Dog Walking Canada Toronto

[kriista72]

I would like to start a dog walking Business but have no idea how to get started? Like how much to charge,how long to walk it ect.ect.

[chico2]

I walk my neighbors Cocker every day,but at no charge,I just love her.
However I saw a poster one day,where someone was looking for dogs to walk,she was going to charge $12 for a one hour walk.

[kriista72]

lol ohh thats pretty good But now how to get the word out ??

[~michelle~]

prices vary from region to region i did a dog walking business for the summer, not a bad way to make money i suggest advertisements in your area and a website, many people like looking at websites prior to hiring
do you have qualifications (training, animal first aid, are you insured bondable?) these will adjust your rates, as well as finding a target audience do you want wealthy professionals - high end or a gear to middle class family business.
get some business cards, gather references, flyers, use kijiji, etc

[kriista72]

I'm not sure if I should get clients first them get animal first aid,insured,bonded??
I live in Forest hill so I think wealthy professional/families is pertty much my target audience
Flyers are a great idea I have put up addes on kijiji and Craigslist and a few other sites but only got one email so far lol but its only since yesterday
Does anyone have any more info that would like to share with me?

[Longblades]

You'd better check municipal bylaws as well, you are starting up a business and may need a permit or license. Didn't Toronto start regulating how many dogs can be walked at once? I think the number was to be no more than three but I'm not in Toronto, don't know for sure what became of that idea.

Insurance and bonding is to protect YOU as well as reassure your customers. Get them first. Take the animal first aid course first too.

[kriista72]

Its 6 dogs per dog walker but I would'nt walk more then 4 at a time
Where would I go to get the animal first aid course ?

[mummummum]

Pick up a free copy of Dogs Dogs Dogs or City Dog ~ First Aid courses are usually listed. Dog walking is a fairly competetive business in the more upscale neighbourhoods. If you have no experience with dogs or dog walking, it might be best to get hired on with a dog walking service first to see if you like it and to see if you can handle it. I have three dogs ~ it's not as easy as it looks.

[kriista72]

I didn't say it was easy?? I have experience I'v owned a dog all my life first a Boxer now a beagle

[clm]

Great idea to get hired on to a dog walking service first. Just because you have experience walking one dog or 2, big difference walking more than that. You'll get all different sizes and temperments too.

Cindy

[SnowDancer]

I would definitely try and get employment with a dog walking service first. The lady who home boards my dog is a certified and fully trained dog walker who has also worked at my vet's and at the groomer's. She is fully trained in first aid and behaviour issues. She has cards, a website etc. and has built her business by word of mouth - very successfully I might add. But her business would not have developed had she not had prior training. Re Forest Hill, yes this is a pricey Toronto neighbourhood, but don't expect to get top rates. Because people have money does not mean they will spend it on services - I know - I used to pay the bills for a few of these people! Frankly I have found the rates for Forest Hill to be the same as for East York - boarding rates as well. I have had dogs all of my life - including at one time 5dogs and 3 cats. No way could I have walked all 5 dogs at one time and their is the matter of control. Many, many people are getting into the animal walking/boarding business to make some money, but without the proper training, it will be very hard to get clients.

[kigndano]

id pay you 50 an hour to handle my dog if i lived up there



and if i had 50 bucks to spend

[kriista72]

I'm only asking $10 an hour per dog I'v just emailed Tailblazrs They have a walker apprenticeship program I'm mainly looking for dogs around Bathurst and St clair area not right in Foresthill

[SnowDancer]

I would definitely take the apprentice program - and again, try to get hired on by a dog walking service. The Forest Hill and surrounding market is pretty saturated with experienced professionals. Not trying to discourage you, just pointing out the facts as they are.