Dog Walking - Leads to Extra Money

There are millions of dogs and all of them need to be walked two or three times each day. There are also millions of dog owners who cannot manage to do this; therefore there is a gap in the market for dog walkers.

А Dog Walker will go to pet owners' homes and take the dog or dogs for a walk for payment, it is as simple as that. If you like walking, like dogs and don't mind a daily routine this is an ideal way of making an extra bit of money for something you enjoy. Not too many of these scenarios about.

Dog walkers’ hours of work are usually from around midday to earlier evening since most dogs will need a lunchtime and evening walk. If you are available during the day, this will be just up your street so to speak.

There is no special training needed to be a dog walker although you should have a basic understanding of dog behaviour and be aware of the warning signs of dogs alongside proper lead handling techniques. You must also be sure that you can handle the strength and size of some larger dogs before you agree to walk the dog.

Dog walking requires hardly any money to start up. The most expensive cost is insurance, a must with this kind of work. Then there a the little overheads such as business forms so that you have permission to enter a client's home and have it in writing how much they owe you so you get paid. Advertising cost as you may want to advertise on the web or in the paper. This is obviously an open-end budget and it is up to you as to how much you want to spend.

There are a few companies that specialise in dog walkers insurance. This website gives a list of many that you can choose from: http://www.britishinformation.com/dog-walkers-insurance/ There are also many tips that these insurance companies give in line with this business.

Rates of pay from customers will vary greatly from one end of the country to the other. The best way to find your rates pitch is to check out your competition, they should also be advertising. You want to place your rates in line with your competitors don’t try and undercut, you will be undervaluing your service and this will be seen as such. Most people who want dog walkers are looking for a profession service and are willing to pay for that.

Dog walking is generally done by the amount of time the owner wants the dog to be walked. So, it is best to have a time-based pay scale in which they can choose from. You may wish to include a monthly discount plan to encourage long-term contracts and pay in advance.

Sending an article about your business to the local paper is a very good idea for free advertisements. It will give you the best exposure possible. You can get listed in the local papers and the phone book. Some are paid for some are free it depends where you are living but worth checking out. Don't forget you will be advertised continuously in these publications. Get flyers everywhere, they can be hand delivered while you are out walking the dogs! Local vets are a good place to display your ad or business card or give referrals. Get to know your vet and they will refer you to their customers.

You will need to draw up the details of the services you are offering to customers. A contract is quite difficult to write up so it may be worth getting it done professionally keeping in mind this is a form most of your clients will be signing. If it is not done properly or professionally, you may well lose business. Another angle to save money is to get an agreement from another dog walker and use that as you template with a few adjustments in text.

One of the best pieces of advice is to get a website. These are known to generate a lot of 'leads' (excuse the pun) in this type of business. Many find their needs nowadays looking on the Internet. Most sites can be set up for free.

Finally, the best advertising of all is word of mouth. Tell everyone about your service that you are offering, everyone knows someone who owns a dog, they will go to you first is they know about you. Such an obvious way to attract business, but so many people overlook this.