Dog Health Questions: I want to become a dog walker?

I am 25 and looking to become a part time dog walker to help pay down some of my student loans. I love dogs, well animals in general. I have a 3mo old pup of my own (have owned dogs before but never had my own dog) and I have had people tell me that I should look into being a dog trainer after seeing how well my pup behaves, along with other dogs I have trained. I figured maybe I would like to start as a dog walker and maybe get into the dog training later. I am not sure what I should charge. I am sure that I would like to plan on a 45min stay that would include a 30min walk along with checking food or whatever else the owner may want. I figured I would get a binder and then make client forms that would have dogs info (name, breed, weight, allergies, meds) along with owners info, special instructions, vet info, emergency vet info-stuff like that. I make my own dog treats and figured maybe I could somehow make some extra cash off this too by selling my own treats. Is there anything else I should check into? The only thing I am worried is what happens if the dog hurts himself under my care or runs off? I don't want to get insurance for this. I would hate if that were to happen. Any advice would be appericated!

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i would check around your area and see how much others are charging.. it can't be to much because i know doggie daycare in my area is $35 for a whole day (so it can't be close to that for 1 hr of walking....)

as for having insurance i don't think you would really need it (unless you're walking numerous dogs at the same time!) just make sure you keep the dog on a leash at all times (even if it behaves off leash!!- you don't want it running away or something!)

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• My sister is a pet sitter. It's not a business, just her. For a dog walk, she charges between $15 - $20. For overnight stays, $35 - $65, depending on how many pets are there.
  I think a good idea to start out is look up local pet sitting businesses, see what they charge.
  Find out how much it would cost to get bonded and insured, I don't think it's that much.
  I think there's a book about starting a pet sitting business, it could give you a few pointers. ( Even if your not officially starting up a business.)
  Good luck!


• If you don't want to get insurance then if a dog gets hurt under your care you will find the owner's sueing you for the costs, so you'd better hope the dog dies so you only get sued for the cost of the dog, rather than all the vet bills.
  
  I can't believe some people!
  
  YOU WILL NEED INSURANCE!


• Mina-
  I can understand not wanting to get insurance. it is costly and would make it impossible for someone to make a wage off of if they had to get it. It seems as if this user is taking the proper steps so if something were to happen she would be able to contact the owner right away and get the dog to a vet.
  
  WHAT I CAN'T BELIEVE IS THE NERVE OF PEOPLE THAT HAVE TO SUE FOR EVERY LITTLE THING THAT HAPPENS IN LIFE! you sound like one of those people! Accidents happen and that's why they are called accidents! If someone purposely let a dog eat something that is deadly or can cause them injury or purposely let a dog run away that is another thing! Any of these things could even happen under the care of the owner!


• I recommend getting insurance, at least a limited liability insurance. But if you really don't want to, or cant afford to, you can always have your clients sign a waiver saying they will not hold you responsible for injury's to the dog unless the injury is due to negligence.
  
  Good luck!