Chapter 1: Get Your Tail Waggin’

Welcome to Bow Wow Business!

Chances are this book caught your attention because you’re interested in learning more about becoming a professional dog walker.

I have good news. Amazing news.

If there was ever a time to get involved in dog walking, it’s now!

The potential is REAL.

It’s an exciting opportunity to build a business in an ever-flourishing industry. It’s not just a fad. In fact, there’s tremendous growth potential. Just take a look at the numbers:

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, in 2012, 36.5 percent of American households owned a dog – that’s 46.3 million households! And, the average number of dogs per household was 1.6.

Fast forward to 2017. According to the Insurance Information Institute, 60.2 million households now have a dog. The number of dog owners is growing, which means so is the potential for opportunity!

Here’s even better news: According to Fortune, the American Pet Products Association reported that, in 2016, Americans were expected to spend $62.75 billion on their pets. Yes, billion. This shows that pet owners are absolutely willing to spend money on their pets’ health and well-being.

However, the coolest thing about becoming a dog walker? As a dog lover, you get to do something you’re passionate about every day and make money from it – and you’ll have fun doing it. Who wouldn’t want to get involved?

Own YOUR business.

By becoming a professional dog walker, you’ll have the opportunity to set your own hours. Basically, your work schedule is up to you. You can start walking dogs as a side hustle in addition to a full-time job or turn it into a part-time gig. You can easily make this business fit into an already busy schedule.

If you discover that dog walking is truly your thing, the potential is absolutely there to make a full-time income. You’ll have the opportunity to set your own rates. And, as you continue to establish yourself, you can raise your rates as your quality of service improves.

You can take advantage of the growth potential in the industry because it has never been easier to market yourself. You have three options: You can do it yourself by creating a website, building a social media presence, or crafting eye-catching business flyers. You can also join a sharing economy website like Rover or Wag! Each of these online platforms serves as a “hub” and connects you to potential clients in your area, makes scheduling easy, and guarantees secure payments.

Your third option? Take advantage of both.

No need to decide right now. We’ll dive deeper into marketing in chapters to come.

Build relationships.

In addition to the wonderful dogs you’ll be walking, you’ll also get the chance to meet lots of new people. Walking a dog or being at the dog park exposes you to the dog owner community – and it’s a strong, friendly one.

Building relationships with new people through those encounters and telling them what you’re doing can lead to potential clients!

Let’s get started!

Like the way these perks sound? They’re only the start of the amazing things that come with being a dog walker.

I have more good news. All you have to do is keep reading to learn more. I’ll give you all the tools you need to build your business – and make it work for you.

Congratulations on taking the first step toward success. Please read on to become your area’s next big-shot dog walker!

How to use this book.

This book will give you all the tools you need to be successful in building your dog walking business. Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll learn in the chapters to come:

Part 1: Unleash Your Potential

Understand the need and potential behind becoming a dog walker.
Learn about the history of the dog walking industry.
Know what you’ll need to do to become an “expert” on dogs.
Hear testimonies from experienced dog walkers about why they do what they do!

Part 2: Picking Up the Pace

Understand what the sharing economy is.
Know what you’ll need to get started and how much it will cost.
Learn how to create a business plan.
Figure out how to set your price and lay out your policies.
Understand laws, regulations, and insurance when it comes to business ownership and walking dogs.
Learn how to file taxes as a business owner.

Part 3: Bark About It

Learn how to create a marketing plan to acquire clients.
Understand where you can find your clients.
Figure out how to create your brand for your business.
Become aware of professionalism basics.
Understand how to deal with your clients.
Learn how to hire help when the time comes.

Want to be a dog walker or dog sitter?