Dog Walking & Pet Sitting

[shineandglitter]

Hello,

I am about to start dog walking and pet sitting in the Essex area.

How many customers do you think I'll get?

[ilove2patch]

That's an impossible question for us to answer isn't it? Depends how much yoy charge & how many dogs need walking. Have you got insurance?

[shineandglitter]

1   30 Minute walk/visit  -   £6

2   30 Minute walks/visits - £11

3   30 Minute walk/visits - £15

I am thinking of getting insurance is it essential?

Thanks!

[ed_blackadder_1]

I would think so what if one of the dogs had an accident either to themselves or someone else, who would be liable. I think the prices sound reasonable especially as you would be self employed and need to pay for insurance etc.

[shineandglitter]

ok thanks for the advice.

Do you think putting flyers on pet shop, sweet shop and salons windows including handing out business cards would be good for advertising? Or do you think I will need a website?

Thanks! 🙂

[ed_blackadder_1]

Try the flyers first, and in the shops.

[tintinthegingertomcat]

Some years ago I used a pet sitting service. YES you need insurance and also you will need a licence from your local council. Dont do anything until you have spoken to the local council...keep everything legal and above board.

[tintinthegingertomcat]

If needs be I can give you a link to the pet sitter I used which will give you a good idea on prices etc. My pet sitters website is very professional which is why I used her. She came out to the house first of all to sit down and explain everything - including the safe keeping of keys if you need to let yourself into a house. You will probably also need to be CRB checked as well as you may be going into peoples houses either when they are out or if they have children. Not many jobs that dont need CRB these days. Dont go into this too lightly...it sounds easy but you need to meet standard requirements to be given a licence. send me a message if you would like me to send you the link to my local pet sitter.

[shineandglitter]

whats your email address please.

Thanks 🙂

[shineandglitter]

please send link if thts ok. thanks

[fishpieface]

Yes, I would think you need insurance definately, public liability insurance

possibly.  If one of the dogs escapes, for instance, and the owner sues you

(even if it wasn't your fault) you still have a case to answer and prove.

As to how much business, impossible to know.  How many dogs in Essex?

How many of their owners want them walked/minded by somebody else?

How many dog walkers/minders are there already in the area (it will affect

how much business you get)?  What are your charges and are they vaguely

in line with any others doing the same thing - you'll be unpopular for

undercutting existing businesses, if you charge too much people will wonder

what more they'll get and there'll have to be something or else they'll go for

the cheaper.  Lots of stuff to consider.

As somebody up there said, I believe you will also need a council permit or

something like that, I don't know which council you come under but it would

be well worth checking.

Good luck with it though, if you go ahead.

[tintinthegingertomcat]

I have sent you a personal message so it should be showing in your account

[myraandjim]

Also would help to be able to show what experience you have with dogs, behaviour training, first aid etc. do you plan to do one to one walking or as a group?Good luck

[tommy2boo]

I would be happy to walk 4 dogs at one time. 

Its just to plan how I will do it but do you think I will get customers?

[myraandjim]

I think the best way to get customers is to stand out from the rest which is why I mentioned animal first aid training etc. Also check out the "going rate" as too expensive won't pull in the customers, too cheap makes people think there must be something wrong. Might be an idea to decide whether you will walk all dogs or just small (or large ones) as a toy breed owner may not want you wealking it along with my 2 Newfoundlands!!!! If you struggle getting customers you could advertise at puppy training classes, or try a free trial offer. Hope it takes off for you.

[tommy2boo]

I'm happy to do whatever and my prices are reasonable. Do you think I will get at least 20 customers a week?

I'm going to be doing alot of advertising. 

[the-ginger-ninja]

Do any of your local vets have notice boards? 

That would be one place I would look for a dog walker. 

[wizilizi]

Round here (busy Surrey) that sort of service - indeed most services - go 'by word of mouth' & local reputation

Could you start by engaging any people you know?  If you are a dog owner/dog walker you are possibly acquainted with potential clients?

[fluffypenquin]

This is something I looked into doing a couple of months ago and there seemed to be so many rules and regulations involved and the insurance was ginormous.  Also obviously it generates income and so effectively you are self employed and have to keep proper paperwork for tax purposes etc. 

When you first look at it, it seems like a good easy way to earn some money, but there is a lot to be done to avoid repercussions from the local authorities, local police and then eventually HMRC.

If you decide to go ahead with, good luck xx

[shineandglitter]

Also how will the clients go about paying me. Will I have to call back to collect or will they leave it on the side?