What is it?
It’s often said that Britain is a nation of animal lovers, but with credit a-crunching and belts a-tightening, animal care is, err, going to the dogs, as owners put longer and longer hours in at the office in an attempt to pay off their debts.
There’s no doubt, then, that Britain’s dogs are crying out – pining, even – for attention, and if you’re an animal lover with an entrepreneurial streak who empathises with these oft-overlooked victims of the economic downturn, then starting a dog walking business could be right up your alley.
Despite reports that dog walkers have suffered from the effects of the credit crunch, a report by insurance company Insurantz.com, found that with 6.5 million dogs in the UK, dog walkers can earn up to £8 per hour per dog from time-strapped workers.
William Taylor, from industry body the National Association of Registered Petsitters (it also goes by the rather rude-sounding acronym ‘NARP’), agrees. “Although people might not have so much disposable income to spend on a pet sitter, they will have to work longer hours so they will need one in that instance,” he says.
There’s good money to be made in the business, he says. According to a recent survey by the organisation, demand risen by almost 60% in 2008. In Philadelphia, one dog-walking business grossed $650,000 (£377,800) last year.
Who is it suited to?
Dog walking is a very flexible business to go into. Although a background working with animals is preferable, it’s not essential, and as long as you are confident around dogs, it shouldn’t be a problem.
But William Taylor, from the National Association of Registered Petsitters (NARP), says it’s important to have had some kind of experience with dogs, even if it’s just as an owner.
“If you’ve had a background looking after animals then that’s great, but having owned and cared for animals for as long as possible is very important.”
He says although there is good money to be made in the industry, looking after other people’s pets carries a high level of responsibility.
“The responsibility is somewhat larger than a lot of people think. I suppose some people see it as earning a bit of extra cash but it is a professional job. You have to look after people’s houses as much as you do their pets. You hold their keys and there are obvious responsibilities that come with that.”
The Kennel Club’s guidelines for people working with dogs advise ‘strong interpersonal and communication skills’, as well as ‘a high level of fitness’ and, naturally, ‘an affinity with, and understanding of dogs’.
You will also need all the usual entrepreneurial skills – from a being able to balance your books and fill in your self-assessment tax return to a basic knowledge of marketing and an ability to network and negotiate with people in your local animal industry.
Rules and regulations
Although there are relatively few regulations specifically targeted at dog walkers, businesses providing a service must get public liability insurance. In fact, according to a recent report from insurance company Insurantz.com, many professional dog-walkers are putting themselves at risk by not being adequately covered.
“We insist all of our members have public liability cover, but there’s still some work to be done to educate the industry that setting up a business requires more than a sturdy pair of shoes and a few flyers,” warns Phil Taylor, of NARP.
“We see a fair number of claims for dogs injured in fights with other dogs, and a number of our members have had to make a claim because a dog has injured another person while in their charge. Without adequate cover, these people have faced legal bills rising into the thousands of pounds.”
Many dog walkers also opt to undergo Criminal Records Bureau checks, as a way to reassure their clients and bolster their reputation. NARP recommends all its members are checked. “We also get references for every member, and we go to visit them as well,” says William Taylor.
NARP also recommends its members take a number of precautions, including:
- Meeting owners well in advance of your first booking
- Not walking any more than four dogs at a time
- Keeping records of all work undertaken
- Making sure clients’ personal information is kept private
The Kennel Club’s dog law site also lists a number of rules and regulations people working with dogs must abide by, including:
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The Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005
You could be fined up to £1,000 if you: fail to pick up faeces, fail to keep a dog on a lead or put it on the lead when directed to do so, or allow a dog to enter land from which dogs are excluded. -
The Control of Dogs Order 1992
All dogs in a public place must wear a collar with the owner’s name and address on. -
The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991
It is against the law for a dog to be ‘dangerously out of control’ in a public place. The Kennel Club says something as simple as the dog chasing, barking at or jumping up at a person or child could lead to complaints, so make sure it is under control at all times. -
The Road Traffic Act 1988
Dogs must be on a lead at all times on roads. If the dog you are walking is injured in a car accident, it is up to the driver to stop and give their details to you. -
Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953
It’s against the law to allow a dog to worry livestock on farmland. If a farmer catches a dog worrying his livestock, he has the right to stop the dog – even if that means shooting it. -
Dogs Act 1871
It’s an offence if a dog is dangerous and not kept under proper control, which is usually regarded as not on a lead or not muzzled. The law applies wherever an incident happens.
How much will it cost?
Start-up costs are relatively low for dog walking businesses. Your major expenditures at the beginning will be:
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Public liability insurance – covers you in case a member of the public makes a claim against you if they are injured. This will
probably cost you between £80-£150 per year. - A police CRB check – Not compulsory but recommended to reassure your clients you are reliable. This will set you back just over £30.
- Flyers and business cards – flyering is still one of the most effective ways to target clients in your local area. You should be able to get 5,000 flyers printed for around £100.
Membership of the National Association of Registered Petsitters (NARP), which includes insurance and all the forms and paperwork you’ll need to get the business going, costs around £450 a year. Members are advised to charge around £10 an hour per dog. “That does vary somewhat, though,” advises William Taylor – so make sure you do some research into how much competitors in your area are charging before you decide on your fees.
Tips & advice
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Join NARP
“It gives people a lot more confidence,” says William Taylor. “It means they’re able to ring us, and find out a bit more from an impartial association. And if something were to go wrong – which it can do, and does – we’re here for advice.” -
Make sure you do your research
“Look into who’s doing it in your area, and have a chat to other people who are doing it.” -
It’s not a business to be taken lightly
“It’s a great business if you adore animals, but the important message to get across is that it’s not a part-time thing after work to try and earn a bit of money, or for students to earn extra cash – you need to take the business seriously.”
Contacts
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National Association of Registered Petsitters (NARP)
PO Box 1433
Oxford OX4 9AU
http://www.dogsit.com/
0845 230 8544
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The Kennel Club
1-5 Clarges Street
Piccadilly
London W1J 8AB
http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/
0870 606 6750
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RSPCA
Wilberforce Way
Southwater
Horsham
West Sussex RH13 9RS
http://www.rspca.org.uk/
0300 1234 555
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Federation of Small Businesses (FSB)
Sir Frank Whittle Way
Blackpool Business Park
Blackpool FY4 2FE
http://www.fsb.org.uk/
01253 336000
Photograph courtesy of Christine592