Hi all,

I've been thinking for a long time about starting a dog walking business. Has anyone ever done anything like this?

I seriously just think I am NOT cut out for the 9-5 desk job anymore. I want to try something new.

I would love advice or insight from anyone on this.

The other thing I would like to try is pet photography (I mean, I should use my photo degree for something, right?!).

But, I wonder - how many people actually have an interest in something like that? Would like to have nice photos of their pets?

Thanks for any tips advice you can share!

I am no expert by any means, so this is just my observation.

I recently met a breeder who is "attached" with quite a few groomers. The groomers borrow her dogs for competitions. Her dogs are also used in magazines, calendars. I would spend a lot of time at AKC events to get to know the people who would be interested most in your photo talents.

The dog walking (probably pet sitting, too) in this economy is probably not as lucrative as it once was. People are finding themselves stretched to the limit to feed their animals, let alone hire someone else to care for them. But, if you live in an affluent area, you may have some luck. I'd check out the competition on Craigslist, etc.

I'd also learn how to run a business. There are books on the subject at the library. I know. I checked one out a year ago, but decided it was not the right time for where I live. Instead, I volunteer my time at a local dog training facility doing grunt work. In exchange I am gaining some education. And getting to know people who truly love their dogs and may need a pet sitter someday.

Maybe someone else will have some more ideas. Good luck.

One thing I would look into if you wanted to do pet photography is see if you could get connected with a kennel club or something. If you could do that, you could contract to do shows and trials and stuff like that. People will want action pics of their dogs or pics with their ribbons.

Same goes for the horse world if you wanted to get into horse pics as well. If you get involved in a pony club or breed club, you would be more likely to be hired to take private photos. (You don't have to own a horse to be involved with horse clubs.)

Donating some photos to shelters and rescues to get your name and pics out there would be a good thing too. Come up with some unique scenes to grab the eye One of my favorite pics is a picture that Cindy got from a Mal customer with the puppy wrapped in Christmas ribbon. It makes me smile each time I see it.

And most of all-- GOOD LUCK and HAVE FUN!!!!

--Kelly

Thanks for the responses and suggestions everyone!

go for it jenn!

ideas are one thing, and it seems like you have them already. the next is taking the steps towards your goals.

from my exp. 99% of the people talk about it while the 1% just go out and do it.

I believe that I should be a student of whatever i do, whether its dogs or business; and if things don't go as 'perfect' as you imagined, it's all part of the learning curve.

be smart about it though, if you have bills to pay at the end of the month, don't quit your day job in the dream that you'll be making money on day one.

(i could write all day about this)

oh, and my cousin had pet photography with his dog and his wife, they're very happy with it, lovely pics, on the internet and a dvd with a few print outs.

Wish you well!

I would never have thought a boarding kennel in the rust belt of upstate NY would make me money but it pays as well as a 50hr week at my old job and I don't work anywhere near that much.

That said, Dog photography or walking may be a bit too much of a luxury, depending on your area. I personally would suggest add a pet sitting service (in home or your place depending on circumstances and local laws) as I get people who think FooFoo would whither away in a KENNEL but really want a 'sitter'. Even with the recession it seems the only hit I am seeing is somewhat shorter trips away for boarding (5 instead of 7 days....) or people wanting a shorter groom so it will last longer. Cat's are notoriously better off at home with a stop by sitter.
I have found it helps to advertise in more recession proof job areas....I bet half my clients are medical people and not all of that is 'cause a doctor owns my building.....he is wonderful though for word of mouth.
Once you get started word of mouth will sell your business more than any advertising you could purchase. So really stun your customers and you will be amazed what calls you get.

I dabble in animal photography on the side of my real job and if I did not have school loans etc to pay off I would probably take the plunge into just doing animal photography. If you are not aware of this site, here is a forum that has section that caters to animal photographers where you can get some great advice:

http://www.nwpphotoforum.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?Cat=0

 Quote: Edmond Kan

from my exp. 99% of the people talk about it while the 1% just go out and do it.

yep! I am defintely one of those 99% right now! I have had so many ideas, just always afraid to take the plunge. I am terrified of uncertainty in many ways, and love the stability of the day job, but,... i feel like if i never at least try, i will always wonder what if!

I started my own landscape design business after working for a large, successful firm for 12 years. My advice is treat it like a BUSINESS - not just a passion/hobby if it is going to be how you earn your living.

... Insurance - you are going to be walking other people's dogs and will be responsible for keeping them safe, etc... If something happens while they are in your care, you don't want to lose your house.

... I use the services of a bookkeeper/auditor and don't regret that for ONE moment. She saves me tons of time, keeps things organized and come tax time, hands me everything I need.

...Get professional business cards and I'd also recommend a web site when you can. My web site is a "silent salesman" for me. Being able to refer a new contact to my website works wonders in letting them know I'm a professional - assuming your site reflects this!.

... Networking is a cheap way to get your business known. Look into joining any professional organizations in your area. When I first started I joined a professional women's organization and met lots of people in lots of different fields. Once they knew me, they recommended me, and vise versa. People prefer to do business with people they know - not strangers. (Plus, professional people are going to be the ones with the finances and NEED to have someone walk their dogs!) :-)

...If you are going to have to survive on what you bring in, you may want to give some thought to keeping your current job long enough to save up 3 - 6 months of expenses to rely on if it takes longer to get the new business up and running.

Give it serious thought, have a plan on paper, and if what your heart is saying matches up closely with what your brain/plan on paper is saying - GO for it!