We’ve all heard about how we should be doing what we love and how we should be pursuing our dreams. For many of us, the dream is to be able to work and earn as we would if we were at some multinational corporation. For others, it is leaving behind the comforts of their home to contribute to humanity in a small community where there is no electricity and books are hard to find.st buddies–the canines! Well, this is certainly possible and not too difficult to achieve. If you’ve been wanting to be a professional dog walker but just don’t know where to start, here are three very important steps to becoming a professional dog walker.
Get yourself educated about professional dog walking
Loving dogs and being willing to clean up after their mess are basic requirements to succeed in the dog-walking profession. Becoming a professional dog walker actually requires a good amount of education too. You’ll need to learn about basic training, emergency planning, canine first aid training and CPR.
Learn how to set up your own dog walking business
It is great to be able to spend time outdoors playing with dogs and perhaps teaching them new tricks too. By getting a business education, you learn a different set of skills. You’ll learn how to market your dog walking services, how to price these services, and how to keep everything organized.
A dog walking business is a lot like running a family business, but it’s also a business. You need to be on top of your finances and make sure you’re protecting your business and your pets from any unwanted situations that might arise in the course of working with dogs.
Have a transition plan
There is no one-size-fits-all transition plan for moving to another state or becoming a professional dog walker. To avoid stressful situations such as worrying about your finances, you need to have a plan. This is the time for an honest-to-goodness reality check.
Check your savings and cash flow
Will you be able to become a professional dog walker if you quit your full-time job? Consider these costs for your training and certification:
- If your current savings isn’t enough to cover expenses for a few months, then perhaps an option would be to get into an online certification course while also working full-time.
- Walk dogs before or after work hours and on weekends until you have enough clients. Or you could transition into working part-time so you can put in more hours for your business.
- If you’re the breadwinner, can anyone in the family give you the time you need to explore a new career?
Don’t make impulsive decisions. Full-time dog walking is a lot of work. Transition planning and consulting courses are provided. One more chance if you start well.
If you’ve decided to start your own pet care business, then you’re going to need an insurance plan that protects you and your employees. Look into an insurance plan today! Get Started Here!
Items You Should Have Before Starting A Dog Walker Business
Starting a dog walking business can be rewarding and profitable. However, there are certain items that you should invest in before you begin. You need to be prepared with the right equipment to help you be more efficient in your chosen field. The following items are some examples of items new dog walkers may want to purchase.
Leashes
Dog leashes come in many different types, and it is important that they match your needs as well as those of your customers’ dogs. For example, if someone has a large breed of dog that gets excited easily when meeting new people or other dogs on walks then they may want to buy stronger leashes.
Fanny pack/Leash Duo
A fanny pack is a great way to carry all your dog walking supplies. They’re also handy if you want to let your dog run around without carrying them. This is especially useful for large dogs or when it’s hot out, which can make it difficult for dogs to breathe if you hold them in your arms for too long.
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Here’s a good read: Top 5 injuries in Doggie Daycare Facilities and How to Prevent Them
Poop Bags
In addition to plenty of poop bags, you’ll need one of those little plastic pouches or tubes. A good-quality bag should be dispensed without tearing or cracking. You might also consider investing in a doggie bag dispenser that allows your customers’ dogs’ owners to pick up after their pets.
First Aid Kit
It’s a good idea to have a dog first aid kit on hand while you’re out walking. This will allow you to treat minor injuries and keep your dog safe in case of an emergency. Here are some items that should be included:
- Bandages
- Gauze pads
- Antibacterial ointment (such as Neosporin)
- Tweezers or forceps for removing ticks and thorns
- Scissors for cutting bandages, tweezers, etc.
- Thermometer (digital ones are easiest to use)
Water Bottle/Dog bowl combo
We recommend getting a water bottle/bowl combo to ensure that each dog gets their own supply of clean water. To clean out your bowl after use, rinse under cool running water; dry thoroughly with paper towels; air dry if possible (this will prevent mold growth) then return both pieces back into their appropriate carrying bag.
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Dog Wipes
Dog wipes are essentially the same thing as baby wipes for humans. They are pre-moistened with anti-bacterial agents that cleanse the skin without drying it out or causing irritation to sensitive areas such as eyes and noses. These come in handy when cleaning up after pets during walks, and also when dealing with any accidents inside an apartment or house.
Headlamp
A headlamp will help you see in the dark. It’s also useful when walking at night because it can scare off wild animals who might attack your dog.
Safety Vest or Reflective Sash
A safety vest or reflective sash is a must-have if you want to be seen by drivers on the road, and it’s even more important if there are busy streets nearby. The combination of both items is perfect for any dog walker, and will ensure that your business is as safe as possible!
Research Can Help
You can find great resources like a book that guides you through the process of starting a dog walking business called 30 Days To Start and Grow Your Pet Sitting and Dog Walking Business. It offers a step-by-step guide for any newbie with topics to launch, attract clients, and most importantly make a profit while doing what you love. It was written by a professional dog walker and has been an Amazon best seller since it was published in 2018, so if you’re looking for guidance on how to get started, this is the perfect resource.
With the right products to assist with your dog walking business you will be sure to be successful in your new career path.
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Protection For Dog Walker Businesses
If you want to be a dog walker, you know that having a great business plan is key. So is having an insurance plan that protects you. You wouldn’t leave your dog with just anyone, so why risk it when it comes to hiring someone else to look after your beloved doggo? Make sure you’re covered by getting Pet Care Professional Insurance today! We are the top independent insurance agency in Denver, Colorado. Let our team be your insurance advantage.
Call or text Advantage Insurance Solutions in Denver, CO, today at (720) 221-816 to get the right, best-value insurance coverage for your needs!