Part-time business idea – dog walking

It seems quite amazing that you can earn extra income from doing something as pleasurable as walking a dog, but it’s true – you can! The UK is a nation of dog lovers and for many people, working long hours will not put them off owning a dog. But dogs need to be walked and, as a part-time business opportunity, dog walking has to be one of the best – and you could earn up to £8 per hour per dogWhat’s even better is that you really don’t need any qualifications other than being confident around dogs and enjoying some healthy outdoors exercise. That said, many owners will feel happier if they know that you have owned a dog yourself or have had experience of working with and caring for animals in some capacity.

Marketing your service is relatively low cost. You can place an ad in local shop windows or vets surgeries, or advertise in your local paper. To be more proactive you could distribute flyers door to door in your local area. When once you are up and running, you will inevitably start meeting dog owners when you are out walking – they may be looking for someone to help with their dog or know someone else who needs help, so it’s always worthwhile carrying business cards with you.

Start your dog-walking business as you mean to go on:

• Take out public liability insurance to protect you in the event of a dog in your care getting involved in a fight with another dog or injuring a person whilst in your charge.
• Meet owners in advance of your first walking session so that you can get to know them and the dog.
• Never walk more than four dogs at any one time.
• Keep a written record of all appointments.
• Be aware of the law – you will face a fine of up to £1,000 if you fail to pick up faeces, do not keep a dog on a lead when necessary, allow a dog to become out of control, or let a dog go on land from which dogs are excluded. Visit the Kennel Club’s website for full details of dog law.