dog walking

Question
I'm considering starting a dog walking with me and my friend.  But when we but up ads on all local mailboxes no one responded.  I think most people didn't want two thirteen year olds walking their dog.  Even though we both own dogs and are quite experienced I just don't know what to do.  How can we get our business out?

Answer
Hi Jennifer,

It's always hard to start a new business no matter how old you are.

Even though putting fliers in people's mailboxes didn't work, keep trying, it might take some time before you get a nibble of interest. Ask local veterinarians if you can put up a small sign in their office waiting rooms. Word of mouth is the best, ask adult friends of your parents, or other people such as people you might know through your church or synagogue, teachers, neighbors, etc. about walking their dogs, or feeding other pets while they are away. Also ask these people if they know of others who might need your services.
Contact people who you know work long hours, such as nurses, firefighters, police, construction trades, stockbrokers.

Even before you get your first customer, get a good record keeping system in place. Make an information sheet for each customer, on which you will record EVERYTHING that person expects you to do. Some clients will want you to feed their pets, brush them, play ball, whatever. It's important to keep track so that you can provide good service. Keep these sheets in a secure place. If anyone gives you a key, label it using a system YOU will know (such as the dog's name) but that no one else will figure out just in case you accidentally lose that key!

Set reasonable rates for wherever you live. Prices vary depending on location. You might want to do a web search to see what people in your area charge for similar services. If you've set a price that's too high, it could be a reason why nobody has called you. To set a fair price, you need to determine how much time constitutes a visit and whether you will charge extra for more time, or if a household has multiple dogs.

Decide how you will handle emergencies. Talk this over with the owner ahead of time. What if the dog escapes? Gets attacked by another dog? Do you have the authority to get it treated if the owner is out of touch?

Best of luck,

Patti