Dog Walking to boost wages?

Cinny91

I've started thinking quite seriously about becoming a dog walker, to boost my income abit as well as something to do during the afternoon when I'm not at work (I work mornings mainly)

I've grown up with dogs, both big and small. I've also helped out at 2 local dog rescues walking the most timid dogs as well as lets say, more excited ones. I had to give these up when I started my office job.
Although I'm guessing most dogs I would be walking would be quite normal house dogs, it's good to know I can handle it. Also, having had quite afew dogs and taken them on lots of walks, living in the same area all my life, I know some of the nicest, quitest places I could take the dogs for a walkies, one at a time of course.

I've read that I'd have to get public liability insurance? I'm 17 and most sites are saying they 'can't give me a quote at this time.' But I'm guessing it would be better to look into this more if I did manage to build up afew regulars? And would people take me on without insurance, along with me looking pretty young?


Also, (sorry for the long post), how would I start up doing this? Would it be worth making up some flyers and posting them locally? Any advice will be welcomed, even if it's just to tell me i'm out of my depth and haven't got a chance with the credit crunch ect!

Horseygal_2

Please don't take the risk of starting your new business without adequate insurance. We all think it will never happen to us but what if one of the dogs you were in charge of slipped it's lead and caused a road accident and/or got itself injured in some way.

I used to work in a vets and to patch up dogs that had been runover sometimes came to thousands especially if they broke limbs and needed surgery to pin the bones back together. I'm not trying to sound over dramatic and at the end of the day its your decision but I personally wouldn't take the risk. xx

Cinny91

Thanks Horseygal! I really don't want to take a risk like that, I know I'd hate it if I left my pet in the hands of someone else and they got hurt. I'm still looking for the insurance but I can't even find a hint of a price, or a quote. I don't know if it's because of my age or because the business is under 1 year old (just a twinkle of an idea.)

Scaredy_Cat_3

Complete shot in the dark, but have you asked at your local job centre? They have contacts with people who offer advice to new businesses, it's just possible they could recommend an insurer???

Cinny91

I'm going into town tomorrow morning so I'll nip in and have a word if it's open, it seems to be quite temperamental with opening times!

Horseygal_2

Where I used to work we had quite a few dog walking/pet sitting services that advertised on our notice board. Maybe you could drop in to your local vets or pet shop and get some contact details. Ring a few pretending to be a potential client and enquire about their charges and who insures them. (I think its called professional espionage)

I think there is a national franchise called something like Pet Sitters UK they may be able to offer you some help/advice or even work! Hope this helps and best of luck:T

Horseygal_2

Hey just found this link and the areas it covers (hope its somewhere near you):rolleyes:

http://www.ukpetsitter.com/areas.htm

Cinny91

Thanks again horseygal!

I've looked into the insurance abit more and it would be roughly £2 per week. It would have to be in my Mothers name because you have to be over 21, but I'd be down as a partner. Which isn't bad as along as I can drum up some work. Planning on doing alot a research into it in the next couple of weeks. Isn't really something i can just dive into then drop if i change my mind.

Cinny91

Oh, and the petsitters uk is quite near to me, in sheffield. So I'll get in touch tomorrow! Thanks (for the third time )

chilli_dog

Hey Cinny,

Mrs Chilli-dog (get it) does this, any questions ask away.

Most of her customers are in the more afluent areas (is that a nice way of saying posh). She works for someone but not as an employee if thats makes sense.

Get the insurance, get some flyers printed, maybe eve get the side of your car sign written.

Make sure your insurance covers key holder liability, mrs chilli has loads of keys for all her customers.

Horseygal_2

Cinny91 wrote: »

Oh, and the petsitters uk is quite near to me, in sheffield. So I'll get in touch tomorrow! Thanks (for the third time )

No worries - looking forward to hearing all about your new business when it gets going :j xx