Starting Your Dog-Walking Business in 4 Simple Steps

With strong demand and low start-up costs, starting a dog-walking business is a fantastic way for animal lovers to earn extra income while spending time with pets.

Dogs have long been cherished for their loyalty, energy, and affection. However, many pet owners, especially in bustling urban areas, struggle to find the time to give their pets the exercise they need due to hectic schedules. This is where dog-walking services come in. We recently spoke with Lori Smith of Toronto’s Urban Tail Dog Walkers to hear her thoughts on launching a dog-walking business.

If this sounds like a fun and fulfilling way to make money while bonding with some furry friends, here are four easy steps to help you get started:

1. Name and Structure Your Business
Choosing a memorable, catchy name is key when launching your dog-walking business. Many successful services use fun, pun-filled names to create a warm and approachable vibe right from the start.

Next, decide on the structure of your business. Some dog-walking services register as a limited liability company (LLC) or another business entity, but every situation is unique. Consulting a financial or legal advisor can help you choose the best structure for your specific circumstances.

2. Research Your Market
Before promoting your new business, take time to research the local market to understand your competition. Knowing what other dog-walking services offer and charge will help you create a pricing strategy that sets you apart.

Dog-walking rates can vary depending on the area and pricing model. Some businesses charge by the hour, others offer packages, and some even use subscription-based plans. Figure out which approach will work best for your business and the dog owners in your community.

3. Promote Your Business
Once your business is established and you’ve researched the market, it’s time to get the word out. Here are a few ways to promote your dog-walking services:

• Offer Services to Friends and Family: Start by offering your services to people you know. Not only will this help you gain valuable feedback, but their reviews and testimonials can boost your reputation.

• Use Social Media: Create dedicated social media accounts to showcase your dog-walking services. Post photos of happy dogs, share success stories, and engage with potential clients. Social media is a powerful tool for attracting attention to your business.

• Leverage Word-of-Mouth and Traditional Advertising: While social media is important, don’t underestimate the value of offline advertising. Consider placing ads in high-traffic areas such as dog parks, bus stops, and local bulletin boards to reach dog owners in your neighborhood.

4. Get the Right Insurance
As Rupin Bal, a criminal lawyer from Toronto’s Rupin Bal Law Professional Corporation, points out, insurance is crucial for any business, and dog-walking is no exception. A small monthly premium can protect you from financial losses in case of accidents or lawsuits.

If a dog gets lost, injured, or damages property while under your care, insurance can cover the associated costs. There are two main types of insurance to consider:

• General Liability Insurance: This protects you in the event of injury to a client or damage to their property, including lost or injured dogs.

• Professional Liability Insurance: This covers legal fees and settlement costs if a client sues for perceived negligence or damages.

Explore insurance options tailored to your location and business needs to ensure you have comprehensive coverage for the services you provide.

By following these four steps—structuring your business, researching the market, promoting your services, and securing insurance—you’ll be on your way to successfully launching a dog-walking business in Canada.