Let me say right off, that this isn't for everyone. You see when you walk your own dog, you tend to take him someplace near woods, where he/she can do their business. When you're walking someone else's dog or usually dogs, you don't have that luxury. If you have a problem going around with baggies gathering up dog excrement then you might not want to do this.
However, for those who don't have a problem with the above, and love hanging out with multiple dogs at the same time, it can be a rewarding experience. First off, I think you have to really like animals to do this, and I believe that animals can pick up whether or not you like them. I've never had a problem with dogs or other kinds of animals because I tend to like them all.
So, if you like animals and don't mind picking up some dung, then you've passed the first test. The next thing is it helps to live somewhere near an affluent city or suburb, someplace where you have a lot of busy professional people who love their dogs but don't have the time to get them out during the day. That's where you come in. You let them know that you'll get Fido out for an early morning or afternoon stroll. Tell them how much better and happier a dog he/she will be for getting out and soaking up a little sun. Give them some references, and tell them how you've always loved animals, and have been taking care of them forever, and you're almost there.
Another thing that you want to do is to make a list of the Vet Clinics in your area. Visit them, and ask if it would be ok to leave a card or to put up a small flyer on their board explaining what you do. If you really want to branch out offer 'Pet Sitting' or possibly 'Pet Transport' services. Like anything else, once you get a few customers and do a great job, you'll get referrals. In fact, this is where a large part of your business will come from because once someone knows that they can trust you with their belongings and their prized pooch, they'll be quick to recommend you to friends.
Of course, you'll need to be bonded and insured, and you need to really be trustworthy, and reliable. And you have to be willing to play referee between Mimi's poodle and Quincy's Irish Setter but once the dogs get to know each other, things tend to work out.
Dog walking can be a fun and rewarding way to make a bunch of furry friends and some money along the way.
Bill Thomas lives and works in Seattle, Wa. He is actively engaged in E-Commerce and Internet Marketing. His current websites are--Create Lifetime Residual Income and Financial Freedom on $10 a Month |
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