are around 10/11 weeks old but still going through or just finishing their inoculation period. I started puppy visits this week for 11 week old springers: http://www.bdws.co.uk/2013/01/09/meet-bruno-and-baxter/
Really fab article. I recently left my previous stressful job in banking (urgh) and have been racking my brains for what to do. Luckily i have some savings and live at home, so my costs are low. I don’t know why it never occurred to me before, but working with dogs is just my perfect role which i never considered. I have babysat family dogs for years and have a natural affinity with them, but just never thought i could make a living, albeit modest, from it. I have been doing research and found this article absolutely brilliant. I have one question; I am setting up and have got my leaflets, got my social media, my business email, all set up. I have an idea on pricing and what my local competition is (i think their is a gap in the market in my direct neighborhood) what i am struggling with is the fact that my past experience is only with family dogs, albeit various breeds/temperaments, and i have no formal training. My background is customer service and media :/ Will this dissuade clients do you think???
I don’t see that as a problem, very few dog walkers have a doggy background anyway. If you can find an expert like a dog behaviourist you will learn lots from them, should find them from places like an internet forum etc.
Make sure you get a nice website, if you got a car then get stickers…business cards are a must…but maybe most importantly get out there where people walk their dogs and start making loads of dog owning friends!
And finally if you have the nerve then get a large outdoor banner printed and hang it somewhere that gets lots of traffic, like a busy junction etc.
Hi Jamie, me again.
Someone asked me a good question yesterday, what happens if the dog you are walking bites you, or somebody else, or another dog? Who is liable and how can such a situation be resolved?
Also if a dog off-lead chose to run out into a road or have a very tragic freak accident, what happens in such a situation? I know these are probably not scenario’s you have come across hopefully, but i thought you might have an idea. I assume the insurance i will have somewhat covers certain things like this? Or does the liability have to be stated in the dog-walking contract?
Thanks Again
Hi Hannah!
Someone asked me a good question yesterday, what happens if the dog you are walking bites you, or somebody else, or another dog?
I always visit a dog in its own home beforehand and when a new dog starts I am very focused on it’s behaviour with people and other dogs. You’re liable for the dog you are walking, so should it bite someone else, another dog or cause an accident then it falls on your shoulders. Dog walking insurance will cover liability costs and vet bills including vet bills of dogs your walking if it’s harmed through your own negligence.
Since your starting I’d emphasize your attention on puppy walkies/visits. Pups are blank canvases and free from behavioural problems. Most dogs you will get will be young and trouble free but you will always get some dodgy ones that the owner tells you are ok, a few dogs I got last year were like that, I didnt even spot the potential aggression of one until my dog behaviourist pointed it out on some photos I was taking for my blog. I gave them up pretty fast.
Pet insurance covers:
Dog walking
Max 6 dogs walked at any one time
Can be exercised off lead if owners written consent given
Pet minding
Home boarding
House sitting
Farm animals and horses in a non-commercial environment
Collection and delivery/pet taxi
Family members extension
Public liability = £3,000,000
Liability to animals in our care, custody or control = £10,000 any one event
Loss of keys & replacement locks = £10,000 any one event
Employer’s Liability = £10,000,000
Hi Jamie, a very informative and interesting blog! I have recently started up dog walking and have had quite a bit of interest, I have three quick questions:
1) How do you plan your daily schedule for pick up, group walk, then drop off times?
2) What would you do if you had a dog which pulled on the lead and made it hard to walk any other dog at the same time?
3) What size radius is your catchment area for customers?
Look forward to hearing from you,
Helen.
Hi Helen!
I have 3 main group walks starting at 11am, 12:30pm and 2pm. Before and after I can do solo walks and puppy visits. Most days I leave around 10:15 to start collecting dogs to get them to beach area for 11. I pick up and drop off dogs by being as time efficient as I can and sometimes while dropping off dogs I’ll pick up dogs for the next walk (if they are close by).
Most of my dogs pull and some pull very badly, but thankfully most can be let off lead, but I still have to put them on lead to take them back to the car. Just last week I got sick fed up being dragged everywhere so I bought 2 dogmatic head collars on amazon. One for a spaniel that I don’t let off lead when I do a group walk and another for another spaniel who is just crazy bad when on the lead but great off it! Highly recommend the dogmatic head collar, it makes it just so easy!
When I started my area was quite large as I was after any dogs I could get and had plenty of time. But as I got busier I had to quit areas as travelling takes so much time. I now work in 2 villages and a small town but eventually one of those villages will be cut to make my business more efficient.
Thanks, that’s great advice Jamie.
I wondered how many of your customers are regular ie. mon-fri walks? I am finding
a lot of people are once a week or once every two weeks.
This makes it hard to plan the walks not knowing how many il have and when.
Do you find you have a lot of regular customers or is it the nature of the job that you need to take on scattered walks here and there in the hope you eventually fill a working week?
Many thanks,
Helen.
At the beginning it’s always a bit scattered with people wanting the odd walk here and there but you eventually build up a regular clientele. This is my schedule routine…
Dogs that get walked…
Once a week = 2
Twice a week = 6
Three times a week = 1
Five times a week = 7
Occasional walk = 1
Rarely = 5
For my 11 am walk its people who are home earlier cause they finish work early or kids home from school. 12:30 walk for those who finish after 5pm and 2pm walk for those who come home at 8pm or dont mind when their dog gets walked.
Another quick question! How do you have your vehicle set up? Do you use doggy crates or just have the dogs secured in the boot of the car, using dog guards to prevent them coming forward in a collision?
Thanks again,
Helen.
I’ve got an estate, I have dog guard in boot and I have a hammock in back seat plus dog guard behind front head rests to contain dogs. I also have seat belt harnesses that are excellent at keeping dogs in back seat firmly secured!
My business will be 3 years old in May! When I started I only had a bike, but I hope this year to get a van and install cages as that’s the best and most professional approach to taxing dogs in transit!
Hi Jamie,
I just wanted to say thank you for writing such an informative blog. I would love to set up my own pet sitting and dog walking business, and have been doing my research. My only problem is that i can’t drive, do you think that it could still be a viable idea? taking buses or cycling?
Thanks
Clare
Hi Clare! My couson doesnt drive and uses bikes and buses and a local dog walker here also does the same. So yes, you can get buy especially to begin with when you are still looking to get more clients. But I’d suggest that you get lessons eventually as you will need a vehicle to take you to the next level.
Thanks Jamie,
It’s reassuring to know that it can be done without a car, I thought I was going to have to give up before I’d even started!
Clare
Hi Jamie
Some great information here – thanks! It’s very unusual, but great, for someone to share. I’ve found it very difficult to get help and information so it’s very much appreciated. I’d like to work with dogs, just not sure in what capacity and feeling quite overwhelmed with the options available. I’m finding it very hard to gain practical experience as many dog walking companies will not take on volunteers, which is disappointing.
Thanks again
If there are puppy classes try asking if you can attend and learn from them, otherwise visit areas where dog walkers gather and make friends. The thing about doggy people is that everyone is an expert! (lol) so you’ll get plenty of advice.
Hi Jamie
I have been looking into starting up my own dog walking business. I still doing my market research and my business plan.
Everything is going well until the other day someone asked me.
What will you do when you move out of home? (I am 21 and still live at home with my mum)
That question has got me thinking a lot now. What would I do? I would like too move out in the next couple of years and I could possibly end up moving to a different area. I guess that would mean starting up again right? What do u think? I plan to hopefully start my walking in the summer. But what if Iv built up a good client base wouldn’t moving be stupid. But I can’t live with my mum forever :-/
If you could give me some advice that would be great.
Thanks
Hi Sophie!
It depends how far away you move. If it’s just a couple of miles then that’s ok but otherwise it looks like you’d have to start again. But it wouldn’t be as hard the second time, but the question might be would you want to live away and be skint all over again like you were when you built up your dog walking business the first time.
Getting established takes time, but in a couple of years you may likely have a vehicle with stickers on it, a nice established website that already ranks well on Google and plenty of experience that you can use to build your business up in your new area faster and better the second time around.
But I think that if you can afford it then try to stay close to your Mother and area of work.
Hi Jamie
Thanks very much for your advice it really has helped me. I know when I do decide to move ( which won’t be for at least a couple of years) I would prefer to stay around this area as I do like it. However nobody knows where life will take them I could end I’m moving out of the area. But thankfully I feel a bit more relaxed about what I would need to do if I one day decided to do so. I guess I could also start advertising in my new area before I move there or if I can afford it and I’m busy enough I could employ someone to take over my area while I work on the new one.
But for now I’m just going to focus on getting it set up here.
Thanks again for your help. I’m sure I will have more questions to ask over the next few weeks lol
So ill keep you posted on my progress.
Oh and by the way. What I have read so far on here is very helpful. I have been writing notes down to help me with some stuff I haven’t come across yet. So thanks for your great advice
Thanks!
Hi Jamie. I would also just like to write to say a big thank you for your article on becoming a dog walker. At a time when many people are cagey about their businesses and unwilling to offer advice, it is really great of you to share your experiences and has really helped me to start my own dog walking business.
I do have one question that you might be able to help with. I can’t quite get my head around the doggy day care aspect and having a dog stay with me but also being able to do daily dog walks and pet visits. If I have someone who wants their puppy checked in on every afternoon but then a customer wants a dog with me throughout the day, how do I manage doing both?
Thanks again. Anna
Hi Anna!
Ok, I don’t think anyone can or should even try doggy day care and dog walking at the same time unless they have a partner to share the work with and split the roles.
I don’t offer daycare but do offer dog boarding but only for clients. Just so readers know doggy day care isn’t overnight stay. Not many dog walkers do boarding unless they have a partner who can look after the dogs at home while the other walks the dogs. My brother stays at home, but I do very little boarding really, it’s a bit of a juggling act if you want to do both and have no help and I wouldnt recommend it.
When I have other clients dogs live with me I walk them in the morning then take them out again on their usual walk with their usual pack mates then take them out again in the evening.
On some walks I have some really great dogs and will let them tag along for additional walks because they are great off lead, socialble and responsive. Therefore if I was to offer day care I could only really offer it to dogs like that who I could take on all the walks. If you are working on your own then I think boarding/day care should be forgotten about and you should just concentrate on dog walking and pet visits, unless that is you decide you’d rather do boarding/day care over dog walking.
Hi,
I am so very much impressed and humbled by the informative information that has been given on this site.
I launched my Pet Care Service in my local village yesterday after taking the plunge and quiting my job as a nurse! I set up a website and within 24hrs it was all live.
It was a brave thing but my house in aka ‘the zoo’ as i love animals (more than people most of the time!) so my boyfriend kept hastling me … and i took the plunge!
Waiting for the phone to ring now….!!
Few queries i need to get my head round,
1) Payment = Cash? SO? DD? Bank Transfer? Weekly? Monthly? Invoices?
2) Timetabling – any secret?!
Thank you for this wonderful insight, you were inspirational and enabled me to take the leap!
Hi Trudy!
Congrats on taking the plunge – exciting stuff! Since you have your website up, take advantage of Google places if you haven’t already – it’s the main directory that people use to find local trades and will get you work! http://www.google.com/placesforbusiness/. Also get a free listing for Yell.com and get a google + page and facebook page setup.
Regarding payments my customers pay generally in cash but bank transfers are becoming more popular. I’d also have accepted cheques too but usually it’s cash or bank transfer. I ask to get paid weekly on the day of the last walk for that week.
Timetabling. If you asking how I setup my walks then I have 3 main group walks (solo walks before and after group walks). First group walk is 11am then next is around 12:30 then another around 2-ish. Some dogs are everyday, some are 2-3 times a week. Depending on the day the walks become quite regular with the same faces and aslong as I am not walking over 6 then there is usually a space should I suddenly get asked for a last moment walk.
Anyway, just ask when a question arises.
PS, what ways are you advertising outside of your website?
Hi Jamie,
Thank you for your reply, i have set up a free advert on yell.com, texted, Facebooked & emailed everyone i knew and i am in the process of printing out leaflets and business cards (as they were free with leaflets!)
Your explaination of payments is a good balance and idea, i have all my agreements and paperwork in place, just ready for a call…..
I am creating a Facebook page and have a discount on an advert (pay per click). Some friends have offered to take leaflets into local places of work and i am prepared to dish them out at parks, post offices, pet stores etc!!
I just need that first call….
Thanks x
Hi, your website has given me some really good advise. I’m moving away from my area and seeing it as a good chance to do something I’ve always wanted to do. I’m wanting to do a dog grooming course to eventually lead to setting up my own business after the yrs course. But in the meantime I was thinking of dog walking/sitting to help me bring in some money and also get experience on different dog breeds and temperaments. Do you think this is a good idea for me to do ? Getting basic dog first aid course is a good idea for me too.. where abouts normally do these courses? Thank you for reading .
Hi Gema!
If I was you I’d probably consider dog boarding to tide me over until I became a groomer. There is a dog groomer/dog boarder in my village and it works very well for her. I think you’ll get work easier that way. Otherwise dog owners will know if they choose you over someone else to walk their dogs they will have to find another dog walker in a year or just a matter of months when you become a groomer.
When I did my first aid course I contacted a local vet that had just started out and we agreed they’d offer me and other dog walkers a first aid course in exchange for a logo on our website saying that we have been trained by them.
Try here: http://www.animalaiders.co.uk/dogfirstaidcourses.html
Now if I was you, I’d get my website made already, right now! google likes websites that have age and gives them a certain level of authority that helps them rank better. So build your grooming website with all the pages and on the homepage say “coming soon”.
Jamie
Thanks for your reply. The problem I have is that I’ll be living with my boyfriends family for a few months until we get a place to rent. I’ll have to talk to them and see what they suggest. Do you know how many you can board at one time and do some people like to have the dogs in the house rather than outside? I’ll have to do some research and find out the answers to all my questions.
I’ll have a look at the first aid course site thank you.
The course I was looking at was a years course so that will give my website when I set it up plenty of time to get established .. as a yr goes pretty quick .
Thank you for your help
Gema
Hi Gemma!
Here’s a handy page for first aid: http://www.dogclub.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,6291.0.html
Pet owners are pretty loyal people so if you can get their pet while their still a puppy then you have a good chance having them for life, this is why new pet businesses should heavily promote their puppy services.
Anyway, if you do dog boarding, dog walking, puppy visits etc then many of these dogs will probably end up clients of your eventual grooming business too. I’d also offer reduced cuts to clients pets while you are training to become a groomer the way many people get low cost haircuts from trainee hair dressers. And once you have started grooming pro offer low cost (possibly free) cuts for puppies to help get people through the door.
I read you comment when out walking and have been thinking about it a bit more. Maybe boarding isn’t so right after all but if you wanted to do it then I’d just board a few dogs max at any one time, maybe even just one at a time – you never know what dog your getting and part of the reason why I only board clients dogs. In my area it’s around £15+ per night but check out you local area for prices.
For the time being maybe it would be wise to try offering a few services from dog walking to boarding, cat visits and especially promoting puppy services etc and see what takes off.
Jamie
Forgot to ask if you know how much the lady charges for each dog that she boards .
Thank u
Thank you that really helped. I have two German sheps of my own and I think more of them than I do humans sometimes. And I have a real understanding of how ppl feel about there animals. I’ll take into consideration your advise .
Thank you very much for replying and helping me
Gema
Hi Jamie,
Really informative blog, thank you! I am thinking very hard about a general dog walking/ home help business. However I have a 2 year old daughter who attends nursery but only part time. I will be doing a day a week at uni from next month too. So I really only want to/ can be available a couple of days a week. Do you think this is of any use to dog owners? I was thinking mon and thus. Or do people wnt their dogs walking every day?
Thank you in advance!
Matilda x
Hello Jamie,
Many thanks for your helpful comments. I have run a successful homeboarding business for three years. I have decided to wind this up mainly because my teenage children are fed of over excited dogs in their home. As I enjoy the dogs I have decided to embark on a dog walking/pet visit service. One main problem – we live in a rural community and to bring in business I’m going to have to travel on average between 3-5 miles between each village. Would you charge a flat rate plus milege? I take on board your comments about time and travelling and am doubting if its going to be worth while. On average how far would you be prepared to travel before adding a milege charge? Many thanks, Jules
Hi Jules
The furthest I travel is 2-3 miles and I hope to soon cut that down to a maximum of 2 miles in the future. When I started the furthest away dog was over 6 miles away but then I only had a few dogs a day so wasn’t constrained by time. After a year I had to give up that town as I got more local dogs.
I’m not aware of any dog walker who charges mileage except those advertising trips to vets/groomers etc.
Just remember most want that lunchtime slot so travelling from town to town means you may only get one to two walks. You could either set a slighly higer rate for all dogs or charge different towns/villages slightly different prices.
But since you are experienced in dog boarding and known for it why not slightly change your service from boarding to doggy day care – the kids might not be that keen on dogs in house but at least they all are home for 6pm everynight. It might prove to be financially a lot more profitable as customers all come to you and dog sitting prices (drop offs open from 7am and last collections 6pm) you can charge somewhere between £12 – £20 per dog in my area!
Quite a lot of dogs hate being on their own so you could offer this as an alternative to dog walking and also a great way to promote it would be to offer very cheap rates for puppy owners to help get clients through the door.
Hi Matilda!
Yes, I think you can be of use to dog owners. You won’t be able to help the typical working owner who needs a dog walker 5 days a week, but many of the dogs I walk aren’t those people, they are retired people who like to have their dog to get a big walk 2-3 times a week or others who work at home and stay at home mums who want their dog to get a couple of walks a week running alongside their doggy friends.
When I walk dogs just twice a week they are nearly always Tuesdays and Thursdays, the three day a week dogs are Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
So I’d promote yourself to people like the elderly. Get leaflets made and place them wherever old people congregate, eg outdoor bowling clubs, libraries, post offices, churches etc offering a lower rate. If you can get a few elderly clients through the door you’d probably find that word of mouth would get you known pretty quick amongst the retired!
Jamie
Hi Jamie,
Thank you so much for the reply. Thats interesting, I will get down to that bingo hall! Its so hard trying to fit anything round childcare and studying.
Thanks again
Matilda
Hi jamie
Just starting up my dog walking business and your hints were really helpful!! you should consider a business in consulting aswell!! thanks very much and your on the favourites bar now for sure!!!
Thanks Ruth and good luck with your business!
Hi Jamie, What a fantastic blog! I am setting up my own dog walking business in Dunfermline and this is the best advice I have found. I guess there is no better way to find out the realities than from the horse’s mouth. I am off to contact my local dog trainer, Disclosure Scotland, get some insurance set up and find out about Doggy First Aid in my area. You are doing a great job and I wish there were more like you, prepared to share their experiences. I volunteer at Second Chance Kennels Fife, so have experience of caring for dogs of all ages, shapes and sizes. Thanks again and keep up the good work. PS – I will try out your liver doggy treat recipe on my dog, Snuggy the Wonder Dog:-)
Hi Carol! Thanks for your kind comments, i hope you can make some use of my experiences! Anyway, I’m sure working in the kennels will have given you some excellent experience with dogs and contacting you local trainer will help loads. Good luck with your business.
Ps, I like your website!
Glad you like my web-site. I worked in IT for 20 plus years so picked up some tips. I have decided to change the business name to Wagtime Pet Care. I was going to call it Itchy Paws but my Dad thought it sounded like Itchy B*ws hehehe, didn’t want to make anyone scratch their nether regions. Hope it is not snowing on your side of the country, the weather is atrocious here but I still took Snuggy to Aberdour beach – it was deserted! I’ll let you know how I am getting on and will be sure to update you on what Snuggy thinks of your liver treats. Thanks again, Carol
Haha! Wagtime sounds great! It’s been dry here today but freezing winds keeping everyone indoors!
I look forward to hearing how things go!
Very informative site, big thank you on sharing your tips and ideas and essential information. I live in a rural part of scotland and looking to start up a dog walking service and the info and advise you give is an excellent start and a huge help in me making a to do list to make my service workable, affordable (for me and the dog owner) and most of all fun for the pooches!!!!
Thanks Shona and good luck!
Hi, Jamie ,
I have been reading about you and your business and think that you have courage to start with nothing. I was made redundant and have been on JSA for 9 months I have always wanted to start a dog business and have experience of handling and looking after pets. What I would like to know is how long did it take to have a wage to live on because some people on differet pet sitting sites say it takes years to earn money from this. It seems slow to start any comments would be helpful and great website well done!!
Hi Tina!
Depends a quite a few things really. How much in demand dog walkers are in your area, how well and how much you advertise, what services you offer and if you’re likeable and friendly people will more likely recommended you more that those that aren’t!
I’d say if I was to start again and making a livable wage in 2 years I’d be happy!
This time of year people are thinking about or planning their summer holidays and since I recently added dog boarding to my list of services I’ve been getting quite a bit extra work and income from that even though I restrict my boarding to clients only. If you are prepared to do boarding then this is a great time of year advertise.
Thanks Jamie , I live in a village in Devon was your work slow in the beginning and how long did it take you to have work to keep you going ? . Thanks for great advice and site .
Well, probably over a year for me. But I can’t say how exactly it will be for you. Last year I went a four month spell without getting any new dogs, that’s with having stickers on car, leaflets, website and being known. If I happened to have started and went 4 months without getting any dogs I’d surely of packed it in. But saying that in November I think I got 5 new dogs in that month so you just don’t know how it’s gonna be.
If you are going to do it then get really aggressive when it comes to marketing and commit to the business, get known en mass to the village straight away and get to know as many doggy owners as you can by visiting all the dog walking hot spots.
Get a part time job doing something like driving for your local takeaway which still leaves the daytime free for dog walking.
Thanks Jamie for your reply and have taken on board what you have said and thanks for your honesty
Hi there.
I am a dog walker and also do sitting. When I sit I do 3 visits a day with walkies and feed when required. Do you ever have times when owners are away and they expect you to leave the dog alone overnight in their house? It is something I do not believe in, however, we do not have a licence to board at our house yet.
Contact you local council about getting a license. It should be quite easy to find out online, some councils don’t even require one ..for now! I have a couple of dogs from same home who get left alone during the night, but they very rarely need walked by me – maybe a couple of times a year. Usually if owners are out overnight, I usually stay there or dogs stay with me.
Hi Jamie
May I first say, your kind advise that you offer to everyone is incredibly generous and so helpful.
I made your dried liver today, and wow, for the first time ever one of dogs is more interested in treats than the environment around him.
My partner runs her own dog walking and pet sitting business. I was interested in whether you set up your own website because I would love to do her webpage for her, and I really like how well you have laid yours out and made it so easy to use.
Regards
Hama
Hi Hama!
Thanks for your nice comments! I did make my own website. It’s defo worth doing it yourself rather than getting a friend to do it as you have more control over it.
Hi Jamie
Thank you for your quick response. I’ll give it a go, and once again thank you so much for all the help you give on your site.
hi jamie,just about to be made redundnt,been thinking of being a dogwalker/trainer for sometime,maybe this is that time,just found your site while researching,fantastic site so much info and honesty,lots to digest,many many thanks,good luck for the future.
Thanks Brian and sorry to hear about your redundancy. It’s all too common nowadays and one of the great things about being self employed is that you can’t lose your job, you can only lose a customer.
If you go for it then I wish you all the best and I have a few peeps who read this post and recently took the plunge and they stay in contact so if you have any queries then please feel free to ask…
Hi Jamie,
First off thank you so much for this article, it really is fantastic and I’ve taken plenty of notes and saved this website in my favourites
I’ve recently been made redundant, Saturday 6th April in fact, and I’m having no luck with finding another job, full time or part time and have been thinking about starting to do dog walking. I live in a small town in Solihull in the Midlands and theres not many dog walkers that are actively advertised so thought I might give it a go.
I have a dog of my own so have experience at dog handling.
The town is generally full of older people that might struggle walking their dogs daily and young families that might be too busy with children than walking their dogs.
My partner is also unemployed and we want to venture into this together while still actively seeking employment, this means we can handle more dogs and one can do a group walk while one does individual walks.
We are thinking of setting up a joint bank account for us to add equal funds, take correct wages out of and for anyone that wishes to direct debit into it rather than using one of our own personal accounts, would this be a good idea?
Weekend jobs are easier to get so I was thinking of getting a weekend job and dog walking during the week, but do you get more customers wanting their dog walked during the weekend or weekday? I would imagine most people have weekends off work so wouldn’t need their dogs walked?
Also what contract is needed for customers? Is one strictly needed? If it is then would there be any possibility of you sending me a draft?
Thanks for any help! Really appreciated.
Hi Jennifer! Example contracts are available to download at the bottom of the post (but above the comments).
I have a seperate business bank account. Quite handy for me, can’t say if its a real importance though. I use Santander but watch out for their charges they are nasty for it!
Pretty much all your work will be weekday and lunchtime. You say you and your partner could walk dogs, one doing group walks and the other solo, but I’d say it would probably be more profitable if one did the walking and one did daycare/dog boarding at home as that is a lucrative market in itself – about £15 -£20 + per night per dog for boarding and about £10-£15+ for daycare!
From a business point of view a partnership has real potential to make £1000+ a week if done well!
Jamie
Oh yes I’ve just seen that! I’ll just have a look at that now.
Would we have to use a business account or could we use a normal joint account as we are planning on storing any extra money in there for our future (place to live, children, etc.).
We don’t live together yet so dog boarding wouldn’t be possible, or do you mean dog sitting while customers are at work and going to their house to check up on their loved ones?
Hi Jen!
I meant dog boarding but if you not living together then I’d still consider one person doing dog walking while other does something else. For example what about puppy visits, they soon grow and around 6-8 months old are ready for big walks. Other things like cat visits for those going away etc. But upto you. It’s just that at first you are both gonna be walking one dog between you or maybe two and therefore one of you may as well be attracting other forms of pet care. A cat visit can only be 10 mins but can pay £5+ and most want their cat visited twice a day. Small animal boarding for hamsters etc…
Thanks for the reply Jamie, what is involved in puppy visits?
I understand what you mean, we both should be doing all we can to promote ourselves and get more income.
Puppy visits are a great service and ideal for the new pet care business. Young pups are too young to be walked for the hour or be given group walks so I offer two visits a day for puppy owners. When I started it was two 30 min visits around 10am and 2pm so they were never alone too long. Before I knew it pups grew up and were on big walks with the other dogs. All the pups I’ve got are by far my best dogs as from when they were young they learnt what being walked in groups is all about. Experienced and busy dog walkers can’t afford the time to offer puppy visits so thats where you already have an edge over the competition.
Oh is it the same as normal dog walking but for puppies and only for half an hour? Or do you just spend half an hour with a puppy and play with it?
It sounds like a good plan, sorry for all the questions!
Many puppy owners don’t like the thought of leaving their puppy at home all day on their own so a couple of visits a day brings peace of mind to owner as well as breaking up day for puppy. For pups still going through their innoculations then it will be home and garden visits only, but as they get a bit older you can take them on short walks and even with a group dogs to help them get socialised and learn the ropes of being walked in a group at a young age.
All your best dogs will most likely be the ones you had as pups so consider giving reduced rates to begin with while you building client base.
Hi jamie.
Out of intrest what times during the day do you choose to walk your dogs. I know most people like their dogs to be walked around the middle of the day. I was thinking any dog walking could be done between the hours of 11-3.30 do you think that would be enough time lets say if i had 3 groups of 4 dogs to walk, so would mean picking them up walking them for an hour and dropping them home too. Sometimes the groups could be bigger or smaller and could be that i have all dogs literally on the same road as eahcother which would mean picking them up and droppiung them off would be easier. Or do you think its something i will have to look into once i have acutally got dogs to walk?
Sophia
Hi Sophia! My groups walks start at around 11am,12:30pm and 2pm. These are rough times. Deciding what walk each dog goes on depends on when the owners get home. Those that get home early or kids get home from school will go on 11am walk. 12:30 walk for folks who come home around 5-6pm and 2pm walk for those who get home late. Of course the walks are also contain dogs whose owners may be in or don’t mind when their dogs get walked and then I will decide how they get walked by where I am, what their dog is like etc.
If you dont work in too large an area then you should get 3 walks in your 11am to 3:30pm slot no problem but just remember pretty much half your day is in the car.
Just take into consideration that you just don’t know where you will get your dogs and they could be quite a distance. It’s all about being as efficiant as possible.
But I wouldn’t worry about that just yet, things will all fall into place, just worry about how you are gonna get those dogs in first place!
Hi Jamie, this was a great read! Everything you mentioned I had already planned on doing, so it makes me feel happy that I was planning along the right route!
I’m not sure if I’ve possibly skimmed this but the one thing I can’t seem to find out about is the best way to take payment. Should I ask for payment when I am visiting the owner and their dog/s, or ask them to leave it somewhere to collect when I pick up their dog? Would you recommend setting up something like a standing order with the permanent clients?
Many thanks,
Pearl Ward
Hi Pearl and thanks for your comments!
It’s upto you how you want to be paid. For me I ask that I am paid on the last walk of the week, so usually that’s Friday. Usually money is left for me as they at work but I have quite a few who clients who transfer the money into my bank account which I prefer.
Thanks for the reply Jamie. Just another quick question. You mentioned you have an estate, this is the sort of car I was planning to get also, how do you safely get all of the dogs you are walking into the car? Do you use crates/partitions?
I have dog guards behind the front headrests and in the boot. Also for some I have seatbelt harness to secure some dogs. My estate is getting replaced this week by (hopefully) a citroen berlingo.
Thanks jamie
Sophia
Hi there,
Just wanted to reiterate what everyone else had said really and say thanks as this page has some interesting hints and tips on it! I have just about got my website done (feel free to have a look!) and hope to have an official start date of 13/5/13!
My business is not just dog walking but pet care too, including horses, reptiles, fish, cats and small animals. I lost my job in February and thought it the ideal time to do what I had always wanted to which was work with animals.
I was just wondering, I know the law dictates the dog should have an identity tag on the collar. As I know many owners do not have this I was going to get some of my own with my details on and attach them so that at least they had some contact details should thy get away. How do you cover this legality? DO you ensure all dogs have tags of their own before walking?
Thanks
Hi Emma! Thanks for your comments! Love your website, very nice and much better than the majority out there! But I’d make sure you add you location of work so visitors know and Google knows where to list you on search results. If you go to my homepage you see the Title the very top of the browser that it shows my business name + “Pet care for Renfrewshire”, by adding location alongside my pet services Google knows what services I offer and where so then knows when and where to put me on local search results. Check out your competition and you’ll see most have done similar. U listed on Google maps?
Regarding dog tags, I just let them know the law requires it, I’ve never had a problem with owners supplying tags for their own dogs.
Jamie brilliant website..I am looking to become a dog walker and your info has really helped..thank you so much. I am about to look into insurance etc just wondering where to start …
Hi Julie-Ann! Thanks! For dog walking insurance the two biggest I know of are Cliverton and Pet business insurance.
http://www.cliverton.co.uk/
http://www.petbusinessinsurance.co.uk/
Hi Jamie, some time ago I commented on your blog. I have been following your advice and hopefully will be launching my business at the end of the month. I see from your facebook page you have got a new set of wheels . Can I ask why you went for a people carrier rather than van version of the Berlingo. have you kitted it out with cages? Please like my Facebook page Wagtime Pet Care – Fife if you get a moment. I was also wondering what approximately is your monthly spend on fuel? This is one of the known unknowns for my business plan. Thanks again for a great blog, Carol
Hi Carol! The estate I had before was a bit of a lemon. I bought it for £1400 and in a year spent around £3500 on repairs. So a few weeks ago when suddenly it wouldnt start, then would start but not stop and the computer in engine bay began smoking I scrapped car and got another car as quick as possible which was the berlingo! I’m quite happy with it not being a van as the back seat helps partition the dogs from the boot – I also use the back seats as a secondary boot with another dog guard behind the front seat head rests. A couple of dogs I have are potentially very unfriendly while in car but ok outside so I need a partition otherwise I’d need cages. I have ordered a tailgate gaurd from Barjo, google that to find out more…
My fuel costs are around £240 a month!
Thanks for the info Jamie. Hope you have better luck with this one! Will do more investigation this week into transport. Currently have a mini which would be ok if I only walk chihuahuas and yorkies! Think might go for Berlingo van but need to find out if used or new leased one best. FYI…If you lease you can offset full amount against tax. Re. fuel – gulp…I thought estimating £50 a week was excessive! I will look into fuel efficiency whilst I am at it;-)
I’ll be interested to know how you get on!
Hi thanks for all your great advice. I am wanting to start my own dog walking business but I am unsure about giving up my secure full time job. I was thinking about testing the waters by offering weekend dog walking service to get my name out there. Do you think this would work or do you think it would give client the impression I am not taking the job seriously? I really appreciate your help.
I think ‘testing the waters’ is a very good idea in your case you have a full time job at risk. Dog walking, especially in groups isn’t that easy and with one unresponsive dog in the pack it can be not much fun, so try getting work at weekends and see if you like it or not. There’s plus’s and minus’s to dog walking as well as being self employed/employed by another.
If and when you go pro then the ‘mon-fri and 9-5′ peeps are gonna be your main clients as they need a dog walker, but as of yet just working weekends means you can get work from them. For that reason, for you, I’d target the elderly. Offer cheap walks to get clients through the door of this trial period. The reason I’d target the elderly is that many have dogs, not fit enough to give them exercise and are flexible.
So the question is where do the old folk hang out in your area and how you gonna get them?
Hi there,
I have been reading your comments with interest and I would like to ask, do you think potential clients are more inclined to contact a dog walking service who are registered ie: National Association of Registered Pet Sitters or the Association of Professional Dog Walkers? I am setting up a dog walking service and can’t decide if the registration fee will add any value to the business.
Many thanks.
Hi Hazel! I think beginner dog walkers are more tempted to sign up for these associations hoping it would help them look professional but I don’t know any dog walker on it. Being a member doesn’t make you a good dog walker, neither does it or should it offer clients reassurance, only dog walkers are aware of this organisation.
As far as I’m concerned it’s just a money making exercise by those that own NARPS.