Before starting a dog walking business, you need to familiarize yourself with the different dog breeds, and their care and maintenance needs. All of this requires meticulous planning and attention to detail, or your business may do poorly and fail. Formulate a solid plan and be methodical as you construct your business.
One of the first steps you will need to take is to identify your target market. This means that you will need to conduct some research in order to pinpoint the geographic area of your potential customers. The best customers for any dog walking business are the handicapped, the elderly, people who work extended hours, and those who go out of town on frequent vacations. In addition to determining who your potential customers are, you also need to check out your competition. You can easily do this by searching online.
Another important step in planning your dog walking business is to create an estimate of your start up costs. Fortunately, the majority of your start up costs will be related to pamphlets and other advertising, dog supplies, and business cards. As you plan your budget, remember to allow for any unexpected expenses that might come up. Also, be sure to obtain a business license and insurance before you start accepting customers.
The most crucial thing in getting your business going is advertising. Distribute your business cards to vets, stores that specialize in pet supplies, and your friends. Telling your friends and associates might just be one of the most efficient ways of building up your client base. Make sure to incorporate special promotions such as discounts for handicapped individuals or the elderly. After you have established your business, you might decide that you want to diversify by offering other services to your customers.
Online directories and pet publications are another great way to spread the word about your new business. Many people refer to these publications when choosing dog walkers, so make sure you check them out. You might also be interested in advertising with some pet care organizations. Membership in one or more of these groups will allow you to develop a social network with other dog walkers, and to become more familiar with the latest developments in dog care.
For each of your new clients, you should carefully create a contract that provides details about the job you will be performing. In addition to listing any other services that you may be providing, your contract should list the rate you are charging, the time periods and dates that you are committing to the dog, and the name of the dog that you will be taking for walks. Always remember to keep plenty of poop bags, leashes, and a first aid kit for unexpected emergencies.
Always keep your eyes and ears open to discover new ways and means to enhance your business. Continue diversifying and adding to your client base. This way your dog walking business will turn out to be a roaring success.
One of the first steps you will need to take is to identify your target market. This means that you will need to conduct some research in order to pinpoint the geographic area of your potential customers. The best customers for any dog walking business are the handicapped, the elderly, people who work extended hours, and those who go out of town on frequent vacations. In addition to determining who your potential customers are, you also need to check out your competition. You can easily do this by searching online.
Another important step in planning your dog walking business is to create an estimate of your start up costs. Fortunately, the majority of your start up costs will be related to pamphlets and other advertising, dog supplies, and business cards. As you plan your budget, remember to allow for any unexpected expenses that might come up. Also, be sure to obtain a business license and insurance before you start accepting customers.
The most crucial thing in getting your business going is advertising. Distribute your business cards to vets, stores that specialize in pet supplies, and your friends. Telling your friends and associates might just be one of the most efficient ways of building up your client base. Make sure to incorporate special promotions such as discounts for handicapped individuals or the elderly. After you have established your business, you might decide that you want to diversify by offering other services to your customers.
Online directories and pet publications are another great way to spread the word about your new business. Many people refer to these publications when choosing dog walkers, so make sure you check them out. You might also be interested in advertising with some pet care organizations. Membership in one or more of these groups will allow you to develop a social network with other dog walkers, and to become more familiar with the latest developments in dog care.
For each of your new clients, you should carefully create a contract that provides details about the job you will be performing. In addition to listing any other services that you may be providing, your contract should list the rate you are charging, the time periods and dates that you are committing to the dog, and the name of the dog that you will be taking for walks. Always remember to keep plenty of poop bags, leashes, and a first aid kit for unexpected emergencies.
Always keep your eyes and ears open to discover new ways and means to enhance your business. Continue diversifying and adding to your client base. This way your dog walking business will turn out to be a roaring success.
