It’s time to monetize your puppy love.
Clark Industries
of new york times reports that a growing high-end dog walker breed in New York City is pulling in six-figure numbers thanks to a combination of pandemic puppies and a return to work.
Bethany Lane, 35, founded dog care business Whistle & Wag in 2014 as a way to earn rent and pay off loans after pursuing a career in public health. is the tail of the economic growth of
Lane, who charges more than $35 per walk, has paid off her loan, hired additional dog walkers, and bought a vacation home. I told him that business is comfortable with six figures.
“If I had told my younger self that I could make a living taking care of dogs,” Laing told The Times.
The ASPCA reports that more than 23 million American households have a dog or cat during the pandemic. That’s a lot of new family members that need to be taken care of.
If you’re thinking of joining the furry gold rush, Rich Mintzer, author of Start Your Own Pet Business, has some tips for growing your dream pet-based business. As with many service businesses, success depends on having a large and consistent customer base, he says.
1. Use word of mouth
He says the most common way to find customers is through word of mouth. Spread the word to everyone: your family, friends, neighbors, yoga or Zumba class attendees, co-workers. These are people who know and trust you, so the barrier to entry is low. If they are happy with your service, let them know that you appreciate sharing your contact information with other pet owners in their lives.
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2. Go where the dogs are
If you’re a pet sitter whose clients are mostly dog owners, print a quick flyer on your computer, run a copy, and head to a park or dog park near you. He suggests that most people are friendly while walking the dog, so ask the person’s name (that is, the dog’s name) to strike up a conversation before handing them a flyer or at least a business card.
Don’t forget to include your email address, phone number, website, and possibly Facebook and Instagram pages on your flyers and business cards. If you want to reach the same audience online, join your local pet her group’s social media pages and post regular comments. Being part of a community builds trust and visibility.
3. Create a simple website for your pet business
A website and social media presence is necessary, but not over the top, he says. Potential customers often prefer to check your website to see all the details about your business before answering the phone and speaking in person.
Plus, a well-designed website can encourage customers to call you and queue up for their next out-of-town trip. It should include what the babysitting service offers, why your service is great, and other useful information.It should include contact information, links to social media accounts, and credibility. A brief bio about you, with dots. Don’t forget your photo. People love cute pictures of their pets.
4. Post your services on social media
Even if you don’t engage much, you need to have an Instagram or Facebook presence, says Mintzer. Instagram is photo-centric, but is there a better photo to post than a photo of your pet? On Facebook, many people have pets. Also, local social media boards such as Nextdoor are another opportunity to engage with customers in your area.
Look for local social media pages that focus on your neighborhood. Many towns, counties, and communities have such local social media sites. It’s not just about advertising and promotion. Start conversations about pets, answer people’s questions, post cool facts, participate in discussions… That’s how social media works. Let people know you’re there and get them to contact you instead of being pushy.
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5. Sign the car
The value of having a magnetic sign on your car door is great. With a pet sitter, you drive many cars and see ads for many people. But one consideration is insurance, he says. The difference between having personal car insurance and having to purchase commercial insurance may be as simple as whether your vehicle has signs, so talk to your insurance company first.
6. Join an association
Membership in local associations, such as chambers of commerce, pet sitting organizations, and veterinary groups, not only gives you great ideas, but also customers. Bring a stack of business cards to Chamber of Commerce meetings and don’t leave until most of them have been handed out, he says.
Remember, more than half of all American households have pets. Don’t assume someone isn’t a potential customer or potential referrer just because their business isn’t pet related. If you don’t have a pet yourself, your relatives, friends, acquaintances, and employees do.
