Points to Keep in Mind for Being a Professional Dog Walker The number of pet owners in the UK is increasing every year, which means that the Pet Sitting and Dog Walking Industry is also fast expanding. And, for those who love dogs but can’t own one, this is not merely a business, but something they enjoy and want to do each day. But, is it that easy? Well, if you research and educate yourself on being a Pet Sitter Dog Walker with some of the many courses available, and ensure you are setting yourself up as a professional company with help and guidance from an association, there is no reason that you can’t run a successful and profitable business. For a being a professional dog walker there are few things you should remember, some of which are:
Insurance – This is a legal requirement for any business and you need to make sure you are protected if any issues should arise.
Charges – You will need to carry out market research in your area to see what others are charging. You may need to start off on a slightly lower cost per hour or day until you have built up a client base. Also factor in your training and experience, the services being offered, etc.
Number of dogs – Taking more than four dogs for a walk is not permitted in some areas, and associations like NarpsUK limit the number of dogs to be walked at one time to four. However, many people prefer to take less than this anyway as they prefer to ensure good control and give individual attention to the dogs. If you are home boarding or running a day care centre, your licensing officer will advise on the maximum number of dogs to be boarded.
Ensuring comfort to the dog – You should ensure that you keep the dog’s normal routine so that they ease into the change in their day to day life. Use the collar/harness/lead provided by the owner and try to keep the same dog walking area.
These were just a few of the points you should keep in mind if you want to pursue dog walking as a career, to learn all about dog walking you should opt for dog walking courses and association membership.