Dog walkers - I want to start dog walking and have some questions?

Okay sorry I'm not a dog walker but you definately should NOT walk dogs in an apartment. Dogs need to go to the bathroom while being walked, and the people in your building will not be happy if your dogs go in the apartment!

I just copied and pasted the whole thing with my answers :) You don't have to have a huge explanation for every question, but it would help a lot if you did! You don't have to answer every question, but please do if you have enough time!! 1.) Would you hire a 13 year old as your dog walker? Why? Yes, Cause i'm almost thirteen and thirteen year olds are really alot more mature than people think 2.) Would you want them to be uniformed or not? Why? No, Self expression is awesome, but they shoudn't look skanky or bad. Professionally casual lol 3.) Would you like your dog(s) to have their own bio/profile on that dog walker's website? Why? Yeah so in case something happens to my dog I can search the history, but also no cause I don't want other people to know my info and my dog's info, so I would just keep a record at your home. 4.) Do you care if they are licensed, bonded, and insured? Why? Hmm.. Well you SHOULD so people don't throw law suits at you if a panda attacks their dog or something, but you need to do some further research for that one. 5.) Are the following prices below too high, low, or just right? Why? Walk... 10 minutes - $3 20 minutes - $6 30 minutes - $9 40 minutes - $12 50 minutes - $15 60 minutes - $18 Groom... Brush - $5 Nail Trim - $5 Bathe... Small - $4 Medium - $5 Large - $6 X Large - $7 I think those prices are pretty good, but I think brushing a dog should be free and nail clipping like 3 bucks, but it also depends on what kind of area you live in ( rich, poor, middle class, I think you get the point) 6.) Do you think the prices should vary by size? Why? I think it is good to vary by size cuz bathing a big is more difficult and a small dog is easy, so you shoud price by labor and yeah 7.) Would you like the dog walker's business to be small or big? Why? Start out small and if it last it can get larger, but I don't want a different person taking care of my dog each time. A group of a few people running the business is good. 8.) Would you like the dog walker's business to offer just dog walking, or dog walking and pet sitting? Why? I liked the bathing and everything, cause your prices are good so I would pay for it 9.) What do you think about the business name Itchie Poochie Pals? Hmmm I don't really like it. It makes me think of fleas, no offense 10.) How often would you visit the business's website? maybe every week or few days, depending on how cool it is or how busy I am Thanks! I'm trying to start a dog walking business, so I want to know what customer's want from their dog walker's.

I am not a dog walker, but I was a few years ago.

Ok, I would make your rules:

1.I dont walk aggressive dogs.

2.I dont walk dogs that dont like other dogs.

3.If the dogs pick up an illness while out and about (such as parvo virus) I will not be responsible for it, and will not pay for the vet bills (they should have had them vaccinated, I know that dogs can pick up parvo after vaccinations but still)

4. The dog will not be let off the leash, no matter what.

5. I will be responsible for picking up the dogs waste, and if I do not, I will pay the fine that comes with it.

Usually if you have those rules, your should be fine, because,

If you dont walk aggressive dogs, you shouldnt have to worry about them attacking other people while they are your responisibilty,

If you dont walk dogs that dont like other dogs, you shouldnt have to worry about the dog being in a dog fight.

and they all have their reasons.

I would charge $20 for half an hour, and $30 for an hour (because then people are more likely to go for the hour walk because its cheaper. And it should be good taking them to the park just make sure YOU KEEP THEM ON THE LEAD, incase they run away.

Hope I helped.

I was a dog walker on a volutary basis, I know you need buissiness insurance really to cover any loss of dogs or 3rd party liabilty at the least!

we didnt charge but in my area typical dog walks start from £5 per half hour per dog or £7 for 2. £8 for 1 hour and £10 for 2 dogs!

youneed to contact your home insurer here if you plan on caring for animals in your home, (voluntary basis the company paid for damage but this will be on your back) If your plan to be alone in someone elses house you need buissiness insurance to cover damage theft ect injury I wouldnt see it as a probelm being in an apartment (I lived in a converted house) as long as you clean up dont have dogs barking or disturbing people! AND DO NOT LET IT SMELL! otherwise you will have problems!

care in your home would start from £20 in my area

care in their home would start from £30 for animal care and go up with duties!

you will also need a CRB check! it will cost about £30 i think it was for me when I was with the charity!

This is basic and im not sure of the ins and outs as I was NOT self emplyed and so the charites buissiness insurance covered me!