business plan dog walking uk

Small Business UK

Advice and Ideas for UK Small Businesses and SMEs

How to start a dog walking business

A dog walking business is a great way to get outdoors

For those who love pooches and want to set up a dog walking business, check out this guide to learn more about how to do it

Starting a dog walking business sounds appealing: fresh air, loads of pups, socialising with other dog owners.

Could it be for you? Let’s find out.

Why should I start a dog walking business?

If you love dogs, there’s nothing more idyllic than spending your day with them while getting to know lots of other doggos (and their owners) in the neighbourhood.

It’s great for fitness too. Walks tend to be 60 minutes long and with around three or four walks a day, that’s a fair amount of ground covered, plus a cracking workout.

As you can call your own hours, a dog walking business is easy to fit into your schedule if you have a part-time job, are a student or have caring responsibilities. What’s more, it can add a sense of purpose to your life, doing something that you love.

>See also: 6 best small business ideas for 2023

Any drawbacks?

Though you can set your own hours, you’re likely to have to work around your clients’ schedules which could mean some early morning starts as well as evenings.

It’s a lot of exercise, but that means you need to be in decent shape from the off. Depending on how many walks you do and how long they are, they could be more demanding than you think.

How much can I earn with a dog walking business?

Directline research says you could earn £22,044 a year but if you’re reasonably busy you can earn as much as £26,000 a year.

As for how much you should charge for an average walk, take a look at what others in your area are charging. It can be £25 per walk in affluent areas, but more likely £5-£25 in a town or city. Jobs site, Indeed, says the average income is £9.86 per hour.

Small Business Pro is the ideal tool for you when you’re starting your business. It will help with the heavy lifting of managing customers, taking payments, insurance, finance and HR, plus you’ll get a host of personal wellbeing benefits.

You can find out more about Small Business Pro here .

What do I need?

Registering your business with HMRC is essential, of course. Find out more at the Government website. If you haven’t already, sort out your branding first. Create a memorable name and logo.

You don’t need any formal qualifications to be a dog walker, but there are courses you can do to build confidence in your clientele and potentially charge them more.  

In England, City and Guilds delivers the following courses:

• Level 2 Certificate of Technical Competence in Dog Walking
• Level 2 Certificate of Technical Competence in Pet Sitting
• Level 2 Certificate of Technical Competence in Animal Health, Husbandry and Handling
• Level 3 Certificate of Technical Competence in Animal Nutrition

There are no equivalents in Scotland and Wales, but the National Association of Pet Sitters & Dog Owners (Narps) has some of its own courses. Even becoming a member can help boost the credibility of your business.   

It’s worth learning animal first aid and going more in-depth to learn about dog behaviour to make life easier on the job.

On top of that, a Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check will give clients some relief about your background and reassure them that you’re trustworthy. Some organisations include a DBS check as part of their membership and, if the time ever comes to hire employees, it’s worth doing a DBS check for them.

Anna Jordan

Anna is Senior Reporter, covering topics affecting SMEs such as grant funding, managing employees and the day-to-day running of a business. More by Anna Jordan

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Setting up a Dog Walking Business

All you need to know about starting and running your business.

In this article

What is a Dog walking Business?

A dog walking business involves you walking other people’s dogs. You will usually collect the dog from the owner’s house, walk it for a pre-arranged amount of time and then return the dog to the house.

You may walk the dog while the owner is out of the house, meaning you will need to have a key or some other way of accessing the house. An owner may grant you access to their house so you can walk their dog while they are at work, running errands, or are away from their home.

Alternatively, the owner may be at home but unable to walk their dog for another reason, such as poor mobility, being ill or elderly, or because they are busy. In this case, they may invite you into the house so you can get the dog ready for their walk, or they may hand their dog over to you at the door.

You may choose to walk one dog at a time or walk multiple dogs together.

You may choose to walk multiple dogs at one time if:

• You feel confident to do so.
• The demand in your area is high enough.
• The dogs come from the same household or behave well with other dogs.
• You are able and strong enough to lead multiple dogs at once.
• The dogs you walk are sociable and don’t pose a risk to one another.

As a dog walker, you can choose to operate as an independent business owner or work as part of a larger or already established dog walking business. As your business grows, you may decide to employ other dog walkers.

You may offer dog walking sessions that last between half an hour and two hours. You can decide whether to price your services per half an hour or hour.

The UK is a nation of dog lovers, with approximately a third of households having a pet dog. Many dog owners employ the services of a dog walker to ensure their dog is getting enough exercise and attention even if their owner is unable to consistently provide them with this.

Dog walking businesses are particularly popular during the day, Monday–Friday. However, as some people who employ your services may work shifts, or at weekends, or may be unable to walk their dogs for other reasons, it may also be profitable to operate your business in the evenings and at weekends.

You may have regular clients who employ your services at scheduled times every day or week. Alternatively, some clients may be ad hoc and you may only walk their dogs intermittently, for example, if they are working late or have an event to attend.

The peak hours for walking dogs are usually between 11 am and 3 pm. However, having flexibility in your time availability can be attractive to your clients.

To be a dog walker you will need to be physically fit and strong as you must be able to lead and control the dogs you walk. As dogs sometimes run away, eat things they shouldn’t or even become involved in fights or shows of dominance with other dogs, you will also need to have good recall and authority over the dogs you walk.

To ensure your dog walking business succeeds, you will need to ensure you find customers that trust you. Many people consider their dog to be a member of their family and will therefore be unlikely to leave their dog in the care of someone they do not trust and who doesn’t have the appropriate licences and experience.

As you may also be given a key or offered access to your clients’ homes, trust, respect and displaying responsibility are also important. Having positive reviews online can also be advantageous.

If you think you have the skills above and you also have a love for dogs and a flair for business, starting up a dog walking business could be a great option for you. You don’t need any specific qualifications to become a dog walker. However, knowledge and experience of dogs are a necessity.

Types of Customers

The types of customers who will be targeted by your dog walking business will be dog owners who live in your local area. However, not all dog owners utilise the services of a dog walker.

You are most likely to receive business from dog owners who:

• Do not work at home.
• Work long hours.
• Have a breed of dog that requires more exercise (such as Labradors, Dalmatians and Border Collies).
• Have a younger dog with high energy levels.
• Have an illness or injury that temporarily prevents them from walking their dog.
• Have a lack of mobility.
• Have a long-term health condition or injury that means they are unable to walk their dog.
• Are elderly.
• Are not strong enough to lead or control their dog.
• Have a busy family life (for example, with young children).

Equipment You Will Need

A dog walking business has very few equipment requirements. The lack of equipment requirements makes this type of business a low-investment, low-risk enterprise.

Your clients will likely provide their dogs’ harnesses, collars and leads for you to use. Although, if you are walking multiple dogs at one time, you may choose to purchase a two-dog or three-dog leash, so you are not holding multiple leashes of different shapes and sizes at the same time.

Although some of the equipment on this list may not be a necessity, it can help to set your dog walking business apart from others and make it more attractive to potential customers.

Some equipment you may need for your dog walking business includes:

These are a must-have for every dog walker. As you will be using numerous bags a day, purchasing biodegradable bags helps your business to be more environmentally friendly. Biodegradable doggy poop bags can be purchased for as little as £1 for 100 bags.

Treats can be useful if one of the dogs you walk needs a little extra encouragement to follow your instructions. Treats are especially helpful if you allow the dogs to be off-lead or if you walk a dog that is unfriendly to other dogs or people. Choose healthier treats and make sure the dogs you walk don’t have any allergies. Treats can be purchased for £1 a pack.

Balls and other chasing toys

Many breeds of dogs, including Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Border Collies, English Springer Spaniels and Whippets, love to chase balls and other toys. If there is an enclosed field, park or other space where you can safely let the dogs off the leads, taking dog toys with you is a great way to keep the dogs entertained and ensure they get enough exercise. Dog toys usually cost between £1 and £10. Choose toys that are sturdy and are likely to last longer.

Portable water bowls

These can be filled up during your walk to ensure the dogs are staying hydrated. They are particularly useful in the summer when temperatures are higher. Portable bowls retail for approximately £5. Ensure the bowls are BPA free.

Clip-on lights

These can help keep both you and the dogs safe if you are walking them in the dark. In the winter months, the sun sets much earlier, meaning it is highly likely that at least some of the walks will take place in the dark. These LED lights can be clipped onto the dogs’ harnesses or collars and retail for approximately £5.

A good pair of walking shoes

As you are walking for several hours per day, a good pair of walking shoes is a necessity. They can keep your feet warm and dry in bad weather and offer you good support. Prices can vary significantly depending on the brand of shoes you choose.

A website is useful for advertising your business. It should contain your contact information, experience, customer reviews and could also have an appointment booking system. Design your website to include your business logo and to reflect your branding.

A mobile phone

Potential and existing clients will need to be able to contact you to make appointments and to share any necessary information about their dogs. You could also take photos of the dogs on your walks and send them as updates to your clients. The cost of a mobile phone can vary significantly, depending on the make and model, but you can expect to pay at least £100.

Business cards and flyers

These can be used for advertising purposes. You can post them through letterboxes, display them in local shops, cafes and veterinary clinics and hand them out to potential clients. Business cards and flyers are a fairly affordable marketing tool and can cost between £15 and £200 for 500. The price can vary depending on the material used, the quality of the finish and the design.

You will have access to more clients if you are not limited to those who live within walking distance of you. Your vehicle will need to have space to safely transport the dogs, for example, by having a crate or boot gate in the back, or space for a pet carrier. The cost of a vehicle can vary, depending on whether it is new or used, and the make and model of the vehicle.

Typical Pricing

A dog walking business will have very few start-up costs and running costs. Compared to other pet-related businesses, dog walking has very low typical costs.

However, being aware of the typical costs you can expect to pay is an important part of creating your business plan. It can also help you to plan your pricing strategy.

Some of the typical costs associated with a dog walking business are:

As mentioned above, equipment costs for your dog walking business are relatively low. Your equipment start-up costs should be between £30 and £200, although if you also purchase a vehicle, your costs will be significantly higher.

Replenishing equipment

You can expect to pay between £10 and £20 per month replenishing equipment such as poop bags and treats. You will likely only need to replenish your toys, business cards and flyers once or twice a year.

Branding is a great way to make your business stand out, especially if you are competing with other dog walkers in the area. Branding could include creating your business’s visual identity, a logo, business name, your business website and your brand message. You can hire a professional to help you with branding or do some of the work yourself. Branding can cost between £500 and £5,000, depending on how much input you require.

Advertising and marketing

Advertising for your business may seem costly, however, it can help ensure the success of your dog walking business, especially when your business is in its first year of operation. Advertising can help you to gain clients and to become recognisable in your local community. It is recommended that you spend no more than 10% of your annual revenue on advertising costs.

Dog walking businesses may require specific types of insurance. This could include Care, Custody and Control Cover, Public Liability, Non-Negligent Cover, Equipment Cover, Loss of Keys Cover, and Employers’ Liability Cover. You can expect to pay between £6 and £50 per month for insurance.

Running costs

As you will not have premises to run, your running costs will be very low. If you utilise a vehicle, you will have to consider the costs of petrol, vehicle tax, vehicle insurance, and MOTs and services. You may also have to pay the monthly costs associated with running your business.

You may choose to hire staff as part of your dog walking business. You can choose to hire your staff as employees and pay them an hourly wage (a minimum of £9.50 per hour for staff aged 23 or older), plus benefits such as holiday pay and sick pay. Alternatively, you can hire other dog walkers as freelancers, whereby they give you a portion of their earnings or pay you a set figure every month to operate as part of your business.

Once you have determined your typical costs, you can then create your pricing strategy. You can choose to charge per half an hour or hour.

On average, dog walkers in the UK charge between £9 and £18 per dog, per hour, although some dog walkers charge as little as £5 and others as much as £25.

If you are walking more than one dog from the same household, you may offer a discount.

Dog walking businesses charge different prices depending on:

• The area they operate in.
• The demand in your local area (the higher the demand, the more you can charge).
• Whether the owner wants the dog to be walked alone.
• If you have taken any additional training courses.
• If you offer extra services such as feeding or cleaning the dog.

Safely Running a Dog Walking Business

Safely running your dog walking business helps to protect the health and safety of your doggy customers, you, and the general public.

Ensuring safe practices in your business is essential. Some ways you can safely run your dog walking business are:

Write a Dog Walking Service Agreement

This is a written agreement signed by you and your clients. It should summarise your services and responsibilities and include information about the dogs, your pricing, the length of time of the walk, any health conditions you need to be aware of and information regarding access to the home.

Obtain training and qualifications

Although training and formal qualifications are not a legal requirement, they can make you more attractive to potential clients and give your business credibility. Qualifications will also help you to keep the dogs in your care, and the general public, safe. Training related to dog care and dog walking may be particularly helpful.

Obtain the relevant insurance

You should have insurance that covers any accidents or injuries that happen in your care. For example, if the dog you are walking bites another dog. This could include Public Liability Insurance and Vet Reimbursement Cover.

Vaccination requirements

If you are walking multiple dogs at one time, it is recommended that you request proof of vaccination from their owners. You may ask dog owners to provide paper or electronic proof that their dogs are up to date with all vaccines. Even if you walk dogs individually, proof of vaccination status will help to protect your business as it can prevent disease or illness from spreading between the dogs you meet on your walks.

Flea and tick requirements

To prevent an outbreak of fleas, ticks or lice, ensure all the dogs are up to date in their flea and tick treatments. You could request proof that the dogs are up to date in their treatment or ask for verbal confirmation.

Be aware of any health conditions, illnesses, injuries or allergies

This is essential for protecting the health and safety of the dogs you walk. Ask your clients to document any conditions you need to be aware of when you first begin working together and then ask them to update you if there are any changes to their dog’s health.

Conduct risk assessments

Risk assessments are only legally required if you have more than five employees working for you. However, they are still recommended to protect the health and safety of everyone involved. Risk assessments should be conducted when your business first begins operating and then updated regularly.

Legal Requirements

When operating as a dog walker, it is essential that you comply with all legal requirements. Failure to comply could result in a fine or prosecution.

Some of the legal requirements you should be aware of are:

Obtain a DBS check

If you are using your clients’ keys and entering their homes, you will need a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. A basic DBS check costs £23 and you can apply online .

Clear up after the dogs

In line with the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 , cleaning up after the dogs you walk is legally required. Failure to clear up dog mess could result in a fine of up to £1,000. Always carry a large number of doggy poop bags so you never need to worry about running out.

Ensure the dogs are wearing a personalised tag or collar

Even though you are not the owner, you must make sure that the dogs you walk wear a collar or tag that details the owner’s name and address. A contact number is also recommended but is not a legal requirement.

Pay attention to dog restrictions

Your local council will put up signs if there is an area where dogs are prohibited from entering. This could include some parks or beaches. There may also be areas where you can walk dogs, but they must remain on the lead. Be aware that dogs must always remain on the lead when on a road or street. Failure to comply with these restrictions could result in a fine.

Keep the dogs under control

Under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 , all dogs must be kept under control at all times. This is to prevent dogs from injuring people or other animals. If you are walking a dog, ensure it does not jump up at people, show signs of aggression or hurt them in any way. Failure to comply with this Act could result in prosecution.

Protect livestock

Under the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953 , you will be judged guilty of an offence if a dog you walk worries livestock on agricultural land. This includes not being on a lead and chasing or attacking livestock.

Comply with regulations on the maximum number of dogs you can walk at one time

There is no national limit on how many dogs you can walk at once. However, each local council is responsible for setting its own limit. The majority of local councils set the limit at four dogs, although you may be able to apply for a special licence to walk more dogs. Contact your local council for more information.

Register as self-employed with HMRC

Running a dog walking business as an individual or as a self-employed person requires you to register with HMRC. You will need to register your business name and keep records of all your income, profits and expenses.

Positives of Owning a Dog Walking Business

Running a dog walking business can be extremely rewarding in a number of ways. Some of the main pros of dog walking are:

Get fit and active while you work

Your job means that you will be out walking every day, regardless of the weather. You will likely run multiple sessions per day, meaning you could be walking for several hours every day. This will help you to stay fit and active and can be extremely beneficial to your health.

Good for your mental health

Multiple studies have shown that dogs are good for your mental health . Even if you don’t have a pet yourself, dog walking can give you companionship, keep you active and help you to meet new people, all of which are good for reducing both stress and anxiety. Animals, and especially dogs, are considered to be therapeutic and spending time with them can have emotional and health benefits.

You can spend your days with dogs

Dog walking will sound like a dream job to many animal lovers. You can spend your days walking them, playing with them and getting lots of doggy attention.

Very low start-up costs and running costs

A dog walking business has very few equipment requirements and start-up costs. As you won’t have to pay overhead costs, such as water and electricity, and will have very few running costs, a dog walking business is a low-investment enterprise. This can make it much easier for you to make a profit.

High customer retention

Once many dog owners find a dog walker that they know and trust and their dog is comfortable with, they are highly unlikely to change to a different one. You will likely get return custom and even client recommendations.

Pick and choose the clients you work with

You can choose to take on as many or as few clients as you want. If you walk a dog that has behavioural issues or doesn’t socialise well with the other dogs you walk, you can cease working with them whenever you want, as a fixed contract will not apply.

Be your own boss

You can choose your working hours, decide how many days a week your business will operate and even determine your prices.

Rewarding work

Dog walking can be both financially and emotionally rewarding. You will be earning money from spending time with dogs. If you are an animal lover, making a profit from doing something you love is hugely rewarding.

Get to know your local community

Not only can you build great connections with your clients, but you will also meet many people when out walking the dogs every day. Dog owners are renowned for being very friendly and always stopping to talk. You will likely find yourself meeting the same walkers every day, giving you a great opportunity for socialising. Getting to know dog owners on your walks is also a great way to get you and your business well-known, they may even recommend you to other dog owners.

You can run your business full time or part time

Because you will be in control of your appointments, you can choose how little or often to work. You can run your business full time, or walk dogs part time, around another job or your home and social commitments.

Unlimited income potential

A dog walking business can be extremely lucrative, especially if you walk multiple dogs at the same time. You will also have the opportunity to expand your business by hiring other walkers in your area or expanding to other areas. This gives you the opportunity to earn an unlimited income.

Negatives of Owning a Dog Walking Business

However, there are some important negative aspects of owning a dog walking business that you should be aware of:

Dealing with clients directly can be difficult

Many people don’t realise that dog walking is a business. You might have to deal with late payments and cancelled and rescheduled walks regularly. Not only can this have a negative effect on your profits, but it can also be stressful.

Making your business succeed can be difficult

With more people than ever working from home, dog walking may be less popular than before the Covid-19 pandemic. Furthermore, if there are already successful dog walkers operating in your area, making your business succeed can be difficult.

You have to clean up after the dogs

Picking up dog poop is one of the worst things about dog walking. If you are walking multiple dogs at once, that means you could be cleaning up a lot of mess.

You may lose business if you take time off

Your clients will rely on you for regular dog walking, which is great for repeat business. However, if you need to take time off for a holiday or because you are ill, your clients may find a new dog walker, meaning you will lose business.

High liability

You will be responsible for the health and safety of the dogs you walk. If they eat something they shouldn’t, become injured, bite a person or another dog, or run away from you, you will be responsible. As dogs are much-loved members of their families, you could be dealing with angry owners or even receive a visit from the police.

Physically demanding

Dog walking can be physically demanding, as you will be walking so much every day. The strain of holding the leads and controlling the dogs could also result in wrist or arm injuries. You will also be taking part in manual handling activities such as repetitive movements and bending down which can result in musculoskeletal disorders and other injuries. As you will be on your feet and active for a lot of the day, this can be both physically demanding and tiring.

You will have to walk no matter the weather

If a dog owner has paid you to walk their dog, they will expect you do it whether it is raining, snowing or blowing a gale outside. Dog walking can be great in the summer, but much less enjoyable in the winter.

It can be stressful

Being solely responsible for the success of your business can be stressful. You will be responsible for finding clients, advertising, making appointments, taking payments and ensuring the health and safety of the dogs. This can be stressful. As you could also be in charge of locking and securing your clients’ homes, this extra responsibility can also be stressful.

Work can be inconsistent

There may be times when you have fewer dogs to walk. For example, during the summer and the school holidays, more people take time off work. This can result in inconsistent profits.

Planning Your Dog Walking Business

When starting up a dog walking business, an effective and well-designed business plan can help you to plan your business more efficiently and can help your business to be more successful.

When planning your business, there are some important considerations you will need to make:

Who will your target customers be?

Your target customers will likely be dog owners who live in your local area. Consider ways you can access your target customers and plan your advertising and marketing strategies accordingly.

How many dogs will you walk at one time?

Some of your clients may prefer you to walk their dog by itself. However, being able to walk multiple dogs at one time can help you to earn more money and maximise your profits. Consider the limits set out by your local council, your strength and fitness levels, and how many dogs you realistically think you can control and keep safe at one time.

What will your working hours be?

Are you going to work set hours every week or change your working hours based on demand? You should also decide if you are going to work weekdays and weekends. You may choose to only operate during the day or to also offer evening walks. Your working hours will impact the customers you are likely to attract.

What is your local competition?

Look at other dog walking businesses that operate in your area and how you can make yourself stand out. You should also make sure there is appropriate demand in your area that will allow your business to succeed.

What are your equipment requirements?

Look at the equipment list above to help you plan your requirements. Consider which equipment is necessary and which will help your business be more attractive to prospective customers.

What are your financial requirements?

Although a dog walking business is a low-investment enterprise, you should still be aware of what your potential start-up costs and running costs will be. This can help you to plan your pricing strategy and calculate your potential profits.

What is your pricing strategy?

Once you have calculated your running costs you can consider your pricing. Look at other dog walking businesses in your area and consider what prices are both competitive and offer you a good profit. You could also consider offering discounts for multiple dogs from the same household.

What are your business objectives?

Determining your business objectives can be a great way to ensure the success of your dog walking business. They can help you to grow your business. Business objectives are also key to creating your business plan.

Your business objectives should be SMART:

• S = Specific
• M = Measurable
• A = Achievable
• R = Realistic
• T = Time-bound

Check you have complied with all legal requirements.

Look at the list above to determine what legal requirements you must comply with. You must follow all guidelines and regulations every time you walk the dogs. Failure to comply with the legal requirements could result in a fine or prosecution.

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How To Start A Dog Walking Business

Are you looking for info on how to start a dog walking business ? Becoming a dog walker is undoubtedly a viable business venture to consider if you’re passionate about dogs.

Not only is dog walking in high demand, but the business also has a relatively low barrier to entry and is highly profitable, although it does come with its own risks. If you are searching for a profitable recession-proof venture going into 2023 and beyond, give dog walking some serious consideration.

Why Start A Dog Walking Business

Despite the recent coronavirus pandemic, it's clear that Brits haven't lost their appetite for pet products. A recent study shows Brits spent over £9 billion on pet-related products in 2021. The figures are expected to increase in 2023, in line with the drastic rise in pet ownership across the country since 2020.

These numbers are a strong indication that dog walkers are in high demand right now. Mainly because many people have returned to work in offices and have to leave their pets at home. There will also be increased demand for dog walking services over the summer months, while owners are away on holiday.

If you're genuinely passionate about dogs, then this may be the perfect business to start today.

Research Your Market

To become a successful dog walker, it is important to carefully research your market to understand which dog walking services are in demand. You can use the internet to research your competition and find out where the gaps are.

Typical questions to ask when assessing the market can include:

• Which areas do most dog walkers cover?
• What is the hourly rate of most dog walkers in my area?
• Are group walks in demand?
• What facilities are available? (Public parks, green spaces, and parking)

On of the fastest ways to find actionable advice on how to become a dog walker is to speak with local dog walkers. Most dog walkers are usually friendly and readily available for a chat, so you can take advantage of their experience and knowledge that may be valuable to your business. This is especially true if you seek feedback in an area you’re not planning to cover.

Calculate Startup Costs

Dog walking has some of the lowest startup costs out there. Dog walking insurance, registration and marketing are some of the expenses you'll incur as startup costs. Of all these expenses, it's marketing that takes up a considerable portion of your startup costs. Although you can also find inexpensive ways to market your business, and still be effective in attracting clients. Here are the primary expenditures you need to know at the beginning of establishing a dog walking business.

Dog Walking Insurance

It’s important to get appropriate dog walking insurance for your business. As an absolute minimum, your insurance plan should include:

• public liability insurance
• animal accidents and injury insurance
• loss of animal cover

Public liability insurance protects you if something your business does causes harm to someone or damages their property. Accidents and injury insurance will cover dogs in your care for any accidents or injuries that may occur. Loss of animal insurance will help cover costs in the event a dog in your care is lost or stolen.

There may be other things you should consider insuring against depending on how you operate, such as loss of keys (belonging to a client), or theft of your business equipment. If you employ someone (even if they help you out for free) you will need employers’ liability insurance.

Expect to pay around £80 to £150 per year on insurance. If you are not sure what kinds of insurance you need, speak with a reputable pet business insurer.

Criminal background check

Although not compulsory, this is one of those costs you cannot avoid if you want to grow your clientele. You should also get yourself DBS checked. This is a criminal records check, which you can apply for online . This is important for potential clients, who don’t know you and with whom you will need to build trust.

Expect to spend around £18 to acquire a standard DBS check.

Having an online presence for your dog walking business is essential to reach your target audience. Thid includes:

• Having a professional website
• Optimising your website for search engines
• Promoting your dog walking business with paid ads
• Keeping your blog active
• Being a member of the main professional dog walking directories on the internet
• Posting on the top social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
• Some local Facebook groups allow small businesses to advertise so can be an effective way to reach local dog owners

Distributing flyers and business cards is also an effective way to target clients locally. On average you can print 5,000 flyers for around £100. If you own a van, some business branding, such as van livery with your business name and contact details is also an effective way to promote your business.

Having profiles on key business directories like Yelp can help create trust with your customers. If you have positive customer reviews on such sites, you'll undoubtedly gain the confidence of people, and that means getting more clients for your business.

While you won’t need a lot of equipment, you will probably need a van suitable for transporting multiple dogs in. You should also think about how you are going to take bookings and payments. There is software available that can do this, and it doesn’t have to be expensive.

Some good walking shoes, spare leads and collars, dog treats, plenty of poo bags and proper outdoor wear (suitable for all weathers) are also requirements. In addition, consider whether you’ll need to have water and bowls in your van (if you have one) and old towels for drying off wet dogs.

Personalized dog walking gear can increase your visibility. Clothing such as waterproof winter parka, embroidered gilets, windbreakers, and hats are what you need to brand yourself as a professional dog walker. Expect to spend around £30 to £35 for professional quality gear.

Gain Skills and Experience

You don’t need formal training or qualifications to become a dog walker. However, it is important to have experience of handling dogs – not only for your safety and peace of mind, but also for your potential clients and their dogs.

Remember that dogs vary in size and temperament. You will need to understand canine behaviour and management, especially if you are walking more than one dog at a time.

At the start you can offer your services for free to gain some hands-on experience.

Taking a few courses on canine behaviour and first aid will not only improve your expertise but will reassure your clients that their dog is in safe hands. City & Guilds offer a range of level 2 and level 3 dog walking and pet care courses for around £30. Furthermore, the British College of Canine Studies provide a comprehensive Dog Walkers & Sitters Association certificate course for £129 and includes behaviour training, dog law and canine first aid.

Register Your Business

You can register your business with HMRC either as a sole trader, company, or partnership when starting a dog walking business. If you opt to register as a sole trader, you will be personally responsible for the debts incurred by your business. A limited company, on the other hand, shields you from being individually culpable of any liabilities in your business. As your company finances are separate from your personal funds. If you are unsure about starting a formal business, visit the official UK government website to learn more.

Know the Rules and Regulations

Adhering to the rules and regulations set by the UK government is essential if planning to start a dog walking business. If you don’t follow the rules to the latter, you could see your license cancelled.

The National Association of Petsitters and Dog Walkers, commonly referred to as NarpsUK , can help you know the rules and regulations the government wants you to follow. They also offer advice on how to start a dog walking business. Some of the rules you'll you need to know as a dog walker includes:

• Rules on meeting dog owners before the initial booking
• Restrictions on the number of dogs you can walk at a time
• Procedures for recording all work done
• Protecting customers personal information
• Ensuring dogs wear collars with the address and name of the owner
• Cleaning up dog poop to avoid hefty fines

Get Animal Boarding License

To start providing accommodation services for your client’s dogs in your home, you need an animal boarding license, and or pet sitting insurance if you wish to look after your clients' pets on their premises. Expect to pay around £300 to cover everything from start to finish, even though the prices can vary depending on location.

Alternatively, if you wanted to take things up a notch and make housing dogs a bigger part of your revenue stream you could consider setting up a dog kennel business .

Decide Your Pricing

On average most dog walkers in the UK earn between £10 to £20 per hour. Undoubtedly, your rates will vary depending on the location and the number of dogs you can walk at a time. Factors such as how many hours you're going to work, how much your competitors charge, your location, how many dogs you can walk at ago have a huge say on your hourly pricing.

Find Means of Transport

Based on the area to be covered, you may require reliable transportation to move dogs from one point to another. To use your car as a means of transportation, you'll have to adjust your insurance cover so that it works for your business. In addition, you'll have to gauge the size of your boot before you start transporting many dogs at once. In some cases, you may need to rent or buy a van if the number of dogs under your care increase.

Prepare Forms and Contracts

Having the right paperwork is essential if you are running pooch walking business. Dog walker should have contracts and forms to help avoid stressful scenarios that can occur when dealing with clients. Some of the forms you’ll get accustomed to as dog walker during your day-to-day dealings include booking forms, essential release forms, veterinary release, etc.

Dog walking is a popular and lucrative business idea. However, you have to be selective about the market you go after in order to find success. To find success in your market try doing things differently.

For example, positioning yourself as a dog walker who specializes in walking and caring for a specific breed of dogs, like bulldogs can pay off handsomely. Because dog owners with bulldogs will likely hire your dog walking services. In short, picking a small niche and sticking with it is the best way to break ground and start getting clients fast.

Reliable dog walking insurance providers

Finding an insurer you can trust, and who understands your business, is an important element when deciding on dog walking insurance.

As specialists in the provision of insurance to pet businesses for almost 20 years, you can be certain the service you receive from Pet Business Insurance is tried and tested, and that we understand your dog walking business needs.

To discuss your insurance requirements, get in touch with Pet Business Insurance today. Call 01284 736 874 , or complete our online quote form .

Wrapping up

Starting a successful dog walking business can be your way to financial freedom. With low startup costs and high demand, this is a perfect business opportunity to start if you live in the UK. Use all the tips above to start a thriving dog walking venture today.

Pet Business Insurance Plumton Hall Whepstead Bury St Edmunds Suffolk IP29 4SU United Kingdom

Telephone: +44 (0)1284 736 874

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How to start a successful dog walking business (Updated for 2024)

When I started my dog walking business over a decade ago I took everything I’d learned from my 20 year career in sales and applied the techniques to my new business.

Some of them worked, and some were colossal failures and did not transfer well over to this industry. (Follow up phone calls to previous enquiries do. not. work. )

I’d worked in some high-pressure sales environments and that just doesn’t work with your average dog owner. In fact, I’d argue that the days of high-pressure sales techniques are unsuccessful in most industries in 2024.

It got me thinking. If I had to do it again, how would I start a dog walking business in 2024?

So this is what I’d do.

Click to skip to the step by step summary.

Table of Contents

Network with local, established, dog walkers

Contact your local dog walkers who have been running for a few years already. 

Most dog walkers will be happy to answer a few questions by email or DM is usually best then they can reply when they’re not busy.

Established walkers can give you an honest answer as to whether your area has enough work for you to be successful.

They’ll also be in a position to refer enquiries to you if their books are full. Having an experienced walker who likes you and thinks you’ll be great at the job can lead directly to you getting your first few clients.

What should I ask?

• Is there enough work in the area to make starting worthwhile?
• Is there a gap in the market that needs filling? (Maybe the area needs more walkers who offer solo walks or short walks)
• Is there any chance I could join you on a walk one day to gain some experience?

Research dog walk pricing locally

Most walkers have their prices freely available on either their Facebook business pages or websites.

It will vary depending on the area you’re in but you’ll soon see a pattern of what the normal charges are.

It’s really tempting when you first start to offer your services at a lower price but try not to.

If other walkers are charging, for example, £14 per hour for a group walk , that means the people in the area you’re in can afford that rate and are already paying that rate.

If you start offering walks for £10 then all that’s happening is those people who can afford and would have paid £14 are now paying £10 and you’ve reduced your potential income by almost 30%

Choose a business name

Think about who will be attracted to your business name when you’re deciding on what to call yourself.

People who call themselves ‘K9 boot camp or ‘Tuff Walks’ tend not to attract clients with Dachshunds and Bichon Frises. And ‘Fluffy pop-ins’ tend not to get many enquiries from Dobermann owners.

Once you’ve decided on your memorable business name , set up a Gmail account in that name for your email to keep it separate from your personal one, then sign up to all the social media accounts in that name that you possibly can. Even if you don’t intend to use them now, you may in the future.

Set up Facebook and Instagram first.

Why? Because your clients will be people of working age and these two social media accounts will overlap all age ranges.

70% of Facebook users in the UK are in the age bracket of 25 to 65 which will be your core demographic group.

54% of Instagram users are in the age bracket 18 to 34 and this will catch any non-Facebook users in this younger demographic. 

Get found on Google.

Websites can take time to show up on a Google search so instead of a website make sure your business shows up on google maps. When people search for dog walkers they will be shown their local map with all of your competitors on it. Don’t miss out!

Click for Google’s guide on how you add your business to Google maps.

Walk someone’s dog, a friend, a neighbour, or your own. Take some great photos of them having fun and put them on your socials.

There’s no need to say it’s your dog, or that you’ve just started, or that it’s unpaid. Make the walk look fun, make yourself look capable. These photos are advertising your business. Nothing frustrates me more than to see another walker using stock photos they found on the internet. Yes that spaniel with a forest background is beautiful but I’ve seen it on a dozen other websites and I know it’s not a dog you walk 🙂

Walk at busy local dog walking spots at times your potential clients will be there, i.e evenings and weekends. 

Be brave, chat with them, make a fuss of their dogs. Tell them you’re a dog walker and tell them your memorable business name. 

When I started I handed out business cards , but I think I still have most of them left ten years later. It’s much easier if you get them to follow you on social media whilst you’re talking to them. 

Take a canine first aid course

Having this certificate adds value to your services, most of your competitors will already have it and you really, really need to know what to do in an emergency situation.

Providing peace of mind to your clients is invaluable.

Click here to see our recommended canine first aid courses . (and keep the receipt, it’s a business expense !)

Get a DBS check.

Previously known as a CRB check (Criminal Records Bureau) this checks for a criminal record and provides you with a certificate that you can show clients.

Most of your clients are about to hand over the key to their home so it’s a way to reassure them about your past. 

Check out our post on how to get a DBS report and don’t get fooled into paying more than you have to by unscrupulous third-party websites.

Get insured

It makes sense to hold off starting your policy until your first dog books a walk, but if your first client wants to see proof let them know you’ll email it over to them later (giving you time to buy it).

Click to check out the UK’s most popular pet business insurance providers and why you should have a policy in place to protect yourself and your clients.

Write your contract

This can be tricky if you’ve never written one before but thankfully there are plenty of examples you can draw on from other pet sitters sites. 

Click here to see more information about contracts and our examples.

Have a Marketing Plan

For example, you could offer current clients a small discount or one free walk for each person they recommend you to and who books with you. 

Keep doing this until you’re half full for walks then let the word of mouth snowball roll along on its own.

Research other dog walkers’ business pages and social and see what they’re doing. Don’t just look locally for ideas, you don’t want to be accused of copying. 

Follow all the dog walkers from everywhere in the Uk and abroad. See their offers, watch how they interact on social media and the sorts of photos they post. Would their methods work for you? In your local area? With the sorts of places you walk? 

Prepare your vehicle

If you’re going to be transporting dogs, start to prepare your vehicle prior to getting your first client.

Add business use to your insurance policy, carriage of own goods is fine as the dogs themselves are covered by your business insurance.

Get a dog guard for your car to divide the front from the back or the back from the boot or both.

Don’t be tempted to buy a van straight away, and don’t buy crates yet.

Get clients first. Start walking one dog at a time, get to know the dogs then start pairing them as you get busier. 

Once you have too many clients’ dogs to fit in your car safely then upgrade to a van, a bigger car or further divide your car up with suitably sized crates .

Do you need a van to be a dog walker? Click to check out our article covering exactly that question.

A few don’ts that will save you time and money when starting out;

Business Wear

Do not have business logo t-shirts, hoodies or stickers made. It seems like a great marketing tool but in reality, very few people are reading the logo on your shirt whether you’re in the queue in Lidl6 or out walking dogs. 

Self-assessment

Don’t register as self-employed straight away. You have until the 5th of October in the following tax year to register, so if your business never takes off then you won’t have the hassle of shutting it down.

So the tax year in the UK ends on the 5th of April. If the start date of your business is between the 6th of April 2023 and the 5th of April 2024 then you have until the 5th of October 2024 to register as self-employed with the HMRC .

This makes sure that you’re all registered and ready to do your first self-assessment tax return before the cut-off date of 31st January 2024.

Bank account

Don’t get a business bank account that charges you a monthly fee, there are free ones (I recommend Starling ) or just open a separate, new, bank account in your personal name.

Contrary to popular belief it’s not a legal requirement to have a business account.

Don’t buy a bunch of leads , use the owners whilst you’re still starting out. You’ll work out what you like, dislike and actually need as you go along. Don’t forget to keep all receipts if you do buy stuff as it’s a business expense .

TLDR; How to start a dog walking business in 2024

• Research Pricing
• Business Name
• Social Media
• Google Maps
• Canine 1st Aid
• DBS / Criminal Record Check
• Prepare your Vehicle

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Dog Walkers, Cat Sitters, Product Reviewers & All Things Animals

How To Start A Dog Walking Business

So, how do you start a dog walking business.

Our step-by-step guide on how to start a dog walking business. From choosing your name to pricing, marketing and much more.

At the moment it seems like everyone in the UK has a dog or is considering getting a dog and with over three million animals obtained during lockdown (don't get us started on that subject!), there has never been a better time to set yourself up as a dog walker by starting your very own dog walking business. Whilst the idea of walking and chatting to people whilst out with your furry friends might seem like the perfect job, you might be asking yourself how on earth do I start my own dog walking business? Rest easy because our setup guide will explain each step in setting up your own local dog walking business so that you will be walking, woofing, and earning in no time!

And as a bonus, If the thought of going through the process of setting up your dog walking business from scratch fills you with dread we have a range of ready-made dog walking businesses and websites for sale that will allow you to hit the ground running and be the proud owner of your very own local and independent dog walking business in no time. Raed on and learn how to start your own dog walking business .

So, What Do We Know About Start A Dog Walking Business You May be Asking!

Before starting We Walk Woofs we had both spent the past twenty-five years as estate agents being involved in various aspects of the UK property market. In late 2017 we had what we like to think of as our epiphany (that was in fact more of a massive nudge!) and we suddenly realised that we had spent way too long sitting on a chair in the office wearing a tie!

So, one Friday night just before Christmas 2017 we settled down with a curry and a glass of wine in front of the wood burner to set about planning the next stage of our working lives. We had always loved the outdoors, had always had dogs and enjoyed massive walks with them, had always been very sociable (some may say annoyingly chatty!), and are what some may call a little unconventional liking to put things on the line for a bit of excitement and a challenge and so after around ten minutes, a bowl of daal and rice and a couple of swigs of good Malbec we had decided that we were going to reinvent ourselves as dog walkers and it that very moment We Walk Woofs was born!

The very next day we set about registering the domain name We Walk Woofs, working out what we would charge and what areas we would cover, and then cobbled together a website and the design for some business cards and we were off! 

The next six to twelve months were a massive learning curve and we learned a lot very quickly! It wasn't easy but getting the business up and running was very enjoyable and once the teething period was over we realised that once we had got our systems, procedures, and timetables in place it was fairly easy to run and

keep on top of it.

By the end of the first year, we were running a thriving, viable, and profitable dog walking and cat sitting business and were the market leader and go-to company not only in our local area but in Birmingham. We were listed at the top of Google search results, were getting around twenty enquiries per month and were as busy as we wanted to be.

Six years on and we are still happily trotting out with the dogs every day! What's changed is that we have totally streamlined the business to exactly how we want it to run, have made it more profitable, have nailed our advertising, and are now receiving anywhere from thirty to sixty enquiries per month from our marketing as well as a seemingly never-ending stream of word of mouth recommendations.

"Anyone can write about a subject but the people that you need to listen to are the ones

that have actually done what they are writing about" ​

W hy Start A Dog Walking Business?

If you enjoy working with animals, being outdoors (in all weathers remember!), spending most of your day with lovely dogs, and chatting to lovely people then starting a dog walking business could be the ideal job for you as it can be a

very flexible and profitable way to work. The UK love their pooches and pet care is a high priority for most owners so your new dog walking business will provide dogs with the care and attention required when their owners aren't around whilst allowing you to earn whilst working hours that suit your lifestyle. Although you do not require formal qualifications to start a dog walking business it is advisable to have experience in dog walking and dog behavior.

A dog walking business will give you the flexibility to work as and when you want and will allow you to fit your hours around your existing commitments like school drop-offs and pickups and once set up your dog walking business can provide you with flexible working alongside a profitable income. 

Is Dog Walking For You?

Although on paper the idea of running a dog walking business conjures up images of days spent frolicking in Summer meadows with your band of furry friends the reality can be somewhat different! If you wake up and it's raining from 8am until 5pm the dogs will still need walking!. If you wake up with a sniffle the dogs will still need walking!. If it's minus ten, icy, and snowing the dogs will still need walking !! And don't forget picking up poo! There is a good chance that there will be quite a lot of this during your average day! Important items to obtain when you start your dog walking business are good quality dog walking waterproofs , a pair of dog walking good boots , a high quality dog drying bag  to clean the muddy mutts and a positive mental attitude!

Will I Need Training & Qualifications?

You won’t need any formal qualifications or training to initially start your dog walking business but depending on how you wish to progress and especially if you wish to specialise in for example dog behavior and training then they might be something to consider further down the line. Some may advise that holding a professional qualification can give your new business more credibility when first starting out but in our opinion rapport with potential clients & especially their pets count for way more. Unfortunately, we have lost count of the so-called 'professionals' that we have met that have really poor animal and people skills. 

If you genuinely love animals then that will come across in your dealing with both pets and owners.

If you feel that you would like to gain a qualification and some experience before starting your dog walking business then the resources below offer free and paid training:

First Aid For Pets provides online training courses in dog first aid , dog CPR and dog choking .  

IMDT offers a huge range of paid for courses including canine body language , perfect puppy training , advanced dog training & behaviour , separation anxiety in dogs & dealing with dog to human aggression with courses ranging from £80 to £650.

Understand The National & Local Dog Walking Rules & Regulations Required When

Starting A Dog Walking Business

There are certain rules that need to be followed when starting your dog walking business. Some of these rules are common sense when starting any business but some of the rules are imposed regionally or nationally either by government or local councils and include:  

Always meeting owners and dogs prior to the first booking

Restricting the number of dogs walked to no more than four at a time although two is preferable

Keeping records of all walks and work undertaken

Protecting your clients’ personal information

Make sure that all dogs out in public are wearing a collar with the owner's name and address on it

Cleaning up doggy doo (if you don’t do this, you could be fined up to £1,000

Keeping dogs on leads in designated areas

Restrictions on which open spaces dogs are allowed on including beaches

How to manage dogs around livestock

Research Your Local Market & Other Dog Walkers

In most areas, there will already be other dog walking businesses that are already operating so now is the time for you to carry out your research on the other local dog care companies. Using Google and directories like Yellow Pages you can soon find a list of local companies with links to their websites. Make a note of how much they charge per walk, what areas they cover, what their branding and marketing are like, and what kind of reviews they have.

With most businesses, there is absolutely no point in trying to reinvent the wheel. Find out what your competitors are doing, look at the best aspects of their business, and aim to do it better! Your aim when starting your dog walking business is to establish yourself as quickly as possible as the leading go-to dog walking company in your local area.

Start-Up Costs For Starting A Dog Walking Business

Start-up costs for starting a dog walking business can usually be kept to a minimum although there are some essential costs that you will need to factor in.

Insurance for a dog walking business is important as is a website and a social media presence. Business cards and leaflets can be either printed at home to keep costs down or sent to reasonably  priced printers . Transport costs when starting your dog walking business will also need to be factored in whether they are vehicle running costs or fares on public transport. You will also need to purchase a couple of leads and HALTI's.  

If you really want to provide a professional service we recommend investing in a high quality dog walking bag to store all of your equipment whilst walking, a portable dog shower to clean those muddy paws and a good quality dog drying bag to clean dry off your wet dogs.

Registration & Setup of Your Dog Walking Business

You can register your new dog walking business either as a sole trader, company, or partnership. How you set up your dog walking business depends on your personal and current financial situation so it might be advisable to obtain advice on the best way to structure your new dog walking business.  

Although a dog walking business might not sound like a traditional business such as an accountant, electrician, or solicitor it is still a business and as such needs to be run and set up properly following a few simple regulations. You will have to notify certain bodies that you will be self-employed in your new dog walking business and will have to keep on top of day to day running of the business.

Notify HMRC of your new business and that you are self-employed and choose a suitable legal structure for your business.

You will be required to keep accurate records and receipts and will need to file your  Self Assessment tax return  when requested each year.

You will be required to keep on top of your business accounting including income, outgoings, and costs to enable you to submit your annual self-assessment return and you will need to set up a  business bank account  to process customer payments and receipts.

Register Your Dog Walking Business Name & Domain Name

Having a great business and domain name for your new dog walking business is pretty important as a memorable business and domain name can be used in conjunction with your website to cheaply advertise your dog walking business to new customers.

To find out whether the business name that you would like to use is available simply type it into Google and look at the results. If you are looking to set up a limited company for your new dog walking business then you can check names at companies house . For your website address, you can check domain name availability and register your new dog walking business name at 123 Reg.

Promoting Your New Dog Walking Business

A decent website along with a little SEO is one of the cheapest ways of promoting your new dog walking business on a budget by ensuring that your website shows in local search results when people search on Google. Wix.com allows you to build your own website for a small fee and helps with SEO for your new dog walking business. We can show you how to maximise your Google presence for very little cost and just a few hours of work. In our opinion, this is the key to building a solid brand and we will share the tips and tricks that we have learned whilst taking We Walk Woofs to the top of Google for our local area. If you know nothing about building dog walking company websites then we can help as we have a range of ready made, off the shelf dog walking websites available for sale and can even create a bespoke site designed around your ideas and your local area.  

Facebook and social media including Instagram and TikTok are a fantastic way of reaching local customers and are a great way to promote your new dog walking business by setting up a company page and posting in local community groups. 

Leafleting and handing out flyers might seem a little old fashioned but it can be an effective way to reach your local dog owners. You can get leaflets printed cheaply and then put them up in local shops, pet shops, and vets surgeries and even hand your dog walking company flyers out to prospective customers in local parks.

Looking For A Ready Made Dog Walking Business?

If you are looking for a ready made dog walking business then we have a range of dog walking businesses for sale that include everything that you need to start your very own dog walking business immediately including:

A fully functional website that is ranking on Google for your particular area and that is fully SEO optimised, is easy to edit, and comes with a ready made blog for you to start adding site content.

All social media channels set up and ready to start posting and sharing.

Branded marketing materials to include business cards, leaflets and flyers to promote your business.

A comprehensive 'How To' manual with full instructions on how to set up, promote and run your new dog walking business.

Help and support to set up and run your business.

If would be interested in your own dog walking business then please take a look at our dog walking businesses for sale page to see the areas that we currently have available. If your area is not currently listed please get in touch and we would be happy to chat about setting you up in your chosen area.

Click on the images above to read our reviews of the must have accessories that all dog walkers should buy when starting their  dog walking business! The outstanding Mud Daddy portable dog shower , the game changing dog drying bag from Pawdaw Of London and the super useful range of dog walking bags from Barking bags.

Happy dog walking business setup!

D&S@WeWalkWoofs

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How to Start a Dog Walking Business in the UK

If you want to learn what it takes to start a dog walking business in the UK, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will offer you valuable information and advice on how to start your own dog walking business.

Let’s start this guide with one fact we all know: the United Kingdom is a dog-loving country. Statistics confirm this, with 34% of households owning at least one dog. However, not everyone has the time (or energy) to offer their dogs some much needed fresh air, strolls, or – in most cases – ‘zoomies’.

This fact alone proves that starting a dog walking business can be a realistic, profitable, and flexible business venture.

This guide will explain why and offer a helpful breakdown of how to set up a dog walking business and how to become a great dog walker in the UK.

Is starting a dog walking business profitable?

We’ll start off with the most important question: how much does a dog walker make, and is it a profitable business? The answer is yes, starting a dog walking business can be profitable. The average price of a dog walker is £14-£17 per hour, depending on location, your specialisation, and how long you walk for.

It is possible to earn approximately $37,000 per year, but this can increase with more clients, frequent walks, niching down, and adding additional charges.

So, let’s do the math, and look at London as an example:

There are 10.2 million dogs in the UK, which means there is one dog for every 6 people. London has a population of around 8.9 million people.

8,900,000/6 = 1,483,333 potential dogs to walk!

Obviously, this is just gauging potential, but it gives you a sense of what your dog walking business income could look like.

Another important factor to note is that dog walking is recession proof, has a low barrier to entry, and it will always be in demand.

Find out more: Need funding? Check out our guide on small business grants.

Why should you start a dog walking business?

While starting a dog walking business sounds fun, it is still a business that requires certain skills and risk management. We’ll go over the benefits, risks and personality traits you’ll need to start a dog walking business in the UK.

Pros of starting a dog walking business

• Low start-up costs: becoming a dog walker in the UK requires minimal start-up costs, and you can produce profits in a short amount of time.
• Flexibility: starting a dog walking business offers flexibility that a 9-5 job wouldn’t. While you may need to work early or late hours, you’ll manage and plan your own schedule.
• Physical and mental well-being: not only can you walk yourself to an income, but you can also maintain your physical and mental well-being.
• It is scalable: by automating the way you operate, you’ll have the opportunity to grow and expand your business into new locations.

Cons of starting a dog walking business

• Weather: dogs don’t care if it’s raining, windy or negative three degrees, and unfortunately, you can’t either. Provided it is safe to do so, you’ll need to walk the dogs, come rain or shine. That’s where waterproof clothing, quality drying towels, and dog boots come in!
• Picking up after the dogs: this is self-explanatory. It’s crucial that you always have degradable bags and a poop scoop on hand.
• Varied income: a dog walking business income will vary. You may find that your schedule might not be consistent, and this could result in a decrease or increase in your monthly earnings.
• Risk and misbehaviour: some dogs may be destructive, high-energy or suffer from separation anxiety. This is something you’ll need to discuss with your clients, and insurance will be crucial. We’ll offer insurance advice later in the guide.

Personality traits of a dog walker

Regardless of the sector, an entrepreneur needs specific personality traits to succeed in owning a business. A dog walking business is no different. Here are some qualities you’ll need to start a dog walking business in the UK:

Comfortable around dogs:

An obvious quality you’ll need is to be comfortable around dogs. You’ll work with a range of different personalities, sizes and needs, so it’s important that you know how to handle them.

Another common personality trait an entrepreneur will need in this industry is a patience for dogs. You’ll need to give attention to and care for them in comfortable and uncomfortable conditions.

You’ll also need to have the ability to deal with demanding clients. Most pet owners care deeply about their pets and will have unique requirements that you’ll need to abide by.

Responsible:

Owning a dog walking business requires multiple responsibilities. You’ll need to organise a schedule, ensure you have appropriate equipment, be prepared to deal with dangerous situations, provide first aid if needed – alongside running a real business.

Good communication:

Clear communication between your clients and their dogs is crucial. This is how you will understand and mitigate client concerns, calm dogs down, and ensure you run your dog walking business efficiently.

What are the start-up costs for starting a dog walking business?

The start-up costs for a dog walking business are low, ranging between £100 - £1,500! This amount will vary depending on how large you want your operation to be, and what equipment you purchase.

Some of the costs you’ll need to consider include:

• Liability insurance (we’ll get to this in the next step)
• A criminal background check
• Dog-walking equipment
• Marketing (traditional and digital)
• Business registration

We understand that having immediate access to start-up finance isn’t always possible, so we’ve created dedicated resources to help you. If you’d like to consider a grant, you can read our small business grants guide for guidance and tips on what funding is available.

If you’d prefer to take the lending route, you can read our guide on small business loans for helpful information on financing options. This guide does focus on finance to buy a business, but it includes helpful resources for loans in general.

How to start your dog walking business

Now, let’s get into the initial steps you need to take to start your dog walking business in the UK.

Step one: research your market

Starting any business requires market research to succeed. You need to understand the demand and pricing strategies within your local area. Start by doing a Google search and type in ‘dog walking business near me’. From here, you can conduct an analysis on:

• Who your competitors are
• The areas they cover
• How they market themselves
• What their pricing model is
• What their unique selling propositions are
• What their reviews say

For example, if you want to become a dog walker in London, you’ll face stiff competition. But you can also charge higher rates and gain access to more clients.

Step two: do you need qualifications to be a dog walker?

While you are not required to undergo any formal dog walker qualifications, we do strongly encourage you to consider taking dog walking training courses.

Gaining this knowledge and applying it to your business will positively impact your reputation and give your brand credibility. The Insitute of Modern Dog Trainers provide multiple courses that are trustworthy and cost-effective.

The National Association of Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers is another brand you can take dog walking courses through.

Likewise, we recommend that you become a qualified first aider for pets. First aid courses for pets are widely available.

Step three: understand dog walking rules and regulations

You’ll need to be aware of and abide by the following rules and regulations:

• The Control of Dogs Order 1992: dogs need to wear collars in public that have the contact details of their owner.
• The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991: a dog cannot be out of control (for example, jumping up on someone or a child) in a public setting.
• The Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005: you can be fined up to £1,000 if you do not pick up after the dogs, let them off their lead in a public space, or allow them into areas where no dogs are allowed.

Other dog walking rules include:

• Keeping your client’s personal information protected
• Meeting the dog’s owners before your first booking
• Walking a maximum of four dogs at a time
• Keeping track of all your appointments and logging the work you’ve undertaken
• If you plan to board the dogs you walk, you will need to get a boarding licence from your local council.

Step four: insurance and criminal checks

Lastly, you may be wondering if you need insurance to be a dog walker. The answer is yes. Insurance for dog walking businesses is crucial!

You should ensure you have public liability insurance to protect yourself if an incident happens in public. You’ll also need to obtain a basic criminal record check to prove your credibility.

Setting up your dog walking business

Now that we’ve gone through the first steps you need to take to kickstart your dog walking venture, let’s run through the process of setting up a dog walking business. This will include:

Your dog walking business plan

Registering your business.

• Understanding self-employed income tax filing
• How much to charge and transportation

Preparing contracts for clients

Setting up a website domain, investing in dog walker essentials.

Any start-up requires a detailed and clear business plan. The market research and competitor analysis you conducted in your initial steps should be included in this, along with details of how you’ll run your dog walking business. Don’t forget a SWOT analysis!

At this point, you should also start thinking about good names for a dog walking business. Artificial intelligence can help you generate dog walking business names .

Next, you'll need to register your dog walking business with the UK government. This is where your venture starts to become very real, and you’ll need to decide what your business structure will be (sole trader, limited liability, partnership).

Self-employed income tax for a dog walker

Dog walking is a business, so it’s important that you keep on top of your tax returns. You can file a Self-Assessment tax return on the UK government website.

How much will you charge, and how will you get around?

Depending on your location, credibility and specialisation, you can charge around £14-£17 per hour. However, it’s important to remember that dog walking does not have a standard, set rate.

It is imperative that you conduct local research to understand more about what potential clients will be willing to pay. Remember, you’ll be a new competitor that wants to grow your clientele, so think about offering discounts to your rates in the beginning.

Another factor to consider is your mode of transportation. If you don’t live near parks, fields or open spaces, you’ll need to invest in your own vehicle to transport the dogs to and from their homes.

A dog walking contract is essential to running a successful and safe dog walking business. Some of the information you’ll need to include in your contract is:

• Your rates and additional services
• Booking and billing system
• Cancellation policies
• Insurance and liabilities
• Emergency and safety protocols
• Marketing permissions (social media posting)
• Exceptions (things you won’t include in your services)

You’ll need to set up a website for your new dog walking business. This can be an overwhelming process, but luckily, many brands offer an integrated service that includes website building, email marketing, security, and more!

GoDaddy is a great platform to help you get started in the digital realm!

Don’t forget to invest time and creativity into designing your logo and dog walking business cards.

The last step you’ll need to take before you finally launch your dog walking business is to invest in quality dog walker essentials. Dog walking gear is important to protect yourself and the dogs in different conditions. Some equipment you should invest in includes:

• Poop scooper
• Biodegradable bags
• Pet first aid kit
• Dog paw cleaner
• Portable dog washer
• Quality leashes and harnesses
• Dog jackets or towels

How to grow your dog walking business

Once you’ve launched your dog walking business, you’ll need to turn your focus to generating new clients and promoting growth. Here are some important tips to help market your dog walking business:

Social media:

Social media should be a priority for you. You’ll want to generate brand awareness, drive traffic to your website, connect with your community and share your experiences.

‘Visual’ social channels are important here, particularly TikTok and Instagram!

SEO best practice:

This may not be your focus for now, but it should be in the future. Search engine optimisation is crucial to help you achieve high conversion rates. By optimising your website content, your brand can rank on the first page of Google search results.

Customer reviews:

Customer reviews are integral to maintaining your credibility. These testimonials will prove that you’re a reputable dog walker and you can include them on your website, dog walking business cards, flyers and social media channels.

Niching down:

Once you’re established, you could think about niching down to find particular clients who might pay more. For example, walking and caring for specific breeds, or including grooming and boarding into your services.

Find out more: Need more advice on this sector? Read our sector-specific articles.

Starting a dog walking business is not your only option

We hope that this guide to starting a dog walking business has been helpful, and we wish you the very best on this new venture.

However, it’s important that we provide you with other routes into business ownership that you may not have considered.

Buying an existing dog walking business offers multiple benefits, including an established customer base (both humans and dogs), equipment and vehicles, and a team that knows the ropes.

You can browse dog walking businesses for sale in the United Kingdom and decide if this route is more suitable to your lifestyle and objectives. If you are considering it, we recommend reading our buying a business guide for more tips and guidance on what the buying process looks like.

How to start a dog walking business checklist

• Ensure you have appropriate funds to start the business.
• Research your market and conduct a competitor analysis.
• Consider taking dog walking training courses.
• Understand the regulations and rules governing dog walking.
• Get public liability insurance and a criminal check.
• Create a concise business plan and register your business.
• Understand Self-Assessment tax returns.
• Prepare your rates, transportation and client contracts.
• Set up your website.
• Invest in your dog walking essentials.
• Stay consistent with your marketing.

If you’d like to talk to someone from the team about starting your new business, or you need support with something else, please feel free to contact us .

We wish you nothing but success on your new business journey!

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How To Start A Dog Walking Business

Cameron Fleming | 25 July 2022 | 2 years ago 0 0 0

Build Your Understanding of Canine Behaviour and Breed Traits

Decide if your business is full-time or something on the side, define your parameters, research your market and competitors.

Set Your Rate

Register your business, procure the necessary insurance & licenses for your business, laws, rules and regulations for dogs in the uk.

• The Control of Dogs Order 1992: All dogs in a public place must wear a collar with the owner’s name and address on.
• The Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005: You could be fined up to £1,000 if you: fail to pick up faeces; fail to keep a dog on a lead or put it on the lead when directed to do so; allow a dog to enter land from which dogs are excluded.
• Dogs Act 1871: It’s an offence if a dog is dangerous and not kept under proper control such as not on a lead or muzzled. The law applies wherever an incident happens.
• Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953: It’s against the law to allow a dog to worry livestock on farmland. 
• The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991: It is against the law for a dog to be ‘dangerously out of control’ in a public place. The Kennel Club says something as simple as the dog chasing, barking at or jumping up at a person or child could lead to complaints, so make sure it is under control at all times.
• The Road Traffic Act 1988: Dogs must be on a lead at all times on roads. If the dog you are walking is injured in a car accident, it is up to the driver to stop and give their details to you.

Design a Marketing Strategy to Promote Your Business

Reputation is everything so deliver excellent service .

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DOG WALKING BUSINESS: How to Start a Dog Walking Business in 5 Steps

• by Folakemi Adegbaju
• August 14, 2023
• No comments
• 9 minute read

Table of Contents Hide

Setting up a dog walking business – is it right for you, how to start a dog walking business, how to promote a dog walking business, business insurance for dog walkers, dog walking rules and regulations, how much should i charge as a dog walker, #1. choose a business name, #2. executive summary, #3. research your market, #4. operations plan, #5. financial plan, dog walking business plan template, dog walking business plan template faqs, is a dog walking business profitable uk, do dog walkers need a license uk, what qualifications do i need to be a dog walker uk.

Do you want to know more about how to establish a dog walking business? If you love dogs, dog walking is surely a viable business endeavor to pursue. Not only is there a tremendous demand for dog walking, but the business also has a low entry hurdle and is quite profitable. One appealing aspect of this dog business opportunity is that you can earn money while doing something you like. However, having a dog walking business plan is important to guide your business startup. This article will guide you every step of the way when it comes to writing a dog-walking business plan. We will also provide a general dog walking business plan template. Enjoy the ride with us!

What Is Dog Walking Business?

Despite the possibility of a UK recession on the horizon, it’s evident that Brits still have a penchant for pet products. According to a recent report, Britons spent more than 12 billion pounds on pet-related items in 2018. In 2020 and beyond, the figures are likely to rise. These figures indicate that dog walkers are in high demand at the moment. People leave their dogs at home most days because they have to go to work. As a result, they require dog walking services to keep their pets active and healthy while they are away.

Dog walkers are also people who enjoy exercising and are looking for companionship. Walking a dog benefits both the walker and the dog because it provides them with health benefits such as exercise, as well as giving the dog a nice feeling and making them less inclined to be hostile. Professional dog walkers have become a necessity, especially for inaccessible dog owners who love their pets, due to the fact that most dog owners are tied up for long hours at the office and do not provide their dogs with the necessary walking exercise.

Before you start advertising your dog walking business, be sure it’s a good choice for you. The following is the list you can use in checking if it’s right fr you:

• You must genuinely enjoy or be interested in dogs.
• When dealing with pet owners, you’ll need good interpersonal and communication skills.
• You must be physically fit.
• You must enjoy walking outdoor in all weather conditions

Having your own If you’ve never worked with animals professionally, it’s a good idea to volunteer at an animal shelter where you may gain experience with a variety of canines and how to interact with a large number of them in one go.

You must understand dog behavior and welfare, as well as pet first aid and the rules and regulations that regulate dog control in public. To attract new consumers, you’ll need adequate pet insurance, as well as the necessary equipment and a marketing strategy.

You’ll also need a way to carry the dogs to be walked if there aren’t any decent routes nearby, so having a car or van comes in handy.

The difficult part of expanding a dog walking business to profitability is getting started. You’ll need a well-thought-out marketing strategy to effectively market your dog walking service. Here are some steps you may take to bring people into the store as soon as your business is up and running.

To start with, consider where your target audience is most likely to view and interact with your adverts.

#1. Design a Logo

A professional logo demonstrates your dedication to your dog walking service. Look for ideas for a dog walking logo on places like Pinterest and Business Yield. When you’ve come up with some good concepts, go to a good logo designer to make one for you. A professional logo should cost between £5 and £30.

#2. Social Media

Have you ever paused your Facebook or Instagram scrolling because of a lovely animal video? It’s likely that your target audience has as well. This implies that if you don’t have an online presence for your dog walking business, you’re missing out on a lot of potential customers. It’s recommended that you set aside time and money to have a strong web presence that converts visitors into customers. 

Sharing social photographs and videos can be a terrific marketing strategy for dog walkers, just make sure you acquire permission from your clients first.

A strong web presence for your dog walking business involves the following:

• Having a professional website
• Having a search engine optimized website
• Promote your dog walking business with paid ads.
• Keeping your blog active
• Being a member of the main professional dog walking directories on the internet.
• Posting on the top social media platforms

#3. Word of Mouth

Never underestimate the value of a friend’s recommendation or a nice word. A good way to start is via referrals from friends, family, and current clients. However, if you want word-of-mouth referrals, your customer service must be exceptional; no one has ever referred a firm that treats its customers badly.

#4. Flyers and Posters

This is an effective technique to reach out to local customers.  Flyers may appear outdated, but they may be an effective way to get your company’s name in front of local customers. Create and print flyers, then place them in letterboxes across your neighborhood. Distribute flyers and cards to local veterinarians, animal shelters, pet stores, and newsstands.

While it is not required by law, getting dog walking insurance for your business can be a good idea. While under your care, dogs can become lost, be wounded by other dogs, or injure people. A dog walking company’s insurance policy provides coverage in the event that something goes wrong with the pets you’re walking. It should also be able to cover both specialized equipment like leads and harnesses as well as more typical business goods like your laptop. Business insurance can get you back up and running fast if they are damaged or stolen, allowing you to keep your dog walking business on track.

Dog walking insurance covers include:

• Employers’ liability insurance is usually a legal obligation if you have any employees. 
• Public liability insurance can protect you in the event that a member of the public or a client is hurt or their property is destroyed as a result of your dog walking business.
• Personal accident cover can compensate you in the event of an accident or even death.
• Business equipment cover: any expensive equipment you use for your business, such as a laptop, is covered.
• Van insurance It covers your dog walking business if your company transports dogs to and from the park in a van

Your clients place their trust in you as a professional dog walker to look after their dogs. You are responsible for them while they are in your care. It means you must be aware of certain rules that relate to you and your dog walking business. 

To keep others safe and your business secure, it’s critical to stay up to date with the latest laws and guidelines.

They include:

• Dogs must wear a collar displaying the owner’s name and address when out in public.
• If you fail to clean up your dog’s feces, allow it to enter territory where dogs are prohibited, or fail to keep a dog on a leash or put it on a leash when ordered, you might be fined up to £1,000.
• A dog that is wildly out of control in a public area is illegal, so you must be able to keep your dog under control at all times. A dog that chases, barks, or jumps up at a person or child may be the source of complaints.
• Dogs must always be on a leash.
• Allowing a dog to bother livestock on farmland is illegal.
• You must have a criminal record. Check if you have a dog owner’s keys and enter their home to get a dog for a walk.
• Restrictions on the number of dogs you can walk at a time

Charges for dog walking vary by location. While there is no standard pricing, expect to charge between £8 and £20 per hour for each dog. You can make substantially more money by walking multiple pets at once, though there is a limit to how many dogs you can walk at once. This is determined by your local authorities and usually consists of four dogs at a time.

5 Steps to Start a Dog Walking Business

Learning the ins and outs of how to write a dog-walking business plan should be your first step. A dog walking business plan is essentially a roadmap that shows your concept to a bank, investors, or other potential backers.

You might not be planning on attracting any investors. But, if for no other reason, you must know how to write a dog walking business plan for yourself. This is your roadmap to where you want to go and where you want to be in a year, two years, or ten years. It may seem simple now, but there is a lot of planning involved in the startup of any dog walking business. We have a dog walking business plan just for you, to make your planning easier.

Here are 5 steps you can use to start your dog walking business:

Naming your dog walking business may not be as simple as it seems. When selecting a name, try to make the name short, easy to remember, descriptive of the business, and capable of drawing attention. Depending on the business form you choose, you may have to register and/or receive approval from the local or state government where your business is formed.

The Executive Summary is the first part of your dog walking business plan. An effective executive summary should mention how long you’ve been in business (or how new you are), who you are, and what qualifications you have for running a dog walking service.

It should give a quick overview of you, your company, what you intend to accomplish, and why you’re doing it in the first place.

This is one of the most important parts of your business plan. To flourish as a dog walker, you must conduct thorough market research to determine which dog walking services are in high demand. You can utilize the internet to research your competitors and identify any shortcomings.

Being as descriptive as possible can greatly assist you in the future. You want to target pet parents who are gone for long periods of time and can afford to hire a dog walker. What about old folks who are unable to walk their dogs? You should consider who your target market is and where they are located.

When evaluating the market, common questions to ask include:

• What locations do the majority of dog walkers cover?
• What is the hourly pay rate for dog walkers in my vicinity?
• Is there a demand for group walks?

This is how you’ll make your company successful. Explain your objectives, as well as your company’s sales, marketing, and logistics plans, and back them up with concrete statistics to show you’re well-informed and making decisions based on facts.

Important business essentials like dog walking insurance should be included in the Operations Plan. This section of your plan should also include a statement of your customer policies, as well as your local company and dog walking licenses.

In the end, it’s all about the money. No business plan is complete without a solid financial forecast. This should include your budget as well as any anticipated inflows and outflows. It’s your proof that you understand how to use numbers to grow your firm.

You should also be able to predict your income and expenses in three separate scenarios: the worst case, average or expected case, and best case.

A dog walking business plan template is mostly a guide to help you write yours, but we are offering something way better than that. Our dog walking business plan template saves you the stress of writing one entirely, and at a cost effective rate.

It has just one requirement though; a business name to help you personalize this template. Besides that everything you’d need is already covered in this template; from a detailed 3-year financial plan to an industry-based marketing strategy.

So you can just visit our product section to get a copy.

The average dog walker costs £14.51 per hour, making it a plainly realistic and successful business possibility. In fact, many dog walkers make more than the national average.

A dog walking license, qualification, or certification is currently not required in the United Kingdom because there are no uniform minimum standards. All you need to legally run a successful dog walking business is a passion for dogs and enough free time.

While no specific qualifications are required to work as a dog walker/pet sitter, possessing certifications in areas such as animal first aid, animal behavior, or animal care will help you advance in your career.

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How to start a dog walking business

Love dogs? Apparently, so does the rest of the UK.

The UK now boasts 17 million dog-owning homes, an increase of 3.2 million since the start of the pandemic is 2020. But as more and more restrictions begin to be relaxed and more people start going back to work, demand for dog walking services will be on the rise too.

If you’re ever thought of channelling your love of animals into a dog walking or pet sitting business, now might be a good time to get started. But starting a dog walking business isn’t a walk in park – here’s AXA’s tips on how to become a professional dog walker.

Write your dog walking business plan

Training and qualifications, laws and regulations.

• How much to charge for dog walking

Marketing your dog walking business

Business insurance for dog walkers.

The first step to take in any dog walking business is to create a solid business plan.

It’ll help you set out your strategy and your objectives and allow you to create realistic goals for success. A good business plan also helps prospective clients or loan assessors to get an understanding of where you want to take your business in the first few years.

A business plan usually includes the following four key areas:

Executive summary – An executive summary is a short, clear overview of your business, sometimes called an Elevator Pitch. It should provide an at-a-glance summary of you, your business, what you want to achieve and why you’re doing it in the first place.

Opportunity – To make your business a success you need to show you understand the opportunity in front of you. What other businesses like yours operate in the area? Is it a crowded market or a clear blue ocean? How many dogs and dog owners are there in your area? This section explains how your business will make its mark and stand head and shoulders above your competition.

Execution – This is how you’ll build your business for success. Explain your goals, your business’ sales, marketing and logistics strategies, and back these sections up with concrete data to prove you’re well informed and are making decisions based on real evidence.

Financial plan – Ultimately, it’s all about the bottom line. No business plan is complete without a solid financial forecast. This should include your budget, your incomings and any expected outgoings. It’s your proof point that you understand the numbers needed to make your business profitable..

Guide to writing a business plan

Read AXA's full guide

Free business plan template

Download the guide

While there is no formal qualification required before becoming a dog walker, your customers are placing their trust in you to look after an important member of their family, so they expect professionalism and experience at all times.

You can gain experience in dog walking by volunteering at local centres like the Dogs Trust or the RSPCA, where training is often provided. Other skills and accreditations which your clients may expect from their professional dog walker could be in areas such as animal first aid, animal behaviour and psychology and dog handling.

If you’ve been provided with a key to pick up people’s dogs from their homes when the owner isn’t around, or if your business also extends to pet sitting as well as dog walking when the owner is on holiday for example, you should apply for a basic disclosure check. It shows your customers that you have no outstanding warrants or criminal record and could help show that you can be trusted with their homes and pets while they’re gone.

There are two main types of basic disclosure check:

• Basic disclosure , provided by Disclosure Scotland
• Disclosure and Barring Service in England and Wales

Other, more formal qualifications recommended by the Dogs Trust include a Level 2 Certificate Of Technical Competence In Dog Walking.

As a professional dog walker, your clients are putting their trust in you to look after their pets. While they’re in your care, they are your responsibility. That means there are certain laws which apply to you and your dog walking business that you must be aware of. These laws include:

Animal Welfare Act The Animal Welfare Act 2006 in England and Wales and the Animal Welfare Act (Scotland) 2006 places a duty of care on pet owners and others responsible for animals to ensure that the welfare needs of their animals are met.

The welfare needs of the animals in your care includes:

• need for a suitable environment
• need for a suitable diet
• need to be able to exhibit normal behaviour patterns
• need to be housed with (or apart from, as the case may be) other animals
• need to be protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease

Dog fouling In England and Wales, the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 made it an offence to leave dog mess without cleaning it up in certain areas. Failure to clean up after the dog in your care can result in an on-the-spot fine of up to £80 and a maximum fine of up to £1000.

In Scotland, The Dog Fouling (Scotland) Act 2003 means that in public and communal spaces (excluding agricultural land), it’s an offence not to clear up after the dogs in your care, with a maximum fine of £500.

Dangerous dogs As well as prohibiting the ownership of certain types of dog commonly bred for fighting, the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 also makes it an offence to allow a dog to be ‘dangerously out of control’, which could include physical injury to humans.

In addition, the Control of Dogs Order 1992 ensures that any dog in a public place must wear a collar with the name and address of the owner engraved or written on it, or engraved on a tag, and the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953 prohibits dogs from worrying, chasing or attacking livestock including cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, horses and poultry on agricultural land. If a dog in your care does this, the owner of the land may have the right to shoot the dog, resulting in obvious and serious ramifications for your dog walking business.

This list isn’t exhaustive and the local laws in your area can vary place to place. Some local authorities only allow for a certain number or dogs to be walked in local areas like parks at any one time, for example, so it’s always best practice to check with your local council or authority to make sure your business is fully compliant with the latest laws and regulations.

You can find your local council and how to contact them at https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council

How much should I charge as a dog walker?

According to Glassdoor , the average rate for a dog walker in the UK is £10 per dog, per hour. This may vary by area and demand, so remember to do your research into your local area and what any potential competitors may be charging.

Think about the number of dogs you can comfortably walk at any one time. This may also depend on your local area, or even your level of business insurance which could limit the number of dogs you’re able to manage at once.

So if you were to walk three dogs at one time for an average of four hours per day, five days per week, you could be making a monthly revenue of £2,400 before tax – not to be sniffed at!

To make your dog walking business a success you need customers – both two and four-legged. So what’s the best way to get a solid base of customers barking up your tree for your services? Start with a marketing plan.

Dog walker’s marketing plan

A marketing plan is your guide to how you’ll meet your business objectives by getting your name out to an audience and keeping your diary busy with paying clients.

Typically, a marketing plan will include:

Goals What do you want to achieve and by when? It could be to make a certain amount of money in year one, or it could be to have a strong group of regular customers after six months. Track your goals and make sure they’re SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timely) so you can make sure you’re on the right track.

Research Look at any other dog walkers in your area. What are they doing well, and what can you do better? How can you better serve the local area and how can you compete with them? On service? Price? Answering these questions will help give you an insight into marketing your business in the best way.

Marketing techniques How are you going to reach your customers? Firstly, think about where your audience is most likely to see and engage with your ads in the first place. Some of the most common ways to advertise a dog walking business could be:

• Social media – Ever stopped scrolling on Facebook or Instagram because of a cute animal video? Chances are your target audience has too. Sharing social images and videos can be a great marketing tool for dog walkers – just get permission from your clients to photograph their dog first.
• Website – now more than ever it’s important to have an online presence to let your customers find you. Take a look at AXA’s guide to getting your business online to find out more about building a website and getting your Search Engine Optimisation right.
• Flyers and posters – sometimes you don’t need to teach an old dog new tricks. Handing out flyers might seem old fashioned but it can be a good way to get your business name in front of customers in your local area. Ask if you can put your flyers up in post offices, shops and libraries nearby.
• Word of mouth – never under estimate the power of a good word or a recommendation from a friend. If you do a good job for one customer, they’ll likely tell their friends. But if you want word of mouth referrals your levels of service need to be top notch – no one ever referred a company who treats customers poorly.
• Diversify – want to make sure your dog walking business stands out from the pack? Consider diversifying your offering – could you also provide a pet sitting service, or dog grooming as well as walking? If you have kennels, could you offer pet boarding while their owners are on holiday? Think about what you can offer that your competitors don’t currently.

KPIs These are your Key Performance Indicators. How are you going to know that your strategy is working? And how will you tweak your plan if you aren’t hitting your KPIs?

They say you should never work with children or animals, so as a professional dog walker your business faces some potential hazards that other business don’t. These could include, for example, if the dog you’re responsible for gets injured or causes damage to someone's property, or if they injure another animal or person while in your supervision.In these cases, you could be liable for accidents or injuries and a dog walking business insurance policy can protect you in case something goes wrong.

Common dog walkers’ insurance covers include:

• public liability insurance can cover you if a member of the public or a client is accidentally injured or if their property gets accidentally damaged while dealing with your dog walking business
• employers' liability insurance is usually a legal requirement if you have any employees
• business equipment cover covers any expensive equipment you use for your business, like a laptop for example
• personal accident cover can pay compensation for accidental injury or even death
• van insurance if your business uses a van to transport dogs to and from the park

Not sure where to start?

Check out the AXA  Business Insurance Wizard . Just answer four simple questions and you’ll get a list of the insurance you’ll need as a business consultant.

Ready to start a dog walking business?

SStarting a dog walking business isn’t a walk in the park. Your clients will be putting their furry best friends in your care, and that’s something worth protecting. Get started with AXA’s business insurance for dog walkers.

• Sample Business Plans

Dog Walking Business Plan

If you’re someone who likes to be around dogs and puppies, dog walking can be a rewarding yet fulfilling business experience for you.

You can easily start a dog walking business, but it needs thorough research, strong commitment, and detailed business planning to succeed. That’s why you need a business plan.

Having trouble writing your dog walking business plan? You’re at the right place. Our dog walking business plan template will help you get started.

Free Business Plan Template

Download our free business plan template now and pave the way to success. Let’s turn your vision into an actionable strategy!

• Fill in the blanks – Outline
• Financial Tables

How to Write A Dog Walking Business Plan?

Writing a dog walking business plan is a crucial step toward the success of your business. Here are the key steps to consider when writing a business plan:

1. Executive Summary

An executive summary is the first section planned to offer an overview of the entire business plan. However, it is written after the entire business plan is ready and summarizes each section of your plan.

Here are a few key components to include in your executive summary:

Introduce your Business:

Start your executive summary by briefly introducing your business to your readers.

Market Opportunity:

Dog walking services:.

Highlight the dog walking services you offer your clients. You may also include any additional service you provide, like pet grooming or something else.

Marketing & Sales Strategies:

Financial highlights:, call to action:.

Ensure your executive summary is clear, concise, easy to understand, and jargon-free.

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2. Business Overview

The business overview section of your business plan offers detailed information about your company. The details you add will depend on how important they are to your business. Yet, business name, location, business history, and future goals are some of the foundational elements you must consider adding to this section:

Business Description:

• Solo dog walking
• Group dog walking
• Adventure and nature walks
• Off-leash dog parks
• Senior dog care

Describe the legal structure of your charter boat company, whether it is a sole proprietorship, LLC, partnership, or others.

Mission Statement:

Business history:.

If you’re an established dog walking service provider, briefly describe your business history, like—when it was founded, how it evolved over time, etc.

Future Goals:

This section should provide a thorough understanding of your business, its history, and its future plans. Keep this section engaging, precise, and to the point.

3. Market Analysis

The market analysis section of your business plan should offer a thorough understanding of the industry with the target market, competitors, and growth opportunities. You should include the following components in this section.

Target market:

Start this section by describing your target market. Define your ideal customer and explain what types of services they prefer. Creating a buyer persona will help you easily define your target market to your readers.

Market size and growth potential:

Competitive analysis:, market trends:.

Analyze emerging trends in the industry, such as technology disruptions, changes in customer behavior or preferences, etc. Explain how your business will cope with all the trends.

Regulatory Environment:

Here are a few tips for writing the market analysis section of your dog walking service business plan:

• Conduct market research, industry reports, and surveys to gather data.
• Provide specific and detailed information whenever possible.
• Illustrate your points with charts and graphs.
• Write your business plan keeping your target audience in mind.

4. Products And Services

The product and services section should describe the specific services and products that will be offered to customers. To write this section should include the following:

Describe your services:

Mention the dog walking services your business will offer. This list may include services like

• Dog walking
• Group dog walks
• Puppy visits and potty breaks
• Pet sitting and feeding
• Pet transportation
• Pet waste cleanup

Service Area and Availability:

S ecurity and s afety measures:.

This section should explain the security and safety measures you plan to implement to provide the highest quality service consistently.

Additional Services:

In short, this section of your dog walking plan must be informative, precise, and client-focused. By providing a clear and compelling description of your offerings, you can help potential investors and readers understand the value of your business.

5. Sales And Marketing Strategies

Writing the sales and marketing strategies section means a list of strategies you will use to attract and retain your clients. Here are some key elements to include in your sales & marketing plan:

Unique Selling Proposition (USP):

Pricing strategy:, marketing strategies:, sales strategies:, customer retention:.

Overall, this section of your charter boat business plan should focus on customer acquisition and retention.

Have a specific, realistic, and data-driven approach while planning sales and marketing strategies for your dog walking business, and be prepared to adapt or make strategic changes in your strategies based on feedback and results.

6. Operations Plan

The operations plan section of your business plan should outline the processes and procedures involved in your business operations, such as staffing requirements and operational processes. Here are a few components to add to your operations plan:

Staffing & Training:

Operational process:, equipment & technology:.

Include the list of equipment and technology required for dog walking, such as collars or harnesses, waste bags and dispensers, dog ID tags, GPS and navigation devices, and safety equipment.

Adding these components to your operations plan will help you lay out your business operations, which will eventually help you manage your business effectively.

7. Management Team

The management team section provides an overview of your dog walking business’s management team. This section should provide a detailed description of each manager’s experience and qualifications, as well as their responsibilities and roles.

Founders/CEO:

Key managers:.

Introduce your management and key members of your team, and explain their roles and responsibilities.

Organizational structure:

Compensation plan:, advisors/consultants:.

Mentioning advisors or consultants in your business plans adds credibility to your business idea.

This section should describe the key personnel for your dog walking services, highlighting how you have the perfect team to succeed.

8. Financial Plan

Your financial plan section should provide a summary of your business’s financial projections for the first few years. Here are some key elements to include in your financial plan:

Profit & loss statement:

Cash flow statement:, balance sheet:, break-even point:.

Determine and mention your business’s break-even point—the point at which your business costs and revenue will be equal.

Financing Needs:

Be realistic with your financial projections, and make sure you offer relevant information and evidence to support your estimates.

9. Appendix

The appendix section of your plan should include any additional information supporting your business plan’s main content, such as market research, legal documentation, financial statements, and other relevant information.

• Add a table of contents for the appendix section to help readers easily find specific information or sections.
• In addition to your financial statements, provide additional financial documents like tax returns, a list of assets within the business, credit history, and more.These statements must be the latest and offer financial projections for at least the first three or five years of business operations.
• Provide data derived from market research, including stats about the dog walking industry, user demographics, and industry trends.
• Include any legal documents such as permits, licenses, and contracts.
• Include any additional documentation related to your business plan, such as product brochures, marketing materials, operational procedures, etc.

Use clear headings and labels for each section of the appendix so that readers can easily find the necessary information.

Remember, the appendix section of your dog walking business plan should only include relevant and important information supporting your plan’s main content.

The Quickest Way to turn a Business Idea into a Business Plan

Fill-in-the-blanks and automatic financials make it easy.

This sample dog walking business plan will provide an idea for writing a successful dog walking plan, including all the essential components of your business.

After this, if you still need clarification about writing an investment-ready business plan to impress your audience, download our dog walking business plan pdf .

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Free Business Plan Template Example

Definitive Guide to Writing a Startup Business Plan

What are the Components of Business Plan

Frequently asked questions, why do you need a dog walking business plan.

A business plan is an essential tool for anyone looking to start or run a successful dog walking business. It helps to get clarity in your business, secures funding, and identifies potential challenges while starting and growing your business.

Overall, a well-written plan can help you make informed decisions, which can contribute to the long-term success of your dog walking company.

How to get funding for your dog walking business?

TThere are several ways to get funding for your dog walking business, but self-funding is one of the most efficient and speedy funding options. Other options for funding are:

• Bank loan – You may apply for a loan in government or private banks.
• Small Business Administration (SBA) loan – SBA loans and schemes are available at affordable interest rates, so check the eligibility criteria before applying for it.
• Crowdfunding – The process of supporting a project or business by getting a lot of people to invest in your business, usually online.
• Angel investors – Getting funds from angel investors is one of the most sought startup options.

Apart from all these options, there are small business grants available, check for the same in your location and you can apply for it.

Where to find business plan writers for your dog walking business?

There are many business plan writers available, but no one knows your business and ideas better than you, so we recommend you write your dog walking business plan and outline your vision as you have in your mind.

What is the easiest way to write your dog walking business plan?

A lot of research is necessary for writing a business plan, but you can write your plan most efficiently with the help of any dog walking business plan example and edit it as per your need. You can also quickly finish your plan in just a few hours or less with the help of our business plan software .

About the Author

Upmetrics Team

Upmetrics is the #1 business planning software that helps entrepreneurs and business owners create investment-ready business plans using AI. We regularly share business planning insights on our blog. Check out the Upmetrics blog for such interesting reads. Read more

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The Ultimate Guide to Starting a Successful Dog Walking Business

Table of contents, launching your dog walking venture, understanding the role of a dog walker and pet sitter.

Before embarking on your dog walking business journey, it is crucial to understand the responsibilities and expectations that come with being a professional dog walker and pet sitter. Beyond simply walking dogs, you will also be responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of the animals under your care. Familiarize yourself with the different breeds, their temperaments, and any additional care requirements they may have.

To provide top-quality service, you may also need to offer pet sitting as an additional service. This involves spending time in the clients' homes while they are away, ensuring the pets are fed, exercised, and given attention. Understanding these responsibilities will help you tailor your services to meet the unique needs of your clients and their furry friends.

Building a strong bond with the animals is essential for creating a positive and trusting relationship. Take the time to learn about each dog's personality and preferences, so you can provide personalized care. Whether it's a gentle stroll for an older dog or an energetic run for a high-energy pup, your ability to adapt to each dog's needs will set you apart as a reliable and compassionate dog walker.

Crafting Your Service Menu, Locations, and Pricing Strategy

Once you have a clear understanding of the services you will provide, it's time to develop your service menu, including the types of walks, durations, and any additional offerings such as group walks or specialized training sessions. Consider the needs and preferences of your target market when crafting your menu.

Next, identify the locations in which you will offer your services. It's important to choose areas with a high concentration of pet owners, where there is a demand for dog walking services. Research local parks, residential neighborhoods, and pet-friendly communities to find ideal locations for your business.

When determining your pricing strategy, consider factors such as the duration of walks, the number of dogs being walked at once, and any additional services provided. Research the prices of other dog walking businesses in your area to ensure your rates are competitive while still reflecting the quality of your service.

Remember, exceptional customer service is key to building a loyal client base. Going the extra mile by providing regular updates, sending cute photos of the dogs during their walks, and offering flexible scheduling options will leave a lasting impression on your clients and keep them coming back for more.

Budgeting for Your Dog Walking Business Startup

Before launching your business, it is essential to create a budget that takes into account all the necessary startup costs. This includes expenses such as licensing and permits, insurance, dog walking supplies (leashes, poop bags, etc.), marketing materials, and any technology or software solutions you plan to implement.

Consider consulting with a financial advisor who specializes in small businesses to ensure you have a comprehensive budget that covers all your startup needs. Remember to factor in ongoing expenses such as insurance premiums and marketing efforts as well.

Investing in high-quality equipment and supplies is crucial for providing a safe and comfortable experience for both the dogs and your staff. From sturdy leashes and harnesses to durable poop bags and comfortable walking shoes, having the right tools will make a significant difference in the quality of your service.

Establishing Your Brand Identity: Name, Logo, and Online Presence

Your brand identity plays a crucial role in attracting and retaining clients. Start by choosing a memorable and descriptive name for your dog walking business. Make sure the name reflects your services and resonates with your target audience.

Design a professional yet eye-catching logo that captures the essence of your brand. A visually appealing logo will help create a strong brand identity and make your business more recognizable.

Building an online presence is essential in today's digital world. Create a professional website that showcases your services, pricing, and contact information. Share testimonials and high-quality images of the dogs you've worked with to build trust and credibility. Utilize social media platforms to connect with potential clients and showcase your expertise in dog care.

Remember, your online presence should reflect the values and personality of your business. Engage with your audience by sharing informative and entertaining content related to dog care, training tips, and heartwarming stories about the dogs you've had the pleasure of walking.

Setting Up Essential Contracts, Protocols, and Guidelines

Protect your business and your clients by establishing essential contracts, protocols, and guidelines. Develop a comprehensive client agreement that outlines the terms and conditions of your services, including cancellation policies, liability waivers, and any additional rules you deem necessary.

Establish clear protocols for handling emergencies, such as lost or injured dogs, and develop safety guidelines for walking dogs in various environments. These measures will demonstrate your commitment to the well-being of the animals and give your clients peace of mind.

Regularly review and update your protocols and guidelines to ensure they align with industry best practices and any changes in local regulations. By staying informed and proactive, you can continue to provide a safe and reliable service that exceeds your clients' expectations.

Streamlining Operations with Technology and Software Solutions

Harness the power of technology to streamline your operations and provide a seamless experience for both clients and staff. Consider investing in dog walking software that allows clients to schedule walks, view their dog's activity, and make payments online. This will not only save you time but also enhance the overall customer experience.

Additionally, utilize GPS tracking devices to monitor the location and routes of your dog walkers, ensuring efficiency and accountability. Implementing technology-driven solutions will enable you to stay organized, improve communication, and deliver exceptional service.

Stay up to date with the latest advancements in dog walking technology, as new tools and software solutions are constantly being developed. By embracing innovation, you can stay ahead of the competition and provide a modern and convenient experience for your clients.

Marketing Strategies to Grow Your Dog Walking Business

Leveraging social media for business growth.

Social media platforms offer a cost-effective way to reach a large audience of potential clients. Create engaging content that showcases your expertise in dog walking and pet care. Share useful tips, heartwarming stories, and adorable pictures of the dogs you work with.

Utilize platforms like Instagram and Facebook to engage with your audience, respond to inquiries, and showcase positive client experiences. Consider running targeted ad campaigns to reach specific demographics and attract new customers.

Networking and Partnerships in the Pet Care Industry

Build relationships with local veterinarians, groomers, and other pet care professionals to expand your network and generate referrals. Attend pet-focused events, join professional associations, and participate in community fundraisers to connect with potential clients and industry influencers.

Establish partnerships with local businesses that align with your target market, such as pet stores or dog-friendly cafes. Collaborate on promotional events or cross-promote each other's services to reach a broader audience and generate mutual benefits.

Implementing Referral Programs for Client Acquisition

Word-of-mouth recommendations can be a powerful marketing tool for your dog walking business. Implement a referral program that rewards existing clients when they refer new customers to your business. This incentivizes clients to spread the word about your services and helps you acquire new customers at a lower cost.

Offering incentives like discounted walks or additional services to both the referring client and the newly referred client can further motivate them to participate in your referral program.

Ensuring Safety and Security in Your Dog Walking Business

Emergency preparedness and first aid training.

As a dog walker, it is crucial to be prepared for emergencies. Invest in first aid training to handle common pet injuries and illnesses effectively. Carry a well-equipped first aid kit with you during walks, and ensure all your staff members are trained in basic first aid procedures.

Develop an emergency plan that outlines the steps to take in case of a lost dog, a sudden medical emergency, or any other crisis situation. Regularly review and update this plan to ensure it remains effective.

Securing Insurance Coverage for Your Business

Insurance is a vital component of running a dog walking business. Protect yourself, your clients, and the animals you care for by obtaining comprehensive liability insurance. Insurance coverage will provide financial protection in case of accidents, injuries, or property damage.

Research insurance providers that specialize in pet care businesses and select a policy that provides sufficient coverage for your unique needs. Consult with an insurance professional to understand all the options available to you and ensure you have the necessary protection in place.

Implementing Safety Protocols for Dog Handling

Establishing strict safety protocols for dog handling will help minimize the risk of accidents and ensure the well-being of the animals under your care. Train your staff in proper leash handling techniques and teach them how to read canine body language to detect signs of stress or aggression.

Additionally, implement strict policies regarding appropriate dog interactions during group walks and ensure small or reactive dogs are properly supervised and kept separate from larger, more energetic dogs.

By following these guidelines, you can lay a solid foundation for a successful and reputable dog walking business. With dedication, professionalism, and a genuine love for animals, you can turn your passion into a thriving venture that brings joy to both you and your furry clients.

Ready to impress your customers?

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The Best Dog Kennel Software for Managing Your Pet Boarding Business

How to start a pet sitting and dog walking business: The insider’s view

Our experts, written and reviewed by:.

About our Insider

Founder: Lisa Murray-Lang Launch date:  March 2012 Based in : South Birmingham Staff: 1 Number of clients: 82 Website: www.fromwagstowhiskers.co.uk

Tell us why your pet sitting / dog walking business stands out?

I offer a very personal and professional service with great customer care. I do what I would expect and want for my own pets.

For over 10 years I have been volunteering at Cramar Cat Rescue and Sanctuary. I helped with cleaning out, feeding and looking after the cats. I was also asked to become a trustee for the charity, a position I held for six years. I have also taken part in a half marathon dressed as a homeless cat as well as doing a 15,000ft skydive to raise money for the charity. As a trustee I also helped them to set up the vet practice, which is part of the premises.

I have a number of best practice rules that I follow:

Respond personally. I respond to any query as soon as possible. If I’m not able to help I’ll always try and offer an alternative solution.

Be discreet. I have an unmarked car and don’t wear a uniform. It’s not advertising the fact that you’re away when I make my visit. I’m just a friend calling round. I’m not just an anonymous voice at the end of the phone; I think it’s important that I meet the owners and their pets in their own homes, which gives it a personal touch.

Build a relationship with the pet. Clients deal direct with me, not a new face each time. The pet builds up a good relationship with me and isn’t upset when their owners go on holiday. They still have a friendly face to provide them with love and care when their owners can’t be there, and because they remain in their own home they’re in familiar surroundings and it’s a lot less stressful especially for old/timid pets that get stressed when they go into kennels and catteries. Plus, it’s peace of mind for the owner that their home is being looked after too.

Why did you become a pet sitter / dog walker?

In 2011, after working in the Cadbury Design Studio for 13 years, I was unfortunately a casualty of the takeover and was made redundant just before Christmas. I looked at trying to get another design job but as always at that time of year there wasn’t a lot out there. So after six months of trying I decided to follow my heart, and do something with animals!

What was essential to get the business up and running?

Join a trade association. I then enrolled with NarpsUK (National Association of Pet Sitters and dog walkers) , got a CRB check done and sorted out public liability insurance.

Gain the necessary qualifications. Then I attended various courses including a First Aid course for both dogs and cats; a feline medication course in Edinburgh and earned a diploma in animal psychology, plus had inside help and advice from my vets and cat rescue charity.

Get good advice. I had the support of the New Enterprise Allowance at the Jobcentre Plus, which was able to give me help and advice setting up a business on my own.

You’ll also need pet business insurance to start a pet sitting or dog walking insurance. This guide covers everything you need to know.

What is your average working day like?

There is no average day, because every day is different – which I love. Each day throws up new challenges!

The summer months can be very, very busy and can see me getting up and starting my day at 5.30am. It’s a seven-day working week and some days up to 14 hours a day. In fact one day in August last year I had 34 cats, six dogs and two rabbits to look after!!! It’s busy but so rewarding!

What rules do you have for how you approach each client?

Every time I get a call from a new client, I check where they live and if I cover that area. I then take some basic details from them and arrange to come out and see them and their pet and find out what is required and meet the pet so I’m familiar to them when I come to look after them. The more information I have the better. Some owners apologise for leaving me pages of information but I’d rather have too much, than not enough.

What’s the biggest challenge for pet sitters / dog walkers right now?

The biggest challenge I think is that the market is getting bigger. And a lot of people think it’s an easy occupation. Just going round and petting someone’s cat or dog all day. They don’t see that you’re on call every day. It’s about keeping a close eye on the animal especially if it is old or ill. Special needs (such as incontinence), diabetic and epileptic pets need extra care and attention. It can be stressful as they are your responsibility. You have to meet the needs of both the pets and their owners.

I’ve also had phone calls from potentially new clients who have approached less professional pet sitters out there, and have been let down by them. I always ask if my clients have been happy and satisfied with the level of service I have provided them with and whereever possible invite them to provide testimonials to say this.

What’s the best business advice you’ve been given?

• Keep all your receipts
• Document everything
• Plan your time and route before heading out! Organisation is key.

What do you think the pet sitting / dog walking space will look like in two years?

I think it will be even bigger and the pets and owners will be even happier!!!

What’s the best resource for pet sitters / dog walkers?

Joining the NarpsUK and having all their help and support on hand when needed has been amazing. Plus, as much information and support from other animal centres and vets.

What regulations affect you most as a pet sitter / dog walker?

A lot is down to common sense, most pet owners are aware of and understand what responsibilities are required, which I fully endorse as it is vital to my job.

You need to be CRB checked, along with following the NarpsUK Code of Conduct and learning about the Control of Dogs Order 1992 along with the Clean Neighbourhood and Environment Act 2005 when picking up and disposing of dog faeces when taking dogs out for exercise. It’s the not very nice side of being a pet sitter and dog walker but it needs doing and any responsible owner or walker must do it.

What’s the biggest misconception about being a pet sitter / dog walker?

It’s just sitting around petting the animals. It can be very stressful at times and time management is key! It’s great in the summer when the weather is nice but then you have to go out in the hail, sleet, wind, rain and snow! All animals are different and possess personalities which can prove challenging at times, this can be taken for granted by the inexperienced.

If you launched your company again, what would you do differently?

In hindsight there’s not a lot I would change, having been given sound advice and support from friends and family. If anything, I just wish that I had made the decision to change my career sooner!

If you’re interested in becoming a pet sitter and dog walker, check out our comprehensive guide on how to start a dog walking business .

Written by:

Related articles.

Starting a Dog Walking Business in the UK – Everything You Should Consider

By Marc Loud

We are, without question, a nation of dog lovers here in the UK. The number of four-legged friends joining homes across the country rose notably during the lockdown as people sought out the companionship and life-enhancing presence of a dog. 

Now that life is back to “normal”, many dog owners have left behind the days of homeworking and need to call upon the services of a dog walker to keep their pet exercised a nd entertained. Starting a dog walking business is an exciting opportunity and here we’ll “walk” you through all the steps you need to make this active enterprise a success.

The Pet Walking Phenomenon

With 3.2 million new pets joining families over the pandemic, there are now 17 million homes in the UK with pets. Dog walkers offer owners a solution to the problem of leaving their dogs at home while they go out to work. A cheaper alternative to doggy daycare and ideal for dogs who might find that setting stressful, dog walkers can provide pets with physical and mental stimulation by taking them out for exercise.

The use of a dog walker allows pet owners to work longer hours or take on work patterns that would previously have been unachievable. Dog walkers can improve the overall health of a dog through their walks which can, in turn, also improve the dog’s behaviour at home.

Some dog owners find that using a dog walker assists their dog with its socialisation skills, making their pet more relaxed and confident around other dogs. By employing a dog walker, owners may find that it’s much easier to walk and be in public with a reactive dog.

In summary, dog walking has skyrocketed in popularity because it gives pet owners more freedom and offers a range of benefits for the dog.

An Exciting Business Opportunity

If you’re thinking about setting up a dog walking business, you probably want to know what the financial prospects are. According to Glassdoor, dog walkers earn an average of £23,176 per year in the UK, with some dog walkers having the scope to make significantly more.

How much you can charge per hour or per walk depends upon your locality. Naturally, dog walkers in London can charge a premium — but dog walkers in rural locations where there are fewer options for dog owners can also charge a higher rate.

Starting a dog walking business can offer you great flexibility. If the customer base is there, you can take on as many or as few dogs as you like and, within reason, choose your own working hours. This makes dog walking an excellent side hustle for part-time workers, students or retirees who want to remain active.

The exercise aspect of dog walking should be seen as a major benefit for those who have the physical health to safely carry out this level of activity. Fresh air and exercise are known to benefit both your mood and your body. When you couple this with the joy of spending time with dogs, there is a lot of job satisfaction to be had by setting up as a dog walker.

Preparing for the Role

If you’re working out how to start a dog walking business, you’ve probably pondered what the rules surrounding this career are. There are currently no regulations regarding work as a dog walker in terms of qualifications or training.

However, given the complexities of dog behaviour and social interactions, being knowledgeable about dogs is a bonus! Having your own dogs, some sort of animal care experience and a qualification in animal care or behaviour will not only make it easier to manage the demands of your new business, but it will also be a draw for potential customers.

If you’re suddenly starting to doubt whether you could handle striding out with numerous dogs on a walk, there are a few things you could do to prepare for the role:

•   Undertake a relevant course at your local college or via an online provider – dog walking and animal first aid are particularly useful qualifications.
•   Volunteer at an animal shelter to encounter a range of different behavioural issues and breeds.
•   Ask for work experience with an established dog walker and observe the handling of a “pack”.
•   Book one on one sessions with a dog trainer when you first start walking dogs. They can guide you on handling techniques and strategies for when things go wrong (such as aggression, fear, fights and escapes).

Setting up Legally as a Dog Walker

Though there may not currently be any regulations governing your role as a dog walker, there are rules you must adhere to if you plan to run a business in the UK. You will need to inform HMRC that you’re setting up a dog walking business and register as self-employed for your self-assessment tax return and National Insurance payments.

You’ll need to keep comprehensive records of your dog walking appointments and corresponding payments. When you record your customers’ personal details, you’ll need to comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Records of expendable items for your business should also be kept, so you can offset against your profits and ensure you don’t overpay tax.

As you’ll be working with dogs, you’ll need to be aware of:

•   The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 – which states that it is a criminal offence for any dog to be dangerously out of control.
•   The Control of Dogs Order 1992 – which states that a dog in public should wear a collar with an identification tag on it.
•   The Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 – relates to the fines you can incur for failing to clean up dog mess.
•   Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953 – regards the control of dogs around livestock and notes a farmer’s right to shoot a dog that is worrying their livestock.

Because many dog walkers are given keys or pin codes to enter their customers’ homes, you should apply for a basic Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Set-up Costs when Starting a Dog Walking Business

If you’re wondering how to start a dog walking business on a budget, don’t worry. There are usually quite low outlays associated with this type of enterprise. The costs you are likely to incur are:

•   Insurance – to protect both you against claims made by customers and members of the public and your business should you find yourself suddenly unable to work.
•   Membership to a relevant governing body such as the National Association of Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers.
•   Cost of your annual Disclosure and Barring Service check.
•   Website and advertising.
•   Fuel or transportation costs.
•   Leads, dog treats and water bowls.

Creating a Dog Walking Business Plan

Many people have caught on to the fact that dog walking can be a lucrative and enriching career. This means you may have some stiff competition in your area when you’re starting a dog walking business.

Spending some time writing a dog walking business plan will help you focus your ideas and identify your key competitors. Work out their strengths and weaknesses and then you can choose your unique selling point to stand out from the crowd. Perhaps you’ll offer additional services or provide extra-long walks to tire out energetic breeds.

A business plan also lets you set out your goals, your marketing strategies, financial expenditures and projections, and encourages you to plan for things going wrong. Remember, even with diligent planning, the unexpected can happen. For this reason, alongside a robust business plan, you should also have a comprehensive dog walking insurance policy.

Handling Dogs Safely

Knowing how to handle a group of dogs safely is an important part of a dog walker’s job — for the dogs’ safety, your safety and the safety of the public. Some dog walking associations recommend walking a maximum of four dogs at a time. This number will not only limit the risk of the pack mentality kicking in but also help you keep control in dangerous settings such as on a busy road or next to livestock. Customers will also prefer lower numbers of dogs per walk as they’ll feel their animal is getting more attention and better service.

If you’re setting up a dog walking business, spend some time familiarising yourself with the different breeds within your client base. Do you have dogs that are more prone to aggressive behaviour? Are some physically stronger and therefore harder to handle? Do you have any sight or scent driven breeds that might try to chase rabbits or deer? Do you have smaller, slower breeds which simply wouldn’t be able to keep up with faster, more energetic dogs? Understanding the breeds will help you organise the best walking groups, minimising the risk of any unwanted mishaps.

For your safety, you should always meet the dog with its owner before starting your walking service. By assessing the dog’s temperament, you’ll be able to work out which of your other dogs it would walk well with, allowing you to book the safest time slot.

Even when handled correctly, dogs can be dangerous and act out of character when under stress. The dog walking business insurance you take out will help protect you financially should anything go wrong in the course of your work.

Building your Client Base

When starting a dog walking business, you’ll likely have to spend very little money on advertising because dog walking is one of those services where word of mouth can work very well. Dog owners will see you out and about walking, giving you the chance to speak to potential customers every day!

Because people’s dogs are so precious to them, they’re more likely to prefer a personal recommendation when it comes to a dog walking service. You could offer your existing customers a referral scheme whereby if you gain a new client through their recommendation, they get a discounted or free walk.

Adding decals that advertise your services to the car that you use for transporting dogs can be a great marketing tool when you’re parked up at dog walking spots or arriving at a customer’s home.

Spend some time creating a website for your business (opting for a do-it-yourself site if you’re on a budget). You should also make social media pages to help you post in local groups. Print some professional fliers and business cards to give to local pet shops, vets and community noticeboards.

In this competitive field, you need to create a brand that tells potential clients what makes you different. Try to incorporate your unique selling point into the logo, business name or taglines that you use on your online presence and paper marketing.

Insuring your Business

If a customer’s dog is lost, injured or loses its life while in your care, or if a member of the public is hurt or their personal property is damaged as a result of your dog walking business, you could have a costly claim made against you.

Dog walking insurance can protect your business by offering:

•   Public liability – to deal with claims made by members of the public.
•   Professional liability – to deal with claims made by your customers for loss or damage relating to negligent services or advice.
•   Employer’s liability – for dog walking businesses that employ other members of staff.
•   Care, custody and control of animals – which covers the accidental injury or death of an animal in your care.

You could also add cover for any stock and equipment you hold or to protect any business premises. Including personal accident cover can offer great peace of mind, too.

If you’re thinking about how to start a dog walking business without risking your finances, the right pet business insurance will help. At Park Insurance, we’ve been working with small businesses for decades, creating bespoke policies that meet the unique needs of the enterprise. Get in touch with our friendly experts today to see how we can keep your business safe.

Dog Walking Business Plan Template & Guidebook

How to write a dog walking business plan in 7 steps:, 1. describe the purpose of your dog walking business., 2. products & services offered by your dog walking business., 3. build a creative marketing stratgey., target market, customer base , product or service description, competitive analysis, marketing channels, form an llc in your state, 4. write your operational plan., what equipment, supplies, or permits are needed to run a dog walking business, 5. management & organization of your dog walking business., 6. dog walking business startup expenses & captial needed., 7. financial plan & projections, frequently asked questions about dog walking business plans:, why do you need a business plan for a dog walking business, who should you ask for help with your dog walking business plan, can you write a dog walking business plan yourself, related business plans, home inventory business plan template & guidebook, home inspection business plan template & guidebook, home decor business plan template & guidebook, health and wellness business plan template & guidebook, hauling business plan template & guidebook, hardware business plan template & guidebook, handyman business plan template & guidebook, hair extension business plan template & guidebook, handbag business plan template & guidebook.

I'm Nick, co-founder of newfoundr.com, dedicated to helping aspiring entrepreneurs succeed. As a small business owner with over five years of experience, I have garnered valuable knowledge and insights across a diverse range of industries. My passion for entrepreneurship drives me to share my expertise with aspiring entrepreneurs, empowering them to turn their business dreams into reality.

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Dog Walker Small Business Idea and Business Plan

Starting your own small business in the UK isn’t easy but having a properly developed business plan will help you achieve success.

To start a Dog Walker business in the UK, take the time and explain the idea via a business plan.

Understanding all of the aspects of the business idea will be the key to getting the Dog Walker business running like a well-oiled machine. The business plan you develop will help you organize the elements needed into a strategy that you can actually use to startup, by paving a clear road map as to what you need to follow for the lifespan of your business.

Starting a Dog Walker business isn’t easy, but when done right, it can lead to a lot of success.

To help you get started, you can use the free business plan builder tool to develop your own Dog Walker business plan.

The business plan template is very easy to use, is interactive and will quickly and easily help you create your business plan just by answering the needed questions about your small business idea.

Create your own Dog Walker business plan for free using the Business Plan Builder

The free business plan template builder is divided into a few easy to follow steps.

The free business plan builder template is provided by UKStartups.org to help you develop your own business plan. For step by step guidance, see the 5 steps below.

Once completed, the result will be a clean, professional plan that will help you start your own Dog Walker small business in the UK.

When you have completed your Dog Walker business plan, the next step will be to find available funding that will help, or to speak with a funding adviser who will assist you each step of the way to securing the needed funds to make your Dog Walker business startup.

If you are looking to limit your startup costs when starting up a Dog Walker small business in the UK, this free business plan builder tool will be it.

Starting a Dog Walker business is only one of the ways others have used this free business plan tool. There are hundreds of different ideas you can start, and if you need guidance, do reach out to a UKStartups expert to get the needed assistance and guidance.

Step 1. Your business information

To develop a proper Dog Walker business plan with the free business plan builder template, it is important to answer each of the questions about your business to the best of your abilities.

What is your business? What are the products/services you provide? Who are your customers? What are your goals…etc?

Having a clear explanation will help you create a in-depth business plan that you can actually use to start the Dog Walker business and to apply for needed funding to cover your startup costs.

Step 2. Projecting your revenues/income

The Dog Walker industry can have great results. Planning and projecting the financial figures to approximate what you will make each year is crucial to building a strong business plan.

What do you think your business will make from each of its products/services? Simply list your products/services, enter the appropriate financial figures (costs and expenses).

If you don’t have the figures, in many cases it is recommended to do a a bit more research on other Dog Walker businesses locally and within your own region to get an idea of potential revenue. You can do your best to estimate the figures and growth potential.

If you need assistance in projecting, you can always contact UK Startups funding experts for the help.

Step 3. Your business market

As a Dog Walker business, having a clear explanation of the market and industry that you are in will help you plan for the figure and will ensure you can take the business to the next level.

Explain your location of business, share specifics about your customers, showcase your competition and explain the advantages you have over your competition.

Step 4. The future plan

Starting your own Dog Walker business and getting it off the ground is important to you.

No matter if you’re planning on applying for government funding for your Dog Walker business or not, it is important to plan out the future and provide an explanation of how you will grow the business. This means explaining your marketing plan, your sales strategy and clearly outlining a growth plan for the next few years.

Be sure to break this down step by step to show how you intend on making sure your Dog Walker business can grow each year.

Keep in mind that often business plans are focused on key people. Be sure to discuss yourself, your role and any other key figures in the business as well.

Step 5. The financials

In the end, it all comes down to the financials. If you are seeking funding, or not – the business plan you develop needs to have clearly defined financials or projections. The business plan builder tool makes it easy to develop your financial charts by simply entering your expected revenues per month and year. If you don’t have the figures as it’s a new business be sure to project the figures based on your expectations. If you need help with this, ask the UK Startups experts .

A clear breakdown of your funding needs is also recommended in case you are seeking funding and this free business plan template will help you with exactly that. When developing your Dog Walker business plan using this free template, the above 5 steps are recommended in order to succeed. While there are other key points that will assist you in starting your business, finding funding...etc, the free template will help put you on the right path

Be sure to request a professional to review your business plan , to answer any questions you may have and to help you with the funding search once you’ve done the initial free template. You can request this directly via UKStartups.org and through the Small Business Startup Platform as a member.

If starting a Dog Walker business is just one of your ideas, perhaps considering other options, here are some popular small business’s others have chosen to startup

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How to Write a Dog Walking Business Plan in 8 Simple Steps (Template Included)

Image Credit: Burst, Pexels

Last Updated on April 15, 2024 by Dogster Team

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Walking a dog is an excellent way to get in your steps and improve your cardiovascular health. It’s also great for pets since they get to stretch their legs and have opportunities to socialize and practice their leash manners. A dog walking business is a smart choice for a gig because it has so many benefits.

Many might find walking dogs more satisfying than working in an office. You can spend time with lots of cute pups while getting exercise yourself. Dog walking may seem like it’s devoid of risks. However, several issues exist. What if the pup bites a person or another pet? What happens if the pooch gets hurt? How do you balance your time with making a profit for your effort?

Before You Start

A business plan is imperative if you want to get investors or convince a bank that your company is a worthwhile investment. You must articulate the reasons behind your dog walking enterprise. Here are some things you might want to do before you actually start to write the plan itself:

1. Study the Market

It’s critical to assess the status of the market and whether there is sufficient interest to support it. You’ll find many business assessments online. Many companies release summaries via press releases to give you some concrete data. You can also tap the local businesses. Pet stores, doggie daycare, and veterinary clinics can provide valuable insights.

2. Determine the Market’s Vulnerabilities

You should also consider your market’s vulnerabilities. It’s a typical part of a traditional business plan. However, you must have a plan if the unthinkable happens. You can think of it as another form of insurance. It gives business owners a backup plan to help them ride the tide of unforeseeable headwinds.

3. Figure Out Your Start-Up and Maintenance Costs

You must do a realistic assessment of your initial and maintenance costs to ensure your business will be viable. You’ll likely find it’s easier to provide leashes and travel water bowls than having your clients bring their own since it can save you money in the long run.

4. Find Out Your Legal Obligations and Their Costs

You’ll likely have to pay taxes as a service provider. You may have to ante up for additional costs to cover other state and federal contributions. Don’t that costs involved may include additional permits or taxes. Research your obligations on the local, state, and federal levels.

5. Find Out Your Legal Obligations and Their Costs

You’ll likely have to pay taxes as a service provider. You may have to ante up for additional costs to cover other state and federal contributions. Don’t forget to find out what you must pay for your business type. It may involve additional permits or taxes. Research your obligations on the local, state, and federal levels.

If you plan on having others involved in your business, consider your expenses, whether you bring them on as employees or contractors. Differences exist in various state regulations. You should consider contracting a payroll company to help you wade through the legal obligations.

6. Plan Your Business Structure and Its Costs

You can set up your business as a sole proprietorship. It’s easy to do, even for a newcomer in the business realm. Your dog walking business is part of your personal tax situation. That means the former’s obligations are synonymous with your personal income. It may not matter in many cases. However, this type involves liability issues, which you may want to separate from your personal matters.

7. Determine Your Target Audience and How to Reach Them

You can tap several sources to find out what your potential target audience might be. Census data, your local chamber of commerce, and veterinary clinics can provide valuable resources. You should also find out what offerings are currently available to gauge your competition.

8. Complete a SWOT Analysis

A SWOT analysis considers the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to an industry. It summarizes everything you must know to make educated decisions about your dog walking business. It’s essential to be realistic in this analysis. Don’t let your dreams of a viable business cloud the reality of it succeeding.

How to Write a Business Plan

Now that you’ve done your homework, it’s time to actually start to write the plan. Below is a list of aspects that must be written out and included. They don’t necessarily have to be in this order, but each of them should be included in one way or another.

1. Describe Your Business

Customers like to know the story behind a company. The same applies to a dog walking business. Use this first section to quickly describe who you are and what your business is going to do. This acts as an introduction to your business and gets people curious about why you’re going to be a good investment.

2. Include a Market Analysis

A market analysis is a key part of your business plan. If you’ve already done your homework from above, then this should be fairly easy to write. This section typically includes an overview of how big the market is for your services, as well as any of the competition. This is especially important if you’re trying to convince investors to back you.

You might also consider including your SWOT analysis. Here is an example of what that looks like:

3. Outline the Management and Organization

A bank or potential investors want to see a clear chain of command in a new business. All great leaders know they can’t do it all. It’s imperative to delegate some tasks. Even if you are the sole employee of your business, make sure you include a layout of how each aspect of your business will be run and organized.

4. Decide on the Products and Services You Want to Offer

As mentioned above, you need to clearly describe what exact services you are willing to provide. A problem many businesses encounter is scope creep—when changes are made to the job’s scope without any control procedure in place. A simple task ends up with other added but uncompensated services. Detailing your offerings is one way to safeguard against it happening to you.

On top of that, if you plan to include new services/products in the future, you’ll want to write a few paragraphs explaining how they will improve your profits.

5. Conduct Customer Segmentation

Customer segmentation describes the process of subdividing the groups of people or cohorts you hope to reach by their preferences and characteristics. It will help you optimize how you direct your resources, advertising dollars, and marketing efforts. You should write out a clear view of who your ideal customer is.

This often includes:

• Customer location
• Education level
• Where they work and their income
• Values, beliefs, and opinions

6. Flesh Out Your Marketing Plan

How you market to your customers will largely be determined by the ideal customer you’ve just described. It should also describe your current and future strategies for your ideas and how exactly they fit that image. Marketing plans usually include your prices, products or services, how you will promote said products or services, and where you plan to sell them.

We suggest consulting your customer segmentation when developing your marketing plan. Different themes appeal to various demographics. Knowing your target audience and segments can help you create a plan with the best payoffs. For example, Baby Boomers are more likely to use YouTube, whereas Millennials respond well to user engagement.

7. Plan Your Business Logistics and Operations

This section refers to the workflow that you implement in order to turn your plan into reality. Whether making this business plan for your own benefit or for an investor, this section should be fairly detailed.

• Facilities/locations: Where will you work? Will you have a physical work space? If so, where? What areas do you plan to offer services in?
• Equipment: What tools are required to get your business up and running? Think leashes, food and water bowls , doggie bags, etc.
• Inventory: Where will you keep said equipment? How much will you plan to have on hand?
• Fulfillment: Will you be the person fulfilling the demand? Will you have employees?

8. Provide an Overview of Your Financial Plan

Withs so many new businesses failing in the first few years, this section needs to lay out everything related to money. Financial health is crucial for your business to survive. This section should comprise of three things: an income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement.

The income statement shows the reader of the plan your revenue sources and expenses over time. You can also include future milestones if you haven’t launched yet. The balance sheet goes over how much equity you have in your business, and you list all your business assets and liabilities.

• Assets – Liabilities = Equity

Finally, your cash flow statement is similar to your income statement; however, it accounts for revenues collected and when expenses are paid. Your goal is to have a positive cash flow!

9. Write Your Executive Summary

You might be surprised that we put the executive summary at the end of the process. However, all the planning you’ve done and the decisions you’ve made are the meat of this vital document. Therefore, it makes sense to write it after you’ve gone through your analysis. Think of this as your 5-minute elevator speech where you sell yourself and your business to a bank or investors. It must be tight without fluff—just the facts and your key selling points.

An executive summary might look something like this:

(Business name) aims to be the ultimate dog walking and companionship company in (location/community), bringing a wide range of high-end dog and owner services at a reasonable cost. (Business name) will be headquartered in (location) and provide (services/products and why they’re in demand).

Your Business Plan

The Small Business Administration (SBA) provides templates for traditional and lean business plans. We suggest you explore both options to help you decide how to proceed.

Final Thoughts

One of the best things coming out of the pandemic was individuals thinking outside of the box. Work doesn’t have to be a 9–5 job; it can be anything you want, as long as you have the drive and effort to make it happen. That includes starting up a dog walking business. A detailed plan sets the course to ensure your business is successful.

• https://www.ucop.edu
• https://www.sba.gov

Featured Image Credit: Burst, Pexels

About the Author

Chris Dinesen Rogers

Since 2009, Chris has written on a variety of topics. Her motto with all of her writing is “science-based writing nurtured by education and critical thinking.” She specializes in scientific topics, with a special love for health and environmental topics, and of course, pets of all shapes and sizes. Chris lives happily with her husband and three cats in the land of 10,000 lakes, writing, wining, and boating as much as she can. She and her husband, Norm, were awarded the State of Kentucky Colonel Honor for their restoration work at Mammoth Cave National Park.

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Dog walking career Dog walking contract Dog walking fees Dog walking flyer Dog walking franchise Dog walking insurance Dog walking jobs Dog walking prices Dog walking service How to start a dog walking business Dog walking business plan There are more and more people providing dog walking services and as demand increases, it�s evolving from a work from home activity into a fully commercialized service. Indeed, with more and more demand people are transforming dog walking into fully fledged businesses that are profitable and also much needed. There are still plenty of opportunities and a great deal of profit to be made if you can build a strong business with a good dog walking business plan. A dog walking business plan is essentially like any other. In your business plan you need to account for every eventuality and it�s always a good idea to start by taking a close look at the nearest competition. From here you can analyze what they offer and ask yourself the question �How do I do it better?� Your dog walking business plan needs to show prospective investors and banks why your business will be a success. A great way to make your business plan stand out is to do some detailed research based on the area you want to offer the service. This market research lets you know whether or not people want your services and how much they�d be willing to pay. Simply knowing there�s another dog walking service in the area isn�t enough, because after all there may not be enough business for two! Looking at the details of your dog walking business plan, you also need to work out how you are going to provide the service � are you going to pick dogs up from people�s homes? Are you going to offer any additional services such as pet sitting? You also need to take into account external risk factors in your Dog walking business plan such as if a dog gets stolen, if there�s an accident, and even worst case scenario if you get bitten by an angry dog. As a professional dog walker, you�ll be working with strange dogs day in and day out. As a result, you need to include aspects such as insurance into your dog walking business plan and maybe even put up a bond for your business so that in the event of an emergency, you�re business is covered. Likewise, your dog walking business plan should also look into what happens when you are successful? You should be able to estimate how much profit you expect to make in the first quarter, first year and five years onwards. It�s also important to know the bottom line in your dog walking business plan, and working out your break-even point so that you can know when your business isn�t profitable. It�s all too common for people to know their profit margins in advance, but they forget to work out what the bare minimum they need to make is. Often for the first few months in your dog walking business plan, you should be looking at the bare minimum as your maximum profit, because until your business builds a clientele, it�s not going anywhere. ZenBusinessPlans Home » Sample Business Plans » Pet How to Write a Dog Walking Business Plan [Sample Template] Are you about starting a dog walking business? If YES, here is a complete sample dog walking business plan template & feasibility study you can use for FREE . There are several dog related services, such as grooming, training, daycare, running, and amongst all these services is dog walking. Dog walkers are people who love dogs, are in-tune with canine ways and are also people who love the out weather regardless of any conditions. Dog walkers are also people who love to exercise and seek companionship. Walking a dog serves a great benefit both to the walker and the dog, because they both get health benefits like exercise, and it also gives the dog a great feeling and generally make them happier, and less likely to be aggressive. Due to the fact that most dog owners are cooped up for long hours in the office thereby not giving their dogs the necessary walking exercise required, professional dog walkers have become a necessity- especially for unavailable dog owners who love their dogs. Depending on the area and jurisdiction, those who engage in the dog walking business might need a license, insurance, and also might have to be trained in animal first aid. However, it doesn’t require an education or a certification. Professional dog walkers are often gotten locally, or via online referral service. A Sample Dog Walking Business Plan Template 1. industry overview. According to the American Pet Product Association (APPA), even though Americans loved pets, those who owned dogs were at 18.9%, third on the pet scale. It gave results that the annual growth for this industry is at 3.1% from 2009 to 2014, bringing in combined revenue – with other dog services – of $907m as at 2014. Also as at 2014, there were 22,787 people employed by dog related businesses or as independent contractors, and there were 18,144 dog service businesses. Dog walking services have increased from 2009 to 2014, and will still increase till 2019 despite the poor economic outlook. This is due to the fact that customers have more disposable income to spend on their dogs, and that dogs are considered part of the family. Also, research has shown that since the dog walking business is unregulated, individual dog walking business people had a higher market share than established businesses and franchises. According to a report, Fetch Pet Care franchises all over barely made above 1% of the total industry revenue. This is due to the fact that dog walking is tailor made for immediate localities and neighborhoods, and will have clients seeking to use the services of those who lived around as they believed that these ones were likely to provide a personalized care to their dogs. According to the American Pet Product Association (APPA) as at 2010, Americans had spent over $47.7 billion on pet products and services, an increase of 4.8% from 2009. It was found that 46% of households owned more than one pet, and that only 3% of households use dog walking services. Also, it was also found that although dog walking is a good exercise for humans, it is even better for the dogs as it reduces obesity in dogs, which is likely to cause cardiovascular disease, osteoarthritis, insulin resistance, and liver disease. This is still an industry that is still at its infancy stage, and is projected as a growing industry with more people thinking of becoming dog walkers, especially as existing dog walkers are minute as compared against the population. Due to the growth of the population of baby boomers, young children, young couples, and the elderly; one can say that this industry will be on a continuous growth especially as people view a dog as a man’s best friend. Also, another factor towards the growth of the industry is the awareness of the health benefits accrued from owning pets, especially dogs. For those who want to venture into this industry, the encouraging incentives for this industry are majorly, the low start-up cost. Other factors include: flexible Work Hours, high Earning potential, health benefits, handling more than one dog at once, high demand for dog walking services, and doing what you love. 2. Executive Summary Pet Nation® Dog Walking Services Co. is a standard and licensed dog walking and one stop pet company that will be located in the heart of Smethport – Pennsylvania in a neatly renovated and secured housing facility; an organization that will carry out all round services as it relates to dogs and other pets. Pet Nation® Dog Walking Services Co. is a family owned and managed business that believes in giving dogs and pets the right treatment they need to enable them perform their roles as defined by the owner; we will ensure that any dog or pet under our custody are well taken care of and in the pursuit of excellence and financial success with uncompromising services and integrity which is why we have decided to venture into dog walking business. We are certain that our values will help us drive the business to enviable heights and also help us attract the numbers of clients that needed per time. At Pet Nation® Dog Walking Services Co., our clients’ overall best interest would always come first, and everything we do will be guided by our values and professional ethics. We will ensure that we hire professional dog trainers and vet doctors et al that are well experienced and passionate in imparting knowledge and skills to dogs at various learning ladder. Pet Nation® Dog Walking Services Co. will at all times demonstrate her commitment to sustainability, both individually and as a dog walking services business, by actively participating in our communities and integrating sustainable business practices wherever possible. We will ensure that we hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards by meeting our clients’ needs precisely and completely. We will cultivate a working environment that provides a human, sustainable approach to earning a living, and living in our world, for our partners, employees and for our clients. Our overall business goal is to position our dog walking services business to become the leading dog walking brand in the pet industry in the whole of Smethport – Pennsylvania, united states of America, and also to be amongst the top 10 dog walking services and pat related business in the united states of America within the first 5 years of operations. This might look too tall a dream but we are optimistic that this will surely come to pass because we have done our research and feasibility studies and we are enthusiastic and confident that Smethport is the right place to launch our dog walking services and pet related business. Pet Nation® Dog Walking Services Co. is founded by Dr. Bob Blue – Haven (Vet Doctor) and he will run the business with his business partner and Wife Mrs. Rose Blue – Haven. Dr. Bob Blue – Haven is a renowned and licensed Vet Doctor and dog trainer. He has well over 15 years of experience as a vet doctor and dog trainer for various security agencies including the government of the United States of America. 3. Our Products and Services Pet Nation® Dog Walking Services Co. is going to offer varieties of pet related services (dog walking and dog training services inclusive) within the scope of the pet industry in the United States of America. Our intention of starting our dog walking services and pet related business is to help in developing our client’s dogs and pets in any skills and knowledge of their choice as it relates to specific useful competencies they want their dogs or pet to possess. We want to help our clients develop their pets and dogs capability, capacity, productivity and performance and of course to also make profits from the dog walking services and pet industry and we will do all that is permitted by the law in the US to achieve our aim and business goal. Our products and service offerings are listed below; General dog and pet walking services Training / grooming dogs and pets in specific skills (hunting skills, security skills, running errands and circus skills et al) Construction and sale of kennels Sale of Puppies Supply of well – trained security dogs Operating standard vet clinic General merchandize of pet related products (pet foods, shampoos, dog tie, dog chains, and pet clothes et al) 4. Our Mission and Vision Statement Our vision is to build a highly competitive and effective dog walking services business that will become the number one choice for both individuals and corporate organizations in Smethport – Pennsylvania and the whole of the United States of America. Our mission is to provide affordable professional and highly effective dog walking services and other pet related products and services to a wide range of clients who owns different types of pet. Our overall business goal is to position Pet Nation® Dog Walking Services Co. to become one of the leading dog walking cum pet services brand in the industry in the whole of Smethport – Pennsylvania, and also to be amongst the top 10 dog walking cum pet services brand in the United States of America within the first 5 years of operations. Our Business Structure The success of any business is to a larger extent dependent on the business structure of the organization and the people who occupy the available role. Pet Nation® Dog Walking Services Co. will build a solid business structure that can support the growth of our dog walking services and pet related business. We will ensure that we hire competent hands to help us build the business of our dream. The fact that we want to become one of the leading dog walking services business brand in the industry in the whole of the United States of America makes it highly necessary for our organization to deliberately build a well – structured business from the onset. We will work hard to ensure that we only attract people with the right mindset to help us achieve our business goals and objectives in record time. Below is the business structure that we will build Pet Nation® Dog Walking Services Co.; Principal Partner / Chief Executive Officer Human Resources and Admin Manager Dog Walkers / Pet Trainers for Various Skill Sets Accountant / Bursar Marketing and Sale Executive Client Service Executive 5. Job Roles and Responsibilities Chief Executive Office: Increases management’s effectiveness by recruiting, selecting, orienting, training, coaching, counseling, and disciplining managers; communicating values, strategies, and objectives; assigning accountabilities; planning, monitoring, and appraising job results; developing incentives; developing a climate for offering information and opinions; providing educational opportunities. Responsible for providing direction for the business Creates, communicates, and implements the organization’s vision, mission, and overall direction – i.e. leading the development and implementation of the overall organization’s strategy. Responsible for signing checks and documents on behalf of the company Evaluates the success of the organization Vet Doctor: Responsible for handling the overall operations in the vet clinics Handles the treatment of pets Gives medical advises and recommendations as it relates to the health and welfare of pets Responsible for overseeing the smooth running of HR and administrative tasks for Pet Nation® Dog Walking Services Co. Design job descriptions with KPI to drive performance management for dog walkers and pet trainers Regularly hold meetings with key stakeholders (clients and member of the organizations’ board) to review the effectiveness of the organizations’ Policies, Procedures and Processes Maintains office supplies by checking stocks; placing and expediting orders; evaluating new products. Ensures operation of equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; calling for repairs. Defines job positions for recruitment and managing interviewing process Carrying out staff induction for new team members Responsible for training, evaluation and assessment of employees Responsible for arranging travel, meetings and appointments Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks; participating in professional organizations. Oversee the smooth running of the daily activities of Pet Nation® Dog Walking Services Co. Dog Walker / Pet Trainers Handles general dog and pet walking services Effectively training dogs and pets in specific skills (hunting skills, security skills, running errands and circus skills et al) Evaluates and document the progress of dogs / pets under his or her care Contributes his / her quota towards growing Pet Nation® Dog Walking Services Co. Receives complaints from clients and channel it to the appropriate quarters Handles any other duty as assigned by the HR and Admin Manager. Marketing and Sales Executive Handles general merchandize of pet related products (pet foods, shampoos, dog tie, dog chains, and pet clothes et al) Identifies, prioritizes, and reaches out to new clients, and business opportunities et al Identifies development opportunities; follows up on development leads and contacts; participates in the structuring and financing of projects; assures the completion of development projects. Writes winning proposal documents, negotiate fees and rates in line with organizations’ policy Responsible for handling business research, market surveys and feasibility studies for clients Responsible for supervising implementation, advocate for the customer’s needs, and communicate with clients Develop, execute and evaluate new plans for expanding increase sales Document all customer contact and information Represent Pet Nation® Dog Walking Services Co. in strategic meetings Helps to increase sales and growth for Pet Nation® Dog Walking Services Co. Responsible for preparing financial reports, budgets, and financial statements for the organization Provides managements with financial analyses, development budgets, and accounting reports; analyzes financial feasibility for the most complex proposed projects; conducts market research to forecast trends and business conditions. Responsible for financial forecasting and risks analysis. Performs cash management, general ledger accounting, and financial reporting for one or more properties. Responsible for developing and managing financial systems and policies Responsible for administering payrolls Ensuring compliance with taxation legislation Handles all financial transactions for Pet Nation® Dog Walking Services Co. Serves as internal auditor for Pet Nation® Dog Walking Services Co. Welcomes clients and their pets by greeting them in person or on the telephone; answering or directing inquiries. Ensures that all contacts with clients (e-mail, walk-In center, SMS or phone) provides the client with a personalized customer service experience of the highest level Through interaction with clients on the phone, uses every opportunity to build client’s interest in the company’s products and services Manages administrative duties assigned by the HR and Admin Manager in an effective and timely manner Consistently stays abreast of any new information on the organizations’ products, promotional campaigns etc. to ensure accurate and helpful information is supplied to clients when they make enquiries Receives parcels / documents for Pet Nation® Dog Walking Services Co. Distribute mails in the organization Handles any other duties as assigned by the Human Resources and Admin Manager. 6. SWOT Analysis Pet Nation® Dog Walking Services Co. engaged the services of a core professional in the area of business consulting and structuring to assist our organization in building a well – structured dog walking services and pet related business that can favorably compete in the highly competitive pet industry in the United States and the world at large. Part of what the team of business consultant did was to work with the management of our organization in conducting a SWOT analysis for Pet Nation® Dog Walking Services Co. Here is a summary from the result of the SWOT analysis that was conducted on behalf of The Pet Nation® Dog Walking Services Co.; Our core strength lies in the power of our team; our workforce. We have a team that are considered experts in pet industry, a team with excellent qualifications and experience in dog walking and pet related services including veterinary medicine. Aside from the synergy that exist in our carefully selected workforce, Pet Nation® Dog Walking Services Co. is well positioned in a community with the right demography; loads of people who own pets. With that we know we will attract loads of clients from the first day we open our doors for business. As a new dog walking and pet related services company in Smethport – Pennsylvania, it might take some time for our organization to break into the market and gain acceptance especially from top profile clients in the already saturated pet industry; that is perhaps our major weakness. Other perceived weakness is that, we may not have the required capital to pump into publicity and advertisement as we would love to do. Opportunities: No doubt, the opportunities in the pet industry is massive considering the number of individuals and corporate organizations who own dogs and other pets who would want them to acquire new skill sets and to perform excellently well in their jobs or who would want to bring their pets for treatment or to purchase pet supplies. As a standard dog walking services and pet related business, we are ready to take advantage of any opportunity that comes our way. Every business faces a threat or challenge at any part of the life cycle of the business. These threats can be external or internal. This shows the importance of a business plan, because most threats or challenges are to be anticipated and plans put in place to cushion what effect they might bring to the business. Some of the threats that we are likely going to face as a dog walking services and pet related business operating in the United States of America are unfavorable government policies that might affect business such as ours, the arrival of a competitor within our location of operations and global economic downturn which usually affects spending / purchasing power. There is hardly anything we can do as regards these threats other than to be optimistic that things will continue to work for our good. 7. MARKET ANALYSIS Market Trends One thing is certain, the trend in the pet industry is such that if you want to be ahead of your competitors, you should be able to be highly creative, simplify your processes and you should be able to have loads of testimonies from your clients. The truth is that, if your clients noticed tremendous changes in their pets as a result of your input, then they will be compelled to help promote your organization. Another notable trend in this industry is the demographic and psychographic composition of those who require the services of a dog walker. They are working class women especially women who work long hours or hold two jobs, men who work for long hours, the elderly who might not have the necessary strength to walk a dog, those who might be physically impaired, and youths who are have a short attention span due to technology. Even though the economy has a poor outlook, the projected revenue through 2016 is pegged at 4.4%. This figure could likely change once there is an improvement in the economy. 8. Our Target Market Before starting our dog walking services and pet related business, we are certain that there is a wide range of both corporate and individual clients who would definitely need our services. We will ensure that we develop strategic pacts with communities and corporate organizations especially security agencies that make use of dogs for guards. This will give us several options to generate revenue for our company. In view of that, we have created strategies that will enable us reach out to various corporate organizations (security agencies) and individual (pet owners) who we know can’t afford to do without our services. We have conducted our market research and survey and we will ensure that our dog walking services is well accepted in the market place. Below is a list of the people and organizations that we have specifically market our products and services to; Corporate organizations (especially security agencies) Households who own pets Dog breeders The Government (Public Sector) Our Competitive Advantage Being a dog walker is one of the easiest jobs anyone can start up- especially as the start-up cost is quite low. Even though, this is basically a new area of business that doesn’t have stiff major competitors, there are still competitors all the same. The competition available is most likely those within the same locality, and anyone looking to stay above competition would have to consider sweetening the services offered to dog owners. Even so, local dog walkers who are serious with the business can comfortably compete with franchises that are located in the same neighborhood. We are quite aware that to be highly competitive in the personal training and coaching industry means that you should be able to deliver consistent quality service, your students should be able to experience remarkable difference and improvement and you should be able to meet the expectations of your clients at all times. Pet Nation® Dog Walking Services Co. might be new Smethport – Pennsylvania, our competitive advantage lies in the power of our team; our workforce. We have a team that are considered experts in pet industry, a team with excellent qualifications and experience in dog walking and pet related services including veterinary medicine. Lastly, our employees (dog walkers / pet trainers, and vet doctors) will be well taken care of, and their welfare package will be among the best within our category (startups dog walking services and pet related businesses in the United States) in the industry. It will enable them to be more than willing to build the business with us and help deliver our set goals and achieve all our business aims and objectives. 9. SALES AND MARKETING STRATEGY Sources of Income Pet Nation® Dog Walking Services Co. is established with the aim of maximizing profits in the pet industry and we are going to go all the way to ensure that we do all it takes to attract clients on a regular basis. Pet Nation® Dog Walking Services Co. will generate income by offering the following products and services; 10. Sales Forecast One thing is certain, there would always be corporate organization and individual / household pet owners who would need that extra coaching or grooming for their dogs and other pets. This is the major reason why the services of dog walkers and pet trainers will always be needed. We are well positioned to take on the available market in Smethport – Pennsylvania and we are quite optimistic that we will meet our set target of generating enough income / profits from the first six month of operations and grow our clientele base. We have been able to critically examine the dog walking services and pet market and we have analyzed our chances in the industry and we have been able to come up with the following sales forecast. The sales projection is based on information gathered on the field and some assumptions that are peculiar to similar startups in Smethport – Pennsylvania. Below is the sales projection for Pet Nation® Dog Walking Services Co., it is based on the location of our dog walking services, vet clinic and of course the wide range of pet related services and products that we will be offering; First Year-: $100,000 Second Year-: $350,000 Third Year-: $750,000 N.B: This projection is done based on what is obtainable in the industry and with the assumption that there won’t be any major economic meltdown and there won’t be any major competitor offering same additional services as we do within same location. Please note that the above projection might be lower and at the same time it might be higher. Marketing Strategy and Sales Strategy We are mindful of the fact that there are stiffer competition amongst dog walking services and pet related businesses in the United States of America; hence we have been able to hire some of the best marketing experts to handle our sales and marketing. Our sales and marketing team will be recruited based on their vast experience in the industry and they will be trained on a regular basis so as to be well equipped to meet their targets and the overall goal of Pet Nation® Dog Walking Services Co. We will also ensure that our clients’ pets becomes experts with the skills they acquire; we want to build a standard and first – class dog walking services and pet related business that will leverage on word of mouth advertisement from satisfied clients (both individuals and corporate organizations). Our goal is to grow Pet Nation® Dog Walking Services Co. to become one of the top 10 dog walking services company in the United States of America which is why we have mapped out strategy that will help us take advantage of the available market and grow to become a major force to reckon with not only in Smethport – Pennsylvania but also in other cities in the United States of America. Pet Nation® Dog Walking Services Co. is set to make use of the following marketing and sales strategies to attract clients; Introduce our dog walking services and pet related business by sending introductory letters alongside our brochure to corporate organizations, households and key stake holders in pet industry in Smethport – Pennsylvania. Print out fliers and business cards and strategically drop them in offices, libraries, public facilities and train stations et al. Use friends and family to spread word about our dog walking services and pet related business Post information about our dog walking services and pet related business on bulletin boards in places like schools, libraries, and local coffee shops. Placing a small or classified advertisement in the newspaper, or local publication about our business Attend relevant pet related expos, seminars, and business fairs et al Engage direct marketing approach Encourage word of mouth marketing from loyal and satisfied students 11. Publicity and Advertising Strategy We have been able to work with our brand and publicity consultants to help us map out publicity and advertising strategies that will help us walk our way into the heart of our target market. We are set to become the number one choice for both corporate clients and private clients in the whole of Smethport – Pennsylvania which is why we have made provisions for effective publicity and advertisement of our dog walking services and pet related business. Below are the platforms we intend to leverage on to promote and advertise Pet Nation® Dog Walking Services Co.; Place adverts on both print (community based newspapers and magazines) and electronic media platforms Sponsor relevant community based events / programs Leverage on the internet and social media platforms like; Instagram, Facebook , twitter, YouTube, Google + et al to promote our brand Install our Bill Boards on strategic locations all around Smethport – Pennsylvania. Engage in road show from time to time in targeted neighborhoods Distribute our fliers and handbills in target areas Contact corporate organizations by calling them up and informing them of Pet Nation® Dog Walking Services Co. and the services we offer List our dog walking services and pet related business on local directories / yellow pages Advertise our dog walking services and pet related business in our official website and employ strategies that will help us pull traffic to the site. Ensure that all our dog walkers / pet trainers, vet doctors and staff members wear our branded shirts and all our vehicles are well branded with our organizations’ logo et al. 12. Our Pricing Strategy Generally for dog walking services business both per hour billing and flat fees on a weekly or monthly basis applies. As a result of this, Pet Nation® Dog Walking Services Co. will charge our clients flat fees except for few occasions where there will be need for us to charge special students on hourly basis. At Pet Nation® Dog Walking Services Co. we will keep our fees below the average market rate for all of our clients by keeping our overhead low and by collecting payment in advance. In addition, we will also offer special discounted rates to all our loyal clients at regular intervals. We are aware that there are some clients that would need special assistance for their pets, we will offer flat rate for such services that will be tailored to take care of such clients’ needs. Payment Options At Pet Nation® Dog Walking Services Co., our payment policy will be all inclusive because we are quite aware that different people prefer different payment options as it suits them. Here are the payment options that we will make available to our clients; Payment by via bank transfer Payment via online bank transfer Payment via check Payment via bank draft Payment via mobile money Payment with cash In view of the above, we have chosen banking platforms that will help us achieve our plans with little or no itches. 13. Startup Expenditure (Budget) In setting up a dog walking services and pet related business, the amount or cost will depend on the approach and scale you want to undertake. If you intend to go big by renting a place, then you would need a higher amount of capital as you would need to ensure that your employees are well taken care of, and that your office environment is conducive enough for clients and their pets. This means that the start-up can either be low or high depending on your goals, vision and aspirations for your business. The start – up capital for a home based dog walking business might fall between $500 and $2,000, while that of a medium and large scale would definitely be higher. The materials and equipment that will be used are nearly the same cost everywhere, and any difference in prices would be minimal and can be overlooked. As for the detailed cost analysis for starting a dog walking services and pet related business; it might differ in other countries due to the value of their money. However, this is what it would cost us in the United of America; Business incorporating fees in the United States of America will cost – $750. The budget for Liability insurance, permits and license will cost – $3,500 Acquiring an office space or warehouse for at least 6 months (Re – Construction of the facility inclusive) will cost – $35,000. Equipping the office (computers, printers, projectors, dog tie, dog chains, start – up inventories, furniture, telephones, filing cabinets, and electronics et al) will cost – $10,000 Launching an official Website will cost – $500 Amount need to pay bills and staff members for at least 2 to 3 months – $70,000 Additional Expenditure such as Business cards, Signage, Adverts and Promotions will cost – $5,000 While a home tutor might not have to incur all these expenses but going by the above report, we will need an average of $150,000 to start a medium scale personal training and coaching business in the United States of America. Generating Funding / Startup Capital for Pet Nation® Dog Walking Services Co. Pet Nation® Dog Walking Services Co. is a family business that will be owned by Dr. Bob Blue – Haven (Vet Doctor) and he will run the business with his business partner and Wife Mrs. Rose Blue – Haven. They are the sole financial of the business which is why they decided to restrict the sourcing of the start – up capital for the business to just three major sources. These are the areas we intend generating our start – up capital; Generate part of the start – up capital from personal savings and sale of his stocks Generate part of the start – up capital from friends and other extended family members Generate a larger chunk of the startup capital from the bank (loan facility). N.B: We have been able to generate about $50,000 (Personal savings $35,000 and soft loan from family members $15,000) and we are at the final stages of obtaining a loan facility of $100,000 from our bank. All the papers and document has been duly signed and submitted, the loan has been approved and any moment from now our account will be credited. 14. Sustainability and Expansion Strategy The future of a business lies in the numbers of loyal customers that they have the capacity and competence of the employees, their investment strategy and the business structure. If all of these factors are missing from a business (company), then it won’t be too long before the business close shop. One of our major goals of starting Pet Nation® Dog Walking Services Co. is to build a business that will survive off its own cash flow without the need for injecting finance from external sources once the business is officially running. We know that one of the ways of gaining approval and winning customers over is to offer our dog walking services and pet related business a little bit cheaper than what is obtainable in the market and we are well prepared to survive on lower profit margin for a while. Pet Nation® Dog Walking Services Co. will make sure that the right foundation, structures and processes are put in place to ensure that our staff welfare are well taken of. Our company’s corporate culture is designed to drive our business to greater heights and training and re – training of our workforce is at the top burner of our business strategy. As a matter of fact, profit-sharing arrangement will be made available to all our management staff and it will be based on their performance for a period of three years or more as determined by the board of the organization. We know that if that is put in place, we will be able to successfully hire and retain the best hands we can get in the industry; they will be more committed to help us build the business of our dreams. Check List / Milestone Business Name Availability Check:>Completed Business Incorporation: Completed Opening of Corporate Bank Accounts various banks in the United States: Completed Opening Online Payment Platforms: Completed Application and Obtaining Tax Payer’s ID: In Progress Application for business license and permit: Completed Purchase of All form of Insurance for the Business: Completed Conducting Feasibility Studies: Completed Generating part of the start – up capital from the founders: Completed Writing of Business Plan: Completed Drafting of Employee’s Handbook: Completed Drafting of Contract Documents: In Progress Design of Logo for the school: Completed Graphic Designs and Printing of Packaging Marketing / Promotional Materials: Completed Recruitment of employees: In Progress Purchase of the Needed furniture, office equipment, electronic appliances and facility facelift: In progress Creating Official Website for the business: In Progress Creating Awareness for the business in Smethport – Pennsylvania: In Progress Health and Safety and Fire Safety Arrangement: In Progress Establishing business relationship with vendors and key players in various industries: In Progress More on Pet Dog Walking Business Plan [Sample Template] By: Author Tony Martins Ajaero Home » Business Plans » Pet Sector Are you about starting a dog walking business? If YES, here is a complete sample dog walking business plan template & feasibility study you can use for FREE . There are several dog related services, such as grooming, training, daycare, running, and amongst all these services is dog walking. Dog walkers are people who love dogs, are in-tune with canine ways and are also people who love the out weather regardless of any conditions. Dog walkers are also people who love to exercise and seek companionship. Walking a dog serves a great benefit both to the walker and the dog, because they both get health benefits like exercise, and it also gives the dog a great feeling and generally make them happier, and less likely to be aggressive. Due to the fact that most dog owners are cooped up for long hours in the office thereby not giving their dogs the necessary walking exercise required, professional dog walkers have become a necessity- especially for unavailable dog owners who love their dogs. Depending on the area and jurisdiction, those who engage in the dog walking business might need a license, insurance, and also might have to be trained in animal first aid. However, it doesn’t require an education or a certification. Professional dog walkers are often gotten locally, or via online referral service. A Sample Dog Walking Business Plan Template 1. industry overview. According to the American Pet Product Association (APPA), even though Americans loved pets, those who owned dogs were at 18.9%, third on the pet scale. It gave results that the annual growth for this industry is at 3.1% from 2009 to 2014, bringing in combined revenue – with other dog services – of $907m as at 2014. Also as at 2014, there were 22,787 people employed by dog related businesses or as independent contractors, and there were 18,144 dog service businesses. Dog walking services have increased from 2009 to 2014, and will still increase till 2019 despite the poor economic outlook. This is due to the fact that customers have more disposable income to spend on their dogs, and that dogs are considered part of the family. Also, research has shown that since the dog walking business is unregulated, individual dog walking business people had a higher market share than established businesses and franchises. According to a report, Fetch Pet Care franchises all over barely made above 1% of the total industry revenue. This is due to the fact that dog walking is tailor made for immediate localities and neighborhoods, and will have clients seeking to use the services of those who lived around as they believed that these ones were likely to provide a personalized care to their dogs. According to the American Pet Product Association (APPA) as at 2010, Americans had spent over $47.7 billion on pet products and services, an increase of 4.8% from 2009. It was found that 46% of households owned more than one pet, and that only 3% of households use dog walking services. Also, it was also found that although dog walking is a good exercise for humans, it is even better for the dogs as it reduces obesity in dogs, which is likely to cause cardiovascular disease, osteoarthritis, insulin resistance, and liver disease. This is still an industry that is still at its infancy stage, and is projected as a growing industry with more people thinking of becoming dog walkers, especially as existing dog walkers are minute as compared against the population. Due to the growth of the population of baby boomers, young children, young couples, and the elderly; one can say that this industry will be on a continuous growth especially as people view a dog as a man’s best friend. Also, another factor towards the growth of the industry is the awareness of the health benefits accrued from owning pets, especially dogs. For those who want to venture into this industry, the encouraging incentives for this industry are majorly, the low start-up cost. Other factors include: flexible Work Hours, high Earning potential, health benefits, handling more than one dog at once, high demand for dog walking services, and doing what you love. 2. Executive Summary Pet Nation® Dog Walking Services Co. is a standard and licensed dog walking and one stop pet company that will be located in the heart of Smethport – Pennsylvania in a neatly renovated and secured housing facility; an organization that will carry out all round services as it relates to dogs and other pets. Pet Nation® Dog Walking Services Co. is a family owned and managed business that believes in giving dogs and pets the right treatment they need to enable them perform their roles as defined by the owner; we will ensure that any dog or pet under our custody are well taken care of and in the pursuit of excellence and financial success with uncompromising services and integrity which is why we have decided to venture into dog walking business. We are certain that our values will help us drive the business to enviable heights and also help us attract the numbers of clients that needed per time. At Pet Nation® Dog Walking Services Co., our clients’ overall best interest would always come first, and everything we do will be guided by our values and professional ethics. We will ensure that we hire professional dog trainers and vet doctors et al that are well experienced and passionate in imparting knowledge and skills to dogs at various learning ladder. Pet Nation® Dog Walking Services Co. will at all times demonstrate her commitment to sustainability, both individually and as a dog walking services business, by actively participating in our communities and integrating sustainable business practices wherever possible. We will ensure that we hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards by meeting our clients’ needs precisely and completely. We will cultivate a working environment that provides a human, sustainable approach to earning a living, and living in our world, for our partners, employees and for our clients. Our overall business goal is to position our dog walking services business to become the leading dog walking brand in the pet industry in the whole of Smethport – Pennsylvania, united states of America, and also to be amongst the top 10 dog walking services and pat related business in the united states of America within the first 5 years of operations. This might look too tall a dream but we are optimistic that this will surely come to pass because we have done our research and feasibility studies and we are enthusiastic and confident that Smethport is the right place to launch our dog walking services and pet related business. Pet Nation® Dog Walking Services Co. is founded by Dr. Bob Blue – Haven (Vet Doctor) and he will run the business with his business partner and Wife Mrs. Rose Blue – Haven. Dr. Bob Blue – Haven is a renowned and licensed Vet Doctor and dog trainer. He has well over 15 years of experience as a vet doctor and dog trainer for various security agencies including the government of the United States of America. 3. Our Products and Services Pet Nation® Dog Walking Services Co. is going to offer varieties of pet related services (dog walking and dog training services inclusive) within the scope of the pet industry in the United States of America. Our intention of starting our dog walking services and pet related business is to help in developing our client’s dogs and pets in any skills and knowledge of their choice as it relates to specific useful competencies they want their dogs or pet to possess. We want to help our clients develop their pets and dogs capability, capacity, productivity and performance and of course to also make profits from the dog walking services and pet industry and we will do all that is permitted by the law in the US to achieve our aim and business goal. Our products and service offerings are listed below; General dog and pet walking services Training / grooming dogs and pets in specific skills (hunting skills, security skills, running errands and circus skills et al) Construction and sale of kennels Sale of Puppies Supply of well – trained security dogs Operating standard vet clinic General merchandize of pet related products (pet foods, shampoos, dog tie, dog chains, and pet clothes et al) 4. Our Mission and Vision Statement Our vision is to build a highly competitive and effective dog walking services business that will become the number one choice for both individuals and corporate organizations in Smethport – Pennsylvania and the whole of the United States of America. Our mission is to provide affordable professional and highly effective dog walking services and other pet related products and services to a wide range of clients who owns different types of pet. Our overall business goal is to position Pet Nation® Dog Walking Services Co. to become one of the leading dog walking cum pet services brand in the industry in the whole of Smethport – Pennsylvania, and also to be amongst the top 10 dog walking cum pet services brand in the United States of America within the first 5 years of operations. Our Business Structure The success of any business is to a larger extent dependent on the business structure of the organization and the people who occupy the available role. Pet Nation® Dog Walking Services Co. will build a solid business structure that can support the growth of our dog walking services and pet related business. We will ensure that we hire competent hands to help us build the business of our dream. The fact that we want to become one of the leading dog walking services business brand in the industry in the whole of the United States of America makes it highly necessary for our organization to deliberately build a well – structured business from the onset. We will work hard to ensure that we only attract people with the right mindset to help us achieve our business goals and objectives in record time. Below is the business structure that we will build Pet Nation® Dog Walking Services Co.; Principal Partner / Chief Executive Officer Human Resources and Admin Manager Dog Walkers / Pet Trainers for Various Skill Sets Accountant / Bursar Marketing and Sale Executive Client Service Executive 5. Job Roles and Responsibilities Chief Executive Office: Increases management’s effectiveness by recruiting, selecting, orienting, training, coaching, counseling, and disciplining managers; communicating values, strategies, and objectives; assigning accountabilities; planning, monitoring, and appraising job results; developing incentives; developing a climate for offering information and opinions; providing educational opportunities. Responsible for providing direction for the business Creates, communicates, and implements the organization’s vision, mission, and overall direction – i.e. leading the development and implementation of the overall organization’s strategy. Responsible for signing checks and documents on behalf of the company Evaluates the success of the organization Vet Doctor: Responsible for handling the overall operations in the vet clinics Handles the treatment of pets Gives medical advises and recommendations as it relates to the health and welfare of pets Responsible for overseeing the smooth running of HR and administrative tasks for Pet Nation® Dog Walking Services Co. Design job descriptions with KPI to drive performance management for dog walkers and pet trainers Regularly hold meetings with key stakeholders (clients and member of the organizations’ board) to review the effectiveness of the organizations’ Policies, Procedures and Processes Maintains office supplies by checking stocks; placing and expediting orders; evaluating new products. Ensures operation of equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; calling for repairs. Defines job positions for recruitment and managing interviewing process Carrying out staff induction for new team members Responsible for training, evaluation and assessment of employees Responsible for arranging travel, meetings and appointments Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks; participating in professional organizations. Oversee the smooth running of the daily activities of Pet Nation® Dog Walking Services Co. Dog Walker / Pet Trainers Handles general dog and pet walking services Effectively training dogs and pets in specific skills (hunting skills, security skills, running errands and circus skills et al) Evaluates and document the progress of dogs / pets under his or her care Contributes his / her quota towards growing Pet Nation® Dog Walking Services Co. Receives complaints from clients and channel it to the appropriate quarters Handles any other duty as assigned by the HR and Admin Manager. Marketing and Sales Executive Handles general merchandize of pet related products (pet foods, shampoos, dog tie, dog chains, and pet clothes et al) Identifies, prioritizes, and reaches out to new clients, and business opportunities et al Identifies development opportunities; follows up on development leads and contacts; participates in the structuring and financing of projects; assures the completion of development projects. Writes winning proposal documents, negotiate fees and rates in line with organizations’ policy Responsible for handling business research, market surveys and feasibility studies for clients Responsible for supervising implementation, advocate for the customer’s needs, and communicate with clients Develop, execute and evaluate new plans for expanding increase sales Document all customer contact and information Represent Pet Nation® Dog Walking Services Co. in strategic meetings Helps to increase sales and growth for Pet Nation® Dog Walking Services Co. Responsible for preparing financial reports, budgets, and financial statements for the organization Provides managements with financial analyses, development budgets, and accounting reports; analyzes financial feasibility for the most complex proposed projects; conducts market research to forecast trends and business conditions. Responsible for financial forecasting and risks analysis. Performs cash management, general ledger accounting, and financial reporting for one or more properties. Responsible for developing and managing financial systems and policies Responsible for administering payrolls Ensuring compliance with taxation legislation Handles all financial transactions for Pet Nation® Dog Walking Services Co. Serves as internal auditor for Pet Nation® Dog Walking Services Co. Welcomes clients and their pets by greeting them in person or on the telephone; answering or directing inquiries. Ensures that all contacts with clients (e-mail, walk-In center, SMS or phone) provides the client with a personalized customer service experience of the highest level Through interaction with clients on the phone, uses every opportunity to build client’s interest in the company’s products and services Manages administrative duties assigned by the HR and Admin Manager in an effective and timely manner Consistently stays abreast of any new information on the organizations’ products, promotional campaigns etc. to ensure accurate and helpful information is supplied to clients when they make enquiries Receives parcels / documents for Pet Nation® Dog Walking Services Co. Distribute mails in the organization Handles any other duties as assigned by the Human Resources and Admin Manager. 6. SWOT Analysis Pet Nation® Dog Walking Services Co. engaged the services of a core professional in the area of business consulting and structuring to assist our organization in building a well – structured dog walking services and pet related business that can favorably compete in the highly competitive pet industry in the United States and the world at large. Part of what the team of business consultant did was to work with the management of our organization in conducting a SWOT analysis for Pet Nation® Dog Walking Services Co. Here is a summary from the result of the SWOT analysis that was conducted on behalf of The Pet Nation® Dog Walking Services Co.; Our core strength lies in the power of our team; our workforce. We have a team that are considered experts in pet industry, a team with excellent qualifications and experience in dog walking and pet related services including veterinary medicine. Aside from the synergy that exist in our carefully selected workforce, Pet Nation® Dog Walking Services Co. is well positioned in a community with the right demography; loads of people who own pets. With that we know we will attract loads of clients from the first day we open our doors for business. As a new dog walking and pet related services company in Smethport – Pennsylvania, it might take some time for our organization to break into the market and gain acceptance especially from top profile clients in the already saturated pet industry; that is perhaps our major weakness. Other perceived weakness is that, we may not have the required capital to pump into publicity and advertisement as we would love to do. Opportunities: No doubt, the opportunities in the pet industry is massive considering the number of individuals and corporate organizations who own dogs and other pets who would want them to acquire new skill sets and to perform excellently well in their jobs or who would want to bring their pets for treatment or to purchase pet supplies. As a standard dog walking services and pet related business, we are ready to take advantage of any opportunity that comes our way. Every business faces a threat or challenge at any part of the life cycle of the business. These threats can be external or internal. This shows the importance of a business plan, because most threats or challenges are to be anticipated and plans put in place to cushion what effect they might bring to the business. Some of the threats that we are likely going to face as a dog walking services and pet related business operating in the United States of America are unfavorable government policies that might affect business such as ours, the arrival of a competitor within our location of operations and global economic downturn which usually affects spending / purchasing power. There is hardly anything we can do as regards these threats other than to be optimistic that things will continue to work for our good. 7. MARKET ANALYSIS Market Trends One thing is certain, the trend in the pet industry is such that if you want to be ahead of your competitors, you should be able to be highly creative, simplify your processes and you should be able to have loads of testimonies from your clients. The truth is that, if your clients noticed tremendous changes in their pets as a result of your input, then they will be compelled to help promote your organization. Another notable trend in this industry is the demographic and psychographic composition of those who require the services of a dog walker. They are working class women especially women who work long hours or hold two jobs, men who work for long hours, the elderly who might not have the necessary strength to walk a dog, those who might be physically impaired, and youths who are have a short attention span due to technology. Even though the economy has a poor outlook, the projected revenue through 2016 is pegged at 4.4%. This figure could likely change once there is an improvement in the economy. 8. Our Target Market Before starting our dog walking services and pet related business, we are certain that there is a wide range of both corporate and individual clients who would definitely need our services. We will ensure that we develop strategic pacts with communities and corporate organizations especially security agencies that make use of dogs for guards. This will give us several options to generate revenue for our company. In view of that, we have created strategies that will enable us reach out to various corporate organizations (security agencies) and individual (pet owners) who we know can’t afford to do without our services. We have conducted our market research and survey and we will ensure that our dog walking services is well accepted in the market place. Below is a list of the people and organizations that we have specifically market our products and services to; Corporate organizations (especially security agencies) Households who own pets Dog breeders The Government (Public Sector) Our Competitive Advantage Being a dog walker is one of the easiest jobs anyone can start up- especially as the start-up cost is quite low. Even though, this is basically a new area of business that doesn’t have stiff major competitors, there are still competitors all the same. The competition available is most likely those within the same locality, and anyone looking to stay above competition would have to consider sweetening the services offered to dog owners. Even so, local dog walkers who are serious with the business can comfortably compete with franchises that are located in the same neighborhood. We are quite aware that to be highly competitive in the personal training and coaching industry means that you should be able to deliver consistent quality service, your students should be able to experience remarkable difference and improvement and you should be able to meet the expectations of your clients at all times. Pet Nation® Dog Walking Services Co. might be new Smethport – Pennsylvania, our competitive advantage lies in the power of our team; our workforce. We have a team that are considered experts in pet industry, a team with excellent qualifications and experience in dog walking and pet related services including veterinary medicine. Lastly, our employees (dog walkers / pet trainers, and vet doctors) will be well taken care of, and their welfare package will be among the best within our category (startups dog walking services and pet related businesses in the United States) in the industry. It will enable them to be more than willing to build the business with us and help deliver our set goals and achieve all our business aims and objectives. 9. SALES AND MARKETING STRATEGY Sources of Income Pet Nation® Dog Walking Services Co. is established with the aim of maximizing profits in the pet industry and we are going to go all the way to ensure that we do all it takes to attract clients on a regular basis. Pet Nation® Dog Walking Services Co. will generate income by offering the following products and services; 10. Sales Forecast One thing is certain, there would always be corporate organization and individual / household pet owners who would need that extra coaching or grooming for their dogs and other pets. This is the major reason why the services of dog walkers and pet trainers will always be needed. We are well positioned to take on the available market in Smethport – Pennsylvania and we are quite optimistic that we will meet our set target of generating enough income / profits from the first six month of operations and grow our clientele base. We have been able to critically examine the dog walking services and pet market and we have analyzed our chances in the industry and we have been able to come up with the following sales forecast. The sales projection is based on information gathered on the field and some assumptions that are peculiar to similar startups in Smethport – Pennsylvania. Below is the sales projection for Pet Nation® Dog Walking Services Co., it is based on the location of our dog walking services, vet clinic and of course the wide range of pet related services and products that we will be offering; First Year-: $100,000 Second Year-: $350,000 Third Year-: $750,000 N.B: This projection is done based on what is obtainable in the industry and with the assumption that there won’t be any major economic meltdown and there won’t be any major competitor offering same additional services as we do within same location. Please note that the above projection might be lower and at the same time it might be higher. Marketing Strategy and Sales Strategy We are mindful of the fact that there are stiffer competition amongst dog walking services and pet related businesses in the United States of America; hence we have been able to hire some of the best marketing experts to handle our sales and marketing. Our sales and marketing team will be recruited based on their vast experience in the industry and they will be trained on a regular basis so as to be well equipped to meet their targets and the overall goal of Pet Nation® Dog Walking Services Co. We will also ensure that our clients’ pets becomes experts with the skills they acquire; we want to build a standard and first – class dog walking services and pet related business that will leverage on word of mouth advertisement from satisfied clients (both individuals and corporate organizations). Our goal is to grow Pet Nation® Dog Walking Services Co. to become one of the top 10 dog walking services company in the United States of America which is why we have mapped out strategy that will help us take advantage of the available market and grow to become a major force to reckon with not only in Smethport – Pennsylvania but also in other cities in the United States of America. Pet Nation® Dog Walking Services Co. is set to make use of the following marketing and sales strategies to attract clients; Introduce our dog walking services and pet related business by sending introductory letters alongside our brochure to corporate organizations, households and key stake holders in pet industry in Smethport – Pennsylvania. Print out fliers and business cards and strategically drop them in offices, libraries, public facilities and train stations et al. Use friends and family to spread word about our dog walking services and pet related business Post information about our dog walking services and pet related business on bulletin boards in places like schools, libraries, and local coffee shops. Placing a small or classified advertisement in the newspaper, or local publication about our business Attend relevant pet related expos, seminars, and business fairs et al Engage direct marketing approach Encourage word of mouth marketing from loyal and satisfied students 11. Publicity and Advertising Strategy We have been able to work with our brand and publicity consultants to help us map out publicity and advertising strategies that will help us walk our way into the heart of our target market. We are set to become the number one choice for both corporate clients and private clients in the whole of Smethport – Pennsylvania which is why we have made provisions for effective publicity and advertisement of our dog walking services and pet related business. Below are the platforms we intend to leverage on to promote and advertise Pet Nation® Dog Walking Services Co.; Place adverts on both print (community based newspapers and magazines) and electronic media platforms Sponsor relevant community based events / programs Leverage on the internet and social media platforms like; Instagram, Facebook , twitter, YouTube, Google + et al to promote our brand Install our Bill Boards on strategic locations all around Smethport – Pennsylvania. Engage in road show from time to time in targeted neighborhoods Distribute our fliers and handbills in target areas Contact corporate organizations by calling them up and informing them of Pet Nation® Dog Walking Services Co. and the services we offer List our dog walking services and pet related business on local directories / yellow pages Advertise our dog walking services and pet related business in our official website and employ strategies that will help us pull traffic to the site. Ensure that all our dog walkers / pet trainers, vet doctors and staff members wear our branded shirts and all our vehicles are well branded with our organizations’ logo et al. 12. Our Pricing Strategy Generally for dog walking services business both per hour billing and flat fees on a weekly or monthly basis applies. As a result of this, Pet Nation® Dog Walking Services Co. will charge our clients flat fees except for few occasions where there will be need for us to charge special students on hourly basis. At Pet Nation® Dog Walking Services Co. we will keep our fees below the average market rate for all of our clients by keeping our overhead low and by collecting payment in advance. In addition, we will also offer special discounted rates to all our loyal clients at regular intervals. We are aware that there are some clients that would need special assistance for their pets, we will offer flat rate for such services that will be tailored to take care of such clients’ needs. Payment Options At Pet Nation® Dog Walking Services Co., our payment policy will be all inclusive because we are quite aware that different people prefer different payment options as it suits them. Here are the payment options that we will make available to our clients; Payment by via bank transfer Payment via online bank transfer Payment via check Payment via bank draft Payment via mobile money Payment with cash In view of the above, we have chosen banking platforms that will help us achieve our plans with little or no itches. 13. Startup Expenditure (Budget) In setting up a dog walking services and pet related business, the amount or cost will depend on the approach and scale you want to undertake. If you intend to go big by renting a place, then you would need a higher amount of capital as you would need to ensure that your employees are well taken care of, and that your office environment is conducive enough for clients and their pets. This means that the start-up can either be low or high depending on your goals, vision and aspirations for your business. The start – up capital for a home based dog walking business might fall between $500 and $2,000, while that of a medium and large scale would definitely be higher. The materials and equipment that will be used are nearly the same cost everywhere, and any difference in prices would be minimal and can be overlooked. As for the detailed cost analysis for starting a dog walking services and pet related business; it might differ in other countries due to the value of their money. However, this is what it would cost us in the United of America; Business incorporating fees in the United States of America will cost – $750. The budget for Liability insurance, permits and license will cost – $3,500 Acquiring an office space or warehouse for at least 6 months (Re – Construction of the facility inclusive) will cost – $35,000. Equipping the office (computers, printers, projectors, dog tie, dog chains, start – up inventories, furniture, telephones, filing cabinets, and electronics et al) will cost – $10,000 Launching an official Website will cost – $500 Amount need to pay bills and staff members for at least 2 to 3 months – $70,000 Additional Expenditure such as Business cards, Signage, Adverts and Promotions will cost – $5,000 While a home tutor might not have to incur all these expenses but going by the above report, we will need an average of $150,000 to start a medium scale personal training and coaching business in the United States of America. Generating Funding / Startup Capital for Pet Nation® Dog Walking Services Co. Pet Nation® Dog Walking Services Co. is a family business that will be owned by Dr. Bob Blue – Haven (Vet Doctor) and he will run the business with his business partner and Wife Mrs. Rose Blue – Haven. They are the sole financial of the business which is why they decided to restrict the sourcing of the start – up capital for the business to just three major sources. These are the areas we intend generating our start – up capital; Generate part of the start – up capital from personal savings and sale of his stocks Generate part of the start – up capital from friends and other extended family members Generate a larger chunk of the startup capital from the bank (loan facility). N.B: We have been able to generate about $50,000 (Personal savings $35,000 and soft loan from family members $15,000) and we are at the final stages of obtaining a loan facility of $100,000 from our bank. All the papers and document has been duly signed and submitted, the loan has been approved and any moment from now our account will be credited. 14. Sustainability and Expansion Strategy The future of a business lies in the numbers of loyal customers that they have the capacity and competence of the employees, their investment strategy and the business structure. If all of these factors are missing from a business (company), then it won’t be too long before the business close shop. One of our major goals of starting Pet Nation® Dog Walking Services Co. is to build a business that will survive off its own cash flow without the need for injecting finance from external sources once the business is officially running. We know that one of the ways of gaining approval and winning customers over is to offer our dog walking services and pet related business a little bit cheaper than what is obtainable in the market and we are well prepared to survive on lower profit margin for a while. Pet Nation® Dog Walking Services Co. will make sure that the right foundation, structures and processes are put in place to ensure that our staff welfare are well taken of. Our company’s corporate culture is designed to drive our business to greater heights and training and re – training of our workforce is at the top burner of our business strategy. As a matter of fact, profit-sharing arrangement will be made available to all our management staff and it will be based on their performance for a period of three years or more as determined by the board of the organization. We know that if that is put in place, we will be able to successfully hire and retain the best hands we can get in the industry; they will be more committed to help us build the business of our dreams. Check List / Milestone Business Name Availability Check:>Completed Business Incorporation: Completed Opening of Corporate Bank Accounts various banks in the United States: Completed Opening Online Payment Platforms: Completed Application and Obtaining Tax Payer’s ID: In Progress Application for business license and permit: Completed Purchase of All form of Insurance for the Business: Completed Conducting Feasibility Studies: Completed Generating part of the start – up capital from the founders: Completed Writing of Business Plan: Completed Drafting of Employee’s Handbook: Completed Drafting of Contract Documents: In Progress Design of Logo for the school: Completed Graphic Designs and Printing of Packaging Marketing / Promotional Materials: Completed Recruitment of employees: In Progress Purchase of the Needed furniture, office equipment, electronic appliances and facility facelift: In progress Creating Official Website for the business: In Progress Creating Awareness for the business in Smethport – Pennsylvania: In Progress Health and Safety and Fire Safety Arrangement: In Progress Establishing business relationship with vendors and key players in various industries: In Progress Related Posts: Dog Grooming Business Plan [Sample Template] Pet Sitting Business Plan [Sample Template] Dog Boarding Business Plan [Sample Template] Dog Training Business Plan [Sample Template] Veterinary Clinic Business Plan [Sample Template] 206 IMAGES Dog Walking Business The Startup Planner Printable Dog How to Write a Dog Walking Business Plan Dog Walking Business Plan Dog Walking Business Plan Template in Pages, Word, Google Docs Dog Walking Business The Startup Planner Printable Dog Dog Walking Business The Startup Planner Printable Dog VIDEO 19 May 2024 13 April 2024 16 March 2024 1 May 2024 20 April 2024 17 March 2024 COMMENTS How to start a dog walking business Standard DBS check (per person): £18. City & Guilds level 2 dog walking certificate: £32.80. Dog walking licence (Lambeth): Up to two dogs: £64.52; up to four dogs: £129.05; up to six dogs: £387.17. First licence paid in full, 20 per cent discount for licences issued thereafter. How to start a dog walking business: a step-by-step guide Write a dog walking business plan. Writing a business plan before you start out helps you identify the opportunity, your competitors, and how you'll actually run your business. Doing this at the beginning of the process lets you answer all the necessary questions and tackle any potential problems early. Read more about writing a business plan. How to Start a Dog Walking Business Insurance. Dog walking businesses may require specific types of insurance. This could include Care, Custody and Control Cover, Public Liability, Non-Negligent Cover, Equipment Cover, Loss of Keys Cover, and Employers' Liability Cover. You can expect to pay between £6 and £50 per month for insurance. How to start a dog walking business Membership of the National Association of Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers (NarpsUK) requires a joining fee of £144, followed by a subscription of £8 a month. Bearing in mind you can charge between £10 and £20 per hour for walking a dog, which is somewhat dependent on location and demand, there's good money to be made. How To Start A Dog Walking Business Keeping your blog active. Being a member of the main professional dog walking directories on the internet. Posting on the top social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Some local Facebook groups allow small businesses to advertise so can be an effective way to reach local dog owners. How to start a successful dog walking business (Updated for 2024) Get a dog guard for your car to divide the front from the back or the back from the boot or both. Don't be tempted to buy a van straight away, and don't buy crates yet. Get clients first. Start walking one dog at a time, get to know the dogs then start pairing them as you get busier. How To Start A Dog Walking Business Make sure that all dogs out in public are wearing a collar with the owner's name and address on it. Cleaning up doggy doo (if you don't do this, you could be fined up to £1,000. Keeping dogs on leads in designated areas. Restrictions on which open spaces dogs are allowed on including beaches. How to Start a Dog Walking Business in the UK Step one: research your market. Starting any business requires market research to succeed. You need to understand the demand and pricing strategies within your local area. Start by doing a Google search and type in 'dog walking business near me'. From here, you can conduct an analysis on: How to Start a Dog Walking Business According to the PFMA, dogs are the most popular pet in the UK.Overall, pet ownership has increased by 18% in 2021 compared to the previous two years. With more dog owners, demand for dog walking services has boomed. As we transition back to the office, the need for extra help when walking the dog is only likely to continue. How to start a dog walking business Starting a dog walking business is exciting but, for it to be successful, there are some things to decide on first: A business name: The name you choose needs to clearly explain what your business offers. Also, the name shouldn't be used by any other dog walking business. A quick Google search will tell you this. How To Start A Dog Walking Business Take it old school and print some business cards, put them in your bag, and go for a walk to the dog park or pet shop. Strike up conversations and hand out your business cards religiously. Build relationships the old-fashioned way, face to face, but don't be too aggressive with your self-promotion. DOG WALKING BUSINESS: How to Start a Dog Walking Business in 5 Steps Here are 5 steps you can use to start your dog walking business: #1. Choose a Business Name. Naming your dog walking business may not be as simple as it seems. When selecting a name, try to make the name short, easy to remember, descriptive of the business, and capable of drawing attention. How To Start A Dog Walking Business Write your dog walking business plan. The first step to take in any dog walking business is to create a solid business plan. It'll help you set out your strategy and your objectives and allow you to create realistic goals for success. A good business plan also helps prospective clients or loan assessors to get an understanding of where you ... Dog Walking Business Plan [Free Template Writing a dog walking business plan is a crucial step toward the success of your business. Here are the key steps to consider when writing a business plan: 1. Executive Summary. An executive summary is the first section planned to offer an overview of the entire business plan. However, it is written after the entire business plan is ready and ... The Ultimate Guide to Starting a Successful Dog Walking Business Establishing Your Brand Identity: Name, Logo, and Online Presence. Your brand identity plays a crucial role in attracting and retaining clients. Start by choosing a memorable and descriptive name for your dog walking business. Make sure the name reflects your services and resonates with your target audience. How to start a pet sitting and dog walking business I have a number of best practice rules that I follow: One-to-one care. The dog walking service I provide is strictly on a one-to-one basis. I never take groups of dogs out together. At the end of the day, dogs, like people, are individuals whose personalities can clash when brought together. Respond personally. 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As a Dog Walker business, having a clear explanation of the market and industry that you are in will help you plan for the figure and will ensure you can take the business to the next level. How to Write a Dog Walking Business Plan in 8 Simple Steps ... Even if you are the sole employee of your business, make sure you include a layout of how each aspect of your business will be run and organized. 4. Decide on the Products and Services You Want to ... Dog walking business plan Indeed, with more and more demand people are transforming dog walking into fully fledged businesses that are profitable and also much needed. There are still plenty of opportunities and a great deal of profit to be made if you can build a strong business with a good dog walking business plan. A dog walking business plan is essentially like any ... Dog Walking Business Plan [Sample Template for 2022] A Sample Dog Walking Business Plan Template 1. Industry Overview. According to the American Pet Product Association (APPA), even though Americans loved pets, those who owned dogs were at 18.9%, third on the pet scale. It gave results that the annual growth for this industry is at 3.1% from 2009 to 2014, bringing in combined revenue - with ... Wag! Safety is serious business. Your dog's safety is our top priority. Every Pet Caregiver passes an enhanced background check, our services are insured, and support is standing by 7 days a week. ... Best Dog Food for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels 2024. Best Dog Food for Chihuahuas 2024. ... Purina Pro Plan LiveClear Cat Allergen Reducing Cat Food ... Dog Walking Business Plan [Sample Template] A Sample Dog Walking Business Plan Template 1. Industry Overview. According to the American Pet Product Association (APPA), even though Americans loved pets, those who owned dogs were at 18.9%, third on the pet scale. 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