Dog walkers visit the homes of their clients to provide the animals with exercise and socialization. They check the dogs for signs of health issues and notify their owners if a dog becomes sick or injured. Some dog walkers may also be trained in CPR for animals.
Dog walkers can work on a part-time or full-time basis. They can work with multiple dogs at a time. There are also self-employed dog walkers who advertise their services locally. These workers can set up a website and even place magnetic signs on their cars.
Before hiring a dog walker, make sure the person is insured and bonded. This will allow you to know if he or she has the experience and personality to be a good fit for your dogs. You can also get references from past clients.
Many dog walkers work during the afternoon. If you have a busy schedule, you may need to hire a company that provides a more limited window of time. Other factors to consider include the temperament of your dog and how long you need to leave it unattended.
Some dog walkers offer a more comprehensive service, such as offering potty breaks and helping with behavioral problems. In addition, they should be able to handle more energetic or elderly dogs.
The first step in finding a dog walker is to ask your neighbors. If you’ve had pets in the past, they should be able to recommend a walker. However, you should take the time to ask several potential walkers before making a decision. Ask about their experience, training, and temperament. Also, ask to take a test walk with the dog before you decide on a specific walker.
After you’ve screened a few possible walkers, you can arrange a meeting. Your walker should be able to give you an estimate of their cost. It’s important to ask about any cancellation policies. Keep in mind that your dog walker will probably be gone for most of the day, so you won’t want to have last-minute cancellations.
You may want to get a high school diploma or a college degree if you’re interested in starting your own dog walking business. You can also get certified through the International Association of Dog Walkers or through other organizations. A certification gives you the confidence you need to run your own business.
You can use a site like Rover to find a dog walker in your neighborhood. You can also advertise your services by posting flyers at local businesses. Once you’ve built up a client base, you can begin advertising online. Online dog walking services such as WAG have advanced technology, and you can easily order online.
If you’re looking to start your own dog walking business, you’ll need to get a business license and a high school diploma. Additionally, you’ll need to hire employees, train them, and be ready for emergencies. Although owning a dog walker business may seem easy, it’s actually more complicated than you might think.