Tired of sitting in front of the computer everyday, dealing with unhappy clients on the phone, while your bosses keep finding things for you to do, AND reasons not to raise your pay? Do you think you need a career change?
In fact, many dog walking businesses started this way. We've heard plenty of stories where dog lovers, who spent years in corporate jobs, decided that they need a happier lifestyle and decided to do what they love doing and make money at the same time. So here I want to share with you 9 good reasons why you too should consider becoming a dog walker.
1. Your clients (especially the furry ones) are almost always happy
These poor things stay home all day long, and the only thing they look forward to is their masters coming back home late at night. Yet as soon as you enter their lives, you will now be their favorite person in the world! You will come by to give them love, take them out on a little adventure, and maybe give them a treat for their good behavior. Your furry clients will be almost always happy to see you!
Your human clients will be happier too! Many of them are either busy working professionals who don't have time to walk their dogs or busy working professionals who want to reward themselves with a nice, long trip. They love their dogs to bits, and have a photo of them on their Facebook profile, but have feelings of guilt because they just can't spend enough time with their dogs. You, as a dog walker, offer a solution not only for their dog walking but also for their bad feelings. You walk their dogs; the dogs are happy, and the owners are happy too.
2. You can start with a very small budget
I don't know many other businesses that you can start with such a small budget. To start off, you just need to register your business, create flyers and business cards, buy a few leashes, supplies, and dog walker insurance. If you have extra budget, you can invest in other marketing strategies such as local newspaper advertisements and Google/Facebook ads, but it is not necessary. You can create a website for free using WordPress or Weebly. That's a pretty good start. Spread the word through family and friends, use email and Facebook, and in no time you will be running your own dog walking business.
3. It can pay more than your desk job
According to our research, there are even job postings offering $3,000-4,000 per month for a full-time dog walker. That's double what some companies pay an administrative assistant! If you work for a dog walking company, it is common to earn anything within a range of $10-20 per hour. That's really not bad, considering today's job market.
4. You don't need a post-secondary degree or letters before/after your name
Dogs and dog owners don't care so much about what degree you have or whether you've got the 3 letters that give you a competitive edge in the corporate world. Of course, it is nice if you have pet CPR or First Aid training, but this can be obtained easily. Most importantly, they just want an honest, trustworthy and sincere person.
5. Everyday is different
As a dog walker, your day will never be like yesterday. Everyday you will be with a different dog, working in different weather, in a different neighborhood. This is what makes your work fun, entertaining and full of new discoveries!
6. You can work outside!
No more cold, dark offices where the AC keeps blowing away even though it's winter! If you love being outside, this is your dream job! You will come to appreciate nature more as well.
7. Flexible hours
It is your business, so you can decide what your work hours are. Thankfully, dogs don't need you to work 9-5. You can schedule your first few clients from noon to 3pm, have personal time from 3 to 6pm, then walk a few more dogs until 8pm. Of course, the more flexible you are, the more appointments you can get. But you definitely have a bit more control over your schedule.
8. You will never have to feel the need to go to the gym again!
If you want to make a living as a dog walker, you will be walking a few hours each day that you work. You could be running as well, if you offer a dog running service. You will never have to pay for 1-year gym membership again, half of which eventually goes to waste anyway. Say goodbye to those feelings that make you say, "Oh my, I'd better go back to the gym before summer." This job will help you stay fit and healthy, in a more fun and exciting way than running on a treadmill while reading a trash magazine!
9. Happy you
All of the above translates to a happy, energetic person. Plus, interacting with such happy animals regularly will have a positive effect on your mental health as well. Researches show that having pets or interacting with animals can reduce stress and anxiety. Dogs will make you walk, laugh, and meet new people. You will feel more energy and happiness.
So what are you waiting for? Take the step forward, find a dog walking job or start your own, and make a change in your life. In a few months, you will be so happy that you made the decision today.
Lastly, visit http://www.dogwalkingjobsonline.com/ to learn more tips and advice on finding dog walking jobs and starting your own dog walking business.
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