Expert Dog Walkers And Dog Socialization

Especially in the summer, you'll see many dog walkers/pet sitters advertising hard to get pets to care for while their owners go for a week or weekend away. Cat visits are quite common as they are people who would prefer their cat remain at home while they are away rather than a cattery. Dog boarding is quite common too. The prices for these services are about 3-5 per home visit and between 8-10 per day dog boarding and about 5 per day boarding caged animals. Pet taxi (which is a very uncommon service but people advertise it regardless of the fact that they are rarely available during the working day. I'd also like to note that you consider your pet sitting prices reasonably. I've seen on a website someone just starting the dog walking business advertising pet sitting at 50 a day, which is madness!! A kennel will board a dog for about 8, I personally charge about a 10 a day when pet sitting an animal.

Getting started.

You should really get dog walking insurance, they're a few around. Pet Businesses Insurance is one, it should cost about 15-20 a month. Pet insurance covers things like liability, should the animal your walking cause an accident for example then you are liable and can be sued. Cover also includes keys and locks of owners homes in case you lose their keys or they are stolen and also cover vet costs should the animal you are looking after be harmed through your own negligence.

Since generally you are going to be given a key to the owners home while they're away, it's best to have a certificate showing you have been police checked. Letting strangers into their home alone is a big deal for most people and why dog walkers rely so heavily on recommendations, because if their friend or someone they know trusts you then they are far, far more likely to choose you than someone they know nothing about.

Getting known is the hardest thing. Get nice leaflets made and businesses cards too. While waiting for work you can distribute your leaflets in the area you want to work in, try and make them stand out and not just black text on white paper and keep the information brief and straight to the point.

Don't expect to get flooded with phone calls that night, but don't be disheartened either as many will hold on to the leaflets and keep you in mind if they need a dog walker/pet sitter in the future. Always keep businesses cards on you wherever you are, a conversion with a stranger or while out walking a dog can lead to a potential new customer. Pet shops, groomers, newsagents are ideal places to display leaflets and business cards, post offices, other small business premises should all be looked into.

Regarding advertising friends and family are great assets. Get them to spread the word, they can be invaluable as they can give a personal testimonial for you. I say a good website is also a must, as those who don't know of a dog walker will search for one online, make it look as professional as you can. Make sure you tell potential customers a bit about yourself and what you offer, also make sure you are listed on Google maps and in local online directories.