A Dog Walking Business Could Be The Answer For You
Introduction
If you are the sort of person who actively likes being with dogs, but are unhappy with the sort of line of work that you are in maybe it’s time to combine an activity that you love with a way of earning money! One of the simplest ways of doing this is to start a dog walking business. If you are unsure of what all this would entail then as with any business, it requires research: fortunately there are plenty of pet trade magazines and website that can help with this side of things.
What is a Dog Walker?
Qualify what a dog walker does. Do you know? For example there is a great deal of difference between a pet sitter and a dog walker. Pet sitter responsibilities are based around the general domestic needs of a wide variety of species: not just dogs. A pet sitter might be required to feed, administer medication and keep the pet happy. A dog walker simply walks dogs, and cleans-up the poop of the canines in their charge. Watering and maybe administering meds can also be part of the remit.
The Legal Side of Business
What sort of business type will you be setting up? A sole proprietor is the most common for dog walkers. Although with any business separating your business and personal assets might be considered a wise move. In that case a Limited Liability Company would be more prudent. What about other aspects of the legal side? Perhaps your local government requires you to obtain a licence etc. Or they may insist that you are registered your business. Put that research hat on again and check it out. It goes without saying that good insurance is a must: expect the unexpected especially where dogs are concerned.
Administration
Any business will generate admin. This will involve contracts with you clients; reports on what your doing; a register of client details; vet details and pet care information; tax details. The most important are the rates you charge for your services. This can be dependant on the area where your clients live as well as what you will include in your service: for example, would you be qualified to administer meds? Therefore look at what client would require a dog walker and sort out the rates accordingly.
Conclusion
A dog walking business is a wonderful idea for any person who is active, and hopefully, likes animals. You will be rewarded for doing a job you like and for being out and about rather than for being behind a desk. However, you should always remember that it is a business, and you should treat it as a business. You should maintain a professional manner, and be ready to fulfil all of your commitments, irrespective of other considerations such as bad weather. If you can do all of this, then you could be looking at a successful and rewarding business.