There are two ways to get your foot in the proverbial door of this job. First of all, you can join an already established agency or train under someone who has set up a solid business and needs to hand jobs over to someone else. Or open door number two and start your own pet sitting company. Of course, both options have their ups and downs. Working for someone else will mean a boss, and perhaps less money than if you were working for yourself, but you’re also not doing the difficult behind-the-scenes tasks, such as getting clients, liaising with clients and dealing with problems as they arise so better get ready and always be prepared. Just make sure you are reliable when it counts.
If you do decide to work for yourself, you need to build a reputation. Bully all your friends into using your services and get their friends to hire you, too. Post ads on veterinary bulletin boards, Craigslist, and pass out fliers around town. It may take awhile to see the fruits of your labor, but usually the larger the effort, the larger the payout.
Must when Dog Walking:
Get License. Research the business license requirements in your city. Call your local city hall and ask if dog walking businesses need a license. Inquire about city guidelines for dog walkers such as the number of dogs allowed on a leash at one time. Some cities have certain regulations.
Get Pet Supplies You Might Needed.
- You will need a pooper scooper
- Dog toys and tag toys
- Dog treats & cookies
- Water & Portable Dog water Dispenser
- Contacts of your clients
- Multi-lead leashes and extra leashes
- Equip yourself with good communication skills with dogs
- Business cards and flyers for advertising will also be helpful.
Join The Professional Dog Walkers Association. Visit their website for information on membership. They are an international association for professional dog walkers. They can provide information on getting started such as if you should become bonded and get liability insurance.
Talk with dog owners before you start walking. Ask if their dog has had a rabies vaccine. Discuss duration of the walk and if you will be going to off leash parks. Inquire about any special dietary restrictions.
Regardless which path you choose, pet sitting is just as much about the client, as it is about the client's pet(s). When meeting a potential client, remember that person is letting you into their home and entrusting you with their beloved companion. Treat each client and animal with the respect they deserve. Be yourself and take the time to get to know the animal; it may take awhile for it to get adjusted to your presence.
If the person wants to hire you, take notes, listen closely and do everything you can to make the client feel comfortable with you being in their home. If they have a dog, then definitely make sure dog walking is part of the package. Often, this can lead to a regular dog walking gig. You should never limit yourself to purely pet sitting. Dog walking is very lucrative, especially in big cities where people are too busy making money to walk their dog during the day. Likewise, dog walking can lead to pet sitting, too.
Reminders when you do dog walking. Be certain that you have good physical fitness; dog-walking can be a strenuous activity, especially with medium to large dogs. Always be cautious around the dogs that you are not familiar with! Don't let the dog off the leash until you have really gotten to know them and they listen well to you. Don't let the dog off the leash unless you have a fenced area so the dog won't run away. And always remember, this is not your dog so take care of it as it is yours.
When you are dog walking or pet sitting, you will have access to people’s private homes. This does not mean you can make yourself at home and throw parties. And don't even think about drinking their booze. Treat all spaces you are allowed into with the utmost respect and make sure it looks as good as when you walked in. It is just common courtesy. Enjoy your new career. You are going to make some incredible four-legged (and even feathered or scaled) friends.
For more tips, resources and pet supplies on caring and servicing pets, check more author articles at Pet Street Mall, a premiere pet supplies and online retailer site.
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