Turning Dog Walking into a Real Business: 10 Ways to Make Your Dog Walking Business More Professional

I recently saw a comment on social media that someone wanted to start walking dogs as their profession. But was hesitant due to feedback from their family. Apparently, dog walking was not a real career or something you should be proud of.  You can definitely turn dog walking into a real business and absolutely be proud!

Why shouldn’t we enjoy what we do 40 + hours a week? Let’s be proud of doing something we love.  Isn’t that the real American dream? No one says I wish I hated my job.  Let’s turn dog walking into a real business. Life is short. Don’t sit in a cubicle if you don’t have to.

10 ways to make your dog walking business more professional:

1. Some steps to take during the initial start. Brainstorm and choose a professional name. Register your business with the state or town you reside in. While selecting a name make sure you can also find it as a domain to start a website. While selecting a name is important don’t get too bogged down with agonizing over this. Give yourself an hour or two to brainstorm. You can waste unnecessary time on this step. Write a business plan. Include the following in a business plan: mission statement, what you will offer, marketing strategy, and financial projections.

2. Start an LLC.  An LLC is a limited liability company.  LLC is a type of business that offers protection of liability from your personal assets. It also shows credibility as a business owner. You can meet with an attorney in your area to create an LLC. The fee for this will vary greatly depending on the lawyer and your location. The range is $1000-$2500. If you can afford it and want the hand holding this may be the option for you. If you don’t have the funds, online is the best place to start.  The average price online through a company like LegalZoom is under $200. You can also visit your state’s Secretary of State website to set up your LLC. There are a ton of YouTube videos that will walk you through the process of establishing an LLC.

3. Hire a virtual assistant. This is easier and cheaper than ever. Nothing says you are turning your dog walking into a real business than an assistant. Websites such as Fiverr and Upwork allow you to hire someone for as little as an hour a week. There is quite a range of fees for assistants. They vary from $15-75 per hour. It will depend on what you need. Be sure to read the reviews to ensure you find a good match. Hire them for an hour each week. Have them do the tasks you hate. They can send out emails signed by “your assistant”.  Ask Sunday is a company that offers assistants for 10 hours each month. The fee for 10 hours is $129.

hire an assistant

Some of the services an assistant will offer include:

• Marketing

• Scheduling

• Sending out emails

• Content writing

• Making and returning phone calls

4. Physical promotion material. Business cards are fairly cheap and can still be effective. Vistaprint and Staples are just two of the places you can have them printed. Even if I have no desire to keep a business card, I will snap a photo of it so I can refer to it later. Some people will still put them on their refrigerator. Create flyers and leave them in mailboxes in ideal neighborhoods or at dog-friendly condo and apartment complexes. Create a vinyl magnet for your car with your business name and contact information. Refrigerator magnets are still popular. Add your name to a magnet that provides instructions on how to give the Heimlich to a dog. People are more apt to keep that. Hand them out to clients, friends, and family. Others may see it and ask about your services.

5. Open a SEP IRA and start investing. This is an IRA for self-employed individuals and small businesses. Successful business owners put their money to work. Meet with a financial advisor if you need help. You can also open an account online. Most self-directed (making your own investment decisions) IRAs have no minimum to start. You could start with $100 or even less. No one needs to know your balance but having an account shows you are serious and are on the right path.  

6. Offer additional services. Be a full-service business. Offer yard pet waste removal. Besides pet walking, you may want to consider pet-sitting services as well. Offer to teach the dogs a special trick or some basic commands for puppies. You can even offer to bathe the pup.  Added services equal more money.

7. Get additional certifications. The Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS) offers a certification. This does involve taking an exam that covers topics such as dog health and behavior. Pet First Aid certification is also great and is typically available through the American Red Cross. Check online or in your area for other organizations that offer it.

What a first aid certification will teach:

• CPR

• How to recognize seizures

• Heimlich maneuver

• Caring for wounds

• How to recognize poisons before they may be ingested

  
  

  

  Giving aid to a dog

  
  

8. Teach others. This can be done by writing an e-book or starting a website. Provide your journey on becoming a dog walker and starting your own business. Offer tips and ideas to establish yourself as an expert.  It is easier than ever to publish a book.  Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) or Barnes and Noble Press are two options for self-publishing. You may also sell your e-book on Gumroad, Etsy, or through your website. Besides selling an e-book you can start a website and provide articles, tips, and guides on your website.  The website can also list your services and fees. Some other avenues include writing articles on sites like LinkedIn or Medium. If you need assistance with writing your virtual assistant may come in handy.

9. Marketing.  This does go hand in hand with teaching others. There are so many ways to market yourself and your business. Post photos or videos of the dogs you are caring for (of course with the owner's permission). This can be posted on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok. Take photos of behind the scenes of running your business and provide a day in the life of a dog walker. Offer tips on dog walking and how to get clients. Write articles like how to keep your dog safe while walking in the winter in cold areas or keeping dogs comfortable in extreme heat.  Partner with other websites for guest posts. This may help you be the local dog-walking expert in your area.  

10. Join a business group and make partnerships. There are several groups you can join to set yourself apart. The local Chambers of Commerce allow you to become a member if you are registered and have a business license. They typically offer networking events and offer community involvement. Join SCORE. You can find a mentor there or become a mentor. Work with a dog rescue. Become a sponsor and provide your pet walking services. Contact hotels that allow dogs. Their clients may be looking for dog walkers or pet sitters during their stay.

As you continue to grow consider hiring. Hiring employees is the ultimate sign of success. This could be additional dog walkers, an assistant, or a business manager. Now you have become a job creator and are contributing to the economy. Hopefully, you feel more comfortable to turn dog walking into a real business.

Work is a big part of our lives and there is nothing wrong with enjoying what you do.