Basic Steps to Start a Dog Walking Business

Owning a business gives you the freedom to be your boss, but you have to work hard to earn rewards. Here are the steps to start a dog walking company in San Francisco, CA:

1. Make Notes of Dog Walking Business Plan

Before you start, making notes of your business plan assists you in identifying your competitors, opportunities, and how successfully you manage your business. At the beginning of the process, you can answer all the questions and deal with any possible problems quickly.

2. Get the Right Checks

If you have the dog’s owner’s keys and visit their house, having a criminal record check is needed. For California jobs, you can request a basic Disclosure and Barring Service check, which will cost you $23. The application process is different if your business is in San Francisco. To apply online with Disclosure Scotland for Basic Disclosure, you will require to have stayed at your current address for more than a year, and it will cost you $25. As for AccessNI, a basic check costs $18. You can apply for a Criminal Record Check through NarpsUK if you have stayed at your address for less than a year, and it will cost you $65.

3. Know about Dog Walking Rules

NarpsUK has enough information regarding rules; some of them include:

Keep a record of work
Protecting personal information customers
Meet the owners before the first booking
Ensure that in public, dogs have the owner’s name and address on the collar.
Limit the number of dogs walked to four at a time.
You need a license if you are also offering a dog boarding service.
Feces cleansing, it is necessary to do, or you can be fined up to $1,000

4. Consider Business Insurance

Dog owners give you the responsibility of dogs and expect you to be careful. Having a dog walk insurance policy can assist you in showing your clients that you are sincere with your job.

5. Find out How much you will Charge

You can charge about $8-15 per dog between 30 minutes and one hour walk. If you have more than one dog at a time, you can earn a certain amount of money. But these rates may vary depending on your business overhead, the number of dogs you walk per day, and the number of hours you walk each day. At times, you may need to negotiate the price with clients.

6. Get the Right Transport

Public transport can be used to get around you and your dogs, but having your vehicle will make it much easier.

7. Dog Walking Service Agreement

It is a good idea to have a written agreement between you and your clients to protect your business in case of any dispute. The agreement must include the service, and your obligations summary, including the amount client, will pay you, when, and how far the walk will be. You can also add the dog and his needs details.