business plan for dog walking

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How to Start a Dog Walking Business

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If you’ve ever dreamed of spending your day in the fresh air, surrounded by furry, four-legged co-workers, then you’ve likely wondered how to start a dog walking business. After all, starting a dog walking business is just about the opposite of your typical office job — you get to spend time outside, stay active, and of course, hang out with dogs all day. What could be better than that?

You might be wondering how to start a business that makes enough money to be sustainable, or how some of the specifics of getting your dog walking business off the ground. Starting a dog walking business isn’t always a walk in the park (sorry, we couldn’t resist), as there are plenty of financial and risk-related considerations that should be taken into consideration.

As with any kind of new entrepreneurial endeavor, there’s the matter of building and nurturing your clientele as well as growing your profits to keep things afloat during the rocky first few months. Plus, you’ll need to think about some factors specific to the dog walking business, such as driving to your customers and buying supplies like waste bags and treats.

Learning how to start a dog walking business can definitely be worth the effort, though. Besides the obvious perks (dogs!), it also provides a ton of freedom and flexibility. So, are you ready to start your dog walking business? In this guide, we’ll detail how to start a dog walking business, from the licenses and insurance you may need to obtain, to the financial solutions that can help make your dream possible.

How to start a dog walking business: A step-by-step guide

It might sound silly to wonder how to start a dog walking business, but it’s not as simple as lacing up some sneakers and hitting the road. As with all other kinds of entrepreneurial endeavors, there’s a lot to consider before diving in.

You’ll have to make the same financial considerations as you would with any other small business venture, and will most certainly have to juggle administrative tasks alongside your daily walk schedule. Let’s dive into what you need to know before starting your dog walking business.

Assess the local dog walking business landscape

You’re probably familiar with the idea of “supply and demand,” and it applies to just about any industry. In this case, the demand for a business in a specific area or specialty helps determine how much supply there should be.

Services in higher demand can charge their customers more, so long as there are more customers than companies. On the other hand, if there are too many providers serving too few clients, each provider ends up lowering prices in order to maintain a competitive advantage for the smaller pool of clients.

What does this have to do with walking dogs? Everything, if you want to start a successful dog walking business. Be sure that your target market isn’t already saturated with dog walking companies–otherwise, you may find yourself struggling to find clients and set yourself apart from the other, more-established companies while also turning a profit.

Develop a business plan

Even the most straightforward new businesses can benefit from having a comprehensive business plan. After all, you wouldn’t build a dog house without blueprints. The same idea holds true for your new dog walking business. Drafting a business plan provides you with a framework for your company to follow, and can help you determine the right strategies to help it grow in those crucial first few months.

Learning how to write a business plan doesn’t have to be daunting. All you need to get started is:

A clear idea of what you want your business to be

A sense of what kind of competition you’ll expect within your industry and area

Plans on how you’ll organize your business (especially if you plan to hire other walkers or administrative staff)

Ideas about what services you’ll offer (in this case, you may also consider including house-sitting or boarding services to your walking services)

Marketing and promotion plans to help you drum up business

Financial projections (including the cost of your services as well as expected revenue

Including a business plan as you start your dog walking business may seem like overkill depending on how big you want your business to be. Creating a plan in the early stages can, however, prepare you for growth down the line. It’s also better to draft a business plan now, rather than after your business takes off and you have less time to devote to the task.

Secure the necessary business licenses

Almost every municipality and state requires companies to have business licenses before they can operate lawfully. That’s true for big corporations as well as individuals and solopreneurs. Even if you want to start a dog walking business that is just you and your furry friends, you’ll still need to register with your local governing body in order to make sure that what you’re doing is above board and lawful. In most cases, you can get by with a relatively straightforward business license.

For example, setting up a sole proprietorship is simple and easy to operate, although it offers fewer protections than other business entities, such as a limited liability corporation (LLC). LLCs, unlike sole proprietorships, help separate an individual from his or her business.

An LLC helps you keep your personal finances separate from your business. They also help you establish distance between yourself and any legal issues your business might experience. This is particularly helpful for dog walking businesses: If an issue were to arise with your clients’ beloved pets, you could be personally liable without the right business entity in place.

If you’re not sure what kind of corporate entity you think your dog walking business might need, it’s never a bad idea to consult a small business attorney who can help you weigh the pros and cons of each. You’ll have to pay a bit more for the additional help than you would by going it alone, but you could stand to save significant money in the event of a problem down the line.

Get the right insurance

Most small businesses need some form of insurance–be they small home-based businesses or manufacturing enterprises–and a dog walking business is no different. In most cases, the more liable your company is to have something break, for someone to get hurt, or for something to go awry on your property, the more likely you are to need comprehensive business insurance to cover your business in the event of an issue. Even if your state or town doesn’t require you to have certain kinds of business insurance, it’s still a good idea to consider this added protection.

When you’re dealing with animals, as is the case in a dog walking business, the need for insurance becomes even more important. For starters, you’ll likely want to look into a solid general liability plan that can protect you in case of any damages incurred while on your client’s property (or on anyone else’s property during a walk).

You’ll also want to think about personal and commercial property insurance to cover any losses (or damages) in the event that Fido goes off the leash and causes damage to you or your business property. Last but not least, you’ll also want to get animal bailee insurance if you plan to transport dogs in your car, or if you decide to add animal boarding to your services.

This is not a comprehensive list, nor is it meant to provide any advice on which insurance you should buy. Be sure to check with a legal professional, insurance specialist, and any local governing bodies to make sure you have all the coverage you need before you start your dog walking business.

Market your business

Even after all of the planning and logistics have been tackled, you’re only halfway done with the work that it takes to start your dog walking business. You’ll still have to market your services in order to gain new clientele.

The good news is that marketing your small business doesn’t have to cost a lot in order to be effective. This is particularly true for dog walking businesses, where word-of-mouth marketing can be more valuable than paid promotion.

Creating a small business website is a good first step to launching your business. This should include things like information about yourself and your experience, the area where you’re operating, pricing, and methods for prospective customers to get in touch with you. Building a simple website is often inexpensive and easy to maintain, and can do you a world of good as you build a reputation for your company.

Small business owners often overlook their ability to influence word-of-mouth advertising. This is particularly important for small businesses like the dog walking industry, since people prefer to go with the recommendations of their friends and family when entrusting the care of their beloved pets. Offering a customer referral program can also help incentivize happy customers to recommend your services by rewarding them with pre-determined perks, like free walks.

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How to start a dog walking business: The financials

Although starting a dog walking business may seem like an endeavor that doesn’t have high startup costs–after all, don’t you really only need a good pair of walking shoes?–you may find that some extra cash is necessary to help get your business off the ground or to help it expand. Here are some small business loan options that can help your business.

Small business administration (SBA) loans

Whenever the topic of small business loans come up, SBA loans are sure to follow. That’s for good reason: SBA loans are a great option for qualifying small businesses. They often have lower interest rates than regular business loans, come with longer repayment periods, and may even provide higher loan amounts than their peers.

Given that SBA loans come with such great perks, they’re also highly competitive and require an extensive amount of paperwork during the approval process. Even if you don’t end up getting an SBA loan, it’s still worth going through the application process in most cases. You’ll be fully prepared with the information you need when seeking out alternative financing options for your dog walking business.

Business auto loans

If you need a car or vehicle to transport the furry clients of your dog walking business, you might want to consider a small business auto loan. Auto loans help small businesses get the cash they need to purchase a vehicle, all while typically coming with a lower interest rate than they’d get for a short- or long-term loan that isn’t tied specifically to this purchase.

Borrowers will approach lenders for a business auto loan once they’ve found a specific vehicle (or vehicle type) that they wish to buy. If approved, the lender then provides the cost of the vehicle, and the borrower pays back the loan plus interest.

Business line of credit

Sometimes small business owners need access to additional cash on a revolving basis. Say, for example, that you know you’ll have a few miscellaneous expenses coming up as your dog walking business expands. You may not need a pile of cash all at once, and would certainly prefer not to pay interest on money you’re not using.

That’s where a small business line of credit comes in handy. Lenders provide borrowers with a capped amount of cash from which they can draw for as long as the line of credit is active. Borrowers only pay interest on the money they’ve drawn from the line of credit, and can borrow money several times throughout the life of the line of credit.

Small business term loans

Perhaps the broadest, all-encompassing lending products out there for small business owners are business term loans . These loans allow borrowers to access a predetermined amount of cash to pay for anything business-related, all while agreeing to pay an interest rate over a certain amount of time in exchange for the money.

If you have general needs in starting your business, term loans can help you get access to capital. Be aware though that short- and long-term loans do tend to come with higher interest rates than business auto loans, a small business line of credit, and SBA loans.

Start Your Dream Business

The bottom line

You might be surprised that starting a dog walking business takes some planning and preparation. But when you’re starting your own business you need to make sure it’s set up correctly and legally, and that you’ll be protected if any accidents occur down the line. Additionally, taking care of animals comes with its own set of considerations.

Luckily, as long as you cover all of the right elements of starting a dog walking business–from securing the necessary licenses and insurance to finding the right financing–you’ll be on your way toward bringing home the bacon. If the dogs don’t eat it first, that is.

This article originally appeared on JustBusiness, a subsidiary of NerdWallet.

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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

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Free Business Plan Template

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• 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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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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How to Start a Dog Walking Business

The ASPCA estimates there are over 78 million dogs owned in the United States. A vast majority of those canines are left alone each day as their parents go to work. Presented with the option, many pet owners would happily give up a portion of their budget to ensure their dog isn’t cooped up inside all day. Enter the dog walker.

You may also be interested in additional side hustle ideas .

Learn how to start your own Dog Walking Business and whether it is the right fit for you.

Ready to form your LLC? Check out the Top LLC Formation Services .

Start a dog walking business by following these 10 steps:

• Plan your Dog Walking Business
• Form your Dog Walking Business into a Legal Entity
• Register your Dog Walking Business for Taxes
• Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
• Set up Accounting for your Dog Walking Business
• Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Dog Walking Business
• Get Dog Walking Business Insurance
• Define your Dog Walking Business Brand
• Create your Dog Walking Business Website
• Set up your Business Phone System

We have put together this simple guide to starting your dog walking business. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.

Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas .

STEP 1: Plan your business

A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:

What will you name your business?

• What are the startup and ongoing costs?
• Who is your target market?

How much can you charge customers?

Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.

Choosing the right name is important and challenging. If you don’t already have a name in mind, visit our How to Name a Business guide or get help brainstorming a name with our Dog Walking Business Name Generator

If you operate a sole proprietorship , you might want to operate under a business name other than your own name. Visit our DBA guide to learn more.

When registering a business name , we recommend researching your business name by checking:

• Your state's business records
• Federal and state trademark records
• Social media platforms
• Web domain availability .

It's very important to secure your domain name before someone else does.

Want some help naming your dog walking business?

Business name generator, what are the costs involved in opening a dog walking business.

Unlike most startup businesses, your initial investment is fairly small. Most dog walkers report start-up costs of less than $10,000.

A few items you’ll need are:

• Chew toys and treat dispensing toys
• Carry-all treats dispensing bags
• Crates for transporting
• Business cards
• Website - make sure your site is informative and that customers have the ability to make appointments online
• Attorney services to assist you in writing a contract to be signed by each new client
• Reliable transportation

What are the ongoing expenses for a dog walking business?

Much like your startup expenses, ongoing expenses are minimal. While you’ll need to keep a steady supply of dog treats on hand, the rest of your initial purchases should last for several years. The bulk of your budget will go towards fuel costs, vehicle maintenance, and insurance. These costs will vary depending upon your location and how wide of an area you serve.

To avoid the costs associated with hiring employees, many dog walking business owners hire individuals as freelancers. Just be sure to set aside a portion of your budget for “employee” background checks, as this will prove to be an important component to your organization’s long-term success.

While free social media will encompass much of your marketing campaign, you’ll want to invest both time and money each month into marketing your business. If this isn’t your strong suit, many marketing companies offer basic packages starting around $50 per month.

Who is the target market?

Anyone that owns a dog and works outside of the home regularly stands to benefit from your services. Your ideal customer, however, is the consumer who is concerned for his or her animal being left alone and who has the means to pay for your services on a regular basis. Recent studies indicate that Millennials and Baby Boomers are the age groups spoiling their four-legged family members the most.

How does a dog walking business make money?

Your business will generate revenue from each canine you walk. Many professional dog walkers offer additional services to increase their company’s profits. Examples of these additional services will be provide in a later section of this article.

Fees are based on the specific services needed of each client/dog. On average, professionals charge $15- $17 for a 15 - 20 minute walk and $18 - $22 for a 30 - 40 minute walk. For a 40 - 60 minute walk, you could charge between $22 and $27. If your client requires late night or early evening walks, many dog walkers charge an additional fee of $5 per dog.

How much profit can a dog walking business make?

For the sake of determining your business’ profit, let’s use an example of a dog walker that can walk four dogs an hour at $20/hour. Let’s assume they’re able to walk sixteen dogs per day and work five days per week. In this instance, that’s an annual salary of $83,200. And this is based on your services alone. As the business owner, you’ll collect a portion of the fees each additional dog walker is able to charge, which could add an additional $15k - $17k per year, per walker. Exact figures will vary depending upon how much you’re able to charge and how many canines you’re able to walk each day.

How can you make your business more profitable?

Building a loyal client base takes time. The following are a few strategies other dog walking professionals have implemented to ensure a more profitable business:

• Offer dog running for those high energy dogs. In larger cities, walkers are able to charge $30 for a 30 minute run, or $200 for 5 45-minute runs per week.
• Include additional services, like feeding, watering, and strength and agility training/exercise
• Include overnight services/pet boarding in the services you offer
• Become a certified dog trainer
• Teach dog training/educational classes - this can be done online or in person and can cover a variety of topics

Want a more guided approach? Access TRUiC's free Small Business Startup Guide - a step-by-step course for turning your business idea into reality. Get started today!

STEP 2: Form a legal entity

The most common business structure types are the sole proprietorship , partnership , limited liability company (LLC) , and corporation .

Establishing a legal business entity such as an LLC or corporation protects you from being held personally liable if your dog walking business is sued.

Form Your LLC

Read our Guide to Form Your Own LLC

Have a Professional Service Form your LLC for You

Two such reliable services:

You can form an LLC yourself and pay only the minimal state LLC costs or hire one of the Best LLC Services for a small, additional fee.

Recommended: You will need to elect a registered agent for your LLC. LLC formation packages usually include a free year of registered agent services . You can choose to hire a registered agent or act as your own.

STEP 3: Register for taxes

You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.

In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It's really easy and free!

You can acquire your EIN through the IRS website . If you would like to learn more about EINs, read our article, What is an EIN?

There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.

STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card

Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.

When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil .

Open a business bank account

Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:

• Separates your personal assets from your company's assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
• Makes accounting and tax filing easier.

Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank or credit union.

Get a business credit card

Getting a business credit card helps you:

• Separate personal and business expenses by putting your business' expenses all in one place.
• Build your company's credit history , which can be useful to raise money later on.

Recommended: Apply for an easy approval business credit card from BILL and build your business credit quickly.

STEP 5: Set up business accounting

Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.

Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.

STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses

Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.

State & Local Business Licensing Requirements

Dog walking businesses are typically not required to obtain any particular licensing or permits. However, it is advisable to look into the particularities of your municipality:

• Check with your town, city or county clerk’s office
• Get assistance from one of the local associations listed in US Small Business Associations directory of local business resources.

Most businesses are required to collect sales tax on the goods or services they provide. To learn more about how sales tax will affect your business, read our article, Sales Tax for Small Businesses .

Services Contract

Typically dog walkers provide their clients with a dog walking contract to decrease legal liability and encourage transparency. A sample contract can be found here .

Recommended: Rocket Lawyer makes it easy to create a professional service agreement for your dog walking business when you sign up for their premium membership. For $39.95 per month, members receive access to hundreds of legal agreements and on call attorneys to get complimentary legal advice.

STEP 7: Get business insurance

Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.

There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance . This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.

Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance . If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers' Compensation Coverage.

FInd out what types of insurance your Dog Walking Business needs and how much it will cost you by reading our guide Business Insurance for Dog Walking Business.

STEP 8: Define your brand

Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.

If you aren't feeling confident about designing your small business logo, then check out our Design Guides for Beginners , we'll give you helpful tips and advice for creating the best unique logo for your business.

Recommended : Get a logo using Truic's free logo Generator no email or sign up required, or use a Premium Logo Maker .

If you already have a logo, you can also add it to a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator . Choose from 13 QR code types to create a code for your business cards and publications, or to help spread awareness for your new website.

How to promote & market a dog walking business

As with every modern business, online marketing should be an integral part of your marketing strategy. Include a blog on your website, offering pet owners tips, tricks, and advice on raising a canine. Share your blog on social media and request to be a guest blogger on other well-known industry blogs.

Upon opening your business, issue a press release to local papers announcing your grand opening. Network with pet stores, veterinarians, and dog groomers in the area. These businesses regularly come in contact with dog owners with a new puppy or an elderly canine that might need to be walked more often than most. Most importantly, show them why/how your services stand out above the competition.

How to keep customers coming back

Customer retention is a critical component to your business’ success. Always keep in mind the motivation behind your customers - they’re looking for an individual who cares for their canine the way they would. Send them texts or emails with updates on their dog’s activities for the day. You could even send each canine home with a “pet report card,” informing the parents of the events of the day.

STEP 9: Create your business website

After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is to create a website for your business .

While creating a website is an essential step, some may fear that it’s out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.

Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:

• All legitimate businesses have websites - full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
• Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own.
• Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.

Recommended : Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders .

Other popular website builders are: WordPress , WIX , Weebly , Squarespace , and Shopify .

STEP 10: Set up your business phone system

Getting a phone set up for your business is one of the best ways to help keep your personal life and business life separate and private. That’s not the only benefit; it also helps you make your business more automated, gives your business legitimacy, and makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.

There are many services available to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business phone system. We’ve reviewed the top companies and rated them based on price, features, and ease of use. Check out our review of the Best Business Phone Systems 2023 to find the best phone service for your small business.

Recommended Business Phone Service: Phone.com

Phone.com is our top choice for small business phone numbers because of all the features it offers for small businesses and it's fair pricing.

Is this Business Right For You?

Whether your goal is to supplement your income or set a new career path entirely, dog walking is a rewarding and dynamic profession. If you enjoy the company of dogs and are ready to be your own boss, owning a dog walking business could be the change you’re looking for.

Want to know if you are cut out to be an entrepreneur?

Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!

Entrepreneurship Quiz

What happens during a typical day at a dog walking business?

Most of your days will be similar in nature - you’ll pick up your charges, take them for a walk, and drop them back off at home. Where you walk the canines, for how long, and at what time will vary, depending upon who you’re walking that day.

In addition to walking dogs, there are a number of administrative duties you’ll need to attend to each day. Once your business has grown, you’ll want to consider hiring someone to handle the office duties.

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful dog walking business?

As with every entrepreneur, strong business and marketing acumen will be fundamental to your organization’s success. You should be detail oriented, organized, and have strong interpersonal skills. Remember, you’ll be spending each day with animals, but your clients are the dog owners. They’ve hired you to ensure their pets are well cared for, so it’s important to prove your value with each visit.

While it’s not required that you have experience in dog training, your clients’ dog’s safety is in your hands. A basic understanding of canines and the characteristics of each breed would prove beneficial. If you’re able to read their mannerisms, you’ll be better equipped to predict and head off a dangerous moment before it occurs.

What is the growth potential for a dog walking business?

While competition in this field is strong, there are many opportunities for growth. Revenue in the pet industry is growing an average of 5% annually, exceeding $62.75 billion in 2016. Consistently strong customer service and educating the public on the benefits of using your services over the competition will be critical to your business’ success.

Not sure if a dog walking business is right for you? Try our free Business Idea Generator and find your perfect idea.

TRUiC's YouTube Channel

For fun informative videos about starting a business visit the TRUiC YouTube Channel or subscribe to view later.

Take the Next Step

Find a business mentor.

One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.

Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.

Learn from other business owners

Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves? Visit Startup Savant’s startup founder series to gain entrepreneurial insights, lessons, and advice from founders themselves.

Resources to Help Women in Business

There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:

If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women of our partner Startup Savant.

What are some insider tips for jump starting a dog walking business?

The following are some tips from experienced, professional dog walkers who have chosen to make a career out of their passion:

• Educate yourself on canine behavior
• Set up a system of policies and procedures and stick with them
• Understand the risks of being a professional dog-walker
• Research the safest dog walking areas in each part of town
• Avoid dog parks, as they’re prime spaces for aggressive dog behavior
• Carry a canister of citronella spray at all times. Safer than pepper spray, it will spray 10-12 feet and will deter 95% of approaching animals
• Join a professional organization and become certified in pet first aid
• This is a physically demanding job and often requires you to work inconsistent hours. Before getting started, be sure you’re ready to take this on.
• Keep in mind that this type of business can take some time to grow. Be patient.

How and when to build a team

If your goal is a small-scale, local business, you’ll want to start out as the only dog walker. As your local business grows, you could begin to build a team, with each member targeting a specific part of town.

If you’re dreaming big, another option is to set up dog walking services nationally. To do this, you would need individuals across the country who can be trusted with your client’s canines. This will require a more complex, interactive website and, for best results, a mobile application. Regardless of how big or small you desire to be, you’ll need to perform a background check on each new team member. This should include running both criminal and driving reports, as well as a basic canine knowledge test. Your clients are hiring you to care for their furry “children,” so it’s critical that you hire only the best.

Useful Links

Industry opportunities.

• The International Association of Canine Professionals
• Pet first aid certification

Real World Examples

• NYC dog walking business
• Chicago dog walking business
• Ann Arbor dog walking business

Further Reading

• Dog walking business plan
• How to start a dog walking business
• Professional advice on being a successful dog walker

Have a Question? Leave a Comment!

Pet Health Insurance   |   FAQ    Blog     Contact    844.520.6990

How to Start a Dog Walking Business in 5 Easy Steps

• February 23, 2024

Maybe the best part of your day is spending some time patrolling the neighborhood with your pooch. Maybe you need a little more motivation to get your daily steps in and Fido is better than any personal trainer you know. Or maybe the only way to stop your four-legged friend from wrecking the apartment is to keep him occupied with his daily walk.

Whatever the reason, dog walkers spend a decent part of their week with a leash and poop bags on hand—so why not get paid for it? Here’s how to start a dog walking business in five steps: 

• Research local dog walking businesses
• Decide what services to offer and how to price them
• Account for startup costs
• Make it official: set up your business entity, register your business, and get dog walker insurance
• Promote your new dog walking business

Why Start a Dog Walking Business?

Dog walking is an increasingly popular business model that caters to the influx of pets adopted by Americans during the pandemic . As many workers have returned to the office in the years since, there’s been an uptick in services catering to their pups—and pet parents are paying big.

The New York Times ran an article in 2023 about some dog walkers in New York earning over $100,000 per year, some through a combination of services including pet sitting, grooming, and more. And while that can be an enticing figure, it’s far from the norm.

Still, a full-time dog walker in the United States can expect to pull down anywhere from $21,000 to $49,000 with an average salary of $33,466 —not bad for a business with puppy play time at its core! If you’re considering starting up a dog walking business, though, it’s important to have a plan in place.

Keep reading to find out how to start a dog walking business, including what you’ll need to make it official and promote your services.

Conduct Market Research

A business is only as successful as the market in which it operates. For dog walkers, that usually means a geographical area—either the one in which you live or in which you have a critical mass of clients that you’re willing to commute to meet.

Conducting market research in this sense essentially means looking around to see if the area in which you are planning to operate already has plenty of dog walkers, how much they charge, and if there is a viable client base left unserviced.

A simple google search is the best first step here. Look for dog walkers or services in your area and gauge the amount of results you find. You can also use Rover.com , which is a nationwide service that connects dog walkers and sitters with potential clients, to see how much competition is in your area.

You might also try visiting a local dog park and politely inquiring with dog owners about any dog walking services they already use, or, crucially, any services they wish were available. Offering things like house sitting, grooming, poop scooping, or similar services can give you an edge on the competition and allow you to charge a premium.

If you come to the conclusion that you do happen to live in a fairly saturated market, don’t worry! It doesn’t mean your doggy dreams are dashed, necessarily, but you might have to rethink your pricing strategy, which we’ll talk about below.

Decide Which Services You’ll Provide

Part of how to start a dog walking business includes deciding what types of services you’ll offer. Dog walking can be the only service you choose to provide, but even then, there’s more than one category of dog walking. Your dog walking business plan might choose to offer:

• Single walks: This is where you just walk one dog at a time, usually picking him/her up from a pre-approved destination like the owner’s home. You might drive your canine client to their favorite park for a run, or maybe you’ll take them for a stroll around the block before bringing them home. Either way, one dog gets all your attention. This can make it easy to plan out routes, get to know what the dog likes and doesn’t like, and handle any medical or other problems that arise. However, you’re also limited to one client for as long as you agree to look after them.
• Group walks: Group walks mean you’re walking multiple dogs at the same time in one giant, multi-leashed, pooch patrol. These kinds of walks might be more appropriate for an experienced dog walker, since you are responsible for multiple people’s pets and the chance something could go wrong is greater when your attention is divided. However, you can also multiply your revenue by servicing more dogs at the same time, making it an economically efficient service for those with the ability and resources.
• Supervised playtime: This kind of service means visiting a dog in their home and providing some sanctioned play time or a chance to use the restroom while their owner is away. It might look like a quick romp around the backyard or gently tossing a toy around the living room. These kinds of visits might be needed for puppies who don’t need a whole walk, older dogs with limited mobility, or smaller dogs who just need to stretch their legs. These kinds of visits incur less liability since you aren’t taking the dog from the owner’s home, but they require a deeper level of trust between your client and yourself since you’re responsible for their home while they’re away.

Providing any or all of these types of walks can be enough to make you invaluable to your clients, but you might also consider expanding your range of services to make additional income. With the right knowledge base, credentials, and resources, you can expand into offering:

• Pet boarding and house sitting
• Pooper scooping
• Dog training

Offering different pet services provides multiple revenue streams, and finding a niche (a service you offer that other competitors don’t) can drastically improve profits and potential for expansion. However, more specialized services might require a greater investment on your part such as pet first-aid classes, getting certified as a pet trainer , transportation needs for the animals in your care, special licensing or certifications, and so on.

How to Price Your Services

Establishing price points for dog walking and any other services is a balancing act that should take several things into consideration, such as:

• How many dog walkers charge a similar price
• Which services you offer that may or may not be available through other businesses
• Basic expenses like transportation costs, insurance premiums, marketing materials, and so on – more on all of that later
• Time you spend providing your services

If your area contains plenty of existing dog walking businesses, you might have to lower your prices to stay competitive. However, the trick is to not lower your prices so much that the time you spend on your business can’t cover your basic expenses.

Start by comparing your hourly rate to the national average, or searching for the average dog walker salary by state to get a “ruff” (get it?) estimate of what you could be making. There are also numerous free market research tools available for dog walkers to help them establish a competitive price.

Finally, decide on how you’d like to be paid. Perhaps it makes more sense to charge per half hour with a discount for multi-hour walking sessions, or maybe you charge by the mile.

Whatever works for you, make sure your prices are communicated to your clients clearly ahead of time so you both know how much you’re expecting to make for a specific job. With your price established, it’s much easier to crunch the numbers of how many dogs, which types of services, and how long you’ll have to spend to make your business profitable.

Account for Startup Costs

Dog walking is a relatively inexpensive business to start funding. Heck, with a few bucks for a leash, some poop bags, and a quality pair of running shoes, you’ve covered most of your essentials! Unfortunately, however, establishing a real, legal business isn’t quite so simple.

In order to come up with a solid dog-walking business plan, it’s important to be prepared for the costs you might incur when starting your business. These include things like:

• Federal tax number (Employer Identification Number, or EIN) Any required state and local business licenses
• Dog walkers insurance
• Website and marketing materials like business cards, postcards, or door hangers
• Supplies like pooper scooper tools and supplies you’ll need on walks
• Membership fees for professional organizations
• Gas and insurance for transportation
• Bank account and payment processing fees

Your startup costs will vary depending on your ultimate goals, legal business structure, number of employees, etc. By establishing a clear idea of what you’d like your business to be as early as possible—whether it’s a part-time cash grab or the foundation of your canine-centric business empire—you can better understand the kinds of costs you might incur and plan for them accordingly.

Pro tip : It’s a safe bet to put aside at least $500 to $1,000 to cover your startup costs and have a few resources on hand while you find your footing.

Make It Official, Legal, and Credible

For most people, professional dog walking can be a simple exchange: Your pup’s owner hands you a fistful of cash, you grab the leash and you’re jamming out to your preferred Spotify playlist on your way to the park. 

But you aren’t most people—you’re a dedicated professional! The truth is this kind of business organization is great for making a quick buck under the table, but it opens you up to potential liability (and its associated costs) and limits your chances to expand your operation. 

Decide on a Business Entity 

In order to build a clientele that trusts you, and to protect yourself from the legal peril of a cash-only business, you might want to look into the various kinds of legal structures your business can take. The two most common ones are:

• Sole proprietorship: A sole proprietorship is the simplest form of legal business entity, and is essentially just an unincorporated business owned and operated by yourself, under your own name. If you want to change the name of your business but retain your classification as a sole proprietorship, you’ll need to file for a DBA (Doing Business As). Sole proprietorships don’t require as extensive accounting initiatives as LLCs and are generally more simple to operate, but your personal assets are threatened if you incur any liability.  
• LLC (Limited Liability Corporation): LLCs are companies legally incorporated at the state level and exist separately from their owners. There’s more to it, but essentially, incorporating your business as an LLC means that, while your business is owned by, you are not personally responsible for the debts and liabilities your business might incur. 

It’s worth it to research the specific of LLCs or Sole Proprietorships to better understand which entity best serves your vision for your company. Once you decide, there are also certifications which can make your company more trustworthy to the public or allow you to provide new services. 

Set Up a Business Bank Account 

Even if you opt to set up your business as a sole proprietor, you’ll need a separate bank account when you start your dog walking business. It’s important to keep personal and business finances separate as you’ll have to file state (and sometimes city) taxes. 

Separating personal and business funds also makes it easier to know if your business is profitable and sustainable. Plus, it’s a must if you plan to grow and expand your business, hire employees, and so on.

Become Pet First Aid Certified

To become certified in pet first aid, look for reputable organizations or companies that offer pet first aid certification courses. These courses provide comprehensive training on how to respond to common pet emergencies and administer basic first aid. You can often find them through local veterinary clinics, animal shelters, or by searching online. 

Once you’ve found a course that suits your needs, sign up and complete the required training. The duration of the course can vary, but they typically cover topics like CPR, wound care, choking, and assessing vital signs in pets. 

After successfully completing the course, you’ll receive a certificate that demonstrates your proficiency in pet first aid. This certification can be valuable for dog walkers and pet sitters as you can demonstrate to potential clients that you’re equipped to care for their pets in emergency situations while they’re with you.

Get Dog Walker Insurance

All dog walking businesses need to get dog walker insurance due to the potential risks and liabilities involved. While walking dogs may seem like a straightforward job, accidents can happen at any time. For instance, a dog could get loose and cause damage to property or injure someone. In such cases, insurance can provide financial protection and cover the costs of any legal claims or medical expenses that may arise. 

Additionally, accidents involving dogs themselves can occur, such as bites or injuries during walks. Having insurance can help cover veterinary costs, ensuring that both you and the dog are protected. 

Some clients may even require proof of insurance before entrusting their pets to a dog walker, as it provides peace of mind and shows a level of professionalism. Obtaining an insurance policy is an essential step for professional dog walkers to safeguard their business, protect themselves and their clients, and maintain credibility within the industry.

Join Professional Societies

Joining associations related to pet care is a great way to connect with fellow professionals in the industry and stay updated on the latest trends and practices. Research organizations that align with your interests and goals, looking for ones that cater specifically to pet care professionals. Good examples include:

• The National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS)
• The Professional United Pet Sitters (PUPS)
• The International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP)

Keep in mind that some associations will require you to complete an application form and provide relevant credentials (like a copy of your business license) or proof of experience in the field. Once accepted as a member, you can start enjoying the benefits such as networking opportunities, access to educational resources, industry events, and even discounts on products or services. 

Market Your New Dog Walking Business

Once you’ve done all your research, filled out the appropriate forms, and paid all your start-up costs, it’s time to let everyone know that you’re officially in the dog walking business! Marketing your company is a crucial part of attracting clients and expanding your business, and in the modern age, there are plenty of things you can do on your own to tell your story and attract clients.

Publish a Website

Having your own website, allows you to showcase your services, experience, and any special qualifications you have. It allows you to provide detailed information about your rates, availability, and the areas you serve. 

No-code website builders like Wix even allow you to take customer payments online.  A website also offers a platform for testimonials and reviews from satisfied clients, which can build trust and credibility. 

Having a website makes it easier for dog owners to find and contact you, as they can simply search online and access all the necessary information in one place. In today’s digital age, having a professional website is crucial for any business, including professional dog walkers, as it helps them stand out from the competition and reach a wider audience.

Get on Social Media

Social media provides an opportunity for you to build a strong online presence and establish yourself as a trusted professional. By regularly sharing informative content about pet care, training tips, or interesting stories from your walks, you can position yourself as a knowledgeable and reliable expert in the industry. This helps to instill confidence in potential clients and encourages them to choose your services over others.

Social media also enables you to engage directly with your audience by responding to comments, messages, and inquiries promptly. This personalized interaction helps in building trust and forming connections with potential clients. 

Lastly, social media provides a cost-effective marketing solution for professional dog walkers by allowing you to advertise your services without spending large amounts of money on traditional advertising methods. By utilizing targeted ads and promoting posts within specific geographical areas or interest groups related to pets or dogs, you can reach your desired audience effectively.

Leverage Word-of-Mouth

When your clients share positive experiences with their friends, family, and neighbors, it generates trust and credibility for your business. Potential clients are more likely to trust the recommendations of people they know and respect, making word-of-mouth referrals a powerful marketing tool. 

Additionally, word-of-mouth recommendations often come with personal anecdotes and stories, which can create an emotional connection with potential clients. These personal endorsements differentiate you from your competitors and showcase your unique qualities and expertise. Word-of-mouth referrals also tend to attract clients who align with your target market and values, leading to loyal, long-term client relationships.

Check out five great ideas to attract your first dog walking clients here! 

Starting your own dog walking business can be a fun and profitable enterprise with perks like minimal startup costs, the ability to set your own schedule, and all the wet-nosed kisses you can ask for. With some careful planning and dedication to providing great service, your business will be up and running in no time—and Pet Care Insurance (PCI) will be here to support you when it is! PCI’s dog walker insurance provides your business with $2 million in general liability coverage per year, dedicated customer support, and the option to cancel anytime, all for as little as $13.33 per month. Protect your budding business and your four-legged clientele with PCI! 

Matt Bieker is a marketing copywriter at Pet Care Insurance. He graduated from the University of Nevada Reno with a degree in Journalism and is the recipient of several Nevada Press Association recognitions for his writing. He is a lifelong animal lover and is writing these articles with his cat, Ted, sleeping next to his keyboard.

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Comparing Employee Dishonesty Coverage & Bonding

PCI’s employee dishonesty coverage is similar to a bond, but there may be some key differences to consider.

Employee dishonesty coverage:

• Can be purchased in the same transaction
• Doesn’t run credit checks
• Provides $10,000 per occurrence and $25,000 aggregate coverage

Bonds may differ from our dishonesty coverage by:

• Checking your credit during the application process
• Having a “Conviction Claus;” Often bonds won’t pay on claims unless there is a conviction
• Many require you to reimbursement the bonding company after a claim is paid

BUSINESS STRATEGIES

How to create a dog walking business plan

• Jeremy Greenbaum
• Sep 6, 2023

When starting a business , especially when starting a service business , it's important to have a clear roadmap that outlines your specific path to success. This is where a comprehensive and well-defined business plan comes into play. Creating a business plan for your dog walking company will help to provide a strategic framework for launching, running and eventually scaling your business.

Creating this plan is not just about fulfilling a formality; it’s an essential step in ensuring the success of your venture. Keep reading to learn how to craft a strong plan for your dog walking business.

Looking to start your dog walking business online? Take Wix’s website builder for a spin.

How to write a dog walking business plan

Writing a comprehensive business plan for your dog walking business is essential for setting a clear direction and ensuring its success. Here are the six main parts of a dog walking business plan:

Executive summary

Business and domain names

Market analysis and research

Operations plan

Marketing and advertising plans

Financial plans

01. Executive summary

The executive summary is the first section of your business plan, providing an overview of your dog walking business. It should concisely summarize the key elements of your plan, including your business concept, target market, competitive advantage and financial projections. The executive summary should capture the reader's attention and entice them to continue reading the rest of your plan.

For example: “Woof Haven dog walking is a premium dog care facility located in a bustling urban area. We offer a safe and stimulating environment for dogs to socialize, exercise and receive top-notch care. With our experienced staff, state-of-the-art facilities and commitment to exceptional customer service, we aim to become the go-to destination for dog owners in our community. Our projected revenue for the first year is $300,000, with steady growth expected in subsequent years.”

02. Business and domain names

Choosing the right business name for your dog walking business is crucial as it helps build brand awareness and trust among potential customers. Use a business name generator *or specifically a small business name generator ) to brainstorm ideas that reflect your brand's values and resonate with your target market. Consider names that evoke feelings of warmth, safety and fun.

When selecting a domain name for your website, make sure that it aligns with your company name and is easy to remember and spell. Use domain search tools to check its availability and secure it as soon as possible.

Remember to register your business once you’ve decided on the right business name and legal structure.

03. Market analysis and research

Include a thorough market analysis in your business plan to understand the competitive environment and develop effective strategies. Identify your target market and their preferences for dog walking services. Research your competitors to assess their strengths and weaknesses, pricing strategies and marketing tactics.

By conducting market research, you can identify gaps in the market and tailor your services to meet the specific needs of your target audience. This research will also help you position your dog walking business effectively and differentiate yourself from competitors.

04. Operations plans

The operations plan outlines the practical aspects of running your dog walking business. It includes details about the location of your walks, necessary permits or licenses and any equipment needed..

Additionally, outline the staffing needs of your business. Determine how many employees are required to provide proper care for the dogs in your care. Specify any qualifications or certifications necessary for staff members to ensure they have the necessary skills to handle different breeds and temperaments.

05. Marketing and advertising plan

The marketing and advertising plan details how you will promote your dog walking business to attract customers. Identify various marketing channels that will effectively reach your target audience, such as social media platforms, local advertising, partnerships with pet-related businesses and word-of-mouth referrals.

Consider implementing strategies like offering promotions or discounts for first-time customers, hosting community events for dog owners and leveraging online reviews and testimonials to build trust with potential customers.

Whichever way you choose to promote your business, make sure to keep your branding consistent. Find inspiration by using Wix’s free logo maker .

06. Financial plans

The financial plan is a crucial part of your dog walking business plan. It includes information about your startup costs, projected revenue and expenses. Identify how you will fund your business initially, whether through personal savings, loans or investments.

Estimate your operating costs, including rent, utilities, staff salaries, supplies, marketing expenses and insurance. Develop financial projections for the first few years of operation to demonstrate the potential profitability of your business.

By having a well-defined financial plan, you can make informed decisions about pricing your services and ensure that your dog walking business remains financially viable.

Dog walking business plan examples

If you're starting a dog walking business and need guidance on creating a comprehensive business plan, we've got you covered. Below are two draft business plans for a hypothetical dog walking business. These two business plan templates provide a framework for starting your dog walking business. Customize them to fit your specific goals and market conditions. Check out these service business examples to help you get started:

Business plan template #1 : Urban Paws dog walking

Urban Paws dog walking is a premium dog care facility located in the heart of the city. We provide a safe and stimulating environment for dogs to socialize, exercise and receive top-notch care. With our experienced staff, state-of-the-art facilities and commitment to exceptional customer service, we aim to become the go-to destination for dog owners in our community. Our projected revenue for the first year is $300,000, with steady growth expected in subsequent years.

Company name and domain name

The company name "Urban Paws dog walking" reflects our urban setting and our focus on providing excellent care for dogs. Our domain name will be www.urbanpawsdogdaycare.com, which aligns with our company name and is easy for potential customers to remember.

Marketing analysis and research

Our target market consists of urban professionals who own dogs but have busy lifestyles. They value their pets as family members and seek high-quality care and socialization opportunities.

We have identified several competitors in our area, but none offer the same level of personalized attention and modern facilities that we provide. By offering unique services such as live webcams for owners to check on their pets remotely, we differentiate ourselves from the competition.

Location: Our facility will be located in a convenient and easily accessible area of the city, with ample parking for drop-off and pick-up.

Premises and equipment: We will lease a spacious building with separate play areas for small and large dogs, as well as comfortable sleeping quarters. Our facility will be equipped with state-of-the-art play equipment, grooming stations and surveillance cameras for security.

Staffing: We will hire experienced and certified dog handlers who are trained in dog behavior, first aid and CPR. Our staff-to-dog ratio will ensure that each dog receives individual attention and care.

Marketing and advertising plan

Social media: We will utilize platforms such as Facebook and Instagram to showcase our facility, post pictures of happy dogs and engage with our target audience.

Local advertising: We will place advertisements in local pet-related publications, partner with veterinarians, groomers and pet supply stores for cross-promotion and participate in community events to raise awareness.

Financial plan

Startup costs: Our estimated startup costs include leasehold improvements, equipment purchases, initial marketing expenses, licensing fees and legal costs. The total startup investment required is $150,000.

Projected revenue: Based on market research and conservative estimates, we project revenue of $300,000 in the first year. We anticipate steady growth of 10% annually over the next three years.

Business plan template #2 : Pawsitive Play dog walking

Pawsitive Play dog walking is a premier dog care facility dedicated to providing a safe and enriching environment for dogs in our community. With our experienced staff, spacious play areas and commitment to exceptional care, we aim to be the preferred choice for dog owners seeking daycare services. Our projected revenue for the first year is $250,000, with potential for growth as we expand our customer base.

The company name "Pawsitive Play dog walking" reflects our focus on promoting positive interactions and play among dogs. Our domain name will be www.pawsitiveplaydogdaycare.com, which aligns with our company name and is memorable for potential customers.

Our target market consists of dog owners who prioritize their pets' well-being and seek a safe and stimulating environment for them.

We have identified several competitors in our area but have identified a unique selling point by offering specialized enrichment activities such as puzzle toys, agility courses and group training sessions.

Location: We will lease a conveniently located building with ample indoor and outdoor play areas for dogs of all sizes. The facility will also include separate rest areas for nap times.

Premises and equipment: Our facility will be equipped with comfortable bedding, play structures, toys, grooming stations and security systems to ensure the safety and well-being of all dogs in our care.

Staffing: We will hire a team of passionate dog lovers who are trained in dog behavior, first aid and CPR. Our staff-to-dog ratio will ensure that each dog receives individual attention and supervision.

Website and online presence: We'll go about building a website that showcases our services, facilities and testimonials from satisfied customers. We will also leverage social media platforms to engage with our target audience and share informative content.

Local partnerships: We'll work with local pet stores, groomers and veterinarians to cross-promote our services and offer exclusive discounts or incentives to their customers.

Startup costs: Our estimated startup costs include leasehold improvements, equipment purchases, initial marketing expenses, licensing fees and staff training. The total startup investment required is $120,000.

Projected revenue: Based on market research and conservative estimates, we project revenue of $250,000 in the first year. We anticipate steady growth of 8% annually over the next three years.

Benefits of creating a dog walking business

Writing a comprehensive business plan for your dog walking business offers numerous benefits that can contribute to its success. Here are some key advantages:

Funding: A business plan can help attract investors and raise money for your business . Potential investors want to see a clear and detailed plan that demonstrates the financial viability and growth potential of your venture. By showcasing your market research, financial projections and strategies for success, you increase your chances of obtaining the necessary capital to start or expand your business.

Understanding resource requirements: A dog walking business plan allows you to identify and understand the resources needed to start and operate your business. This includes determining the physical space required, such as indoor play areas, outdoor yards and sleeping quarters for the dogs. Additionally, you can assess the need for specialized equipment like kennels, toys, grooming supplies and cleaning materials. By outlining these resource requirements in your plan, you can budget effectively and ensure you have everything necessary to provide a safe and enjoyable environment for the dogs in your care.

Staffing needs: Another benefit of writing a business plan is that it helps you determine the staffing needs of your dog walking business. You can assess how many employees are required to meet the demands of daily operations, such as supervising playtime, feeding schedules, administering medications if necessary and providing general care for the dogs. Additionally, you can outline any specific qualifications or certifications required for staff members to ensure they have the necessary skills and knowledge to handle different breeds and temperaments.

Business success: A dog walking business plan serves as a roadmap for success by providing a strategic framework and guiding principles. It allows you to set clear goals and objectives, identify your target market and develop effective marketing strategies. By outlining your competitive analysis, you can better understand the market landscape and position your business for success. Additionally, a well-defined plan helps you anticipate challenges and develop contingency plans to mitigate risks. This ensures that you are prepared to navigate obstacles and adapt your strategies as needed.

Other service business ideas you might be interested in

Still trying to decide on the best business type to pursue? Check out the below guides.

How to start an online business

How to start a consulting business

How to start a fitness business

How to start a fitness clothing line

How to start a makeup line

How to start a candle business

How to start a clothing business

How to start an online boutique

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How to start a subscription box business

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How to start a frozen food business

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How to Start a Dog Walking Business

Dog Training

WRITTEN BY:

Kayla Fratt

June 25, 2019

No Comments

K9 of Mine is reader-supported, which means we may earn a small commission through products purchased using links on this page. Here’s how it works .

What better way to spend your days than strolling around with other people’s dogs?

Starting your own dog walking business will allow you to get your steps in, enjoy the sunshine, and hang with dogs. Not to mention making some money!

That said, starting a business is about more than loving dogs and walking around town. Turning your passion into a profitable business will take plenty of planning and a solid dose of elbow grease.

Benefits (and Drawbacks) of Having a Dog Walking Business

It’s easy to see the great bits of having a dog walking business:

• You get to spend your days walking dogs , enjoying the fresh air and the company of happy pooches.
• You’re helping dogs get the exercise that they need , and by extension you’re helping them and their owners live happier lives.
• You have the benefit of choosing your hours and choosing your clientele.
• Dog walking also has a lower barrier to entry than starting a dog training business . While you still need some serious dog skills to be a pro dog walker, you generally don’t have to know how to deal with more complicated and serious behavioral issues – unless that’s your niche!
• The best pet parents give their dog walkers gifts !

At the same time, dog walking isn’t all a walk in the park (though that’s part of it)!

There are downsides too.

• You’ll have to deal with a lot of dog poop
• Some of your clients might bark and jump on you, and most will probably pull on the leash
• You may be asked to walk ultra-large dogs or tiny dogs that need protecting
• Some owners can be just as high-maintenance as their dogs!
• You’ll need plenty of dog experience and lots of people skills to truly succeed.

What You Need to Get Started as a Dog Walker

Before launching your dog walking business, be sure that you’re prepared to hit the ground running. Make your launch smooth by ensuring that you have all of the essentials ready.

To start a dog walking business, you’ll need:

• Basic knowledge of dog behavior and body language. You’ll need to brush up on your understanding of dog calming signals and know how to recognize a dog who’s afraid, aroused, or upset before things blow up in your face. This Udemy course, Inside Your Dog’s Mind, is a great place to start!
• Good walking shoes. You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so invest in some solid sneakers!
• A website and an online presence . You’ll want to create account on Yelp and Google My Business at a minimum.
• Marketing materials, like business cards, fliers, or brochures.
• Basic dog care equipment , like spare poop bags and a spare slip lead (because they fit all dogs and work as a leash and collar), in case you run out or an owner’s equipment fails.
• Dog pepper spray for protecting your client’s dogs from any oncoming or off-leash aggressive dogs.
• Basic knowledge of doggie first aid . You don’t need to be a vet, but it’s good to know how to remove burrs or patch a scraped paw. Knowing dog CPR wouldn’t hurt either.
• Good defensive leash handling skills . This means being able to give and take slack quickly on the leash, how to hold a leash properly to avoid injury and maintain control, and how to hold a dog up and away from you if it tries to bite you. Walking several dogs or even one unknown dog can be quite a challenge! Practicing your leash handling skills will ensure that you can keep your fingers and your client dogs safer on the walks. This ASPCA video is a great place to start.

While it’s important to remind your clients that you’re not a vet or trainer, it’s also great for your business if you are comfortable with basic training, behavior, body language, and first aid. So do your best to brush up on your canine knowledge bases before you get started!

Check out our list of the best free online dog training videos to recap some of the most essential dog training strategies.

Dog Walking Services: Should I Join Rover & Wag Instead of Starting My Own Separate Business?

There are a few high-profile dog walking apps nowadays. If you want to start your own dog walking business, should you join one or both of them?

You may not be surprised to hear my answer: it depends.

Rover and Wag are both decent places to start getting clients, rack up experience, and learn to handle dogs , but it’s not necessarily a way to build a business.

There are significant advantages – Rover and Wag both have aggressive marketing teams working to get the word out about their platform, which can mean more clients for you without you having to manage Facebook ads or email campaigns.

While these services do take about 20 – 25% cut, they save you a lot of headaches in exchange.

However, you won’t be able to build your own brand recognition working through these apps. Plus, depending on where you are, these apps can be quite competitive.

I rarely got clients through Wag when I did it, and I almost never got clients through Rover – there were just too many walkers in Denver versus how many dogs needed help.

While Wag and Rover work fine for a bit of supplemental income, that cut taken out of your profits really can hurt when you’re trying to do dog walking as your full-time income.

Ultimately, if you just want to make some extra dough to save up for a fancy vacation or a new car, Wag and Rover can work for you. But if you want dog walking to become your full-time business, you’ll likely need to go off on your own.

The key will be distinguishing yourself in the market by building a business that serves a different niche (rather than on-demand and app-based) in the long-term.

How to Market Your Dog Walking Business

1. find a niche.

As we noted above, one of the best ways to really make your dog walking business stand out from the crowd is to pick a niche.

Paradoxically, it’s easier to refer clients to a business that serves a smaller, specific group, rather than a large, more general audience.

For example, you can specialize in:

• Taking the dogs running to burn out those high-energy dogs
• Going on hiking adventures
• High-end clients that have lots of picky specifications
• Private walks to specific locations
• Group walks
• Behaviorally challenging dogs

As a professional trainer, I know that there’s a huge shortage in many cities of walkers that can handle behaviorally challenging dogs – like dogs that bark and lunge at other dogs or dogs who are shy of strangers.

In many areas, there’s also huge demand for people who can do more energy-intensive activities like running or hiking.

Once you’ve decided on a niche, it’s time to start marketing yourself.

2. Set Up a Yelp Account

Many people start their search for a service provider on Yelp. Your business page on this site is an important early step for business visibility.

Creating that page is quite easy:

• Visit biz.yelp.com
• Click the big red “Get Started” button
• Follow the instructions on the page.

3. Set Up a Google My Business Account

When you search Google for a business, a box often pops up on the top right corner of the page with a map to the business, their hours, their contact info, and some reviews.

That’s the Google My Business box. Setting this up will help give your business visibility. Like Yelp, it’s quite easy to do.

• Log in to your Google Account or create one if you don’t have one. Use a name that reflects your business and sounds professional.
• Go to Google.com/business .
• Click “Start Now” in the top right-hand corner.
• Input the information requested – be sure to be complete here.
• Verify your account using one of the methods offered. This might mean waiting for a physical postcard in the mail!

4. Set Up a Thumbtack and/or Nextdoor Account

Thumbtack and Nextdoor (and their competitors) are all useful places to connect with local community. These platforms aim to help connect locals with small businesses.

As a dog walker, you’ll be able to post your services as well as respond to posted jobs with a bid – somewhat like Craigslist, but more organized. Unlike with Rover or Wag, you can use these platforms through your business rather than as a contractor.

Check your local area to see which of these platforms (or neither, both, or a third option) is most used, and start there.

Check out Nextdoor.com and Thumbtack.com to get started – they both have setup wizards that make things easy!

5. Create a Website

Almost everything today starts with a Google search. Most people prefer doing their real research on websites, and that means your business needs a website.

For many people, it’s more cost-effective at first to make your own site rather than hire a designer. That said, if you’ve got more money than time, you can also pay someone to make a basic site for you.

If you’re making your own site, your main options are:

SquareSpace. Great for most small, local businesses. Easy to use and setup, with a handy built-in wizard that can set you up with a gorgeous, professional looking website quickly.

Squarespace isn’t the most customizable or the fastest as far as load time goes, but it’s probably good enough for your business, especially to start.

WordPress. The better option for those who are a bit more tech-savvy. You’ll have much more control over design. This guide can walk you through the process . We also recommend that you:

• Buy your domain  through Godaddy
• Use  WPX for hosting  (it’s who we use, and their customer service is the best around)
• Try GeneratePress for your theme  (but there are tons of options out there)

What Info Should Your Website Include?

• A Picture Of You. Make sure to include a photo of you to help potential customers connect with you in a personal way.
• Your Qualifications. Include your qualifications, certifications, and any relevant courses you’ve completed.
• Any Experience With Dogs. Detail any relevant experience you’ve had with dogs – from shelter volunteering to dog sitting, etc.
• Testimonials. Testimonials show potential clients that you are reputable and can be trusted. If you’ve had a few past clients who were happy with their experience, ask them if they’d be willing to write a short testimonial that you can share on your website. Asking for Yelp or Google reviews is also a good idea.
• Pricing . Be sure to clearly post your prices on your site – don’t leave clients in the dog!
• Your Service Area. Explain how far you’re willing to travel / which areas of your city you work in.
• Your Schedule . If you’re offering regular group walks or don’t work on a given day, make that information easily available!
• Your Contact Information . Make it incredibly easy for people to find this vital information.

Keep in mind that if your business really takes off, you may end up wanting to employ the use of dog training business software that will help you organize your bookings and clients.

Grow a Community Online and Offline

Join facebook groups.

Facebook groups can be useful for getting your name out there  as a dog walker. Since you are a location-based business, you’ll want to focus primarily on joining local groups and tapping into regional networks.

Look for neighborhood Facebook groups, pet-owner regional groups, dog walking groups, etc.

Many groups don’t allow direct self-promotion, so be sure to read the group rules and message the moderators if in doubt.

Many groups do allow you to respond to posters asking for dog walker recommendations, but you usually can’t blatantly post about your services unsolicited.

Also consider joining any regional pet-business groups that might enable networking with other pet professionals. Vets, trainers, dog daycares and groomers are probably looking for excellent walkers to work with. You may not find clients, but you’ll probably find people who will help refer you clients and teach your more about this field!

I find that making your niche clear makes it much easier for other dog professionals to refer to you (oh, Jane Doe is the local dog hiker, she’s perfect for your high-energy Vizsla)!

Lastly, while it won’t directly help you get clients, joining Facebook groups that involve knowledge-sharing between other pet business owners can be hugely helpful.

While the dog walking business in town may not be too eager to share tips with you due to competition, a dog walking business across the country doesn’t need to worry about you stealing their clients, so they’ll more readily share advice and tips to your burgeoning business.

I run a Progressive Dog Professionals Marketing Powerhouse Facebook group, and you’re more than welcome to join the crew there as a place to start!

Offer Referral Bonuses To Encourage Word-Of-Mouth

Giving your clients, vets, trainers, and groomers a little bit of kickback for sending you a new dog walking client is another great strategy for boosting business.

You may want to offer your walking clients 50% off their next walk if they refer a client to you (and give that new client 50% off their first walk). For other professionals, you can offer them a percentage of sale as a referral bonus.

Strategies to Set Yourself Apart From the Pack

Aside from giving yourself a niche, you can ensure your business survives by making it the best it can be. Here are some ideas for ways to delight your clients:

• Document potty activity. Most owners really want to know if their dog had unusual poo or if they didn’t have their midday pee, so make it a habit to let your clients know about potty activity regularly.
• Send photos of the dogs loving their time with you. Owners will absolutely love this! You can even print out copies of these photos for thank-you, birthdays, or Christmas cards for clients.
• Offer add-on services, like extra-long walks, destination walks , or jogging the dog. Some walkers even offer basic training during their walks – that’s how I got started as a professional trainer! Just be sure you’re qualified to offer the add-ons.
• Bring tasty treats and help reward your client’s dogs. Be sure to ask your clients about allergies or diet restrictions, but many clients love to see their dogs learning. You can use these treats to reward dogs for good behavior, even if you’re not actively training.
• Celebrate holidays with a cute dog hat or bow tie. Some dogs might not appreciate being dressed up by a stranger, so it’s probably best to avoid full-on costumes. But snapping a pic of a client’s dog with a cute tutu or a green leprechaun hat on St. Paddy’s day is sure to earn you some brownie points in the eyes of pet parents.

BONUS TIP: Be sure to find costumes that don’t make the dogs uncomfortable. Most dogs won’t mind a collar attachment (flowers or a bow tie), but many dogs get very nervous about hats! Make sure the dogs are actually comfortable and happy with the costumes, or you may annoy the owners.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Migos Styleshop (@migos_styleshop) on Jun 17, 2019 at 5:43am PDT

Another tip – always keep track of what your competition is doing. While you might not want to copycat local businesses, you can get ideas from others on how to make your clients love your service even more!

Dog Walking Business Salary: How Much Money Should I Expect to Make?

According to the latest dog walking statistics , dog walking prices vary a lot based on where you live.

Urban walkers may charge more, especially if they operate in a small or high-end niche. Even if you’re rural, you’ll probably charge more if your walking services involve car rides – like driving to a hike.

You make more money per walk if you offer group walk services, but it also takes a lot of skill to handle a large group of dogs.

Most dog walkers charge what comes out to about $1 per minute – $20 for a 20-minute walk or $50 for an hour are common quotes.

When deciding how to set your rates, research other walkers in your area and see what they’re charging. Then adjust up or down based on your experience level and any differences in your business model.

That said, that doesn’t mean you’ll make $50 per hour. You probably won’t be working for 8 hours per day , because most people only want walkers around midday. You also probably will need to drive between clients. Finally, business costs like marketing and gas will cut into that profit.

Dog walking salaries vary widely. According to Glassdoor , dog walkers make about $30,077 on average per year. Most dog walkers have an hourly pay that averages out to $13-15 per hour, according to Payscale .

That comes in sharp contrast to the estimation on this site that if you can walk five dogs a day for $25 per dog, you’ll make $125 per day and $46,625. Apparently, many (if not most) dog walkers are not able to meet this threshold for takehome income.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, some top dog walkers in New York City make six figures or more. Then again, if you want to live in Manhattan, that’s not exactly living large! Your rent alone probably costs roughly $45k per year, almost half of that top walker’s salary.

Dog Walking Business Plan: Designing Your Business

Be sure you have a plan for your dog walking business before you get ahead of yourself. This will ensure that you are ready to hit the ground running!

A good business plan will help you plan out your marketing strategy, target audience, costs, and revenue.

This dog walking business plan from Top Dog Tips is a great place to start.

Dog Walking Business Insurance: Do I Need It?

As a professional walker, it’s definitely a good idea to have insurance.

Dog walking is potentially even higher-risk than dog training, because your whole job is to take the dogs out in the world when the owner isn’t around.

Insurance will help protect you from damage to equipment and injuries to the dogs. While you’ll do your best to keep equipment and dogs alike as safe as possible, accidents are likely to happen. Dogs may break their leashes, tear toenails, or even get into arguments, even under your careful eye.

Here are a few dog walking business insurance providers to check out:

• Business Insurers of the Carolinas (a popular dog training business insurance recommended by our staff trainer Kayla Fratt)
• Pet Care Insurance
• Pro Fur Insurance
• Pet Sitters Associates

Dog Walking Business Name Ideas

Get creative! Be sure to check for other local businesses with the same name. You don’t want to step on someone’s toes with an identical or nearly-identical name.

Use some of these dog-oriented words to spark your business names:

• Furry, Fluffy

What tips did you find most helpful while starting your dog walking business? We’d love to hear your suggestions in the comments!

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How to start a dog walking business: 9 tips to get going

Key takeaways

• If you’re an entrepreneur with a passion for animals, starting a dog walking business could be the perfect choice for you
• Knowing what other dog walkers provide (and don’t provide) can give you a leg up on the competition 
• Research and obtain necessary licenses, insurance, and other essentials well before you start taking on clients 

If you’re passionate about dogs and want to make some money interacting with them, it might be time to learn how to start a dog walking business . 

According to Psychology Today , 78% of pet owners would like their dog to be walked at least twice per day, and nearly all pet owners feel that walks are an important way to help their pet de-stress. But not every dog owner has the time to do this.

Professional dog walkers could be the answer to this problem. Whether you’re looking for a side hustle or a full-time business, discover the key first steps to launching a dog walking company . 

How to start a dog walking business  

Becoming a professional dog walker is not as simple as telling your friends and family you’re now a dog walker and hitting the pavement with your first pooch. The more work you put in ahead of time, the sooner you can earn money with your dog walking business . Here’s what it takes to launch your new business one step at a time.

1. Get some training 

Taking care of your own dog is no substitute for learning more about canine handling. Take an online course or work with a dog training school in your area to learn about general safety for dog walking.

While you don’t always need extensive professional training to open your own business , you’ll feel more comfortable, and more clients will want to work with you . For instance, you’ll want to know basic pet first aid as well as standard training commands. In smaller towns, you might not need a license or specific training to operate a dog-walking business , but that is required in some bigger cities. 

If you have friends or family members with professional dog walking experience, you can also interview or shadow them to get their insights and find out what it’s like to walk dogs that aren’t your own. 

2. Write a business plan  

Writing a business plan is one of the best ways to provide clarity on your new business idea. A business plan outlines everything from your company description and value proposition (i.e., what unique advantage you offer potential clients ) to a breakdown of your services, marketing strategies, financial outlook, and goals. It will also help give potential lenders a clear idea about your business if you are seeking funding.

Many of the steps in this guide will help inform the research you do to create a business plan and provide structure when learning how to start a dog walking business .

3. Research competitors

The more you learn about your pet care target market and other dog walking providers in your area, the more informed and prepared you’ll be. Whether it’s an app, an individual, a vet hospital, or a boarding business, research other pet sitting providers and dog walking services in your area. Not only will you learn a lot about the demand for these services, but you’ll also get a sense of basic rates and policies. 

You can discover what your competition is doing well and where you have a chance to break in. For example, imagine that other dog walkers are available on weekday mornings only. By offering flexibility in your scheduling, you can close the gap with potential new clients who need evening or midday coverage.

4. Determine your services, policies, and terms 

When you launch, you might only offer daily dog walks. Over time, you might add in other services like pet sitting or giving medications to animals at your discretion. 

As a business owner , you should also determine: 

• Your rates; will you charge a flat fee per walk or will it be based on the duration of the walk?
• The neighborhoods or ZIP codes you will work in
• Whether you require a weekly minimum of walks booked for someone to become a client 

There are many choices ahead for your dog walking company , but your services should always be at the core of your decision-making process. This includes creating a standard dog walking contract for your clients. The contract should cover how often you’ll walk the dog, payment amounts, whether the dog is walked solo or as part of a bigger group, and how you’ll address behavior issues on the walks. 

5. Select a business name  

Choosing a business name that stands out is important. You can use any name you want, so long as it hasn’t been taken by someone else or trademarked. Brainstorm word associations for your own name or pet-related terms, or use a free business name generator like Namelix to get the creative juices flowing. 

Once you’ve decided on a name, consider purchasing a domain name (i.e., website address) to market your dog walking business . The company name also opens the door to getting a business bank account for your own dog walking venture. 

6. Choose a business structure  

Most independent dog walkers operate as a sole proprietorship . This means they are one-person companies. Even so, consider using a fictitious name or a “doing business as” ( DBA ) name when you register with your county clerk. You could also register as an LLC to give you an additional layer of personal protection. Talk to a business lawyer if you have questions about which structure is right for you. 

7. Obtain appropriate business licenses and insurance

Find out if your state and local area require a business license , and fill out this paperwork with your company name. Check out the Small Business Administration site to determine your state license requirements. You should also look into getting business insurance . The most general form of dog walking insurance is liability insurance to protect yourself in the event of an accident.

8. Get a federal and state tax ID number 

You don’t need a federal license to open a dog walking business , but you should register as a business. In doing so, you’ll secure your federal and state tax ID number so that you can file your taxes properly. 

Even if you’re working solo, you might need to provide a W-9 to any third parties you work with, like a dog walking app. Getting an employer identification number (EIN) means you don’t have to list your Social Security number on these forms. 

9. Pick your business tools

Software, systems, and apps are all necessary to keep things straight when you’re your own boss . From booking to cancellations, invoicing , and accounting , set yourself up for success with the basics. You want tools that are easy not just for you but also for your clients.

Consider an app or accounting software for: 

• Accepting digital payments 
• Booking or rescheduling needs 
• Chatting with clients about special instructions 
• Accounting to track your income 
• Tracking for mileage expenses if you drive to your client’s homes

You’ll also want to provide instructions to clients upfront so they can effectively use the technologies you’ve invested in.

How to market your dog walking business  

Getting the word out to family and friends first is a good idea, but you’ll want to expand your reach. From hanging flyers on dog park bulletin boards or in coffee shops to creating a website, plenty of marketing options work well for dog walkers . 

Here are some inexpensive ways you can market your dog walking services and increase word of mouth : 

• Get business cards to share with local shelters and veterinary clinics or animal hospitals 
• Create a website and follow small business SEO best practices to increase traffic
• Claim your Yelp Business Page to provide your business details, upload photos, and increase your chances of appearing when potential clients search for dog walkers in your area
• Create and update social media profiles with your business name and contact information
• Look for non-competitive referral partners, such as pet stores , vets, groomers , and pet sitters

Even though funds might be limited as a startup dog walking business , set a marketing budget . These funds can cover additional local marketing needs, such as placing an ad in the local newspaper or using Yelp Ads . 

Get a free Yelp Page

Promote your business to local customers.

It’s time for a walk! 

If you have an entrepreneurial spirit and a soft spot for dogs, starting a dog walking business can be an ideal venture. As with any small business , it requires a great deal of research and follow-through to make it happen. 

With the right business plan , technologies, and marketing, your business will be off to a running start. Then, check out these nine simple tactics to promote your business locally .

The information above is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice and may not be suitable for your circumstances. Unless stated otherwise, references to third-party links, services, or products do not constitute endorsement by Yelp.

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What Are the Keys to Launching a New Dog Walking Business?

What are the typical startup costs for a new dog walking business, helpful videos, additional resources in the dog walking industry.

If you’re looking to start a Dog Walking business, you’ve come to the right place. Since we’re going to show you exactly how to do it.

We’ll start with key Dog Walking industry fundamentals like how big the market is, what the key segments are, and how revenues and profits are generated.

Then we’ll discuss keys to not only starting a Dog Walking business, but succeeding in it!

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The Dog Walking industry has grown at an annual rate of 3.1% over the past five years, and is currently worth $900.8 million. There are just over 25,000 Dog Walking businesses in the US today.

Short walks of 30 minutes or less are the largest income-generator for the industry. Other segments include longer walks (30+ minutes), dog sitting, and other services.

A number of factors affect the performance of the Dog Walking industry. These drivers include:

Number of pets (cats and dogs) – The growth in pet population has exceeded growth in the US population over the past few years. This translates into more demand for Dog Walking industry services.

Per capita disposable income – Pet owners spend more on their fur-babies when they have the cash. This driver is becoming less important, though, as people increasingly see their pets as part of the family and pet expenditure stabilizes.

Number of households – Nearly three-quarters of US households own a pet. Ergo, more households equal more pets.

National unemployment rate – Working Americans have less time to care for their four-legged loved ones. Therefore, shrinking unemployment increases expenditures on dog walking services.

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Who Are the Key Competitors in the Dog Walking Industry?

The top players in the Dog Walking industry are Fetch Pet Care, Swifto, and Chicago Dog Walkers.

What Are the Key Customer Segments in the Dog Walking Industry?

Two-thirds of Dog Walking customers are between the ages of 36 and 66. All other adults make up the remainder.

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What are the key financial metrics and costs in the dog walking industry.

The key financial metrics in the Dog Walking industry are as follows:

Wages – Wages are the largest industry cost. Customers have been willing to pay higher fees in the past few years, which has enabled employers to pay higher hourly wages to their employees.

Marketing – Social media has greatly decreased Dog Walkers’ marketing expenses. Now, promotional items such as business cards and posters make up the bulk of marketing costs.

Purchases – Purchase costs are fairly low, and include such items as computers, mobile devices, accounting software, and pet-related items such as leashes, scoopers, and the like.

Know your customers (dogs, that is). Acquire a general knowledge of popular breeds and their temperaments and behavior tendencies. It’s OK to say no to walking a breed you’re not comfortable with.

Decide which services you’ll offer. Will you offer pet sitting in addition to dog walking services? Pet transportation?

Set your service area. Determine how far you are willing to drive to offer your services.

Set your rates. Take a look at the competition, and set your rates accordingly. If you’re offering something out of the ordinary, such as on-call services, you will be able to set your rates higher than your competition and still get customers.

Have a back-up plan. Be sure you have someone who can deliver on your commitments if you have an emergency.

Entrepreneur Magazine estimates the startup costs for a dog walking business to be around $2,000.

Initial costs:

• Leads, muzzles, harnesses
• Portable water dishes
• Scooping supplies
• Appointment and Invoice tracking books or software
• Insurance and business license fees

Ongoing costs:

• Wages (as you grow and need to hire employees)
• Treats and scooping supplies
• Insurance premiums
• Cell phone service

For additional information on the Dog Walkingindustry, consider these industry resources:

• American Pet Products:  www.americanpetproducts.org
• US Census Bureau: www.census.gov
• Pet Sitters International:  www.petsit.com

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How to Start a Dog Walking Business in 14 Steps (In-Depth Guide)

Updated:   February 1, 2024

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According to IBIS World , dog walking services in the U.S. are a 1 billion dollar a year industry. Between 2017 and 2022, the U.S. dog walking industry saw an annual growth of 1.8%. 

Some of this growth may be accounted for by increased pet ownership during the coronavirus pandemic. In 2019, U.S. citizens purchased or adopted 23 million new pets . Of these new furry companions, 90% were dogs. 

Many dog walking services double as a dog sitting business . Pet care businesses have a projected CAGR of 11.52% from now to 2030. All in all, it’s not a bad time to get started in the pet industry.

Let’s take a closer look at how to start a dog walking business. Here, we’ll sort through everything from market research and branding to sourcing equipment and engaging with customers.

1. Conduct Dog Walking Market Research

Understanding your market and target customer is the first step to developing a successful dog walking brand. As you gather information for your business, think about:

• Gaps you can fill in the industry
• Dog owner demographics in your area
• Popular pet services offered in your community
• Recommended daily walking time per breed
• The current rate for dog walking

There are two types of market research, primary and secondary. 

Primary market research includes first-person experiences like speaking to local pet owners and visiting other businesses to check out the competition. 

Secondary market research is finding details already available from someone elses primary research. Examples of secondary research include online reviews, business reports, and government statistics. 

Choosing the Right Services for Your walking Business

Dog walking might be the main service in your business model, but it can’t hurt to branch out. Some other services to consider adding to your business are:

• Pet sitting
• Pet transportation
• Dog training
• New puppy and parent classes (learning to walk a pet)

See what competitors are offering, read online studies, and chat with local pet owners to find out which services will be profitable.

2. Analyze the Competition

To be number one in your industry, you need to know what your competition is bringing to the table. As a dog walker, your competition is local. 

Some of the ways to check out your local dog walker competition are:

• Visit dog walker business websites
• Read online reviews for local pet walkers
• Poll local pet owners on their favorite local pet services
• Check out competitors social media

Many dog walking companies include a variety of additional pet services. As you check out the competition, it might be worth deciding if some of these add-on services are right for your brand as well.

Some of the leaders in the dog walking industry include:

Fetch! Pet Care

Fetch! Offers dog walking, pet sitting, pet taxi services, overnight care, and pet medical administration. To start a franchise, the overall investment is roughly $74,967 to $80,667.

Out-U-Go operates in Illinois, Colorado, and Wisconsin. They offer dog walking and pet sitting services. 

Wag provides dog walking in all 50 states, across more than 5,300 cities. Services include Walking, pet sitting, pet boarding, and dog training. 

3. Understand the Costs of Starting Your Own Dog Walking Business

There are initial and ongoing business expenses associated with starting a dog walking business. From marketing research to paying your accountant, there are many fees to consider. As you create your business plan, think about the following costs.

What Does It Cost to Start Your Own Dog walking Business?

Starting a dog walking company is cheaper than many other small business startups. There are no office spaces or retail locations to lease, and overhead is quite low. Some of the business expenses you’ll encounter as you get goin include:

• Legal fees (including registering and licensing your company)
• Branding and marketing costs
• Point of sale (POS) system
• Dog walking business insurance
• Website domain and design
• Equipment (leashes, treat dispenser, water bowls, etc.)
• Employee wages

Costs for a new dog walking business are between $74,967 and $80,667 for a franchise, and under $10,000 for a personal business startup. This franchise price is based on a business model with other services, such as pet sitting, pet taxis, and dog walking. 

A franchise is more expensive than a personal startup because you pay for an established brand, location, client base, and marketing tools.

Business Equipment/Materials

A dog walking business doesn’t need much in the way of large equipment. There are some materials you’ll need to keep your doggy friends fed, watered, and walking.

Some dog walking supplies you might need are:

• Branded Leashes:Most dogs come with their own collars and leashes. You can brand your own to use during walks. They run about $1.30 per unit at  Everything Branded . 
• Portable Water Bowls: Your furry clients might need a drink or snack on the go. Portable food and water bowls from  Everything Branded  run $1.51 per unit. 
• Doggy Treats: You can buy dog treats in bulk shipments of 15 lbs for $80 to $100 from  Chewy .
• Treat Pouch: A treat pouch keeps dog treats easily accessible while your hands are full of leashes. Some dog walkers choose to carry a fanny pack instead. These run anywhere from $5 to $25. Check  Dogline Wholesale  for bulk orders.
• Waste Bags: Somebody’s got to do the dirty work when dog walking, and it’s you. Waste bags let you clean up quickly on the go when a pet makes a mess. Dog waste bags are sold in bulk for about $42 for 2200 bags from  Downtown Pet Supply .

You can also find these products at local pet stores, Walmart, and even dollar stores.

Business Formation

Forming a business means registering your business with the  Small Business Administration . It costs roughly $300 to $800 to get your name registered and apply for necessary permits and licenses. 

Dog Walking Business Insurance

Business insurance is important for businesses of all shapes and sizes. It protects you and your employees against financial hardship caused by damage to people or property by your business. General liability insurance is the most common insurance product for dog walking businesses. 

A dog walking business take places outside. The only utilities you need to worry about are the ones for your office space and business phone line. 

If you rent an office in the city, you can expect to pay about $2.90 per square foot for electricity. One average an American home owner pays about $45.44 a month for running water. These costs may fluctuate based on your office/home size.

What Are the Ongoing Costs of a Dog walking Business?

There are ongoing costs to keep your business running after initials startup fees are paid. These are the things you need/pay for regularly, such as:

• Business cards
• Staff training and wages
• Point of sale (POS) fees
• Banking fees 

Any products you sell, such as dog snow booties, or branded leashes and collars, are also ongoing costs.

4. Form a Legal Business Entity

To make your dog walking business legal in the United States, you must form a legal business entity. There are four main types to choose from:

Limited Liability Corporation (LLC)

An LLC is a business entity designed to protect you from business liabilities. If a dog you’re walking bites somebody, your personal assets are kept separate during any impending lawsuit. Similarly, if your business goes under, your private finances aren’t considered for repayment for business loans.

Sole Proprietorship  

A sole proprietorship is a business entity for a single business owner. It can also be used in the case of a married couple with joint ownership over a business. Sole proprietorship keeps all the decision making power in your court. 

The only problem with sole proprietorship is, unlike an LLC, it doesn’t separate personal and professional assets. 

Partnership

Partnership entities are a good fit for families going into business together. It links all business owners together with joint control over the company. The downside is that, like a sole proprietorship, a partnership leaves all personal assets vulnerable.

If your dog walking business files for bankruptcy, lenders could come looking for your personal savings.

Corporation

A corporation style business entity is highly advanced. This entity is for large businesses, and therefore more costly than an LLC or sole proprietorship. It’s also complicated to apply for, with plenty of paperwork to file before you can begin serving customers. 

This isn’t a great choice for small dog walking businesses. 

5. Register Your Business for Taxes

To legally operate in the U.S. your dog walking business needs an Employee ID Number (EIN). You apply for an EIN, or federal tax ID, through the U.S. Small Business Administration .

A dog walking business requires an EIN to:

• Pay employees
• File annual business taxes
• Open a business bank or credit card account
• Change payment options for non-resident employees

The  U.S. government  sets taxes by individual state. Check yours to make sure you’re meeting state regulations for your pricing model.

6. Setup Accounting for Success

The financial side of a dog walking business gets complicated. There are so many clients and furry friends to account for. From marketing expenditures to client invoicing, accounting keeps a handle on your finances. Here are some options for small business accounting. 

Accounting Software

Accounting software like  QuickBooks  provides tools and training for small businesses to manage money. You can perform many of the tasks a bookkeeper or accountant would perform without the extra cost. 

QuickBooks organizes invoices, automates spending reports, and offers several packages for individual budgets and needs.

Find an Accountant

An business accountant is pricey at somewhere between $150 and $400 an hour. Small business owners may choose to avoid these fees by relying on accounting software or a bookkeeper. 

At tax season, a CPA is the best person to organize and file your business taxes. They dot all the i’s cross all the t’s, and ensure every legal aspect of the filing process is met.

Get a Business Bank Account

A business bank account is one of the things the  IRS  recommends in their Small Business Tax Workshop. Both for legal and organizational purposes, a business bank account is useful for a dog walking business. Keep income and payments separate from personal spending, and avoid speculation of improper financial management.

Apply for a Business Credit Card

Business credit cards keep finances separate between personal and professional purchases. This makes taxes and record keeping easier. Business accounts also come with benefits, like:

• Low or 0% APR for a set amount of time
• Rewards (cash back or travel miles)
• Custom spending controls

Business credit can impact personal credit scores, so monitor your spending and repayments. 

7. Obtain Business Licenses and Permits

Federal business licenses are obtained through the  U.S. Small Business Administration . For dog walking, there are no federal agencies involved. This means you likely only need state licenses to operate. 

Check the Find Local Assistance tool through the  SBA  by entering your city and zip code. It will help you locate any state licenses you need as a dog walker.

There’s no official certification for dog trainers. However, if you want to stand out you can apply to the  Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers . The CCPDT exam has a pre-requisite of 300 walking hours (in the past 3 years), a recommendation from a veterinarian, and signed documents provided by CCPDT. 

8. Get Business Insurance

Every U.S. business should have business insurance. The best product for a dog walking business is general liability insurance. You’ll pay somewhere between $300 to $1,500 a year depending on your plan and add-ons. This gives you $1 million in coverage. 

General liability insurance protects against damages to people or property caused by your services or products. If someone trips over one of your dog’s leashes, for example, your insurance pays for medical and legal fees.

9. Create an Office Space

Dog walkers spend their workday outside with furry friends. This means no office or retail space to perform obligatory administrative tasks.

From invoicing clients to paying employees, you need a spot to get your paper work done. Here are some office space options for dog walking business owners.

Home Office

A home office is likely the best option for a dog walker. Without any store space or pet care facility to use, a home office minimizes the need for a leased space. The  IRS  also allows for tax deductions up to $1,500 a year for home offices.

You can deduct things like:

• Mortgage payments
• Travel expenses
• Internet and phone

Choose between individual deductions or $5 per square foot of home office space.

CoWorking Office

Coworking office spaces are one of the greatest business inventions of our time. They offer a space within your budget to work outside of the home. The space is shared with other local workers, like a vacation timeshare for business.

We recommend WeWork to find coworking office space. They offer flexible short-term plans with customizable office settings. Choose from private, semi-private, and shared spaces in your city.

Commercial Building Office

A large commercial office space is likely too large and pricey for a local dog walker. There’s administrative tasks to perform, but not a whole lot of space needed otherwise. Commercial offices charge by square foot. You could pay somewhere around $24 per square foot for an office.

10. Source Your Equipment

There’s not a lot of big equipment required as a dog walker. This is one of the major benefits of the dog walking business model. Sourcing equipment is as easy as walking into any local pet store. For treats and food, you can buy in bulk from suppliers like Chewy . 

Here are some options for sourcing dog walking supplies.

New equipment is beneficial in the pet industry, especially for walking dogs. Dogs prefer using leads and toys with their own scent on them. Buying new products keeps strange scents off the equipment you need to successfully walk your furry clients. 

Try Petco or Wilderdog to get the equipment you need.

For dog walkers, there’s not a great need to buy used (aside perhaps from a commercial vehicle). As most pets come with their own collars and leashes, you’re better off getting any professional walking tools new. 

If there are things you want to look for used, check out Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist for local listings. 

11. Establish Your Brand

What makes your dog walking business unique? Your brand is your reputation. It helps define you in the mind of clients and competitors. There are many ways to build your brand, including creating a digital presence. Here are some ways to get started.

Get a Business Phone Number

A business phone keeps personal and professional calls separate. This makes it easier to remember client phone numbers, and for clients to remember yours. A business phone line is also one of the things you can get a tax break on at the end of the year. 

Not sure where to go for your business line? Google Voice is one option, offering new business lines for $10 a month. You can also go with age old phone giants like  AT&T or T-Mobile .

Create a Logo & Brand Assets

Your logo makes you memorable. It’s a big part of your physical brand, and helps clients distinguish you online and in person. Your logo can be used on a variety of merchandise and marketing tools, including:

• Staff uniforms
• Commercial vehicles
• Products for sale (leashes, collars, or even doggy treat bags)
• Signage 

We recommend  Looka  to get started with your logo and brand design. Looka is a simple-to-use AI tool which takes your personal preferences and creates a logo for you. You choose several styles of dog walking business images, colors, and fonts until the perfect logo appears.

Create Business Cards and Signage

Business cards and signs tell customers where you are and how to reach you. Signs are especially important if you’re at a local market or job fair, looking for new clients. It helps you stand out from competitors in your area.

Business cards are the original “social media share”. They can be passed to friends and colleagues, left on local business counters, and even photographed and shared online. 

Vistaprint  is a good place to start your business card design. The site works a lot like Looka, providing options based on your personal preferences for font and color. You can even use your new Looka logo on your Vistaprint cards.

Purchase a Domain Name

Your own domain name gives your brand a sense of authority. Choose a name that includes your business title, or clearly demonstrates what your business does. This is a chance to market yourself in a way. It will be one of the points of contact on your business card, so it’s important to stand out.

Namecheap.com  is one place to look for affordable business domain. Their .com domains start at $5.98 a year.

Build a Website

Building a website is a big step toward online brand recognition. As a business working outside an official store front or office space, it’s important to have a “home base” where clients can reach you. Your website is like your digital retail space. 

Some things to include in your website for best outcome include:

• Dog walking schedule openings
• Products (if any)
• How to get in touch (contact information)
• Online scheduling tool
• Easy navigation
• Mobile friendly viewing

You can make your own website design through platforms like  Wix . If you’re not web savvy, look for a freelancer from a website like  Fiverr .

12. Join Associations and Groups

Talking to other business owners in your industry can be a big help. From learning about the best new dog treats to getting walking tips for finicky pups.

The  International Association of Canine Professionals  connects all types of dog business owners. This is a great jumping off point. You can also get connected in the following ways:

Local Associations

Joining a local dog walking association can be a big support as you start your business. Check with local vets and dog daycares to learn about associations in your area. 

Local Meetups

There are always plenty of local events for pet industry leaders. From groomers and doggy daycares to dog trainers and dog walkers. You can also use online tools like Meetup to find upcoming events.

Meetup  helps small business owners connect with others in their industries. This is a neat tool because you can join existing groups, or start your own. Search by industry, state, and city to find groups and events in your area.

Facebook Groups

Facebook is a useful resource for networking with other dog walking business owners. Social media provides a casual and low-pressure way to ask questions and get advice as you start your business.

Check out these dog walking business Facebook groups:

• Dog Walker to Dog Walker
• Dog Walker and Pet Sitter Networking
• Jump Start Your Pet Business

You might find more Facebook groups to join from new connections in these groups. Keep an open mind as you look for your own network of dog walkers.

13. Focus on Marketing

Dog walking business owners don’t have store fronts or corporate offices for dog owners to find them. You rely heavily on marketing to get your brand out in the community.

Spread the word about your services in the following ways.

Ask Friends, Family, and Coworkers

It’s easy to overlook our friends and family members as untapped marketing resources. This is word-of-mouth marketing at its finest. Some ways to get your loved ones involved include:

• Walk their pets and ask for honest reviews
• Have them hand out flyers and business cards at work
• Invite them to share your social media pages and posts

Build a portfolio with reviews, photos, and videos of friend and family pets. These early initiatives will pay off by showing local dog owners what you’re all about.

Digital Marketing Ideas

Your digital footprint plays a big role in the success of your dog walking business. You may be walking on the streets in your local town, but many customers will look to connect online. Some ways to market yourself on the internet include:

• Create a business Instagram with photos of your furry clients
• Blog about the challenges and triumphs of life as a dog walker
• Target dog owners with Facebook ads
• Email coupons and exclusive offers for new customers

Don’t forget to engage with customers as they share, like, and comment online. Engagement humanizes your brand. This is important as you start a dog walking brand.

Traditional Marketing Ideas

Traditional marketing encompasses print ads in a variety of mediums. From bus ads to business flyers, these tools are valuable assets for small business owners.

Some traditional marketing solutions for dog walkers include:

• Sample packs of treats stapled to a business card
• Mailers with listed dog walking services and prices
• Local billboards
• Doggy meet and greet at the local community center
• Newspaper ads

These are all wonderful ways to catch the attention of local dog owners. Best of all, there’s no risk of these marketing efforts being accidentally deleted.

14.  Focus on the Customer

Customers are the key to a successful dog walking business. As a field-based business, you rely on customers to spread the word about your services. Focusing on dog owner needs, and the canines you serve improves brand loyalty and word-of-mouth marketing.

Some ways to give back to your customer include:

• Exclusive offers (Example: free walk Friday)
• Loyalty rewards
• Referral programs
• Dog socializing events
• Private and group walk service options
• Specialty walk services for injured or elderly pets ( For example, stroller or wagon rides)
• Products for pet comfort (For example, dog booties and sweaters in cold months)

Sometimes it’s the little things that go a long way with customers. Use social media polls and chat with current customers to find out which offers and services they’re most excited to see.

We hope this guide has been useful as you start a dog walking business. Have a paw-some time with your new business endeavor!

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Dog Walking Business Plan Template & Guidebook

Running a successful dog walking business requires far more than just having a love for animals and good health. From understanding the legalities to finding the right insurance and equipment, it's vital to have a solid business plan in place. The #1 Dog Walking Business Plan Template & Guidebook is the ultimate resource for entrepreneurs planning on starting or expanding their canine-focused operation. Written with the help of industry experts, this template is designed to help you lay out a lucrative future for your pooch-strolling enterprise.

Get worry-free services and support to launch your business starting at $0 plus state fees.

• How to Start a Profitable Dog Walking Business [11 Steps]
• 10+ Best & Profitable Dog Walking Business Ideas [2023]

How to Write a Dog Walking Business Plan in 7 Steps:

1. describe the purpose of your dog walking business..

The first step to writing your business plan is to describe the purpose of your dog walking business. This includes describing why you are starting this type of business, and what problems it will solve for customers. This is a quick way to get your mind thinking about the customers’ problems. It also helps you identify what makes your business different from others in its industry.

It also helps to include a vision statement so that readers can understand what type of company you want to build.

Here is an example of a purpose mission statement for a dog walking business:

Our mission is to provide quality and reliable dog walking services that ensure the physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing of our canine clients and their owners through established routines of exercise, fresh air, and companionship.

2. Products & Services Offered by Your Dog Walking Business.

The next step is to outline your products and services for your dog walking business. 

When you think about the products and services that you offer, it's helpful to ask yourself the following questions:

• What is my business?
• What are the products and/or services that I offer?
• Why am I offering these particular products and/or services?
• How do I differentiate myself from competitors with similar offerings?
• How will I market my products and services?

You may want to do a comparison of your business plan against those of other competitors in the area, or even with online reviews. This way, you can find out what people like about them and what they don’t like, so that you can either improve upon their offerings or avoid doing so altogether.

3. Build a Creative Marketing Stratgey.

If you don't have a marketing plan for your dog walking business, it's time to write one. Your marketing plan should be part of your business plan and be a roadmap to your goals. 

A good marketing plan for your dog walking business includes the following elements:

Target market

• Who is your target market?
• What do these customers have in common?
• How many of them are there?
• How can you best reach them with your message or product?

Customer base 

• Who are your current customers? 
• Where did they come from (i.e., referrals)?
• How can their experience with your dog walking business help make them repeat customers, consumers, visitors, subscribers, or advocates for other people in their network or industry who might also benefit from using this service, product, or brand?

Product or service description

• How does it work, what features does it have, and what are its benefits?
• Can anyone use this product or service regardless of age or gender?
• Can anyone visually see themselves using this product or service?
• How will they feel when they do so? If so, how long will the feeling last after purchasing (or trying) the product/service for the first time?

Competitive analysis

• Which companies are competing with yours today (and why)? 
• Which ones may enter into competition with yours tomorrow if they find out about it now through word-of-mouth advertising; social media networks; friends' recommendations; etc.)
• What specific advantages does each competitor offer over yours currently?

Marketing channels

• Which marketing channel do you intend to leverage to attract new customers?
• What is your estimated marketing budget needed?
• What is the projected cost to acquire a new customer?
• How many of your customers do you instead will return?

Form an LLC in your state!

4. Write Your Operational Plan.

Next, you'll need to build your operational plan. This section describes the type of business you'll be running, and includes the steps involved in your operations. 

In it, you should list:

• The equipment and facilities needed
• Who will be involved in the business (employees, contractors)
• Financial requirements for each step
• Milestones & KPIs
• Location of your business
• Zoning & permits required for the business

What equipment, supplies, or permits are needed to run a dog walking business?

• Proof of licensing or certification from a local animal control agency.
• Veterinarian approval.
• A valid driver's license and valid insurance for your vehicle.
• A reliable vehicle large enough to carry the dogs you will be walking.
• Dog-walking supplies: leashes, collars, poo bags, treats, etc.
• Muzzles or head halters for aggressive dogs, if necessary.
• Business cards and other promotional materials.

5. Management & Organization of Your Dog Walking Business.

The second part of your dog walking business plan is to develop a management and organization section.

This section will cover all of the following:

• How many employees you need in order to run your dog walking business. This should include the roles they will play (for example, one person may be responsible for managing administrative duties while another might be in charge of customer service).
• The structure of your management team. The higher-ups like yourself should be able to delegate tasks through lower-level managers who are directly responsible for their given department (inventory and sales, etc.).
• How you’re going to make sure that everyone on board is doing their job well. You’ll want check-ins with employees regularly so they have time to ask questions or voice concerns if needed; this also gives you time to offer support where necessary while staying informed on how things are going within individual departments too!

6. Dog Walking Business Startup Expenses & Captial Needed.

This section should be broken down by month and year. If you are still in the planning stage of your business, it may be helpful to estimate how much money will be needed each month until you reach profitability.

Typically, expenses for your business can be broken into a few basic categories:

Startup Costs

Startup costs are typically the first expenses you will incur when beginning an enterprise. These include legal fees, accounting expenses, and other costs associated with getting your business off the ground. The amount of money needed to start a dog walking business varies based on many different variables, but below are a few different types of startup costs for a dog walking business.

Running & Operating Costs

Running costs refer to ongoing expenses related directly with operating your business over time like electricity bills or salaries paid out each month. These types of expenses will vary greatly depending on multiple variables such as location, team size, utility costs, etc.

Marketing & Sales Expenses

You should include any costs associated with marketing and sales, such as advertising and promotions, website design or maintenance. Also, consider any additional expenses that may be incurred if you decide to launch a new product or service line. For example, if your dog walking business has an existing website that needs an upgrade in order to sell more products or services, then this should be listed here.

7. Financial Plan & Projections

A financial plan is an important part of any business plan, as it outlines how the business will generate revenue and profit, and how it will use that profit to grow and sustain itself. To devise a financial plan for your dog walking business, you will need to consider a number of factors, including your start-up costs, operating costs, projected revenue, and expenses. 

Here are some steps you can follow to devise a financial plan for your dog walking business plan:

• Determine your start-up costs: This will include the cost of purchasing or leasing the space where you will operate your business, as well as the cost of buying or leasing any equipment or supplies that you need to start the business.
• Estimate your operating costs: Operating costs will include utilities, such as electricity, gas, and water, as well as labor costs for employees, if any, and the cost of purchasing any materials or supplies that you will need to run your business.
• Project your revenue: To project your revenue, you will need to consider the number of customers you expect to have and the average amount they will spend on each visit. You can use this information to estimate how much money you will make from selling your products or services.
• Estimate your expenses: In addition to your operating costs, you will need to consider other expenses, such as insurance, marketing, and maintenance. You will also need to set aside money for taxes and other fees.
• Create a budget: Once you have estimated your start-up costs, operating costs, revenue, and expenses, you can use this information to create a budget for your business. This will help you to see how much money you will need to start the business, and how much profit you can expect to make.
• Develop a plan for using your profit: Finally, you will need to decide how you will use your profit to grow and sustain your business. This might include investing in new equipment, expanding the business, or saving for a rainy day.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Walking Business Plans:

Why do you need a business plan for a dog walking business.

A business plan for a dog walking business is essential to effectively manage and market your enterprise. It helps you to identify potential market opportunities and develop strategies for targeting them. It also allows you to anticipate and plan for potential challenges and helps you to understand the financial requirements of running a successful dog walking business. A well-crafted business plan will provide guidance on setting prices, managing costs, establishing an operational process, and creating an effective marketing strategy.

Who should you ask for help with your dog walking business plan?

An experienced business consultant, an accountant, and a lawyer can all be helpful in developing a successful dog walking business plan. Additionally, you may also want to research other successful dog walking companies in your area for insight and advice.

Can you write a dog walking business plan yourself?

Yes, it is possible to write a dog walking business plan yourself, although it is often beneficial to consult an expert on the matter. Generally, such plans should include information such as a business overview, market analysis, customer profile, services provided and pricing structure, marketing strategy, and financial projections. Additionally, you may include a section on any risks or potential growth opportunities for your business.

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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.

Through meticulous research and firsthand experience, I uncover the essential steps, software, tools, and costs associated with launching and maintaining a successful business. By demystifying the complexities of entrepreneurship, I provide the guidance and support needed for others to embark on their journey with confidence.

From assessing market viability and formulating business plans to selecting the right technology and navigating the financial landscape, I am dedicated to helping fellow entrepreneurs overcome challenges and unlock their full potential. As a steadfast advocate for small business success, my mission is to pave the way for a new generation of innovative and driven entrepreneurs who are ready to make their mark on the world.

How To Start A Dog Walking Business: A Complete Business Plan

By Ryan O'Connell

Last updated: March 5, 2024

In the pet sector, dog walking is among the fastest-growing niches. It’s because owners want them to receive the finest care possible by interacting with a dog walker and taking bathroom breaks rather than being left home alone. So, if you are planning to open your own dog-walking business, it would be a smart decision.

That said, launching a dog-walking company is not as easy as it may appear; there are a lot of considerations to make. We will explain the process of starting the business in more detail below!

In this article:

What service will your business offer how much can you make.

Selecting the services you will provide is a crucial first step in launching and expanding your pet-sitting or dog-walking company. Ultimately, it boils down to the kind of animals you wish to raise and the resources at your disposal. Would you want to walk dogs only? Are you able to spend the night at a client’s house? Will you look after the cats?

We advise keeping services as basic as feasible. Excitement may easily lead to offering a wide range of services, such as dog walking, dog sitting, overnight care, and so on. Additional pet care services can always be added later. Concentrate on giving your all in anything you do.

That being said, even while keeping things simple is usually preferable, you should provide the services that best fit your objectives and organization. Here are a few suggestions for demand services to offer:

• Dog walking
• Dog running
• Visits to dog parks
• Dog training
• Last-minute visits
• Pet pickup and drop-off
• Waste pickup
• Dog wedding attendant
• House security check
• Customized dog exercise programs

According to our research, the average salary for walking dog professionals is $13.69 per hour . This means the monthly and annual income is $2,374 and $28,491 , respectively. If a dog walker is certified by the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters, they may make up to $43,000 a year or $826 weekly . This is only an average, and your actual revenue may differ depending on your location and degree of experience, and that doesn’t exclude the operation fees yet.

This figure can assist you in budgeting your money and making future plans. Therefore, it’s important to take it into account. 

How Do I Start A Dog Walking Business : Step By Step

Aside from having a clear passion for dogs, anybody hoping to succeed as a dog walker must be aware of the typical difficulties faced by small companies. It will be necessary for you to integrate your love of dogs with marketing plans, financial planning, and business techniques. Let’s go over the essential steps to take to launch a pet company.

Step 1: Make An Investigation

Let’s say you already have a distinct bank account, your business name, and your ABN. Research is essential for determining the fair price to charge prospective customers, estimating the possible market share, and identifying your competitors (who you can then closely monitor).

Also, knowing where to walk dogs and where not to walk them is demanded of professional dog walkers. Get in touch with your local municipality to find out which beaches and parks accept dogs and when they must be kept on a leash.

Step 2: Calculate The Starting Expenses

You’ll begin to gauge how much money you must invest upfront before you start turning a profit as you carry out more study and develop your dog walking service. Think about the fundamentals first. What materials are you going to need? Which supplies are available right now? After that, you may discuss the finer points of funding your dog-walking company.

Here’s a pro tip: Speak with other pet sitters , dog walkers, and business experts to have a comprehensive understanding of the equipment you could require and any additional business expenses you might have missed.

Step 3: Study Up On Equipment And Safety

Take extra safety measures by studying dog walking safety and the many kinds of equipment you’ll need. For example, you might visit a pet store to research the finest collars, leashes, and suitable harnesses to use and sign up for an online dog-walking certification course.

Step 4: Establish Policies And Protocols

Will you be providing any additional services (even upon request) in addition to walking dogs? If so, get ready. Be clear about the services your business will accept and refuse.

Start by formulating as many possible questions for yourself to answer before you set down your processes. Take some time to think about the questions a pet owner would pose. Here are some questions to start.

• Should pet owners make payments every day, every week, or upfront?
• How many pups can you walk at once?
• Will you be able to train the dogs?
• Which dog breeds do you take on a walk together?
• Could you provide the dogs with first aid? If there is an emergency, what steps do you take?

Step 5: Certification And Schooling

Professional dog walkers are required to be knowledgeable in handling various animal behaviors as well as emergency procedures. Dogs may be your passion, but are you confident enough to handle an aggressive one? Do you know anything about training dogs?

Think about enrolling in puppy preschool or basic obedience training for the sake of your own professionalism and the comfort of your customers. Certificate IV in Companion Animal Services and Certificate III in Dog Behavior and Training are two recognized courses. Plus, obtaining a Pet First Aid certificate is a great method to make sure you know what to do in the event that a dog is hurt or has an emergency during the walk.

Step 6: Employ Those With Prior Dog-Walking Expertise

You’ll need to bring on dog-walking staff members as your dog-walking business expands. One thing you need to remember: you shouldn’t work with just anybody.

Plus, employ individuals who are knowledgeable and experienced with dogs. This is because it might be harmful to your business to employ someone who has never worked with animals. Recall that your staff represents your company.

Step 7: Create A Huge Potential Client Base

You need a clear plan of action to draw in prospective new potential customers, regardless of whether you want to advertise in your neighborhood newspaper, use social media, or do letterbox drops. Here are some suggestions.

• See the veterinarians and veterinary clinics in your area. Make an introduction, ask if you may leave business cards or flyers on their counter, or post a sign on the wall. This is a fantastic chance to network and establish relationships with other reputable pet industry experts.
• Create a network. Contact seasoned local animal care providers and dog walkers, offer to cover for them during vacations or illness, and inquire if they would be willing to suggest you to their clientele.
• Go to pet-related activities in your community. Be ready to greet people, strike up a conversation with pet owners, and advertise your business. Bring leaflets to distribute or, if space permits, set up a booth where you may advertise your dog walking services.

Step 8: Continue Market Your Pet Care Business

You must budget time and funds for marketing materials when you first start a dog-walking service. Dog-walking companies are often local, so you should approach your present clientele for assistance with word-of-mouth advertising.

We recommend establishing a social media presence on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. For instance, sharing photos and fun videos of the dogs you often walk on social media once every 1-2 days is a great marketing strategy to promote your service.

Estimate Cost For Starting A Dog Walking Business

How much does it cost to launch a dog-walking company? Fortunately, compared to other business ventures like launching a restaurant, beginning a dog walking service is not too expensive. 

However, we’ve seen many start-ups launching their brand with less than $1,000. So, if you truly are working on a tight budget, you may get started with $500. To help you understand the whole picture, here is the business cost breakdown.

• Register cost – $10-500+: Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) and Doing Business As ( DBA ) are the two most often utilized organizational forms. You can choose a name for your company that differs from your legal name if you select one of these arrangements.
• Business license – $0-400+: A business license may or may not be required in your area. You can find useful materials from the Small Business Administration for what you might require in your state. An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is another need.
• Pet business insurance – $129+: Insurance for dog walks is a need. It will keep your clients and yourself safe. If you don’t have it, pet owners may decide not to hire you.
• Create a website – $15-50+: A website is crucial for your pet walking company. Many customers will look online for nearby dog walking services. Consider your website to be both a local directory page and an online store. Customers will frequently notice your website and form their initial opinions based on it.
• Enroll in a pet first aid course – $50-200+: Acquiring information about first aid for pets is really beneficial. Emergencies might greatly benefit from knowing CPR and Pet First Aid techniques. Pet owners will also be happy to know that their puppies are in the care of skilled experts.
• Equipment for dog walking – $50+: The best place to start is with the essentials: leashes, water bowls, dog treats, and waste bags. Working in the niche and taking walks with your dog for a while can rapidly teach you what things you need.

Tips For Creating A Successful Dog Walking Business

Despite the fact that you get to spend a large portion of your working hours outside with happy canine friends, owning a business is quite demanding. These are the top 5 business advice items to assist you in managing a profitable dog walking company.

• Make use of the dog parks in your community: While strolls in the neighborhood are great, if you have many dogs, you might want to visit one of the numerous dog parks in the area. You may take your well-behaved family to one of the six dog parks listed on TwinCities.com.
• Maintain the simplest possible cash flow: Create a thorough spreadsheet including clients, bills, and payments at the beginning. Additionally, you ought to allocate a certain credit card to cover all of your company expenditures.
• Learn about every animal and its owner: Getting to know each pup and its pet owners is just as important as acquiring a new client. In this manner, you may let them know if anything doesn’t seem right or if their behavior isn’t typical.
• Always put safety first: Your priority should be to ensure the safety of the dogs you walk and yourself. Always wear luminous apparel, and if you’re out for a nighttime stroll with your dogs, make sure they have reflective leashes or collar clips.
• Apply a short leash: More control is available with a shorter leash, especially while strolling through cities. Check out this selection of leashes before you buy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is dog walking in high demand.

Yes. Many urban and suburban regions have a high demand for dog walking services, particularly those with a large pet owner population who work long hours and cannot walk their pups.

Do You Need A License To Walk Dogs ?

It depends. License requirements may vary by state and across companies hiring dog walkers. For instance, dog walkers need a state driver’s license to carry dogs. In several states, bringing dogs to specific parks or other places requires a license for dog walkers and companies.

Do Dog Walkers Need Insurance ?

Absolutely. Insurance is usually necessary for dog walkers to safeguard against any risks. This coverage might include defense against accidents, loss of property, or potential legal costs associated with walking or caring for dogs. Getting insurance is a wise precaution to protect the dog walker and the pets under their supervision.

See more: 200+ Good Dog Walking Business Names

The Bottom Line

People require dog walkers for a variety of reasons. Some people must employ help to take care of their pets since they work full-time in an office. Meanwhile, others work remotely from home and can’t walk their dogs throughout the working day.

A dog walking service might be an excellent venture if you are a dog lover and like taking walks. Follow our instructions and tips to have a blooming business soon!

Ryan O'Connell

Ryan O'Connell is the owner of PetSitUSA - a directory of professional pet sitters, dog walkers, and dog daycares. He has been helping pet owners and pet care professionals find each other since 2012.

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How to Start a Dog Walking Business (2024 Guide)

Image Credit: SB-Arts-Media, Shutterstock

Last Updated on March 22, 2024 by Jessica Kim

The United States is home to over 76 million pet dogs, 1 and this number continues to grow year by year. The pet service industry is also projected to grow between 2022 to 2030. 2 So, if you love working with dogs, it may be an opportune time for you to start a dog walking business.

Starting a dog walking business is often a long process that requires a lot of dedication and patience. There are many moving parts, and it can easily get overwhelming if you try to jump in without doing any research. Here are some things you can expect to do when preparing to start your own dog walking business.

• Before You Start

It’s important to get to know your target population. Make sure to find a neighborhood with a large population of pet dogs. Places that have a good number of pet grooming salons, dog daycares, pet shops, and dog parks are great for research.

You can also look at dog walking services in the area to get an estimate of the average rates dog owners expect to pay dog walkers. As you gather information, start to think about what will make your dog walking business stand out from the rest. Consider unique features that your customers wouldn’t be able to get elsewhere.

• The 6 Steps to Start a Dog Walking Business:
• 1. Determine Your Budget

One of the advantages of starting your own dog walking business is that you can start small and just have yourself as your own employee. As you accumulate more clients, you can start to hire more dog walkers.

A dog walking business is also much cheaper than a dog daycare or grooming salon because you don’t technically need a facility to run it. So, you don’t need to worry about finding a facility and paying rent.

However, there are still some key things to consider when building your business budget.

• Administrative costs
• Scheduling software
• Employee compensation
• Liability insurance
• Background check service
• Website and marketing

Start researching average costs for these items in your area to determine how much you expect to spend on one-time and monthly costs.

• 2. Develop Your Business Model

Dog walking companies have different business models. Some may assign whichever dog walkers are available on a given day to walk dogs, while others will assign dog walkers to specific dogs.

You’ll also want to brainstorm ways to interview prospective clients. Some dog walking companies may refrain from walking dogs that display a certain level of aggressiveness because they can be liability issues. You may want to do an initial meet and greet with dogs to determine if your business can adequately walk them without risking anyone’s safety.

Make sure to also think about the benefits to offer your clients. Your business can offer special perks, like multi-pet discounts or referral bonuses, to encourage people to give your business a try and spread the word.

• 3. Find a Scheduling Software

One of the greatest challenges you’ll face with starting and managing a dog walking business is scheduling your dog walking routes. You will have to consider your dog walkers’ availability as well as the preferred hours that your clients want their dogs walked. If your business is small and you have just a handful of dog walkers, you can get by with scheduling dog walking routes on your own. However, as your business expands, you’ll have to consider investing in software to help with management and operations.

Fortunately, there are several planning and scheduling software options that are specifically designed for dog walking businesses. These programs can help you keep track of a variety of factors, such as client details, scheduling walkers to their assigned dogs, and home entry instructions.

Some software comes with GPS tracking so that your clients can know where and for how long their dogs walk. They can have communication functions built in as well, so your clients can text or call dog walkers without the dog walkers giving out their personal contact information.

• 4. Secure a Business Address and Phone Number

As we’ve mentioned before, one of the advantages of starting a dog walking business is that you don’t necessarily need an office space or facility. If you want to separate your home from your business, you can certainly look into renting out a small workspace or office. However, you can start running your business from a home office so that you can save on rent and budget your money towards other resources.

Just make sure to secure a business mailing address and phone number. This will protect your personal phone number and home address from becoming public information.

• 5. Hire Employees

Once your business grows, you can start looking into hiring more dog walkers. Try to look for people who have experience with either owning a dog or working in a job that has regular interactions with animals. You’ll also want to consider the types of employment your dog walkers will take. Dog walking businesses can either hire dog walkers as employees or independent contractors. Each type of employment has its advantages and disadvantages.

As your business continues to grow, you may want to start thinking of hiring an office administrative assistant or manager and dog walker managers. Office managers can help ensure that scheduling walks and communication with your clients remains consistent and reliable. Dog walker managers can help you keep track of all your dog walkers and help cover any scenarios where a dog walker may not be able to make it to a scheduled walk with a dog.

Safety will be a significant concern for dog owners, so make sure to collect references and background checks from all your prospective dog walkers and employees. You’ll also want to ensure that your dog walkers receive adequate training so that they know how to properly walk a dog and react to any emergency situations, such as dogs accidentally eating something off the ground or escaping from their leash.

• 6. Market Your Business

Once you have the foundations laid out for your dog-walking business, it’s time to start marketing it. Having a website will help you to provide information for your clients and is also an easy way for them to request an appointment. A great place to start is WebsitePlanet’s guide on how to build a website .

Make sure that your website has a clean and modern design with an intuitive and user-friendly interface. It’s also helpful to put your contact information and appointment booking information in very noticeable places throughout your website. Since many people scroll through websites on their phones, it’s imperative that your website has a clean and fully functioning mobile format.

Social media presence can also help immensely with boosting your business. Dog owners will appreciate pictures of how your business operates. It can be helpful to have profiles of your dog walkers so that prospective clients can familiarize themselves with the personalities in your business.

You may also want to consider giving grand opening discounts or offering referral perks to encourage people to bring in more clients. Online reviews can play a significant role in drawing new clients. So, you can try to encourage people to leave a review by organizing a raffle for anyone who leaves a review of your business.

• Final Thoughts

There are many perks to starting a dog walking business. You can start small and just employ yourself. As you gain a good reputation, you can hire more dog walkers to help your business grow. You’ll also be able to meet and interact with all kinds of dogs, and dog walking is a great way to enjoy time outside and get some exercise in your daily schedule.

With some hard work, dedication, and time, you can build a successful dog walking business . You may just end up living the dog lover’s dream of spending your days exploring fun neighborhoods with friendly dogs.

• See Also: How to Start a Dog Training Business (Tips & Tricks)

About the Author

Jessica Kim

Jessica is a freelance writer who spends most of her day researching and writing while her furry companion Cavapoo, Nora, snoozes beside her. She loves pets and animals because there’s so much to learn from them, and they do so much for us. As a dog mom, she understands the strong connection that pet parents have with their pets. So, she loves sharing helpful information that pet owners can use to better understand their pets. When she isn't writing, you may find her walking dogs, tending to her plants, or drinking her nth cup of coffee.

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How to Start a Dog Walking Business: Pups and Profits [2024]

Short on Time? Here’s a Quick Guide to Starting Your Dog Walking Business

• Research and write a business plan. A business plan gives you a place to start planning, as well as a way to explain your business to others. It’s also essential to gaining financing.
• Choose a name and register an LLC. An LLC sets up your business in a legal manner with your state and it helps protect you from legal repercussions should something go wrong. There’s a lot of paperwork involved in setting up an LLC, but an LLC formation company like Swyft Filings  can handle it all.
• Apply for tax IDs, open a bank account, and obtain permits, licenses , and insurance . You should obtain a tax ID number, known as an EIN, to get you set up with the IRS. A business bank account keeps business and personal incomes separate. Liability insurance isn’t necessary, but is a good idea. You may also need local permits or licenses.
• Earn your pet first aid certification , and consider basic dog handling certification, too. Dog owners look for professionalism in their dog walker. Nothing says you care about them and their puppers more than basic training in areas like pet first aid and understanding of doggy behavior.
• Acquire any required equipment . You’ll want to start with a good pooper scoop and disposal bags for handling those unpleasant duties. Then, a water bowl, good-quality spare leashes, and a first aid kit might come in handy, along with a dog whistle (only to be used with pups that are properly whistle-trained). You’ll also need to ensure you carry treats and water.
• Launch and market your company. All the paperwork and prep work is done and it’s time to get your dog walking business off the ground. You’ll need to find customers, and one of the best ways to do that is with a website created using one of our top-rated website builders .
• 1. Researching and Writing a Dog Walking Business Plan

The Research Phase

• Is the business viable? In the case of a dog walking business, you have to consider things like your physical condition, changes in the weather or climate, life changes like marriage or having children, and more. Are you going to be able to keep up with the time and physical demands that walking other people’s dogs requires?
• Can you find enough clients to make it worth your time? Does your neighborhood have enough dog owners who aren’t able, due to age, work, or travel issues, to give their pups enough exercise? Ask around at local vet’s offices, doggy day cares, and pet stores to see if there’s a demand for dog walking services. Go undercover and ask some other professional dog walkers about their demand level. Are you needed?
• What are your legal requirements? What to do if a dog gets hurt while in your care? Or if a dog in your care hurts someone else or damages another’s property? Forming your dog walking business as an LLC with Swyft Filings  can protect you from some legal issues, but carrying extra liability insurance is also highly recommended.

What You Should Include in Your Dog Walking Business Plan

• 2. Choose a Name and Register Your Dog Walking Business

Swyft Filings: Perfect for Beginner Dog Walking Business Owners

• Personalized customer support. If you get stuck and need help, Swyft Filings has a phone support team standing by to assist you. You’ll also receive a follow-up email with detailed instructions and/or further information.
• Easy-to-use client dashboard. Beginner-friendliness at Swyft Filings extends to its intuitive client dashboard, which allows you to keep track of your documents and compliance requirements.
• Go beyond the basics. The free plan with Swyft Filings is enough to get your business up and going. But if you want help getting an EIN or you don’t want to be your own Registered Agent (which all LLCs require), you may want to opt for one of its paid plans.

Tailor Brands: For the Dog Walking Pro Who Wants a Visual Identity

• Creative services. This is Tailor Brands’ main attraction for many business owners. It will design business cards, a website, social media posts, and more.
• Tax filing services. Tailor Brands also offers an add-on tax filing service to simplify your tax obligations at year’s end.

ZenBusiness: Best for Beginning Dog Walkers Who Need a Lot of Help Getting Started

• ZenBusiness Money . This tool helps you track your finances. There are two versions, a free one that only tracks expenses, and a paid one that helps you track mileage, income, invoicing, and taxes, too.
• Smartphone app. ZenBusiness provides you with access to your client dashboard through an app for both Android and iOS.
• 3. Obtain Your Tax ID, Business Bank Account, Liability Insurance, and Any Licenses or Permits
• 4. Acquire Pet First Aid and Basic Dog Training or Walking Certification
• 5. Buy Needed Equipment
• Pooper scoop and disposal bags
• Leashes and/or harnesses
• Rain and cold weather gear
• A car kennel (if you plan to transport pooches in your vehicle)
• Collapsible water bowls
• A first aid kit
• A dog whistle, only to be used with dogs that are properly whistle-trained
• 6. Launch and Promote Your Dog Walking Company

Wix: Customizable Dog Walking Business Templates Ready for You

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SquareSpace: Create the Dog Walking Business Website of Your Dreams

Get an additional 10 % OFF any Squarespace plan!

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Or, Use an LLC Formation Service With a Website Builder Included

• Get Your Dog Walking Business Off to a Good Start

How To Write a Business Plan for Dog Walking Business in 9 Steps: Checklist

By henry sheykin, resources on dog walking.

• Financial Model
• Business Plan
• Value Proposition
• One-Page Business Plan
• SWOT Analysis
• Business Model
• Marketing Plan

Thinking of starting a dog walking business? You're not alone. With over 63 million households in the US owning a dog, the demand for dog walking services has steadily increased over the years. In fact, the pet industry as a whole is estimated to reach a staggering $99 billion in 2021 with dog walking services accounting for a significant portion of that revenue.

Before you jump into the dog walking industry, it's important to have a solid business plan in place. Taking the time to research the market, identify your target audience, and establish your pricing and marketing strategies can greatly improve your chances of success. Here are nine essential steps to consider when creating a business plan for your dog walking business:

• Research the dog walking industry and competitors
• Identify the target market
• Determine the services the business will offer
• Establish pricing for services
• Create a marketing strategy
• Determine necessary licenses and permits
• Estimate start-up costs
• Identify potential liability issues
• Plan for managing staff (if applicable)

By following these steps and staying committed to providing high-quality service and safety for the dogs in your care, you can establish your dog walking business as a trusted and reliable name in your community.

Research The Dog Walking Industry And Competitors

The first step in creating a successful dog walking business is to research the industry and your potential competitors. This will help you understand the market and how you can differentiate your services from what is already available.

Consider doing the following:

• Look into local competitors and how they provide their services.
• Read client reviews to learn what people look for in a dog-walking service.
• Research the industry standard pricing to help you set your rates accordingly.
• Visit competitors in person to understand how they operate. This will help you spot gaps in the market.
• Make a list of the services offered by your competitors, so you can offer unique services.
• Don't forget to research industry trends, such as new technology for tracking pet adventures and pet safety standards.

Additionally, it's important to research the industry regulations and local laws that may impact your business. This will help you navigate licensing and other legal requirements for starting your dog walking business.

By researching the dog walking industry and competitors, you'll be well-informed about the standard of service your target market expects, pricing strategies, and operational methods. This knowledge will enable you to identify areas where you can stand out and succeed as you launch your dog walking business.

Identify The Target Market

The success of a dog walking business depends on understanding the target market and what they are looking for. Identifying the right market ensures that your dog walking business provides the services that will appeal to your potential customers, and it will help you create a marketing strategy that reaches your target audience.

Start by considering the demographics of your potential customers: age, income, and geographic location. Since you are offering a mobile service, you should consider the neighborhoods with a high percentage of dog owners. Check local census data to help you understand these demographics and how they relate to your business.

• Identify key neighborhoods in your community where people own dogs.
• Pay attention to the types of dogs in the area: low-energy, high-energy, elderly, etc. and create services that cater to their specific needs.
• Consider the time of day that you will be available to walk dogs and make sure it fits with your target market's needs.

Do some market research to understand the services that are currently offered by other dog walking businesses in your area. This research will help you identify gaps in the market and create services that cater to your target market's specific needs. You should aim to create a unique service that stands out from the competition.

Once you have identified your target market and the services you will offer, you can create a marketing strategy that targets those specific customers. Determine the best channels to reach them: social media, local newspaper ads, flyers, etc.

Identifying the target market is an essential step in creating a successful dog walking business. By understanding the demographics, needs, and wants of your target market, you can create services that appeal to them and tailor your marketing strategy to reach and connect with potential customers.

Determine The Services The Business Will Offer

As a dog walking business, it's essential to determine what services you will offer to clients. Your services should reflect the needs of your target market and highlight your business's unique selling points. Here are some key services that you should consider providing:

• Dog Walking Services: This is the primary service of your business. Dog walking services should be customizable and flexible. You should offer different options such as 30-minute walks, 60-minute walks, and group walks.
• Pet Sitting Services: Pet sitting services is a great addition to dog walking services. It is suitable for clients who are away for an extended period and prefer their dogs to be looked after in their homes rather than a boarding facility.
• Potty Break Services: You should offer potty break services for clients who are away for an extended period and cannot return home to let their dogs out for a potty break.
• Pet Transportation Services: If a client needs their dog transported to a vet appointment or groomer, you should offer pet transportation services. This service can be charged on a per-mile basis.
• Feeding and Watering Services: If a client is away from home, your business can offer feeding and watering services along with the other services agreed upon.

Tips for Determining Your Services

• Conduct market research to find out what services your target market is looking for. Consider what your competitors are offering and how you can differentiate yourself
• Consider offering customizable packages that cater to your clients' needs. For example, you can offer a weekly plan that includes two dog walks, two potty breaks, and two feeding/watering services every day of the weekdays.
• Ensure that you have the resources and staff to provide the services you plan to offer. Hiring staff with experience in the industry will ensure that your services are of the highest quality.
• Consider what sets you apart from other dog walking businesses. You can highlight your unique selling points on your website and advertising materials to attract potential clients.

Establish Pricing For Services

One of the most significant factors in starting a dog walking business is determining the price of services. Pricing can make or break a business, so it's crucial to establish a fair and competitive price point. Here are some key considerations when establishing prices for dog walking services:

• Research the market: One of the most effective methods of determining price is by researching the prices that similar businesses in your market charge. This research will provide a baseline for pricing you can use to remain competitive.
• Define your services: The prices you charge will largely depend on the services you offer. These services might include dog walking, pet sitting, feeding, and administering medications. Ensure that the pricing strategy you develop for your business is determined by the value of the services you provide.
• Costs: Be sure to take all your costs into consideration, including transport, supplies, and insurance premiums when setting prices. Ensure you set pricing that covers all your expenses as well as allowing you to make a profit.
• Consider offering discounts for clients that use your services regularly.
• Use tiered pricing models for customers that require more extended services.
• Ensure that pricing is clearly displayed on all marketing materials.

Setting prices for your dog walking business is both an art and a science. Establishing competitive pricing for your services is vital because your prices reflect the quality of service that you offer. Remember, it is always easier to charge more than it is to raise prices later on.

Create A Marketing Strategy

The success of any business venture depends heavily on its marketing strategy. It is essential to create a comprehensive and effective plan that will help attract customers, establish a strong brand identity, and differentiate your business from competitors. Here are some steps to create a marketing strategy for your dog walking business:

• Define your Unique Selling Point (USP): Your USP is what sets you apart from other dog walking services. It could be your experience, qualifications, your use of technology, or your personalized service. Being clear on your USP will help communicate the value proposition of your business to potential customers.
• Identify your target market: Consider the demographics and psychographics of your potential customers. Are they dog owners in a particular area of the city? Do they have busy schedules? Are they mainly professionals or retirees? Understanding your target market will help you tailor your marketing efforts to reach them effectively.
• Develop a brand identity: Your brand identity should reflect your USP and target market. Create a name, logo, and tagline that embody your values and personality. Use your brand identity consistently across all marketing channels, including social media, website, and promotional materials.
• Create a website: A website is a crucial tool for any business, including dog walking services. It serves as a platform to showcase your services, pricing, and testimonials from satisfied customers. Make sure your website is optimized for search engines and is mobile-friendly.
• Use Social Media: Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are ideal for promoting your dog walking business. Post engaging and informative content and use hashtags to reach a wider audience. Respond promptly to inquiries and share customer feedback and testimonials.
• Offer promotions: People love getting discounts and deals. Offer promotions to attract new customers and keep them coming back. You could offer a discount on the first walk or a free walk after a certain number of bookings. Make sure the terms and conditions of the promotions are clear and easy to understand.
• Partner with local pet stores and veterinarians: Building relationships with local pet stores and veterinarians can be mutually beneficial. They could refer clients to you, and in return, you could recommend their products and services to your customers.
• Use high-quality images and videos of dogs on your website and social media. People love seeing cute dogs!
• Get involved in dog-related events and organizations in your community. This will help you network and establish your brand.
• Ask satisfied customers to leave online reviews on your website and social media platforms. Positive reviews are powerful marketing tools.

Creating a comprehensive marketing strategy takes time and effort, but it is worth it in the end. By following these steps and tips, you can effectively promote your dog walking business and attract loyal customers.

Determine Necessary Licenses And Permits

In order to run a dog walking business, there are certain licenses and permits that must be obtained. These requirements may vary depending on where your business is located. It is important to research and identify any local, state, or federal licensing and permit requirements relevant to your business.

• Business License: A business license is typically required to operate any type of business. Check with your local government to determine the specific requirements and fees associated with obtaining a business license in your area.
• Animal Handler Permit: Depending on your location, you may need to obtain an animal handler permit to legally handle dogs. This may require completing a training course and passing an exam.
• Insurance: It is highly recommended that you obtain liability insurance to protect your business in case of any incidents or accidents while walking dogs. This is especially important if you plan to have employees.
• Permit for Use of Public Spaces: If you plan on walking dogs in public spaces such as parks or beaches, you may need to obtain a permit. Check with the local government to determine their requirements.
• Be sure to research all licensing and permit requirements before starting your business to avoid any legal issues.
• Keep all permits and licenses up-to-date and display them in a visible location at your place of business.
• Consider obtaining additional certifications such as Pet CPR and First Aid to enhance your services and stand out from competitors.

By taking the necessary steps to obtain the proper licenses and permits, you can avoid potential legal issues and ensure a successful and reputable dog walking business.

Estimate Start-Up Costs

Starting a dog walking business will require some initial investment to get it up and running. Estimating the start-up costs is important to ensure that you have enough capital to start your dog walking business and sustain it until it starts generating revenue.

The cost of starting a dog walking business will depend on several factors such as location, type of services you offer, number of employees (if applicable), and marketing expenses. Below are some of the essential expenses you should consider when estimating the start-up costs for your dog walking business.

• Legal fees for business registration and obtaining necessary licenses and permits
• Insurance for liability, property damage, and workers' compensation (if applicable)
• Purchase or lease of a vehicle to transport the dogs to and from their homes
• Purchase of dog walking equipment such as leashes, collars, and waste bags
• Marketing expenses including business cards, flyers, and online advertising
• Software for scheduling appointments, invoicing, and track clients and their dogs
• Uniforms and branding materials such as a logo and website design
• Training and certification fees for yourself and employees, if you plan to hire staff
• Consider buying second-hand equipment to save costs, but make sure they still are in good condition.
• Take advantage of free marketing opportunities such as social media, word-of-mouth, and flyers in local shops and libraries.
• Research different insurance providers to find the one that can provide you with the best coverage at an affordable rate.
• If you plan to hire employees, consider a freelance option until you establish a steady flow of clients.

Once you have estimated all your start-up costs, add them up and make sure that you have enough funds to support your business until you can generate enough revenue to cover the operational and expansion expenses of your dog walking business.

Identify Potential Liability Issues

While starting your dog walking business, it's crucial to consider potential liability issues. As a dog walker, you'll be responsible for the dogs under your care, and any accidents or incidents that occur while walking them could result in legal action. Here are some important areas to consider:

• Insurance: It's essential to have insurance to cover any damages or injuries that may occur. Speak to an insurance agent about liability insurance for your business.
• Contracts: Ensure that you create contracts with your clients outlining your responsibilities and terms and conditions.
• Risk Assessment: Evaluate potential risks, such as dogs with aggressive behaviors, and create a plan to prevent incidents from happening.
• Proper Training: Make sure you and your staff are trained in dog handling techniques to prevent injuries to both humans and dogs.
• Proper Equipment: Ensure that you use appropriate equipment, such as sturdy leashes and collars, to prevent dogs from running away or injuring themselves.
• Make sure to discuss potential liability issues with your insurance provider and consider obtaining an umbrella policy for additional coverage.
• Consider partnering with a lawyer to review your contracts to ensure you're protected in all potential situations.
• Regularly assess your protocols and procedures to identify any areas of improvement to reduce liability risk.

By identifying potential liability issues and mitigating them, you can run a successful and safe dog walking business.

Plan For Managing Staff (If Applicable)

If your dog walking business grows and becomes successful, you might need to hire other employees to assist you in managing the business. Here are some essential steps you need to follow while planning for managing staff:

• Prepare a list of responsibilities for each employee, including job duties, expectations, and performance standards.
• Specify the qualifications, skills, and education required for each position, and assess every candidate's qualifications accordingly.
• Write a comprehensive employee manual that outlines the company policies, expectations, and procedures.
• Develop an employee training program that covers safety protocols, customer service, and management procedures.
• Create a compensation package that includes salaries, benefits, bonuses, and other incentives.
• Set guidelines for creating a safe and healthy work environment for your staff and the dogs in your care.
• Establish a clear communication system among the employees and communicate effectively with them regularly.
• Consider hiring a professional HR consultant or using HR software to assist in managing the hiring process and employee files.
• Encourage employee feedback and suggestions to boost morale, productivity, and loyalty.
• Make sure to comply with all federal and state employment laws.
• Allow flexibility in the employee's schedules and arrangements to ensure a work-life balance.
• Create an employee recognition program to encourage positive performance and acknowledge hard work and dedication.

Managing staff members can be challenging, but with careful planning, clear communication, and exceptional leadership, your dog walking business can become successful, and your employees will feel motivated and valued. Remember that hiring quality staff members and supporting their growth and development is essential to achieving long-term business success.

Starting a dog walking business requires careful planning and preparation. By following these 9 steps, you can create a strong business plan that will help you establish and grow a successful dog walking business.

Remember to research the industry and competitors, identify your target market, determine your services and pricing, create a marketing strategy, obtain the necessary licenses and permits, estimate your start-up costs, identify potential liability issues, and plan for managing staff if applicable.

By prioritizing quality and safety, using advanced technology, establishing relationships with dog owners, and offering competitive prices and discounts, you can attract and retain loyal customers who trust and value your services. With dedication and hard work, your dog walking business can thrive and provide a valuable service to your community.

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How to Write a Dog Walking Business Plan

Table of Contents

State the Goals of Your Dog Walking Business

Who is the target market and how can you advertise to them, a quick tip: it's best to start small with fewer services and lower fees. you don't want to be inundated with the business you can't handle or drive potential customers away with high prices., client relations, legal responsibilities.

So you are a dog lover who is tired of the 8 to 5 grind at your job and you are thinking you would like to do something else.

You have a couple of friends that mentioned they feel bad that they leave their dogs home alone all day while they are at work and it gave you an idea: what if you were to start a dog walking business…

Before you do though, you need to know how to write a dog walking business plan – one of the most crucial steps in any successful entrepreneurial venture.

With some hard work and careful planning you just may be able to build a successful undertaking. Learning the ins and outs of how to write a dog-walking business plan should be your first step.

The act of planning out your business thoroughly will walk you through everything you'll need to do in order to get your pet venture up and running in the most efficient way.

Don't think you need a business plan for something as simple as a dog walking business? Think again. It may seem simple now, but there is a lot of planning involved in the startup of any dog business.

As Jennifer Lee , author of Right Brain Business Plan , says…

“If you don't have a business plan it's like you are going to an unknown destination without a map.”  

If you're just in the very beginning stages of thinking about a dog walking business and you'd like a little more information, check out my column from last week  How to Start a Dog Walking Business .

You'll find lots of information about what to expect when starting your business and what you can do to ensure it is a success.

Your dog business plan will become the who, what, when, where, why, and how of your business.

You'll need to answer a lot of questions with clear and detailed instructions. A business plan is basically a guide that will show the bank, investors, or other business backers the idea that you have in your head.

Even though you know what you want to do and how you're going to get there, you need a business plan to show everyone else what your ideas are and how you plan to bring them to life.

Not planning to bring in any investors? Fine. But you still need to know how to write a dog walking business plan, if for nobody else then for yourself.

This is your guide to where you want to get and where you wish to be after 1 year, 2 years, or 10 years into this venture.

Before launching your dog walking business, it would be a smart idea to put your thoughts down on paper.

This will give you a guiding list for your business startup and will also help you set realistic goals for the company.

It will provide you with achievements to strive for when planning the future of your dog walking business as a whole.

• Where do you want to begin? How far are you willing to travel, how many dogs will you walk at a time, how will you schedule your working hours?
• Who's going to do this with you? Do you plan on having a business partner or hiring an employee when you first start your business ?
• Where do you want to see your business end up? Would you like to franchise it or hire multiple employees in the future and continue to expand it?
• Will you be offering other services besides dog walking? How are you going to scale this dog business, and is that even something you want to do?

When writing a dog walking business plan, it's also a good time to decide how you're going to incorporate your new venture and what type of business this dog walking service will be.   To make this legal, you have several options:

• Sole proprietorship
• Single-member LLC

In most cases, dog walking businesses start out with a sole proprietorship for the first year or two. You will handle all the paperwork, bills, and tax requirements yourself. Once everything is up and running, you can start looking into filing for an LLC to separate your personal assets from your business.

RELATED: How to Teach a Dog to Walk on a Leash

If you have a business partner right from the start, then you need to decide now if you will run your dog business as a limited liability company (LLC), a corporation, or a partnership, and you need to discuss and work all of this out with your business partner, too.

When structuring your entrepreneurial goals, be short and to the point . It's basically just a paragraph or two describing your business idea very generally and then summarizing where you foresee it going in the future .

This part of the dog walking business plan is your first impression. You don't want to be too long-winded so people reading it lose attention, but you need to get your most basic stuff across to them.

This is one of the most important parts of your business plan. You'll need to do a lot of research, but it will be well worth it.

The more market research you do in the beginning, the less of a hassle it's going to be further down the road.

Now, you know who your target audience is – obviously it's the dog owners; but what type of dog owners?

Being as specific as possible will help you greatly later on. You want to target pet parents that are gone for long hours and can afford to hire someone to walk their dogs.

What about elderly individuals that are not able to walk their canines?

You need to think specifically about who your target market is and where they are located.

Gathering this information will also help you plan the all-important advertising, which will bring customers to your dog business and is crucial to the success of your ambitious venture.

If you know specific demographics that your marketing needs to reach, you can make your flyers, brochures, and business cards appealing to that select group of individuals.

Anything online goes the same way – approach certain websites, news media outlets, social media channels, and specific people who can either a) become your clientele, or b) become a channel to new clients and promote your business.

Likewise, if you know where your target demographic is located, it will help you plan your own traveling requirements and the best locations to advertise and do your marketing.

When it comes to advertising, especially in a business like a dog walking where your target market is smaller, thinking outside the box could make or break your business.

For example, if your primary demographic are people who are gone for long hours and may need a dog walker, some interesting places to advertise could be:

• Coffee stands outside office buildings
• Gyms that open early in the morning or stay open late to accommodate people who work long hours
• In the lobby of apartment buildings located near business districts

If you believe that there are a number of elderly people in your area that may need help caring for their canines, you may want to advertise at your local senior center. Think about places that pet owners frequent as well, like dog parks, pet supply stores, and grooming facilities.

Advertising doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg if you're willing to put in the time to plan out a clever advertising and marketing strategy and do it yourself. Hang flyers, pass out brochures, and speak with potential clients yourself.

If you have a lot of startup capital , you could hire a professional to do your advertising and marketing assignments for you.

You can also pay for radio advertisements or even television slots on your local stations.

Just remember that this is very expensive and your money may be better used on another aspect of your business, such as online marketing .

When it comes to promoting your business online, the whole concept might seem a little complicated at first, but in reality – it's much easier than doing things offline.

With a few clicks of a button, you can dip into massive niche markets using websites, social media channels, and established online authorities that will help you promote your website and your business.

We'll have a few separate columns coming up soon on the subject of How to run your online dog business , Internet marketing for pet businesses, and How to promote your dog startups online .

Define the scope and fees for the services you will provide

Clearly, the most important aspect of starting a dog walking business is the initial investment. When learning how to write a dog walking business plan, money is always the most exciting and frustrating part of it.

You need to be sure that you're going to make enough cash with your business venture to pay your bills, and the bank and your investors want to know that you're going to have a profitable business that will be able to pay them back for their investment.

RELATED: Dog Safety: This Is Why Your Dog Needs a GPS Tracker

The downfall of many new businesses is they have too broad of a focus and never concentrate on perfecting one thing.

It is a proven fact that successful businesses tend to specialize in one or two areas in order to build a good reputation and establish a steady clientele.

When deciding on the scope of your business, you need to think about what services you will offer. Many dog walking services offer other things aside from walking. Some other services to consider could include:

• Overnight pet sitting
• Feeding and watering
• Care for other pets (possibly cats or other small animals)
• Additional playtime

Once you've settled on the list of services that you are going to provide you need to decide on prices.

A great resource to help you, believe it or not, are other dog walking businesses in your area. In order for your prices to be competitive, you need to find out what other similar businesses are charging.

The best way to do that? Make some phone calls and send some emails. You can call anonymously to other dog walking companies in your area and ask about their rates and services. Make sure your prices are competitive.

You won't be able to charge top dollar for your services until you establish a reputation for being a trustworthy dog walker.

No business, no matter how small it is, can operate without at least a little bit of working capital.

Luckily for you, dog walking businesses don't need a lot of dog supplies to get started and you won't need to rent a building; two very large startup costs for most businesses.

Are you going to provide any of the dog supplies? If you have a type of leash that you prefer, maybe you want to use that.

What about a travel water bowl to give the dogs water while you're on the go? You may also need dog waste bags, a treat pouch , or certain dog technology and pet devices to help you carry your supplies.

We've looked at some great leashes, dog walking supplies , and travel bowls recently. If you're interested in providing these products, you can check our Dog Products News section for pet merchants or our How-Tos for more advice on dog supplies. Here are some of the recent stories from TopDogTips :

• You could get pet products, like leashes and bowls, customized for your business from PrideBites
• Stop leash pulling with the Pullnomor or the Freedom No-Pull Harness
• Walk two dogs at once with the Dual Doggie
• The Wigzi Gel Leash  provides extra comfort
• A device like The Fifth Paw  may be handy

And don't forget about the pet supplies that you'll need for yourself. Do you have good walking shoes? What about all the products you'll need to run the administrative side of your business? You're going to need office supplies, internet access, a computer, and a telephone.

For the digital part of your venture, you'd want to set up the full package: your own website, social channels and start making some connections online. This will help to get your name out there, and your clients will always expect any business to have their own professional-looking website with contact details.

Don't forget who you work for. Although many of your customers will not be home when you arrive to take their dogs for a walk, you will still need top-notch customer service skills when you talk to them on the phone or via email.

Courteous and professional service should be your number one priority , and it's very important to consider this when discussing how to write a dog walking business plan. Look at Amazon  (PDF) and the love they receive from their customers.

“The success of the Internet retailer Amazon.com depends on its providing high-quality customer service.”

Your customer relations policy should touch on all the major areas of customer service. Returning phone calls and emails quickly, following up with customers, being on time, doing exactly what you say you'll do, and being honest and friendly are the keys to making sure that your business is successful.

It is also more important than ever to include social media in your customer relations policy. Many backers will be interested to see how you will use social media to advertise your business, reach out to potential customers, and communicate with current customers.

It may be the last part of your dog walking business plan, but it is no less important. Your legal responsibilities need to be taken seriously, because if not, the ramifications will not only affect you, but it will also affect your investors, your clients and your reputation.

Your legal responsibilities will differ depending on which state you live in.

Be sure to address the following issues in your business plan:

• Type of licensing that you need
• Liability waivers for clients
• Contracts for clients
• Leash laws in your city or state
• Dog waste disposal policies in your city

Remember that your business plan is not set in stone. It is merely a guideline and example of some of the things you want to consider when starting a dog walking business. As you go through this and learn how to write a dog walking business plan, you will realize there is much more to starting a dog walking operation than you thought. The more seriously you take the planning of your undertaking, the better chance of success you will have at becoming profitable fast.

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References and further reading:

• https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2012/11/21/2012-28018/public-use-limit-on-commercial-dog-walking-revised-disposal-conditions
• https://helpacc.org/SFDogWalkerLaw/requirements/
• https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2011/dog-walkers-more-likely-to-reach-exercise-benchmarks/

Disclosure : We may earn affiliate commissions at no cost to you from the links on this page. This did not affect our assessment of products.  Read more here  and find  full disclosure here .

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Dog Walking Business Plan Sample

DEC.18, 2017

Business plan for dog walking service

Are you planning to start a dog walking business ? Well, dogs are the most popular pet in the world especially in the United States where 89.7 million dogs were owned as pets in 2017. According to a recent survey, these dog owners need the services of dog walkers which can take their beloved dogs on the very much needed walk when they are not around. The people of the United States spend extravagantly on their pets, the majority of which are dogs. So, if you are thinking about starting this venture you should know that you can earn some serious cash provided you plan your business efficiently. The first thing before making any move towards this business is to write a comprehensive plan which will establish the basis of your company’s future operations and decisions. Although dog walking business is relatively simpler and much easier to start as compared to other businesses yet you will need an in-depth business plan dog walking to determine the course of your actions. So, if you are wondering how to write an effective business plan dog walking then here we are providing you the business plan for a dog walking startup named ‘PupWalk’.

Executive Summary

2.1 the business.

PupWalk will be located in the New York City at a fifteen-minute drive from the Chelsea neighborhood. The company will be licensed by American Pet Association and equipped with all resources to provide the highest quality of services possible. The business plan dog walking will be owned and operated by Ted Mills, a renowned dog trainer of the United States. Mills has been serving in various executive positions in major dog training centers of the United States. That’s why he perfectly knows how to start a dog walking business and yield profit even in the first year of launch.

2.2 Management

Starting even a simple business, like a dog walking business, has its own demands. You’d probably think, ‘before starting a dog walking business what do I need ?’ Well, the most important thing that you will need for your business plan dog walking is good management. Mills will manage the overall operations of the company and will hire only a few people in the initial phase. He will be assisted by his niece, Lisa Mills- a financial expert, for managing the finance of the company.

2.3 Customers

The company aims to serve one of the richest and the busiest cities in the United States. The community living in the region has the annual mean household income of over $400,000 and is most of the time stuck up in its busy routine. That’s why we are there for them to offer our quality services of walking their beloved dogs.

2.4 Target of the Company

The company aims to provide highest quality service to its customers and become the best dog walking business of the New York City within three years of its launch. Mills also plans to launch a few more centers in other cities as well. The company’s financial experts have forecasted following sales and profits for the next three years of launch.

Company Summary

3.1 company owner.

PupWalk will be owned by Mills who has spent nearly his entire life among dogs. Mills was a dog lover even from his childhood. He has been serving in various dog training centers throughout the United States for the last 20 years.

3.2 Why the Business is being started

Mills has always wanted to start a dog walking business out of his love for dogs and had been planning for it for quite a time. He believes that he has fully explored the dog training area and now it was time for him to move on to something new related to dogs. He wants to dedicate his life to serving these voiceless innocent creatures and the best way to do that was to start his own business plan for dog walking . Dog walking business was the most suitable option as it requires a minimum capital and investment group business as compared to other dog businesses.

3.3 How the Business will be started

Mills has planned everything about his business plan dog walking . All the initial investment will be made by Mills himself and he won’t need any loans, at least for the first year of operations. Being experienced in the pet industry, Mill knows how to start and how to promote dog walking business . PupWalk will be a bonded, insured and licensed dog daycare business. Mills is about to acquire the license for the company and has already procured a beautiful facility near the residential zone of the city. The cost of inventory has been estimated with the help of experts. Mills, with the help of financial experts, has forecasted following costs for expenses, assets, investment, and bank loans for the Start-up .

The detailed start-up requirements, start-up funding, start-up expenses, total assets, total funding required, total liabilities, total planned investment, total capital and liabilities as forecasted by experts, is given below:

Services for customers

We will also provide transportation services to pick and drop the dogs from their owners hence facilitating them by every means.

Marketing Analysis of dog walking business

The most important component of the business plan of dog walking service is its accurate marketing analysis. Mills paid a lot of emphasis on it before developing the dog walking business plan . He even acquired the services of marketing experts to help him make the business plan of dog walking service .

5.1 Market Trends

The pet industry has seen a tremendous increase over the past few years. According to the American Pet Products Association, the residents of US spent a staggering amount of $60.28 Billion in 2015, $66.75 Billion in 2016, and are $69.36 in 2017. These stats show that this industry can be immensely profitable provided that you market yourself successfully. In the pet industry, the dog walking business has seen a consistent increase and the number of businesses providing dog services have found to increase exponentially. After carrying out a thorough research, our experts found that dog walking service is very much required especially in the busy cities like New York.

5.2 Marketing Segmentation

A successful and efficient marketing strategy can only be developed after we know our potential customers. That’s why our marketing experts carried out an extensive research to identify our target customers. Our experts have identified the following type of target audience which can become the future consumers of our services and products:

The detailed marketing segmentation of our target audience is as follows:

5.2.1 Individual Households

The biggest consumer of our services and products will be the community living in the Chelsea neighborhood of the city. The residential community includes three main types of people who will need our services.

• The first is the youth who due to their involvement in busy academic and social life has no time to walk their dogs themselves.
• The second is the working class men and women who also cannot spare time for walking their dogs due to their busy schedule.
• The third is those elderly people whose health doesn’t allow them to go for a walk.

These residents are also much likely to acquire our dog training, exercising, and veterinary services. Furthermore, the first two groups will need our services only during the official days of the week. We will see a reduction in sales from these groups in summer when most of the young residents will be on the vacation.

5.2.2 Corporate Organizations

Many corporate organizations like police or security agencies own detective dogs. They need their dogs to remain healthy and hence will require our services throughout the year.

5.2.3 Dog Dealers

There are also various dog dealers in the New York City. They also need their dogs to stay healthy but can’t walk such a large number of dogs themselves. Hence we will provide our services to them. We hope that these dealers will also help us generate a lot of revenue. They will also need our services throughout the year.

5.2.4 Animal Shelters

There are more than 3500 animal shelters in the United States for accommodating abandoned, stray, or lost animals. Usually, these shelters lack the dog walking staff, hence we hope to target the animal shelters located near us. The detailed market analysis of our potential customers is given in the following table:

5.3 Business Target

We aim to become the best dog walking business in the New York City within next three years. Our business target can be subdivided as follows:

• To achieve the net profit margin of $20k per month by the end of the first year
• To increase the profit margin by at least 15% each year
• To balance the initial cost of a startup with earned profits by the end of three years

5.4 Product Pricing

We have priced our products and services in similar ranges as our competitors. The reason behind this pricing policy is to attract as many customers towards us as possible. We will offer three types of packages which are:

• Daily package starting from $15
• Weekly package starting from $60
• Monthly package starting from $500

These packages also include transportation charges. Training and exercising will be inclusive of the monthly package. Veterinary services are free to cater all unforeseen circumstances.

excellent work

excellent work, competent advice. Alex is very friendly, great communication. 100% I recommend CGS capital. Thank you so much for your hard work!

6.1 Competitive Analysis

Luckily there is only a few other dog walking services in the Chelsea neighborhood of the New York City. So we will have a little competition ahead of us. But our biggest competitive edge will be the magnitude of our startup and the additional dog training, exercising, and veterinary services. Our second competitive edge will be our transportation services which are not provided by any of our competitors in the neighborhood.

6.2 Sales Strategy

Sales experts gave many dog walking business ideas to Mills for the purpose of increasing sales. It was decided that we will arrange special transportation facilities for our customers so that they can easily send their dogs to us. We will also offer special packages and discounts for organizations, dealers, and shelters.

6.3 Sales Forecast

Considering the market demand and the quality of our services, our sales pattern is expected to increase with years. Our experts have forecasted the following sales on the yearly basis which are summarized in the column charts.

The detailed information about sales forecast, total unit sales, total sales is given in the following table.

Personnel plan

7.1 company staff.

Mills will manage the overall operations of the business plan dog walking while the finances will be managed by Lisa. The company will initially hire a small team during the first year of its launch. The staff will increase with the increase in sales over the course of three years. The initially hired staff includes:

• 1 Accountant to maintain financial records.
• 4 Sales and Marketing Executives responsible for dealing with corporate businesses, dog dealers, and animal shelters
• 15 Dog Walkers to provide the main dog walking service
• 5 Dog Trainers which will also help them in exercise
• 4 Drivers to transportation of dogs owned by dealers, organizations, and shelters
• 1 Front Desk Officer to act as a receptionist in the company office
• 1 Veterinary Doctor to provide first-aid in case of an emergency

To ensure the best quality service, all employees will be selected through vigorous testing and will be trained for a month before starting their jobs.

7.2 Average Salary of Employees

The following table shows the forecasted data about employees and their salaries for next three years, as calculated by the financial experts of the company.

Financial Plan

The finance experts helped Mills in setting the dog walking business prices and developing a financial plan for the company. The financial plan developed by them outlines the development of company over the next three years.

8.1 Important Assumptions

The company’s financial projections are forecasted on the basis of following assumptions.

These assumptions are quite conservative and are also expected to show deviation but to a limited level such that the company’s major financial strategy will not be affected.

8.2 Brake-even Analysis

The following graph shows the company’s Brake-even Analysis.

The following table shows the company’s Brake-even Analysis.

8.3 Projected Profit and Loss

8.3.1 profit monthly.

8.3.2 Profit Yearly

8.3.3 Gross Margin Monthly

8.3.4 Gross Margin Yearly

8.4 Projected Cash Flow

The following column diagram shows the projected cash flow.

The following table shows detailed data about pro forma cash flow, subtotal cash from operations, subtotal cash received, sub-total spent on operations, subtotal cash spent.

8.5 Projected Balance Sheet

The following projected balance sheet shows data about total current assets, total long-term assets, total assets, subtotal current liabilities, total liabilities, total capital, total liabilities and capital.

8.6 Business Ratios

The following table shows data about business ratios, ratio analysis, total assets, net worth.

Download Dog Walking Business Plan Sample in pdf

OGS capital writers specialize in business plan themes such as doggie daycare business plan , starting a dog training business , start horse boarding business , business plan for horse education , dog and cat kennel business plan , opening a pet photographer business and many others.

OGSCapital’s team has assisted thousands of entrepreneurs with top-rate business plan development, consultancy and analysis. They’ve helped thousands of SME owners secure more than $1.5 billion in funding, and they can do the same for you.

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This is great for helping my daughter start her own small business. However, the link to download the .pdf for a dog walking business goes to a hospital business plan; not useful at all. Would it be possible to just send the correct link my way, please?

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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. All in all, it’ll sit somewhere around the £11 mark.

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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Must Love Dogs — Here's How to Start a Dog Walking Business

D o you melt when you see a furry friend? Is barking your love language? If you’re a dog lover who’s looking for a side hustle , you may want to start a dog walking business.

With companies requiring a return to office , many pets will be left alone during the day. According to Psychology Today, 78% of dog owners would like their dogs walked twice a day, and they all think it’s a great way for their dog to relax and be healthy.

So, a professional dog walker may be the answer to their problem.

Follow these 9 steps to start a dog walking business.

It's easy to set up a dog walking business and it can be quite profitable. Follow these steps to get started and find out how much you should get paid to walk a dog.

1. Get trained

Take an online course or work with a dog training school to learn about safety for dog walking so you feel more comfortable and people will want to work with you.

If you have friends or family members with professional dog walking experience, you can ask them questions or follow them to get insights and find out what it’s like to walk dogs.

2. Decide on services

Figure out if you just want to stick with dog walking or add a few more services like pet sitting, overnight boarding, grooming services, medications, or pet transport.

You should determine your rates, location, weekly minimum of walks. It's also important for you to create a contract.

3. Write a business plan

A business plan outlines your company description and a breakdown of services, marketing strategies, financial outlook, terms, policies, and goals.

4. Research your competitors

The more you learn about the market and other pet sitting and dog walking businesses in your area, the more you’ll learn about demand and how to set rates.

Examples of pricing options:

Individual dog walk: $25 for 30 minutes, $30 for 60 minutes

Group dog walk (up to 4 dogs): $30 for 60 minutes

Overnight pet sitting : $75 per night

Daytime pet sitting: $30 per 20 minutes, $50 for twice a day

Additional services: Dog training ($50 per hour) or grooming ($50 each)

You could also offer weekly or monthly packages:

• Weekly dog walking package: $145 for 5 walks (30 minutes each)
• Monthly pet sitting package: $500 for 10 overnight stays

5. Choose a business name

Be unique so you stand out and choose a name that isn’t already taken or trademarked. Brainstorm word associations for your own name or pet-related terms. You could also use a free business name generator like Namelix .

Once you’ve decided on a name, purchase the website to market your business.

6. Decide on a legal business structure

Most independent dog walkers operate as a sole proprietorship or a one-person company. You may want to use a “doing business as” (DBA) name or register as an LLC to give you extra protection.

7. Obtain licenses and insurance

Find out if your state and local area require a business license and check the Small Business Administration site to find out state license requirements. You should get liability insurance to be protected in case there’s an accident.

8. Obtain a federal and state tax ID number

Register your side hustle as a business to get a federal and state tax ID number for tax reasons.

You’ll need to provide a W-9 to any third parties you work with, like a dog walking app and get an employer identification number so you don’t have to list your social security number.

9. Choose business tools

From booking to cancellations, invoicing and accounting, you'll need apps, tools, and accounting software that are easy to use and help you to:

• Accept digital payments
• Book or reschedule appointments
• Chat with clients
• Track income and mileage

What are some risks of a dog-walking business?

Like any venture, a dog-walking venture can come with some risks which include the potential for accidents or injuries, unpredictable weather, challenges managing clients, not getting paid, getting injured, or dealing with tricky and unpredictable schedules.

Is a dog walking business profitable?

Since your business will generate revenue from every dog you walk, the more you walk, the more you make. But dog walker rates vary by city, with the U.S. average hourly wage for dog walkers at $16/hour .

When you first start out, you may need another source of income, but if you keep it up, generate publicity and find more clients, you may find that a dog walking business can be quite profitable.

Doggie Connect

Navigate Your Dog's World

How to Start a Dog Walking Business for 12 Year Olds

Why starting a dog walking business is a great idea for 12 year olds.

Starting a dog walking business at the age of 12 can be an excellent opportunity to learn valuable life skills, develop responsibility, and earn some extra money. Not only does it allow young individuals to spend time outdoors, but it also teaches them about the importance of caring for animals and being trustworthy. Additionally, it provides a sense of independence and accomplishment as young entrepreneurs.

One of the key benefits of starting a dog walking business at the age of 12 is the opportunity to develop strong communication skills. As young entrepreneurs, 12-year-olds will need to effectively communicate with their clients, understanding their specific needs and requirements for their pets. This experience can help them become better listeners and communicators, which are essential skills in any future career or personal relationships.

Furthermore, running a dog walking business can also foster a sense of empathy and compassion in 12-year-olds. By interacting with different dogs and understanding their unique personalities and needs, young individuals can learn to be more empathetic towards animals and develop a deeper understanding of their emotions. This can translate into a greater appreciation for all living creatures and a desire to make a positive impact on the world.

The Benefits of Starting a Dog Walking Business at a Young Age

There are numerous benefits to starting a dog walking business at a young age. Firstly, it helps to instill a sense of discipline and time management skills. With the responsibility of caring for someone else’s pet, young dog walkers learn the importance of being punctual and accountable. This experience also teaches them how to handle unexpected situations and make quick decisions. Moreover, starting a business at a young age can set individuals on the path of entrepreneurship and create a strong foundation for future endeavors.

Additionally, starting a dog walking business at a young age can provide valuable opportunities for personal growth and development. Young entrepreneurs can learn important life skills such as communication, negotiation, and problem-solving. Interacting with clients and their pets allows them to improve their social skills and build confidence in dealing with different types of people and animals. Furthermore, running a business at a young age can foster a sense of independence and self-reliance, as young dog walkers are responsible for managing their own schedules, finances, and customer relationships. Overall, starting a dog walking business at a young age offers a unique chance for young individuals to gain practical experience, develop essential skills, and lay the groundwork for a successful future.

Essential Skills and Qualities for Young Dog Walkers

To excel as a young dog walker, there are essential skills and qualities that one should possess. Firstly, it is important to have a genuine love and understanding of dogs. Patience, compassion, and the ability to remain calm in potentially stressful situations are also crucial. Furthermore, strong communication skills are essential when interacting with the dog owners and potential clients. Finally, young dog walkers must be physically fit and capable of handling larger or more energetic dogs that may require extra strength and control.

Another important skill for young dog walkers is knowledge of basic dog training techniques. This includes understanding how to properly leash train a dog, teach basic commands, and manage any behavioral issues that may arise during walks. Having this knowledge can help ensure the safety and well-being of both the dog and the walker.

In addition, young dog walkers should also have a good sense of responsibility and reliability. Dog owners rely on their walkers to show up on time and provide consistent care for their pets. Being dependable and trustworthy is essential in building a strong reputation as a dog walker and maintaining a loyal client base.

How to Create a Business Plan for your Dog Walking Service

Creating a solid business plan is an important step in starting a dog walking service. Begin by identifying your target market and conducting market research to assess the demand for dog walking in your area. Determine your pricing structure, taking into consideration factors such as the number of dogs walked, duration of walks, and any additional services offered. Set specific goals for your business, such as the number of clients you aim to acquire within a certain timeframe. Finally, outline your marketing strategies and financial projections to ensure a clear direction for your business.

Once you have established your pricing structure and goals, it is important to consider the operational aspects of your dog walking service. Determine the number of dog walkers you will need to hire based on the demand for your services. Develop a training program to ensure that your dog walkers are knowledgeable and capable of handling different breeds and temperaments. Additionally, create a system for scheduling and tracking walks to ensure efficient and reliable service for your clients.

Another crucial aspect of your business plan is to establish a strong brand identity for your dog walking service. Choose a name and logo that reflects the values and personality of your business. Develop a website and social media presence to showcase your services and engage with potential clients. Consider offering additional services such as pet sitting or grooming to differentiate yourself from competitors. Finally, establish partnerships with local veterinarians or pet stores to expand your network and attract more clients.

Choosing the Right Pricing Strategy for Your Dog Walking Business

When it comes to pricing your dog walking services, it is important to strike a balance between being competitive in the market and appropriately valuing your time and efforts. Research the pricing of other dog walking businesses in your area to gain an understanding of the average rates. Consider factors such as the duration of walks, distance traveled, and any additional services provided. Additionally, take into account costs such as transportation, marketing, and insurance. It may be beneficial to offer different pricing packages to cater to a variety of clients’ needs and budgets.

Another important factor to consider when choosing the right pricing strategy for your dog walking business is the level of experience and expertise you bring to the table. If you have extensive training or certifications in dog behavior or first aid, you may be able to justify charging a higher rate than your competitors. On the other hand, if you are just starting out or have limited experience, it may be more appropriate to offer a lower introductory rate to attract clients and build your reputation. Remember, as you gain more experience and positive reviews, you can gradually increase your prices to reflect the value you provide.

How to Market and Promote Your Dog Walking Services as a 12 Year Old

Marketing and promoting your dog walking services is essential to attract clients and grow your business. Start by creating professional-looking flyers or business cards that highlight your services and contact information. Distribute these materials in local pet stores, veterinary clinics, and community notice boards. Utilize social media platforms to reach a wider audience by creating engaging posts and sharing cute pictures of dogs you’ve walked. Additionally, consider offering special promotions or referral incentives to encourage word-of-mouth marketing.

Tips for Finding Your First Clients as a Young Dog Walker

As a young dog walker, finding your first clients may seem daunting, but with the right approach, it can be achieved. Begin by reaching out to friends, family, and neighbors who own dogs and offer your services. They may be willing to give you a chance and recommend you to others. Consider volunteering at local animal shelters or offering your services at a discounted rate initially to gain experience and build a client base. Online platforms and community forums dedicated to pet services can also be valuable in connecting with potential clients.

Ensuring Safety and Responsibility as a 12 Year Old Dog Walker

As a 12-year-old dog walker, safety and responsibility should be your top priorities. Always prioritize the well-being of the dogs in your care and follow any instructions given by the owners. Make sure to have a strong understanding of dog behavior and body language to identify signs of distress or aggression. Use proper leash techniques and equipment to maintain control during walks. In case of emergencies or unexpected situations, have a plan in place to contact the dog owner or seek veterinary assistance if necessary.

The Importance of Properly Handling Different Types of Dogs while Walking

Properly handling different types of dogs while walking is crucial for their safety and the walker’s success. Different breeds and sizes may require different handling techniques. It is important to be familiar with various leash handling methods and understand the specific needs of each dog. Some dogs may be more reactive to certain stimuli, while others may have physical limitations. Adjusting your approach accordingly ensures a positive and enjoyable experience for both the dog and yourself.

How to Create an Effective Schedule for your Dog Walking Business

Creating an effective schedule is essential for managing your dog walking business efficiently. Start by determining your availability and the number of walks you can comfortably handle each day. Consider the time required to travel between clients’ locations and factor in buffer time for unexpected delays. Keep in mind the duration of each walk and any additional services you offer. Finally, communicate your availability and schedule clearly to your clients to avoid any confusion or overlapping appointments.

Managing Time and Balancing Schoolwork with Your Dog Walking Business

Managing time and balancing schoolwork with a dog walking business requires effective time management skills. Create a schedule that allows dedicated time for schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and your dog walking business. Prioritize tasks and set realistic goals to ensure that you can fulfill your commitments without compromising your education. Communicate with your clients about your availability and any expected time constraints to manage their expectations. Seeking help from family members or friends when needed can also provide support and assistance.

Building Positive Relationships with Your Clients and their Dogs

Building positive relationships with your clients and their dogs is essential for the success of your dog walking business. Show genuine care and affection for the dogs you walk, and treat them as if they were your own. Communicate regularly with the dog owners, providing updates and addressing any concerns they may have. Maintaining professionalism and reliability fosters trust and loyalty in your clients. Going the extra mile by remembering special occasions or providing personalized services can also help to strengthen the bond with your clients.

Ways to Expand and Grow Your Dog Walking Business as You Get Older

As you get older, there are several ways to expand and grow your dog walking business. Consider offering additional services such as pet sitting, grooming, or training. This diversifies your revenue streams and provides more comprehensive care for your clients’ dogs. As you gain experience and knowledge, consider obtaining certifications or further education in dog behavior and training. This can position you as an expert in your field and attract more clients. Finally, leverage technology by creating a professional website or utilizing online booking platforms to streamline your business operations.

Dealing with Challenges and Difficult Situations as a Young Dog Walker

Being a young dog walker may present various challenges and difficult situations. It is important to remain calm and composed and handle these circumstances with maturity and professionalism. Develop problem-solving skills to address issues such as a dog’s unruly behavior or an emergency situation. Seek guidance from experienced dog walkers or consult with the dog owners if you are unsure of how to handle a particular situation. Learning from these challenges and adapting your approach will make you a more experienced and confident dog walker.

Resources and Tools to Help You Succeed in Your Dog Walking Business at 12 years old

There are several resources and tools available to help you succeed in your dog walking business at the age of 12. Online resources provide valuable information on dog behavior, handling techniques, and business strategies. Consider joining online communities or forums dedicated to dog walking and pet services to connect with fellow professionals and gain insights. Additionally, invest in reliable equipment such as leashes, treats, and waste disposal bags to ensure a safe and comfortable experience for both you and the dogs you walk. Don’t forget to stay updated on local regulations and licensing requirements for dog walkers in your area.

I’m a dog enthusiast and creator of Doggie Connect, a blog sharing my experience caring for dogs. I love dogs and I’m committed to helping others with dog care. Contact me at [email protected] for assistance.

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The Accidental Tax Cutter in Chief

President biden says he wants to rake in more money from corporations and high earners. but so far, he has cut more taxes than he’s raised..

This transcript was created using speech recognition software. While it has been reviewed by human transcribers, it may contain errors. Please review the episode audio before quoting from this transcript and email [email protected] with any questions.

From “The New York Times,” I’m Michael Barbaro. This is “The Daily.”

[THEME MUSIC]

Today, in his campaign for re-election, President Biden says that raising taxes is at the heart of his agenda. But as it turns out so far, he’s done the opposite as president. My colleague Jim Tankersley explains.

It’s Wednesday, April 3.

Jim, welcome back. We haven’t seen you since the State of the Union. Always a pleasure.

So, so great to be here. And yeah, I finally recovered from staying up all night with you guys.

Yeah, you don’t even know all night. You stopped and we kept going.

That’s true. I did. I got a robust three hours that night. You’re right.

[LAUGHS]:: So Jim, in your capacity as really the chief economic thinker covering this president, you recently came across something very surprising.

Yeah, it started with a pretty basic question for me. I like to do this crazy thing, Michael, where I like to take candidates’ promises and see if they’ve come true.

It’s a little bit wild, but it’s what I do for fun. And in this case, I wanted to look at a very central promise of President Biden’s campaign in 2020, which he has repeated while in office.

I promise you, I guarantee you we can build back, and build back better with an economy that rewards work, not wealth.

The promise was he was going to raise taxes.

But I tell you what I’m going to do, and I make no apologies for it. I’m going to ask the wealthiest Americans and the biggest corporations of the Fortune 500 companies, 91 making a collective billions of dollars, didn’t pay a single solitary penny in federal tax!

Not taxes on the middle class, not taxes on low income workers, but he was going to raise taxes on corporations and the rich.

But I’m going to make sure they pay their fair share!

He was going to make them pay their fair share. And he leaned into it.

Guess what? You’re going to start paying your fair share. I’m going to ask them to finally begin to pay the fair share. It’s not a punishment. Pay your fair share.

He said it over and over.

Fair share? Translation — it’s back to the failed policies of the 1970s.

Republicans loved this. They repeated it too. They told voters that the president was going to raise taxes.

Joe Biden bragging about raising taxes on corporations. That means less money for those very employers to hire people back.

They talked about all the ways in which corporate tax increases could rebound on workers.

Joe Biden will shut down your economy, raise taxes, wants a $4 trillion tax increase. He’s the only politician I’ve ever seen who said, we will raise your taxes. You’re supposed —

It was a very big part of the economic debate for the campaign.

And I wanted to know, is that true? Has that actually played out in the policy agenda the president has had?

So I asked some economists at the Tax Policy Center in Washington to run an analysis and just say, let’s look at all of the ways Biden has changed the tax code in all of those laws he’s signed, and ask, has he raised taxes as president? And it turns out the answer is he has not raised taxes.

On net, he has cut more taxes than he’s raised.

How much more has he cut taxes than raised them?

So by the math that economists use when they look at budgets, the traditional way of scoring tax changes, he has cut taxes by $600 billion on net.

Hmm. A lot of money, a lot of tax cuts.

It’s a lot of tax cuts. The president has been a net tax cutter.

So Jim, why and how did Biden end up cutting taxes, especially if his stated intent was to raise taxes?

Well, there’s two sides of this equation and two complementary explanations for what’s happened here. The first side is the tax increases that Biden ran on, he’s only done a couple of them. He has trillions of dollars of ideas for how to raise taxes on rich people and corporations. The Treasury Department publishes an entire book full of them every year called “The Green Book.”

But in the actual legislation he signed, there’s only been a couple, really. There was a tax on stock buybacks that companies do and then a new minimum tax for certain multinational corporations that have very low tax rates. Those add up to real money, but they are not, in the grand scheme of Biden’s tax increases, a really large amount of the agenda he’s proposed.

So explanation number one, he just hasn’t been that successful in passing tax increases, and there’s a lot of reasons for that. The biggest one is just the simplest one is that he’s just had a really hard time persuading members of Congress, including Democrats, to back some of his favorite tax increases. He wants to raise the corporate income tax rate, which President Trump cut in his 2017 tax bill. Biden wants to raise it to 28 percent from 21 percent. Congress has not had any appetite to go along with that.

He wanted to get rid of what’s called the carried interest loophole, a long-time white whale of Democratic policy making. But he could not get even 50 Democrats to go along with that. Senator Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona was opposed to it, and so it didn’t get included.

And he did some pieces of legislation on a bipartisan basis. And in those cases, Republicans were just not going to pay for anything by raising taxes, and so he had to take those off the table there. So it’s all added up to just not very much activity in Congress to raise taxes on what Biden wants to do.

Got it. So that’s the side of a ledger where Biden simply fails to increase taxes because he can’t get Congress to increase taxes.

Right. But there’s another side, which is also that Biden has signed into law a decent number of tax cuts.

And that starts from the very beginning. Just a couple of months into his presidency, if you’ll recall, we’re still in the depths of the COVID-19 pandemic, the economy is wobbling after it had started to rebound. Biden proposes what is essentially a stimulus bill.

And he includes some tax cuts in there, a tax cut for families, a child tax credit. And it also includes — you remember those direct checks that people got as part of that bill?

Yes, $1,400. I remember them.

Yes, those were technically tax cuts.

So the stimulus bill starts with that. The next year, he passes this bill that is trying to accelerate manufacturing of things like semiconductors in the United States. That’s the CHIPS Act. And that includes some corporate tax cuts for companies that invest in the kind of manufacturing that Biden wants. This is industrial policy via carrots for corporations. And Biden is handing them out as part of this bill.

So tax cuts there. And then finally the Inflation Reduction Act, which includes the largest climate effort in American history is a bunch of corporate tax cuts at its core, tax cuts for manufacturing of solar panels, tax cuts for people to buy electric vehicles, tax cuts for all sorts of things tied to the transition from fossil fuels to lower emission sources of energy. And those tax cuts add up. They add up for corporations. They add up for individuals. And in the end, that full suite of tax cuts that he’s passed across all of this legislation outweighs the modest tax increases that were also included in the Inflation Reduction Act to reduce its cost.

Got it. So a very big reason why Biden ends up cutting taxes, beyond the fact that he’s not able to raise them through Congress, is that that’s what it took, according to those in his administration, to get American industry and American consumers to change their behavior in line with policy goals such as getting more domestic computer chip manufacturing and getting more people to buy electric vehicles they decided the way to do that was to give people tax breaks, which means he cut their taxes.

Right, people and companies. The president certainly has talked throughout the campaign about wanting to give middle class families a break. But he has also, in the process of crafting policy, really come to rely on tax cuts for people and for corporations as a way of achieving these policy goals. And in many cases, again, this is what he had to do to pass these bills through even Democrats in Congress.

Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia didn’t want to just send money to companies that were making solar panels. He wanted there to be tax incentives for it. And so that is part of the reason why these were created as tax incentives. And so all of this adds up to more of a tax cutting record than you might have imagined when Biden was on the campaign trail.

I’m curious who really ended up benefiting from these tax cuts. You said they went to people and to corporations, but on the whole, did they end up reaching lower income Americans, middle income Americans, or the rich?

Well, we don’t have a full distributional analysis, which is what you’re asking for, of the entirety of Biden’s tax changes. But what we can say this — particularly the ones that were in that early stimulus bill, the recovery plan, those were very much targeted toward lower income and middle income Americans.

There were income limits on who could get things like the Child Tax Credit. Obviously, the direct payments went to people who were middle class or less. So the analysis of that would suggest that these were tax cuts for lower income people, for middle class people. And on the flip side, what I think we are likely to see with the electric vehicle credit through the Inflation Reduction Act is that while there are some income limits on who can qualify for that credit, that the people who end up claiming that credit tend to be the higher earners among the people who qualify.

Right. Who buys a Tesla, after all? Somebody with a fair amount of money.

Right, exactly. And of course, the corporate tax cuts go to companies, flow through to their shareholders. There’s a huge debate in the academic literature among politicians about how much of that benefit actually ends up going to their workers versus stays with shareholders. But we can broadly say that Joe Biden has done a lot for certain corporations who are trying to advance his manufacturing goals in particular to reduce their tax bills. And that is certainly not in line with the rhetoric you hear him talking about most of the time about making corporations pay their fair share. And the White House acknowledges this. I asked them about it. And they basically said, we think there’s a difference between just cutting the corporate tax rate in a way that helps anybody no matter what they’re doing and what we’re trying to do, which is basically reward corporations for accelerating the energy transition.

Understood. But where does this ultimately leave Biden’s campaign promise to make the tax code fairer and to make sure that the well-off in particular and corporations are paying their, what he calls, fair share?

Well, I think by Biden’s own measurements, by his own ambitions, he would have to agree that he is nowhere close to what he believes would be a fair share for corporations. Because Biden is still running on this. As he enters his re-election campaign, as it really heats up, a rematch with Donald Trump, the president is really leaning into this message of we need to do more. We need to raise more taxes on corporate America. It is time for these companies and for high earners to pay their fair share.

Right. I didn’t get it done in the first term. But if you elect me, I’ll get it done in the second.

Give me another shot, and this time, I promise, will be different.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

We’ll be right back.

So Jim, let’s talk about Biden’s tax raising plans for a theoretical second term and why anyone should have any faith that he could get it done, if there’s a second term, given the experience so far of his first term.

Yeah, well, man, there’s a lot of plans to talk about. I don’t think we can get through all of them, but we can certainly hit the highlights here. So we can start with the couple of things that Biden has been able to do to raise taxes on corporations. He wants to take those and then plus them up.

He’s put this new minimum tax on corporations. It’s a 15 percent minimum tax on certain multinationals. He now wants to raise that to 21 percent.

He wants to take that corporate stock buyback tax which is 1 percent right now, and he’d like to quadruple it to 4 percent. And then he goes after some things large and small. He wants to do new taxes that hit the use of corporate and private jets. He wants to do new taxes on companies that pay large amounts of compensation to their executives.

And then we get to some really big taxes on high earning individuals. So the president has said over and over again, he won’t raise taxes on anyone making less than $400,000 a year. But he’s got a bunch of taxes for the people above that. So he wants to raise the top marginal income tax rate. He wants to take it from 37 percent, which is the level set by President Trump’s 2017 tax law, and bring it back to 39.6 percent, which is what it was before. He also wants to impose what he calls a billionaires tax.

OK. It’s a 25 percent tax on the total value of all of the assets of anyone worth more than $100 million.

OK, wait. I have several questions about this.

First being a fact check, if it’s a billionaires tax, it’s interesting that it’s going after people who have just 100 million.

Yeah, I think most billionaires would be offended at the inclusion of 100 millionaires in that. Yes, totally agree. That is factually inaccurate, the name.

Right. But beyond that, this sounds very much like a wealth tax, which we don’t really have in our system.

Yeah, it’s a sort of wealth tax. The Biden people don’t call it a wealth tax, but it is a tax on something other than income that you report every year to the IRS as having been earned. It goes beyond just, oh, I got interest from my stock holdings or I made money from my job. It’s, oh, the value of my art collection increased last year, and now Biden’s going to tax me on that increase, even if I didn’t sell the art.

That’s a real change, and that reflects the president’s view that people with enough money to buy enormous art collections that appreciate enormously in value should be paying more in taxes.

Right. And of course, a tax like this is extremely perhaps maddeningly hard to actually pull off. It’s hard to get someone to describe their art collection’s value so that you can apply a 25 tax to it. So this might end up being more of a political statement than a practical tax.

Yeah, there’s also questions about whether it’s constitutional. So there’s all sorts of drama around this proposal, but it is certainly, if nothing else, a statement of the president’s intent to make people worth a lot of money pay a lot more in taxes.

OK, so that’s a lot of proposed tax increases, almost all of them focused on those who are rich and corporations. Overall, Jim, what stands out to you about this Biden term two tax increase plan?

I think we could very fairly say that it’s the largest tax increasing plan by a sitting president or a presidential nominee for a party in American history.

He wants to get a lot of money from corporations and people who earn or are worth a lot of money.

But the rub, of course, is it’s hard to see the Congressional math that lets Biden accomplish these tax increases, some of which, like you said, he couldn’t get done the first time. Why would we think he would get them done the second time even if he wins this fall?

Yeah, it would be really difficult. Biden would have to win in November. Democrats would have to take the House of Representatives back from Republicans, which is certainly possible. It’s very closely divided right now. And they’d need to hold at least 50 seats in the Senate. And then those 50 Democrats in the Senate would have to be willing to go along with far more in tax increases than Democrats were last time around.

So if there is a second term, it feels like we should assume it will be very difficult perhaps even quite unlikely he’s going to get to push through a lot of these taxes. Which makes me wonder, Jim, why is Biden running on a tax program that he knows has so little chance of becoming reality and when it’s pretty clear that he’s gotten a lot of stuff done without raising taxes? It turns out that’s not been all that essential to getting infrastructure or climate bills done. So why is he making this so central?

Several reasons. One of them is it’s very important to him rhetorically to talk about fiscal responsibility. Big parts of the Biden agenda, the CHIPS bill, the infrastructure bill, some other legislation, were not actually paid for. The spending and tax cuts were not offset by tax increases.

So they’re going to add to the debt.

Right. So they’re going to add to the debt. Same is true of the stimulus bill. But moving forward, the president has said that he’s going to pay for his agenda and he’s actually going to have some extra tax dollars coming in left over to help pay down future budget deficits. And on paper, it’s the way to pay for Biden’s other big, expansive plans that he hasn’t been able to do but wants to — universal child care, federal paid leave, investing in elder care, just a whole bunch of things that he still wants to do more — housing initiatives.

The president needs money to make a case that he’s being fiscally responsible, and this is the money that would do that.

So that’s one reason. Another reason is the calendar. Biden and his team are looking ahead to the end of 2025, and they know that if he wins another term, he will be in office at a rare moment in Washington, when basically tax policy has to be on the Congressional agenda.

Well, Republicans, when they passed their tax cuts in 2017, set a bunch of them to expire at the end of 2025 in order to lower the cost of the bill.

These are the Trump tax cuts.

The Trump tax cuts. And that includes all the tax cuts for individuals. So now that those are coming due, there’s going to be a fight in Washington over whether to extend them or make them permanent or change them in some way or just let them expire, and Democrats know there’s going to be a huge fight that will reach almost certainly the floor of the House and the Senate. And so Biden wants to be ready.

He wants to be ready with a suite of policy proposals that Democrats can basically pull off the shelf and try to use to put Republicans in a box. Basically say, we would like to keep taxes low or cut them further for low income workers, middle class workers. But we want to pay for that by raising taxes on the rich. You Republicans also want to do nice things for low and middle class workers, but you want to cut taxes for corporations and the rich, and we think that’s a political loser for you.

So Biden is ready with what they think will be a political winner for Democrats in this almost certain floor tax fight at the end of 2025.

And that brings us to the last reason why Biden is doing this, and maybe the most important, which is it’s really good politics.

Just explain that. Why is talking about tax increases, net tax increases, such good politics?

If you talk to Democratic pollsters, if you talk to people inside the White House, outside the White House, political strategists anywhere in Biden’s orbit, they all agree that the public loves the idea of forcing rich people and corporations to pay their, quote, “fair share.” It’s just become a winning and central political argument in Democratic campaigns, the idea that corporations avoid taxes, that rich people avoid taxes, and that Joe Biden is trying to position himself as a champion of the idea that they need to pay more. Those corporations and those rich people need to pay more, and he’s going to make it happen.

You’re describing this as something that is kind of a new political reality. Is that right?

Yeah, it’s evolved over the last decade or so I think. For a long time in Washington, the conventional wisdom was just couldn’t talk about tax increases of any kind. They were poison. There was a whole anti-tax movement that did a really good job of messaging that, and Democratic candidates got very scared of talking about raising taxes even on the very, very rich.

That started to turn over time. But it’s really changed. I think we saw in the 2020 election that the Democratic primary had just enormous amounts of taxes on corporations and the rich funding all sorts of policy proposals — Medicare for all and universal child care and trillions and trillions of dollars — and Democratic candidates like Liz Warren and Bernie Sanders competing to see who could tax corporations and the rich the most.

Biden is a product of that primary. He was one of the most moderate people in that group, but his proposals are really outside of the historical norm for Democratic candidates up until then. And that reflects the fact that pollsters have been doing all this research, finding that the American people, including independents and increasingly numbers of Republicans, just don’t think corporations pay their fair share and are open to the idea they should pay more.

This is really interesting, and it makes me think that what you’re really saying is that there might have been a time when a Democratic nominee like Joe Biden might have reveled in his image as an overall tax cutter. But that is not this moment, and that is not this candidate. He wants to be a tax increaser. He thinks that is where the politics are.

I think that’s exactly right when you think about tax increaser as tax increaser on the rich and on corporations. There’s two ways to be a successful populist politician. One of them is to be like Trump and run around saying you’re going to do enormous tax cuts for everybody, which is a Republican version of populism. Trump, my biggest tax cut in history, I’m going to do another huge, enormous tax cut. It’s going to be so big you won’t believe it.

There might have been a time when Democrats tried to follow that playbook. But Biden’s not doing that. He’s leaning into the other side of populism. He’s telling workers, hey, I’m on your side with these big companies. They’re trying to screw you, and I’m not going to stand for it. And so I’m going to raise their taxes. I’m going to make them pay more so that there’s more money for you, whether that’s more tax cuts or more programs or whatever.

And that is the Democratic version of populism right now, and that’s the one that Joe Biden is running on. And that’s why he’s so happy to talk about raising corporate taxes because it’s a way to tell workers, hey, I’m on your side.

Right. Even if that’s not what he’s done or ever may be able to do.

Yeah. Part of the problem with populism is that you make a lot of promises you can’t keep, and this certainly, in his first term, has been an area where the president has talked a much bigger game than he’s been able to execute. The second term might be different, but that doesn’t really matter for the campaign. What matters is the rhetoric.

Well, Jim, thank you very much. We appreciate it.

Thank you. Always a pleasure.

Here’s what else you need to know today. On Tuesday, Israel confirmed that it had carried out the airstrike that killed seven aid workers delivering food to civilians in Gaza. The attack, which occurred on Monday, struck a convoy run by the World Central Kitchen, a nonprofit group. At the time of the attack, the aid workers were traveling in clearly marked cars that designated them as non-combatants.

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the attack as unintentional and said that his government deeply regretted the deaths. In its own statement, World Central Kitchen called the strike unforgivable and said that as a result, it would suspend its aid work in Gaza, where millions of people are in dire need of both food and medicine.

Today’s episode was produced by Stella Tan and Mary Wilson with help from Michael Simon Johnson. It was edited by Lisa Chow, contains original music by Dan Powell and Marion Lozano, and was engineered by Chris Wood. Our theme music is by Jim Brunberg and Ben Landsverk of Wonderly.

That’s it for “The Daily.” I’m Michael Barbaro. See you tomorrow.

• April 4, 2024   •   32:37 Israel’s Deadly Airstrike on the World Central Kitchen
• April 3, 2024   •   27:42 The Accidental Tax Cutter in Chief
• April 2, 2024   •   29:32 Kids Are Missing School at an Alarming Rate
• April 1, 2024   •   36:14 Ronna McDaniel, TV News and the Trump Problem
• March 29, 2024   •   48:42 Hamas Took Her, and Still Has Her Husband
• March 28, 2024   •   33:40 The Newest Tech Start-Up Billionaire? Donald Trump.
• March 27, 2024   •   28:06 Democrats’ Plan to Save the Republican House Speaker
• March 26, 2024   •   29:13 The United States vs. the iPhone
• March 25, 2024   •   25:59 A Terrorist Attack in Russia
• March 24, 2024   •   21:39 The Sunday Read: ‘My Goldendoodle Spent a Week at Some Luxury Dog ‘Hotels.’ I Tagged Along.’
• March 22, 2024   •   35:30 Chuck Schumer on His Campaign to Oust Israel’s Leader
• March 21, 2024   •   27:18 The Caitlin Clark Phenomenon

Hosted by Michael Barbaro

Featuring Jim Tankersley

Produced by Stella Tan and Mary Wilson

With Michael Simon Johnson

Edited by Lisa Chow

Original music by Dan Powell and Marion Lozano

Engineered by Chris Wood

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In his campaign for re-election, President Biden has said that raising taxes on the wealthy and on big corporations is at the heart of his agenda. But under his watch, overall net taxes have decreased.

Jim Tankersley, who covers economic policy for The Times, explains.

On today’s episode

Jim Tankersley , who covers economic policy at the White House for The New York Times.

Background reading

An analysis prepared for The New York Times estimates that the tax changes President Biden has ushered into law will amount to a net cut of about $600 billion over four years.

“Does anybody here think the tax code’s fair?” For Mr. Biden, tax policy has been at the center of his efforts to make the economy more equitable.

There are a lot of ways to listen to The Daily. Here’s how.

We aim to make transcripts available the next workday after an episode’s publication. You can find them at the top of the page.

The Daily is made by Rachel Quester, Lynsea Garrison, Clare Toeniskoetter, Paige Cowett, Michael Simon Johnson, Brad Fisher, Chris Wood, Jessica Cheung, Stella Tan, Alexandra Leigh Young, Lisa Chow, Eric Krupke, Marc Georges, Luke Vander Ploeg, M.J. Davis Lin, Dan Powell, Sydney Harper, Mike Benoist, Liz O. Baylen, Asthaa Chaturvedi, Rachelle Bonja, Diana Nguyen, Marion Lozano, Corey Schreppel, Rob Szypko, Elisheba Ittoop, Mooj Zadie, Patricia Willens, Rowan Niemisto, Jody Becker, Rikki Novetsky, John Ketchum, Nina Feldman, Will Reid, Carlos Prieto, Ben Calhoun, Susan Lee, Lexie Diao, Mary Wilson, Alex Stern, Dan Farrell, Sophia Lanman, Shannon Lin, Diane Wong, Devon Taylor, Alyssa Moxley, Summer Thomad, Olivia Natt, Daniel Ramirez and Brendan Klinkenberg.

Our theme music is by Jim Brunberg and Ben Landsverk of Wonderly. Special thanks to Sam Dolnick, Paula Szuchman, Lisa Tobin, Larissa Anderson, Julia Simon, Sofia Milan, Mahima Chablani, Elizabeth Davis-Moorer, Jeffrey Miranda, Renan Borelli, Maddy Masiello, Isabella Anderson and Nina Lassam.

Jim Tankersley writes about economic policy at the White House and how it affects the country and the world. He has covered the topic for more than a dozen years in Washington, with a focus on the middle class. More about Jim Tankersley

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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

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