Business Ideas

For those looking for something simpler, there's a great way to let yourself “off the leash” from typical jobs and start earning great money doing something you love … But if you want to take your dog-walking business to the next level, there are some things you can do to find even more customers and start earning full-time income.

 

You might want to start by creating a website that explains your service and gives a background on your experience. If you can include testimonials or references, these will greatly help build your trust with new customers.

 

Run your business as professionally as any other. Create a detailed schedule for yourself, and for your customers. Give them options. For example, do they want their dog walked just once a week? Multiple times? On the weekends or during the week? Will the dog need to be fed?

 

Create a professional proposal for each client, including all the details of what you're offering. This can also serve as your contract, so that there are never any surprises for your clients or you.

 

Being good with the dogs is key to your success. So if you're not already a dog-lover, this business may not be good for you. When meeting with potential customers, give attention to the dog to show that you are already comfortable with it. Don't give them any treats of your own until discussing this with the owners. You never know if they have special rules regarding foods, or if the dog has special dietary needs. The last thing you want is to make the dog sick or anger the owners when you're meeting them for the first time.

 

Depending on where you live, some dog-owners will be willing to pay up to $25 an hour for your services – especially in metropolitan areas. Others may only be willing to pay $5. To increase your income, look for owners with multiple pets, or walk multiple owners' pets at the same time. As long as the dogs are happy, and the owners are satisfied, your business will “fetch” an impressive income in no time!