A dog walker can be one of the most fun and fulfilling jobs out there. But while owning a dog walking business can be enriching and enjoyable, it still brings many of the same challenges and obstacles that most small businesses represent.
Like any small business owner, you are going to be expected to do most things on your own, from hiring to invoices to generating leads to marketing your services to your community. When you start out, you probably won’t be taking on too many employees, you’re going to be doing everything and that includes dealing with you clients and their dogs!
But there are other things to consider, how do you plan on communicating with clients, fielding calls, replying to emails, designing and maintaining your business website, and even working out how you plan to do your business taxes from year to year? These are also part and parcel to any good dog walking business. It’s not just about spending your days with dogs (and cats if you decide to offer such services).
If you have been wondering how to start a dog walking business, these are the most important things you need to know:
The Legal Side of Running Your Business
We’ll start with the less exciting stuff, the aspects of the business that are highly important if not all that fun or interesting to address. For starters, you want to be sure you know what it is you need to have in order to do business legally in your area. If you are operating without the mandated documentation or insurance policies that are necessary for compliance where you plan to do business, you could be facing some stiff fines and penalties.
Sole Proprietor or Not?
Many first-time small business owners will start out as a sole proprietor. But this places your personal assets at risk should something happen. You are going to be deemed the responsible party for the dogs you will be working with throughout the course of your business day. Dogs can be unpredictable, what if one of them bites another or attacks someone? What happens if one of the dogs in your care becomes injured in some capacity? You can be held liable.
But if you form incorporate your business or form a limited liability company (LLC), your business assets can be kept separate from your personal assets should you be subject to a lawsuit.
Business License
Most states will require all business owners, big or small, to maintain some type of business license which allows them to operate their enterprise legally in the state where the company is located. In the case of a dog walking business, a dog walking license does not really apply, however you may need to hold a license for doing business in your state or county. Be sure to do some research as to the applicable mandates and statutes where you are located.
Written Agreements
If there is one thing you need to know before you enter into any business arrangement, it’s that you must commit everything to writing. This includes your dog walking business. Be sure to draw up a contract with each and every client who hires you to walk a dog. The contract is designed to outline everything that is to be expected from you and the client with respect to the services you will be providing.
The contract should also include additional provisions related to any permissions granted to you by the client for having medical attention provided to the dog in the event of an emergency. But it is highly recommended that you do not proceed forth working with a client before you have a signed contract between you and the other party.
Business Insurance
This is essential. Without it you are courting danger in a big way. Your insurance policy must be customized for the requirements of your type of business. In this case, it’s a dog walking business which means you want to have coverage for any incidents involving the dogs that are in your care. This coverage applies to damage done to a dog in your care or damage done by a dog in your care. Just keep in mind, the insurance you purchase now could change when you hire on more employees.
But you must always be prepared in the event of an emergency. A good policy will help you do just that and your business will be protected should something happen where costs are incurred due to an accident.