How to start a dog walking business

By Lindsay Stordahl on June 8, 2009

Note: This post has been expanded to an ebook on how to start a dog walking business. My ebook is guaranteed to be the best resource available for starting a dog walking business!

 

A step-by-step guide on how to start a dog running or dog walking business

I quit my job as a newspaper copy editor and page designer in August 2008 to start a dog running business.

I now have time to walk and train my mutt Ace as often as I want. My “jobs” consist of Fargo pet sitting, dog walking and dog running. From time to time I foster dogs. I also write and maintain this dog blog.

Quitting my job at The Forum newspaper was one of the best decisions I’ve made.

Here are just a few reasons why I’m glad I quit my job to start a dog walking business:

1. I’m doing things I love.
2. I have more freedom.
3. I’m not wasting my life away at a desk.
4. I am never bored.
5. I hang out with dogs.
6. I take vacation whenever I want.
7. I don’t have to ask permission for anything.
8. I haven’t been sick in more than 17 months.
9. No one tells me what to do.
10. I’m not helping someone else get rich.

I could go on and on about why you should quit your job (you probably should), but I intended this post to be about how to start a pet-related business. Since my business is primarily dog walking and dog running, that’s the example I will use. I will use dog walking and dog running interchangeably throughout this post.

Anyone can start a dog walking company. There’s no secret on how to do it. I’m here to make it even easier.

Fargo dog walking and dog running business with woman running a black lab mix in the summer

How to start a dog walking business:

1. Don’t worry about money.

If money is your primary concern, then you shouldn’t start any kind of business.

If you do start a dog walking business, there will be people who will make comments like, “Is that really a good idea?” or even flat out, “How much money do you make?”

Unfortunately, others will judge your success based on your salary and not by your happiness. Don’t fall into their trap. Expect people to take their insecurities out on you, because they will. Most of them won’t even realize they are doing it.

When I quit my job, not all my friends and family members supported my choice. Most of them voiced no opinion at all, seemingly hoping I would forget about the idea and get a “real job.” I was lucky to have a very supportive boyfriend who was basically begging me to quit the job I hated. Thanks, Josh!

I would have been laid off by now had I stayed at The Forum newspaper. Instead, I got out of there on my own and now I’m doing something better. Think of it this way, what would you do if you were “laid off” today? Might as well get started on your dog walking business plan.

2. What should I charge for dog running?

I charge $25 to walk or run a dog for an hour in Fargo and $18 for a half-hour walk or run. Dog runners in other cities are able to charge as much as $50 for a half-hour. On the other hand, there are students in Fargo who charge $5 for a half-hour walk. I know my service is worth more than this.

If someone is not willing to pay me $18 to run her dog for a half-hour, then she doesn’t appreciate my value and is not worth my time. I am an experienced dog trainer and athlete and people are getting the best possible service in Fargo when they hire me as a dog runner. My clients know that. More information about what to charge for walking dogs is available in my dog walking ebook.

3. Start walking shelter dogs.

I began volunteering to walk dogs with 4 Luv of Dog Rescue in Fargo long before I started a dog walking business. This gave me extra experience walking and running the strongest, worst-behaved dogs you can imagine. I also had support from the rescue volunteers. Dog rescue and dog shelter workers and volunteers are the most hardworking, passionate people out there. I need them on my side.

4. Find one person who believes your dog walking service is valuable.

If one person thinks you’re the greatest, they will tell others. This will give you confidence, and at least you will be getting paid for something you love. Starting out small will give you a sense of whether or not this is something you truly want to do.

I found a couple people in my apartment complex who were in need of a dog walker. These neighbors of mine worked 12-hour shifts and were leaving their dogs home without a bathroom break. When they saw my fliers, they were thrilled I could walk their dogs for them. I didn’t even have to quit my job. Sometimes I walked these dogs on my days off. Sometimes it was before work. Sometimes it was on my break.

Professional dog runner in Fargo runs an English springer spaniel5. Believe you are an authority on dogs.

It takes more than an animal lover to be a dog runner. I have lived with sporting breeds my whole life, and I worked at a boarding kennel throughout high school and college. I took my golden retriever through formal obedience training and trained my out of control mutt into a decent pet. I consider myself an expert on dog behavior. That’s why I started this dog blog.

Now that I run dogs, people trust that I am knowledgeable about dogs’ needs. I don’t let the dogs run out in front. They are always at my side. I work on basic obedience and manners, but most of all I give the dogs a good mental and physical workout. I know how to control large dogs that pull, jump or want to attack other dogs. I’m comfortable running with two or three dogs, but I also know and admit my limits.

6. Advertise your dog walking business.

I did some advertising that worked and some that didn’t. The best advertising is word of mouth and getting support from local rescues and dog businesses and town. I hang fliers at the dog park and at a few businesses like our training club. I drop off brochures and business cards at certain veterinarians’ offices and grooming shops in town. These are mostly to catch a few new clients here and there. The best advertising is word of mouth.

Don’t waste your time on newspaper ads. They are overpriced, and people don’t read the paper. I bought a few one-inch by one-inch classified ads to run every day with a small photo for $140 a month. I got very little return from these ads. Instead, it’s worth it to set up some free Craigslist ads. My Craigslist ads are very simple and redirect people to my web site. I’ve had a lot of success through Craigslist without spending any money.

7. Create a dog walking web site.

You need a dog walking web site to be taken seriously as a dog walker. For a couple bucks and less than an hour, you can set up a WordPress blog template and turn it into a basic web site. There are plenty of computer nerds willing to help if you ask.

Put some photos and information about yourself on your site. Be honest and personal. Don’t hide behind words like “we” or “our company.” This won’t impress anyone. If you’re the only one involved in the business, then say so.

8. Don’t worry about taxes right away.

The IRS is not going to kidnap your first born for not reporting the $100 you made during your first month of dog walking. Just chill out about taxes and wait until you have a substantial amount of money coming in. If you need help, find a professional in your area who can answer all your tax questions.

9. Get some pet sitting insurance once you have a few clients.

There are several companies out there that offer insurance for dog walkers and pet sitters. Don’t worry about insurance immediately, but do so once you have a handful of clients. Insurance is very affordable and runs around $200 per year. It’s worth having in case a pet causes bodily injury or property damage while under your care.

10. Create a liability form for your dog walking business.

I will not run someone’s dog until they have signed my liability form that states the owner is responsible for providing ID tags and vaccinations. The owner is also responsible for any damage the pet causes on or off his or her property. I also gain permission to take the animal to a vet if necessary. More information can be found on creating dog walking business forms in my ebook.

11. Create a good contact form.

All of my clients fill out a form that includes information about their dogs such as allergies, aggression issues, old injuries, medications and emergency contacts.

12. Create a business card and logo for your dog walking business.

I hired a graphic and web designer to design my logo and dog walking business cards for a reasonable fee. Then I printed my cards at Kinkos. This was convenient, but you can also have cards printed with online companies for a quarter of the price. I designed and printed my own brochures, but I recommend paying a designer to do that as well.

13. Outlast your competition.

Most people who start a dog running business will give up within a month. The rest will give up after six months. It takes a lot of time and work to gain enough clients to feel and be successful. The job itself is hard work. Those who can maintain a successful dog running business are the people who give 100 percent and truly believe in what they are doing. Whoever works the hardest will gain the most clients and be successful.

14. Admit if you are athletic or not.

I never thought of myself as an athlete, but I am. I swam butterfly and freestyle sprints in high school. I played rugby for eight years. In college, I began running six days a week and later started running half marathons.

I am not a fast runner. My average pace is about a 10-minute mile. But what I can do is run forever. I am the toughest person I know. I run outside when it’s –20 degrees or colder. I run when it’s 90 degrees and humid. I run in the snow, the rain and the wind. I run when I’m in pain.

There’s nothing wrong with sticking to strictly dog walking, but it’s a lot better for your business if you can offer dog running. Can you run 10 miles without stopping? Can you handle 30 miles in a week? 50 miles? Have you been running for at least a few years?

15. Offer many services, and be creative. This is your dog walking business.

Be flexible and think about the variety of services you can offer and what you’d like to offer. You can always make changes later on.

I offer pet sitting where I visit pets in people’s homes. I allow dogs to stay in my home overnight or for dog daycare when it works with my schedule. In addition to dog walking and dog running, I simply let dogs out to go to the bathroom when their owners can’t make it home from work.

There is so much more I could say about starting a dog walking or dog running business. My best advice is don’t copy everything I’ve said or everything someone else did. Use your own ideas and creativity.

And don’t skimp on running shoes.

Good luck with starting your own dog walking business! Check out my dog walking book for more information! It’s the best resource on how to start a dog walking business.

Fargo dog walking business with three golden retrievers and a golden doodle lined up sitting

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209 responses to “How to start a dog walking business”

  1. Alexandra
    Alexandra
    June 24, 2010 at 7:46 am | | Reply

    I quit my job in London and started my own dog walking/doggy day care business. It was the best decision i’ve ever made. So much freedom, doing something I love and doing it all for myself and no one else! Feels fantastic!

    Great post.

  2. Lindsay Stordahl
    Lindsay Stordahl
    June 24, 2010 at 12:58 pm | | Reply

    That’s awesome! Good luck to you with your business!

  3. Kimberly Swift
    Kimberly Swift
    June 25, 2010 at 8:30 am | | Reply

    I am doing a dog walking business, and whatever the time is, I take it in half and that is how much money. Example: 30 minutes = $15.00, five minutes = $2.50. And no, I am not related to Taylor Swift.

  4. Lindsay Stordahl
    Lindsay Stordahl
    June 25, 2010 at 8:59 am | | Reply

    That doesn’t sound like a bad way to do it. I also charge $15 for 30 minutes, but I only charge $20 for 60 minutes.

  5. Alan
    Alan
    September 20, 2010 at 10:01 am | | Reply

    Hi. Could you share some details on how often you walk a particular dog? How many times a week? And what are owners’ preferences on time of day while they’re at work? Do they give you a house key, etc.? There are no dog parks in my area and no dog walking services. It’s a small town of 5,000 people. I have a very flexible schedule, just wondering what to expect. And what to suggest to first-time clients. Thanks! Love your site and enthusiasm.

  6. Lindsay Stordahl
    Lindsay Stordahl
    September 20, 2010 at 10:14 am | | Reply

    I walk each individual dog on average twice a week, usually Monday and Friday or Tuesday and Thursday. A few are once a week, some are three times a week, some are every day. It just depends on the owner and what they want to spend. Most people prefer the middle of the day between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. while they are at work so they don’t have to come home during lunch. Many of my clients actually work from home or don’t work, and they have me come in the middle of the day as well. Almost all give me a key to their house. Some are home every time, and some give me a code to their garage doors.

  7. Harry
    Harry
    November 19, 2010 at 7:17 pm | | Reply

    A dog walking business is good for an older person on social security. There no heavy lifting. Walking is good, because it keep the older person fit.

    Harry

    1. Lindsay Stordahl
      Lindsay Stordahl
      November 19, 2010 at 8:44 pm | | Reply

      I’m sure there are a lot of older people who do it!

  8. Drew Huggard
    Drew Huggard
    January 9, 2011 at 1:37 pm | | Reply

    Thank you so much for this wealth of excellent information!!

  9. Lindsay Stordahl
    Lindsay Stordahl
    January 9, 2011 at 1:50 pm | | Reply

    No problem! Good luck with your dog walking business!

  10. Chris
    Chris
    January 26, 2011 at 3:57 pm | | Reply

    I came across your website today. It’s the best reference I have found. Easy, down to earth and straight shooting.

    I have worked like a dog (pun intended) for years in sales. I am in my early 30s and with my wife’s blessing have decided to try to take something I love and make it a career. I had to ask myself, “when are you happiest?” The answer is simple, when I am playing with a dog. Anyone who knows me would agree. If I go to a cocktail party and there is a dog, I am on my knees giving butt scratches (to the dog) all night.

    Anyhow, I just started planning. I know I can do this and be successful at it. Your site and your story has helped me today. I’m not telling my friends or family who I fear would suggest it’s nice, but not a “real job.”

    I am putting together a business plan and determining my target neighborhoods. There is one question I keep asking myself. Do I have enough time to walk enough dogs to make a living? $20 per half hour is the going rate for the two or three services in my town. Maybe I am wrong, but it seems to me people will want me to help them in the mid afternoon while they are at work. I am thinking 11:30 to 3:30 will be the most demanded times. Do you find that you are able to fill the day? Do people ask for you to come at 9 a.m.? Do you guarantee people a time?

    Maybe I should change my marketing to dog exercising/walking so people don’t look at me as someone who just opens the back door and stands there while their dogs pee. I intend to exercise it!

    Anyhow, I have lots to think about. Thanks so much for putting this together. I can’t wait to get started!

  11. Lindsay Stordahl
    Lindsay Stordahl
    January 26, 2011 at 4:37 pm | | Reply

    So glad I could help, and good luck to you! It is a huge help to have a supportive significant other :)

    People ask me to walk and run their dogs at all hours of the day. People work odd schedules. I am probably the busiest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., but a growing number of my customers are actually at home when I come to walk their dogs. They either work from home or they simply have other things to do so they hire me. I guarantee people a time within a half hour or so. Some people are more flexible than others.

    Yeah, you do want to make sure it’s clear that you are taking the dogs out for some exercise and fun. Some people won’t care, but most people prefer their dogs get walked.

  12. Chris
    Chris
    January 26, 2011 at 7:57 pm | | Reply

    Thanks so much for the great feedback. 10-4 would be great, leaving time to travel to appointments you could see plenty of dogs in a day.

    I’m struggling with marketing. I am going to place adds in a few church bulletins as they are cheap, well circulated, and online. I am targeting a couple neighborhoods/towns and am struggling with marketing.

    My plan is to spend a month, maybe two, setting up meetings with people to let them interview me and allow me to be introduced to their dog. My motive in doing this is two fold however, it will give me an idea of how many people are serious before I launch as well. I wanted to advertise prior to the launch and allow people to get signed up and reserve spots for their dogs.

    I am hoping this will give me rough numbers, a decent start in terms of customer base, and a one up on scheduling and mapping my day.

    I don’t want to flyer and can’t afford much. I can put some signs up at the grocery stores, but I don’t look at those bulletin boards so I am not sure anyone does! I know word of mouth will be my best source. How did you get your first 5 or 6 customers before your name got around?

  13. Lindsay Stordahl
    Lindsay Stordahl
    January 26, 2011 at 9:21 pm | | Reply

    Showing up in Google. Volunteering with local dog rescues. Craigslist.

  14. John
    John
    February 11, 2011 at 10:43 am | | Reply

    Hello Lindsay,
    I have been thinking of a dog walking business for about a week and just ran across your blog today. Very informative – I will be making my way over to the site to purchase the e-book very shortly. One thing I didn’t see in the post – what kind of payments do you accept? How difficult/expensive is it to get set up to accept Visa, MasterCard, etc.?

  15. Lindsay Stordahl
    Lindsay Stordahl
    February 11, 2011 at 10:47 am | | Reply

    Oh I just use PayPal. That makes it easy. Or people can pay with cash or check if that’s easier for them. I’d say it’s about half check and half credit card through PayPal. And that is covered more in the ebook :)

  16. John
    John
    February 11, 2011 at 10:56 am | | Reply

    Excellent idea – didn’t think of PayPal. Going to buy the book right now.

  17. Lindsay Stordahl
    Lindsay Stordahl
    February 11, 2011 at 12:16 pm | | Reply

    Great! Let me know what you think!

  18. Start a Dog Walking Business » Article Bundle
    Start a Dog Walking Business » Article Bundle
    February 11, 2011 at 8:29 pm |

    [...] How to start a Note: Run That Mutt has expanded to include dog runners, dog walkers and pet sitters in multiple cities. Visit RunThatMutt.com if you are interested in starting [...]

  19. Isobel
    Isobel
    February 21, 2011 at 6:53 pm | | Reply

    I’m a thirteen-year-old looking for ways to make money. I live in Southern CA, so instead of extreme cold we get heat, heat, and more heat. I have a couple of dog owners in my neighborhood, but I’m not sure if they walk them regularly. I’d adore to have a dogwalking service go on, but I’ve given out a few fliers and nobody offered. I currently have a miniature dachshund and thirteen years of experience with animals (I’ve had at least nine pets at once throughout my lifetime). When I walk my dachshund, we (my father, little brothers and I) take her around a few blocks, but I’m willing to go multiple times the distance for more energetic/larger dogs. I still have a bunch of fliers and quite a bit of time on my hands (I’m a student so homework and studying’s always a bother, but I still have a decent amount of free time – I can always spare an hour or two).

    I’m also confused on what I should do for pricing. I want to be able to make a decent and steady income (to be honest, though, “decent”, in my definition, doesn’t mean that much; I have low standards), while not scaring potential customers away. You mentioned this in your post, but I honestly think $5.00/hour or the like would be as much as I can hope for in my community.

    I consider myself to be somewhat athletic for someone my age. I participate in a swim team in the summer and martial arts weekly, and find myself in the “competitive” section in P.E. despite my lousy hand-eye coordination. I can see myself walking large dogs daily.

    Another concern (sorry!) is the frightening amount of dog-owners not using leashes these days… They simply rely on their dog to know to stay on the sidewalk. There’s no way I’m doing the same, so I’d consider it a necessity for customers to provide their own leashes.

    Any advice? Thanks in advance!

  20. Lindsay Stordahl
    Lindsay Stordahl
    February 22, 2011 at 8:18 am | | Reply

    If you charge $5 per hour, you can always increase the rate later on once you get a few customers.

    I get more customers and experience, I recommend volunteering for a local dog rescue or humane society. Volunteer to walk those dogs. Then you can tell potential customers that you’ve walked the most unruly dogs. It’s good experience.

    If you set up a Craigslist ad for your area, that might help as well. I usually get a new customer every time I do a Craigslist ad.

    I agree, it’s absolutely necessary for dogs to be leashed.

  21. Stephen
    Stephen
    March 9, 2011 at 10:24 pm | | Reply

    What a fantastic post. As an avid runner with multiple marathons under my belt, I think as a part-time job this would be awesome. I went out for a 4-mile run this morning and noticed all the dogs in the backyards were so excited. Why not combine my absolule passion of running about 40 miles a week with some dog running and make a little pocket change? I think I will spend a few months running friends and family members’ dogs along with some volenteer time at a local dog shelter. I am not looking for a career change at this point, but this looks like a heck of a lot of fun. I can’t wait to read your ebook. Thanks for the honest information.

    Stephen

    1. Lindsay Stordahl
      Lindsay Stordahl
      March 10, 2011 at 12:19 pm | | Reply

      Great! Glad I could inspire you to run some doggies! They will be thrilled!

  22. DD
    DD
    March 21, 2011 at 1:23 am | | Reply

    Thanks for the great information. I am just curious whether you think there is a market for this in smaller towns. I live in a town of about 12,000.

    Thanks for your help.

  23. Lindsay Stordahl
    Lindsay Stordahl
    March 21, 2011 at 11:57 am | | Reply

    I think there is. Smaller towns have even less options for dog daycares and dog boarding, so people may be more willing to look into a dog walker or pet sitter. You may have to adjust your rates. But if you do them too low, it won’t be worth it. I would start out with pretty low rates and then increase them in six months or so.

  24. cherie and dogs
    cherie and dogs
    April 18, 2011 at 7:47 pm | | Reply

    Hey guys, great blog. I really like all the comments on this blog. I’ll definitely be sending some of our clients here who have been asking me how to start a bussiness in the pet industry. Great post, and thanks for the blog.

  25. serah
    serah
    April 19, 2011 at 8:31 pm | | Reply

    This blog was great!
    I was thinking about starting a business also, but I have one question:
    When you’re running/walking the dogs, where do you carry the pooper scooper and stuff like that?

    Thanks (:

  26. Lindsay Stordahl
    Lindsay Stordahl
    April 19, 2011 at 9:02 pm | | Reply

    I carry a lot of plastic bags in my pockets! Like, at least two bags per dog :)

    1. Nichole
      Nichole
      April 25, 2011 at 3:24 pm | | Reply

      Hi Lindsay!

      I keep coming across your website and finally decided to buy the e-book. As many as your fans have already said: you are extremely helpful, supportive and informative. I enjoyed reading your blog; as it seems to be the most helpful.

      I did buy the e-book today and look forward to start reading it soon! However, I must of missed a link on where to retrieve it! Could you help me out?

      Thanks a million!

  27. Lindsay Stordahl
    Lindsay Stordahl
    April 25, 2011 at 4:11 pm | | Reply

    You should have gotten it in your email. Let me know if you haven’t gotten it yet.

  28. Patrick Klafehn
    Patrick Klafehn
    April 27, 2011 at 7:11 am | | Reply

    Hi Lindsay,
    Your blog is fantastic! I started my own dog walking business about six months ago in Washington, DC. So far, I really love it, but I am having one issue. I don’t have any employees (only have eight clients right now), and I don’t know what to do about vacation time. Any suggestions? I have contacted some of the larger dog walking operations in my area, but they don’t seem very interested in covering my walks while I’m out of town.
    Thanks! -Pat

    1. Lindsay Stordahl
      Lindsay Stordahl
      April 27, 2011 at 12:40 pm | | Reply

      Also, I just checked out your dog walking web site. Looks great! Glad it’s working out for you!

  29. Lindsay Stordahl
    Lindsay Stordahl
    April 27, 2011 at 7:14 am | | Reply

    Just tell your clients you are taking a week off. That’s what I do at least twice a year. They understand you can’t work every day!

  30. diniahitt
    diniahitt
    May 9, 2011 at 1:22 pm | | Reply

    Hi. I haven’t worked in five years. I love to walk every day. I was talking with my husband about starting a job. I’ve never had a puppy. I walk yesterday, and I ask to take a dog for a walk an he said yes. I want to start dog walking business. I do not know how.

  31. Lindsay Stordahl
    Lindsay Stordahl
    May 9, 2011 at 5:06 pm | | Reply

    Check out my ebook on how to start a dog walking business. It goes into further detail than this post. Otherwise, let me know what specific questions you have.

    http://www.thatmutt.com/ebooks/

  32. diniahitt
    diniahitt
    May 10, 2011 at 10:23 am | | Reply

    Thanks a lot for the email. I will go to check your page.

    1. Lindsay Stordahl
      Lindsay Stordahl
      May 10, 2011 at 11:57 am | | Reply

      No problem!

  33. Mldc321
    Mldc321
    June 3, 2011 at 5:40 pm | | Reply

    Hey, Lindsay! This is such great advice!

    What do you suggest for somebody who is already a dog walker through a dog walking business?

    I’d like to start up my own, but I really like my boss and respect her and her business. She’s given me such great advice, and I’ve learned a lot from her. The reason I’d like to branch off into my own business is because I am finding that I am investing a lot of time and energy into some of her clients. I love the dogs I walk! I think I deserve to be making more, and I feel like I have created a reputation for myself. I have started walking a few dogs on the side, but how do I basically wean myself from her business onto my own? I don’t want to hurt her feelings and burn any bridges. I know I need to be honest with her, but I just don’t want to lose my job totally until I feel comfortable with my own biz.

    I’d appreciate any suggestions you may have.

    Thanks so much!

  34. Lindsay Stordahl
    Lindsay Stordahl
    June 3, 2011 at 9:14 pm | | Reply

    Just be honest and respectful. If she is a good business owner, she will understand without taking it personally. She can’t expect you to work for her forever. There’s plenty of business for you both. I used to work at a dog boarding kennel, and I learned a lot from the owner and his employees. If you keep the relationship in good standing, you can continue to help one another out during holidays and emergencies and such.

  35. Elizabeth Martin
    Elizabeth Martin
    June 16, 2011 at 8:36 pm | | Reply

    Wow! That was great information! I am 14 years old and I would love to start a dog walking business, but I’m not so sure if adults will trust me with their dogs. I sure hope they will! I am going to start one and see if it works! Wish me luck!

    P.S. Thank you for that information. I needed the encouragement! God Bless!

    1. Lindsay Stordahl
      Lindsay Stordahl
      June 17, 2011 at 6:29 am | | Reply

      Good luck! I’m sure you will do just fine!

  36. joe
    joe
    June 29, 2011 at 3:58 pm | | Reply

    hi there! i find your blog extremely helpful and most inspiring! i’m currently working in a cube for 50 hours a week and I’m giving some serious thought to starting up my own dog walking/running business. how did you and when did you make the decision to start your business full time? i’m thinking of offering weekend and holiday services to start because my job wont allow time during the week. i’m becoming more active in my community and starting to meet and network without a lot of people. i just want to make sure i’m starting off right. any insight as to how you made the transition from your full time job with the paper to your own business would be very helpful. thank you and continued success with your company!

    1. joe
      joe
      June 29, 2011 at 4:02 pm | | Reply

      “…with a lot of people!” :)

    2. joe
      joe
      June 29, 2011 at 4:02 pm | | Reply

      correction – “…with a lot of people!” :)

  37. Lindsay Stordahl
    Lindsay Stordahl
    June 29, 2011 at 4:17 pm | | Reply

    Well, with the paper I was working from about noon to 11 p.m. four days per week. So that left my mornings open for dog walking and also three full days. That really helped me get started. But really, when I quit my job, I only had one real customer. I’d started advertising, but I didn’t get serious until I just decided to quit my job. The thrill/panic of not having my job to rely on is what motivated me to be successful with my own business. I know everyone is not able to do that, especially if he or she has kids. But I was living in a small apartment with a dog and cat and had very few expenses so it worked out great for me. Now I’m making more than I did at the paper. But more important, I’m happier and I have more free time.

    1. joe
      joe
      June 29, 2011 at 6:22 pm | | Reply

      that is awesome. thank you so much for the response!

  38. Lindsay Stordahl
    Lindsay Stordahl
    June 29, 2011 at 7:59 pm | | Reply

    No problem! Thanks for checking out my blog!

  39. Lindsey Hickman
    Lindsey Hickman
    July 7, 2011 at 11:56 pm | | Reply

    Hello!!! my name is Lindsey, and i am eleven years old and i am trying to start my own dog walking and washing service. i am absolutly not doing for the money. i have always been a hudge dog love since i was 3. i had dog evreything!! dog bedset,dog wallpaper,dog clothing,dog stuffed animals, and ive had a big dream of getting a dog of my own. then when i was 5 years old, my dad told me he had a suprise for me. i thought it was a toy or makeup or somthing. but, it turns out him and my brother went to pet smart and saw a golden retriver mixed with chow. her name was Sadie. She was an abused animal in the past. she was ran over by cars and was shot in the foot by her previous owner. my dad came up to her and was told her story by one of the petsmart workers. Sadie looked very sad and lonley. so he bought her. he brought her home and i was so happy i about cryed. to this day me and sadie are best of friends. sadie is 11 years old and has a very bad hip. and i know some day, her time will come where she will be in doggy heaven. i will be sad, but gald in someway for her that she will no longer be in pain. a few months ago sadie twisted her tendon in her hip. my dad told me “sadie is very hert,she is in real pain. she might have to go to heaven soon.” i saw him shead a tear a little. he also said “if i did put her down,how will you feel about it?” i replyed weaping”sad, very sad” i knew there was nothing anyone can do but pray. so i prayed soooo hard. and soon sadie got better. i was so SUPRISED!! i was speechless. i was extramlly happy. sadie is my bestfriend, and a great doggy. i love her. so i would love to have a dog walking buisness of my own. my parents say im not ready and not old enough. :( any advise?

    1. Lindsay Stordahl
      Lindsay Stordahl
      July 8, 2011 at 2:50 pm | | Reply

      I would start by walking a few dogs in the neighborhood. I have to drive all over town to most of my appointments, and I realize you can’t drive yet, so I would definitely try to find some customers close by. If you know people in your neighborhood with dogs, offer to do some pet sitting services when they go out of town for the weekend. Offer to stop by three times a day or more and check on the dogs, walk them, feed them, etc. I used to do that before I could drive and they paid pretty well.

  40. michelle eddinger
    michelle eddinger
    July 10, 2011 at 2:26 pm | | Reply

    your post gives me some hope. i live in a small town and i am thinking about offering dog walks or running. i just dont know how it would do here. i can run. my first run was 9 miles but now i have slacked off a little and am up to 4 miles. what kind of insurance is the best? i am just scared to start and i think ppl will think its a stupid idea. i am afraid of falure. how can i over come this and get going?

    1. Lindsay Stordahl
      Lindsay Stordahl
      July 10, 2011 at 3:11 pm | | Reply

      You can’t worry about what everyone else thinks. People will definitely think it’s a waste of time to start a dog walking business. They will laugh at you and say, really?? And some of your best friends won’t say anything at all, which you can assume means they are not supportive.

      But, you have to believe in yourself and take action to do what you want to do. That is the only way you will be successful. I imagine you can run a successful dog walking business in a small town if you also offer pet sitting visits or take dogs in your home for pet sitting.

  41. Laura Hesslau
    Laura Hesslau
    July 12, 2011 at 11:18 am | | Reply

    Hi! Love reading your blog! I have been looking to starting a pet sitting business and I am confused about bonding. It is my understanding that bonding is only necessary if you have other employees. Are you bonded? I am worried that if I don’t get bonded, clients might not want to hire me. It seems to be the norm to be licensed, insured, and bonded. Thanks!

    1. Lindsay Stordahl
      Lindsay Stordahl
      July 12, 2011 at 11:40 am | | Reply

      Every insurance company might have a different definition. The pet sitting company I use offers bonding which would cover me in case any of my employees or independent contractors damaged any property or stole something. Since I do not have employees, my company is insured but not bonded.

      I would ask the specific insurance company for clarification.

  42. Mekhi Williams
    Mekhi Williams
    July 13, 2011 at 1:08 pm | | Reply

    Me and my friends are going to start dog walking, and I was asking how many should we walk at a time I thought two dogs was good for a half an hour.

  43. Lindsay Stordahl
    Lindsay Stordahl
    July 13, 2011 at 1:57 pm | | Reply

    Two dogs at once is usually safe.

    I walk dogs for one family at a time. So, usually that ends up being two dogs. Sometimes it’s one or three dogs. There are a few groups of four dogs I will walk together but they are very well behaved.

  44. Erin McMahon Rock
    Erin McMahon Rock
    July 16, 2011 at 11:54 am | | Reply

    Hi Lindsay,
    First of all, I love your website and blog. It is very informative and unique. Anyway, I was just curious if you had ever had any problems with safety regarding your human customers. In these days with all of the drama surrounding Craigslist I worry that this danger would always be in the back of my mind. Would you recommend carrying pepper spray or doing background checks on new clients or any other tips?
    Thanks and best of luck! Erin

    1. Lindsay Stordahl
      Lindsay Stordahl
      July 17, 2011 at 12:33 pm | | Reply

      I’ve never had any issues. Just use common sense. Tell people where you are going. Be aware of your surroundings. Talk over the phone first whenever you can vs. just talking through email. Set up meet and greets during daytime hours when there’s lots of people coming and going. Bring pepper spray or a whistle or anything that will make you feel safer and more comfortable. Always have your phone on you. Bring your own dog along in the car whenever the weather is safe enough for that.

      Good luck with your business!

  45. taylor
    taylor
    July 23, 2011 at 5:02 pm | | Reply

    hi im 12 years old and love dogs and running and I want a summer job to earn money. so i want to start walking dogs in the summer

  46. taylor
    taylor
    July 23, 2011 at 5:04 pm | | Reply

    2$ each time

  47. Lindsay Stordahl
    Lindsay Stordahl
    July 23, 2011 at 9:22 pm | | Reply

    Charge at least $5.

  48. Juan Carlos Pratdesaba
    Juan Carlos Pratdesaba
    July 27, 2011 at 8:09 am | | Reply

    I just came to Valencia, Spain without having a job, from america, but i came with the idea that if nothings works (i am engineer) i could do what always i loved…work with dogs and pets…and i start setting up my dog walker bussines, because i see that everybody have dogs in this city, many of them taked their pets to the park, but there are many that dont…and many also are old people…
    In this procesess (I havent start yet marketing), but i already create my bussiness card, make flyers, start a blog in wordpress and prepare forms, and in this process i get with your site, and after reading now i am sure that i am doing the things right…of course you make me think in other subjects i didnt.
    I taked in the past courses of dog behaviur and obedience training, compete in dogs exhibitions (with alaskan malamute…a tough dog), and all my life have been with dogs, loving and undertanding them, and almost study veterinary but in the last minute i decide for engineer. Now I think i am in the right way, and reading you, i am more confortable thinking that i am not crazy, and that its possible to make money from this.

    Thank you for your advise!!!

    Juan Carlos.

    1. Lindsay Stordahl
      Lindsay Stordahl
      July 27, 2011 at 12:49 pm | | Reply

      Glad I could help! Good luck with your dog walking business!

  49. Amy
    Amy
    July 28, 2011 at 4:53 pm | | Reply

    Hi Lindsay. I am 13 years old and i am intrested in starting a small dog walking buisness in my neighborhood. How many fliers should i give out to start with?

  50. Lindsay Stordahl
    Lindsay Stordahl
    July 28, 2011 at 7:19 pm | | Reply

    I would give one out to all your neighbors. Basically anyone within walking distance of where you plan to go. If they don’t have dogs, they might tell their friends.

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