Walking is essential for dogs. Other than improving their physical health, it also brings a positive impact on their mental and emotional well-being. However, despite all the apparent health benefits and the implementation of the Animal Welfare Legislation Amendment Bill requiring pet owners to walk their pets, some Australians still fail to take their dogs for a walk. It’s understandable since all of us have our own busy schedules. That is why a private dog walking service comes in handy for pet parents.
What Is a Dog Walking Service?
A private dog walking service helps pet parents with their responsibility in walking their dogs. It’s not just about walking. The service also includes overall care for dogs within a certain number of hours.
If you are a dog lover, this can be a wonderful job opportunity for you. The average salary for a dog walk service provider in Australia is $24.67 per hour. You don’t need to worry about the competition in the market because out of 61% Australian pet owners, 40% of them own a dog. These numbers just show the high probability of you getting a client.
Tips in Starting Your Private Dog Walking Service
Here are a few tips to help you with your pursuit of offering a private dog walking service:
Establish Your Business Goals and Plans
When starting your dog walking agency, make a list of your possible expenses and how much income you would like to earn. Compare rates with other professional dog walkers to come up with a competitive price. Moreover, make a business plan to help you stay focused and keep you on track.
Learn More About Dogs
As a dog walker, having basic knowledge about the different dog breeds and their distinct behaviour tendencies is a must. Learn first aid skills so you know how to handle emergency cases. Understanding their body posture will help you identify what they are feeling.
Know Your Limits
Just because someone tapped you to walk their dog means you have to accept the offer right away. Know which breeds of dog you’re comfortable handling. Some dogs can be friendly while others can take time to be stimulated. It’s okay to say no for now if you’re not comfortable handling that specific dog to avoid any misunderstanding with the client. Just remember that no matter the breed, you need to have a dog leash you can rely on, you can find high-quality ones on sites like “Neewa“
Set Your Policies and Procedures
Your business should have a set of guidelines written ahead of time. This may include business hours, your dog walking service in the area, how to handle clients’ queries and requests, and more. You may also want to add a cancellation policy, as well as a policy on how to walk dogs if the weather is inclement.
Be Aware of Risks
Regardless of how skilled you are when it comes to handling dogs, emergencies are still bound to happen. If there are specific requests, like having the dog walk off-leash, let your clients know the risk and have them sign a waiver. Don’t forget to also know your area’s laws regarding dog walking. Most importantly, always be alert when walking dogs.
Advertise Your Services
There are many ways to market your services. The easiest way is to set up a website and social media pages. You can also join a professional organisation to network with others in the industry, exchange business tips, and gain more insight into the industry.
Conclusion
A simple way to get into the pet industry is by offering dog walking services. This not only allows you to earn but it’s also a way to help pet parents who don’t have time to walk their dogs. With the above-mentioned tips, who knows, your business may eventually be in the top results when people search for “dog walkers needed near me” online.
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