Question for all Pro Dog Walkers....

My puppy helper is not "pro".  She is not licensed or bonded, but I can't afford a pro.  I pay her $60 every two weeks.  She comes Mon-Fri at 3:30 and plays with Nikon for up to a half hour or takes him for a short walk.  I put my other dogs in crates at lunch so she is not responsible for them (but she likes Coke so she might let him out too).

My friend is a professional dog walker. Basically he goes to the clients home, picks up the dog and takes them to an off leash park or off leash area for about an hour. He may have 3 or 4 dogs plus his 2. The last I heard he was charging $15/walk/run. Our area has bilaws regarding the # of dogs you can walk at one time, license requirements, insurance requirements, bonding requirements. Check it out. You don't want a fine.

I imagine all dog walkers are having a tough time finding clients with this poor economy. Hiring dog walkers I'd imagine is the last thing broke folks can pay for.

I charge $20 for a 30 minute visit, $25 on holidays, or $30 for 2 visits a day (usually clients with puppies that need them out a couple times to potty). I have to say I have a very true clientele and nobody has cancelled my services due to the economic times.

Hi BlackLabbie.

I bet you're in a really good area, though. South of Boston.. I'm guessing you get a lot of clients closwer to the city. That is a highly populated area.

Just out of curiosity, how did you get into this business? How did you build it? I haven't even started yet, but it looks incredibly competitive in this area judging by all the posts on craigslist. I have given up trying to get a job at Fetch Pet Care. Every time I submit my resume, they never respond. Even though it shows I have two years of experience as a Volunteer at a shelter. I know I need to be licensed and bonded and all that. But I'm trying to test the waters right now first.

ShelterDogs

Hi BlackLabbie.

I bet you're in a really good area, though. South of Boston.. I'm guessing you get a lot of clients closwer to the city. That is a highly populated area.

Just out of curiosity, how did you get into this business? How did you build it? I haven't even started yet, but it looks incredibly competitive in this area judging by all the posts on craigslist. I have given up trying to get a job at Fetch Pet Care. Every time I submit my resume, they never respond. Even though it shows I have two years of experience as a Volunteer at a shelter. I know I need to be licensed and bonded and all that. But I'm trying to test the waters right now first.

Word of mouth is a great way to get good clients (but there can still be a few bad apples). Try posting ads in animal hospitals and grooming salons (if they allow it) and even shelters. Also, make time a couple hours on the weekend to meet and greet people (and their dogs) at dog parks and hand out flyers or cards.

Be open to cats too! I've made a lot of money taking care of peoples cats while they're away on vacation.

I do a free in home consultation to meet the dog and owner and I go over a contract and prices with them. Sometimes I cut people a break (1/2 off the first walk) if they're unsure of me walking their dog. Usually that'll get 'em to hire me During Christmas I give all my clients a small gift, along with a picture of their dog at playgroup or something, I try to make it a cute picture like of their dog playing.