Ok seriously…
Is there a better job out there than working with dogs every day???
Many people think there isn’t, and I’m honestly inclined to agree with them.
Who wouldn’t want to spend their entire work day with the adorable creatures that have been rightly deemed, “man’s best friend”?
If you fall into this canine adoring group of people, then you might be considering starting a dog walking business…
And I’m here to help.
I’m Ippei, and I’ve been killing the online business, entrepreneurship, and local lead generation thing since way back in 2014...
When most people were just keeping themselves entertained by participating in the next ALS ice bucket challenge.
(Anyone remember that?)
Anyways, if you’re looking to start a dog walking business here in 2021, then this 7 step guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get started:
Including the realistic startup costs involved.
So let’s dive right in!
How to Start a Dog Walking Business in 2021
Want to Start a Dog Walking Business in 2021? Here's What You Can Expect:
If you have a passion for animals and a desire to start your own business, then dog walking might be for you! To get started, you will need to write a business plan, set up a legal business with insurance, get the right gear, and create an amazing client experience.
Start Up Costs
While this list is not a comprehensive compilation of everything you need to start a dog walking business, it provides a snapshot of what you need to add into your business plan.
Annual Revenue of Established Dog Walking Business
According to Kevin MD, the average annual revenue of this kind of business is: $45,625
Profit Margins of Established Dog Walking Business
The average Profit margin of this kind of business is: 10-30%
7 Step Quick Start Checklist:
1. Write a Business Plan
Yes, even prospective dog walkers need to write a business plan!
While taking your own personal pooch out for a stroll won’t require much planning…
Scaling a dog walking business from nothing into a full time gig (or even a solid side hustle) will take strategy and planning!
Your dog walking business plan will be there to help you plan for long term success, and implement practical, actionable steps towards reaching those end goals.
So when you are writing it out, make sure that you are writing your business plan for YOU.
If you simply create this written document as a formal step towards running your own business…
Then you’re missing the point.
This isn’t just a box to check off!
Take careful time to create something that will actually be useful to you, and think of your business plan as a road map.
Here are some things that you should include in a basic business plan:
Basic Things to Include in a Business Plan:
One thing that will be especially important as a dog walker will be to carefully evaluate the market analysis portion of your business plan.
Depending on where you live, and on the socio economic structure of your local area, your strategy for marketing and growing a successful dog walking business will be very different.
It isn’t one size fits all.
Someone living in a wealthy urban area of a big city will be targeting much different clients than someone who lives further out in a more rural or spread out, middle class, suburban area.
Before committing to starting a dog walking business, make sure that there is market viability for where you live!
2. Get Legal
Here’s the deal.
There are no specific certifications or regulations for dog walkers.
Which might sound like good news!
But this doesn’t mean that there aren’t important legal steps to take before launching your dog walking business.
While you might not need a degree, or even a certificate…
You will still need to follow the steps to establish your business as a legal entity.
Most likely, the most practical business structure for you starting out, will be an LLC.
An LLC, which stands for Limited Liability Corporation, is your business’s legal structure.
And specifically, an LLC will protect you from being personally liable for any potential legal actions taken against your business.
If you opt against forming an LLC for your business, you will be automatically classified as a Sole Proprietorship by the government.
This can be fine for a very small business, but it offers basically zero legal protections for you as the business owner.
Once you have set up your LLC, go ahead and register for your EIN number.
Your EIN number will be important for filing taxes as a small business, as well as for opening a business bank account or acquiring a business credit card.
Then, after you’ve gotten these two important steps handled, you can focus your attention on obtaining proper business insurance.
Although you can opt for traditional liability insurance for your dog walking business…
There are actually insurance policies specifically designed for dog walkers!
These policies have coverage that will specifically relate to situations that might arise as a dog walker.
And on the plus side, they can be extremely affordable!
Lastly, go ahead and get a Criminal Background check done.
Although this last step isn’t legally required…
Your future clients will feel much more comfortable knowing that you have a background check completed before allowing you into their homes to walk their dogs.
3. The Right Gear
Although the initial investment for gear to start your dog walking business is fairly minimal…
Here is a list of some items that will make your job much easier and more efficient:
Gear List:
As for shoes…
This is somewhere you want to make a serious investment.
You are going to be on your feet nearly 24/7 as a dog walker!
Even if you are already a fit and active person, this can be a major adjustment for your body…
And if you are accustomed to a more sedentary lifestyle, you are definitely going to need to work up to full time dog walking if that is your end goal.
But your feet are probably going to take the biggest impact, and therefore your legs and back will follow.
My recommendation is to invest a decent chunk of change into a quality pair of hiking boots, running sneakers, or trail running shoes.
Preferably some that are already waterproof or at least water resistant.
(Remember, you are going to be walking dogs in all types of weather… Your responsibilities don’t stop because it’s 32 degrees and pouring rain!)
The reality of a sturdy pair of hiking boots or athletic shoes is that you will probably encounter some blisters at first…
But they will be worth it in the long run.
The key is to take time to break in your dog walking shoes.
Especially if they are boots.
You’re about to be spending a large amount of time on your feet, and the last thing you need is to set off for an 8 hour day of dog walking with shoes that haven’t been broken in.
The blisters may be inevitable at first, but there’s no reason to put yourself through an unbearable first day…
Simply because you failed to give your poor feet adequate time to adjust to a new pair of shoes.
According to dogwalkeressentials.com, the three best shoes for dog walkers are:
Source: https://dogwalkeressentials.com/2018/03/15/3-most-comfortable-running-shoes-for-dog-walkers/
Now let’s have a talk about leashes.
If you want to be a professional dog walker, you have to get the right leashes!
Ideally, use leashes that are six feet or shorter.
The longer the leash, the more likely your dogs are to get tangled with one another or get away from you or just get out of control.
It’s preferable to actually bring your own leashes when you show up to walk a client’s dog.
This way you are never stuck searching for their leash, or stuck using a leash that is the wrong length.
Don’t ever use retractable leashes!
This is horrible for walking more than one dog at a time.
When walking multiple dogs, the goal is to keep your hands free.
So these leashes will not work.
When walking multiple dogs, you will need to use a waist leash!
This keeps your hands free, and prevents your wrists from becoming injured if the dogs see a squirrel or something that excites them.
4. Welcome Packet and Paperwork
Almost anyone can theoretically walk a dog…
But establishing yourself as a reputable and professional dog walker will require you to go the extra mile (literally and figuratively) to set yourself apart and establish a loyal base of clients.
One of the best ways to accomplish this is by creating a welcome packet when you are introducing a new dog to your dog walking “pack”.
A welcome package for new clients should include:
In addition to your personal documentation and proof of credibility, you should also include a written service agreement in the welcome packet.
This service agreement will clarify with your client the terms and conditions of the dog walking services that you offer…
As well as the commitment and liability protection that is in place on behalf of your client.
Before you agree to walk a single dog…
Make sure that you have a signed service agreement from the pet owner!
When drafting the paperwork for your service agreement, also include these key points in addition to the terms of service themselves:
A great way to help new clients feel comfortable passing their beloved pets off to you is to have a meet and greet with the pet owners before your first first day.
This will help people to feel comfortable allowing you into their home, and reassure them that you are their dog will be a great fit.
Plus, this also gives you an opportunity to clarify any vet information and the dog’s behavior and temperament characteristics that you might not have been made aware of…
So you are fully prepared for when you first walk their dog(s).
You will also need to get a house key or access to an apartment building (apartment buildings often have fobs).
This is mainly because you never know when a client will or won’t be home.
Although they might say they’ll be home…
If they forget and they are not actually home at the scheduled time, then your entire day might end up delayed if you have to wait for them.
Or you’ll have to lose out on the money if you have to move on to your next appointment!
5. Group Walking
When you picture a dog walker, you probably have a vision of yourself strolling down the street with your own pack of five or six furry friends…
But although group walking your dogs can be a great way to increase profit margins and be more efficient with your time…
There are some things to consider before you set off with your little wolf pack.
First of all…
If you’ve never walked a large group of dogs together at one time, don’t expect it to be easy!
While there is no great skill or knowledge required to walk a dog from an academic perspective…
Taking on large group walks isn’t something you should attempt right away as a beginner.
It’s all too easy to lose control of one or more dogs, or end up in a tangled knot of canine companions when they all go crazy over a squirrel across the street.
It’s best to work your way up to walking four or more dogs at one time, and you should take these things into consideration first:
One thing to note is that when walking the same group of dogs consistently, they will establish their own hierarchy.
Allow them to work through this process, and they will generally fall into a healthy rhythm once they have established a leader.
While walking your dogs, you will need to remain hyper aware of your surroundings so that you can effectively keep your dogs under control.
Pro Tip:
If there are dogs that are coming towards you while you’re walking your group of dogs, just cross the street. Even if the dogs you are walking are friendly, they will all end up getting over excited and tangled.
You also need to avoid stopping for excessive smelling, especially when this sniffing has nothing to do with a bathroom break!
Keeping them moving is very important for making sure that they get plenty of exercise.
Pro Tip:
Residential streets are preferable for dog walking than busy city or urban streets.
6. Marketing and Getting Clients
Alright, at this point, you’re probably wondering one of two things.
Either you're stoked to throw on your sneakers, leash up, and figure out how to start marketing your new dog walking business…
Or your eye is starting to twitch a little bit because this dog walking thing isn’t for you.
If it’s the second, and you’re really just passionate about starting your own business…
Then I invite you to check out the online business model that has been working for me since 2014.
I make over 50K per month helping small businesses generate new leads, and you can learn to do the same.
If you’re interested, click here to learn more about our local lead generation coaching program.
But, if you’re still sold on this dog walking business…
Then you’re still going to need to learn how to generate new leads for your biz, so let’s talk marketing!
For starters, go ahead and set up your very own business email.
Even if this is just a gmail account preceded by your business name, this simple step to professionalism with your potential clients can go a long way.
From there, you can look towards creating a website for a dog walking business.
This step will be important because your website will be a great place to direct people to as you encounter potential clients that are interested in learning more about your services.
If you’re just starting out, it probably isn’t necessary to hire a web designer to build your website…
You can actually build one yourself!
Don’t panic, this can actually be quite simple.
Thanks to modern, template based website builders, you can craft a compelling and functional business page without a lot of graphic design experience!
Some of my favorite user-friendly website builders are:
You can add your website to your business cards alongside your email!
Which leads me right to…
Getting business cards!
These are important because you will need them to pass out to interested people you pass as you’re walking dogs, in conversations with prospective clients, or to leave at various businesses during your daily routine.
As you’ve probably guessed, the next step to a good marketing strategy for a dog walking business is to create social media accounts!
Having a business facebook page can be especially helpful.
Use your social media platforms to post pictures of you running your business!
People want to see that you are legitimate and that you are a trustworthy person who truly loves dogs.
And they want to see you interacting with their dogs.
Pro Tip:
In your service agreement, make sure that you include a section to get permission to use photos and videos of the client's pet(s) for facebook and social media before you share!
There are also great community groups on Facebook that will be specific to neighborhoods in your local area, which is a great way to advertise your dog walking services as well.
In addition to neighborhood Facebook groups, look for specific dog owner facebook groups in your are:
Post a little “about me” introduction on these groups and offer your services to your local community through location specific facebook communities.
You can link out to your website in this introductory post, but be sure to use language that isn’t too pushy, sales-y, or desperate:
Think “I’m looking to expand my pack” vs “I need new clients!”
Ultimately, word of mouth is the most common way to get clients.
When people are dog owners, and they find a great dog walker or a dog sitter, then they will share this with their friends and family and fellow dog lovers.
Many people like to create branded t-shirts that can be worn while you are walking your dogs, so that you are essentially a walking billboard for your business.
This can be both good and bad: if something goes wrong while walking dogs (such as dogs acting out), then everyone will see and know exactly who you are…
But they can also be a great way to advertise!
Finally, going the old-school route of canvassing can still be a viable way to advertise your business.
Include your social media handles and a link to your website on these fliers…
But avoid using a picture of yourself or anything alluding to “text me”...
You’ll just end up getting contacted by creeps.
7. Continued Education
If you are truly passionate about creating a successful business as a dog walker, whether as a part time side hustle or a full time gig…
Then one of the best things you can do for your business is to continue your education.
Now you might be thinking that since there are no regulations or certifications specifically for this industry, that education and training aren’t really necessary.
But training is important, and it gives you an edge against your competition and an extra reason for your clients to choose you over anyone else.
So what options are there for furthering your education and training as a dog walker?
I’m glad you asked:
Continued Education as a Dog Walker:
This might go without saying… But you should also be practicing dog walking!
Work your way up to walking 3-4 dogs at a time.
Eventually you might even be able to handle up to six!
You can do this by walking friends and family’s dogs, and potentially even volunteering at a local animal shelter when starting out.
And lastly…
Don’t count out traditional book learning.
Read and educate yourself constantly to be the most knowledgeable that you can be about dogs and their temperament.
You might just think of yourself as a dog walker, but you are working with complex animals.
The more you can become and expert on dogs themselves, the more value you will be able to serve your clients with.
And serve your pack of pups!
According to dog walking YouTuber, “In Ruff Company”, these are some fantastic books to read if you want to become a professional dog walker.
Books:
Pros and Cons
of starting a dog walking business
Pros
For many aspiring entrepreneurs, one of the greatest draws to launching a business is the freedom to set your own schedule. There’s no boss to dictate your day, or look over your shoulder… You are in control of your time. This can be both freeing, and stressful. But for most small business owners, it is one of the most gratifying aspects of being self employed.
Chances are, if you're starting a dog walking business... You might be a big animal lover! So what could be better than going to work every day to be greeting by sloppy dog kisses and wagging tails? Not much in my opinion!
If you're looking to start a dog walking business, you have plenty of options in front of you. Whether you want a side hustle to bring in some extra cash, or you're hoping for full time income... Both of these options are possible with the right dog walking business model.
That's right... while there is an art to walking 5+ dogs at the same time, there is no degree required! You can become a dog walker with some basic hands-on training and first hand experience.
Cons
This might not come as a surprise, but by the time you spend gas to drive around to pick up your doggie clients, walk them, and return them to their homes... Your profit margins are pretty slim.
If you have any visions of earning steady passive income from your dog walking business… I encourage you to lay those aside. Your income as a dog walker will be directly linked to your hours. While owning your own dog walking business can eventually lead to consistent passive income, that is a long ways down the road.
Rain or shine... You're going to out there walking those dogs. Whether it's below 32 degrees, or above 100 degrees, your clients will want their dogs to have sufficient exercise. And you will need to be prepared for this.
Running a successful dog walking business isn't just dependent upon your professionalism and your marketing skills. Ultimately, it will come down to the market viability in your location. If you live in a densely urban area or the heart of a city, your chances of success are much higher than in a more rural area. You will need to think about whether or not there is a demand for your services in the location you're at before you jump into starting your business.
Starting a Dog Walking Business Can Work, but Only If You Know This First:
Ok, so you’ve joined all the pet owner Facebook Groups in your area…
And you’ve plastered flyers across town…
But to no avail.
You’re still struggling to get this dog walking business off the ground because you simply don’t have the clients you need.
Sound at all familiar?
Or maybe you’re afraid that this is going to be you if you’re not careful?
Well, I’ve got some good news for you.
First of all, you’re not alone!
Almost every business owner that has gone before you has faced the difficulty of getting new customers.
But luckily for you, we actually specialize in teaching local business owners how to set up a sustainable and passive system to generate leads for their business.
And we can do the same for you!
In fact this method is the same one that I’ve been doing since 2014, and it currently makes me well over 50K per month.
