Love dogs? Make money by taking them for a walk!
If you need extra money and you love dogs you should consider starting your own dog walking business. There are many people who need this service... busy people, elderly people, lazy people, rich people! For whatever reason a lot of dog owners simply can't walk their dogs. And their dogs spend many lonely hours home alone just wishing someone would take them out for some fresh air. That person can be you!
Get the word out that you are willing to walk dogs. Tell your friends and have them tell their friends and co-workers. Make flyers and put them in pet stores, veterinary offices, pet shelters, libraries and office buildings. Soon everyone will know about your service!
What you charge for your service is up to you. But here's the secret to quick success... charge as little as you can in the beginning. It's the easiest way to get your first client. Tell them it's a special deal as a trail basis. Then if they like your services the price can go up later to a predetermined amount.
Dress nice! I suggest a uniform even for walking a dog. It can be as simple as blue jeans and a t-shirt or sweatshirt. The point is to look the same every day. It gives you a professional look. You can even have lettering on your shirt saying "I Walk Dogs" so others can ask you about your service! And always have business cards available to hand out to people you meet while walking dogs.
Go the extra step to please your clients. Provide your own leash and pooper scooper. Offer to provide other small services like feeding the dog, giving them fresh water, brushing them, etc. You can also offer to take in the newspaper or the mail while you are at the owner's home. Make yourself helpful and your client's will never want to let you go!
You may want to look into taking some local courses on how to train a dog. The more you know about dogs and how they behave the more credibility you will have under your belt. A dog walking business is a fun and easy way to make some extra money! Be a good dog walker and you will soon have a terrific new business!
For more info: Follow Darlene on Twitter and get to know her by visiting her web site at www.darlenemichaud.com
Comments
Good idea with low start-up costs for someone wanting extra income.
I think I need a cat-sitter.
It's a great idea. I was a professional Dog Walker for over 7 years and I loved it. I wrote a book on how to start a successful dog walking business called "The Dog Walker's Startup Guide" which was listed as one of Bark Magazine's 2008 "Pick of The Litter"
Just Google it!
I was thinking about starting this business over the Summer with my sister. I just don't know the price range I should have. I looked online and it said $10 dollars a dog. But I'm not sure if that's to expensive so I think I might run on donations.
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