Do you think walking dogs for a little extra money is an good idea? How do i start?

Question

How do i offer a dog walking service?
I don't really have any experience accept i had a dog once, but she was very well trained.
Where do i go to 'advertise', or what do i say? How much does someone who walks dogs get paid?

i just thought of this because i really wanted to get a puppy, but can't until im out of university, so i figured walking dogs might help with that feeling and i'd get some extra cash.

what do you think?

I don't want like 5 dogs at one time kinda thing, i'm just thinking of maybe walking someones dog a few times a day or week if they are busy you know?

Answer 1

Firstly, make sure you can meet the commitment. Uni can be a very stressful time and some people can get fussy about the hours you walk their dog. If you're confident you can do it, great! Now you just need clients!



This isn't as hard as it sounds. Print up a few fliers (if you have art skills you can decorate them nicely, otherwise just use plain text on white or coloured paper - avoid clip art, as it tends to look cheap). Include your name, how often you'd be able to walk the dog, hours, the cost, and a way to contact you.



Print around 100 fliers to start with, and put them in letterboxes in your area. This ensures you'll be getting local clients and won't have to travel far. You can also leave a few leaflets in local coffee shops or cafes if the owners are okay with it.



Make sure you have a diary or calendar where you can keep track of what days people want their dogs walked. Also make sure to work out arrangements of how you'll GET the dog (will they be home to give him to you?) and how you'll be paid (on a weekly basis is usually easiest). Also consider offering discounts for if they have multiple dogs.



How much you charge is up to you. There's no real 'standard' cost, but the more you charge the fewer responses you'll have. I'd probably consider $20-$30 a week for daily walks.



Good luck!

Answer 2

Go to your local vet and ask if you can place an ad in their window.

Some vets have noticeboards for this sort of thing.

I am sure you will get some interested parties who get stuck from time to time and can't walk their own dog.

Answer 3

put up a flier in the supermarket with your number as a tear off on the bottom