Want some extra cash? Start walking dogs!
If you’re an animal lover, and have the time and desire to be with dogs, then you can become a dog walker because it will certainly make you happy and provide some extra income.
Life becomes increasingly stressful and there’s less time to take care of your responsibilities at work and home. Your pet is a top priority, but sometimes you might lack the time to care for him the way he wants you to. That’s why walking dogs has become a new trendy job. Would you like to try it out? Continue reading to find out how.
Can you make money just by walking dogs?
Yes, you can. In fact, we’ll tell you a true story about Cesar Millan. Yes, he’s the guy you’re thinking of, the one who is known as the “dog whisperer”. When he migrated to the United States, he spent two months living on the street until he finally started walking dogs and working as a groomer.
This job made it possible for him to rent an apartment for a short time, because “word of mouth” made many customers seek him out. You already know the rest of his story. Obviously, this doesn’t mean that everyone who walks dogs is going to become famous, but it’s a job that can pay your bills, or at least help you earn some extra cash from.
If you don’t have a job, or you have a lot of expenses and you need a little extra money, walking dogs can be an excellent option to help you overcome your tight situation. Do you want to know how?
What do you need in order to walk dogs?
Love for animals
You should love animals in general. You must love animals, treat them with affection and give them the care they need. If not, not only will the dogs notice, but their owners will too. Remember that dogs react according to how they are treated. The owners will see whether their pets are happy to see you, or if they’re afraid. If you don’t like animals, it’s better not to get involved in sort of business.
Know what to do in case of an emergency
An animal is a great responsibility, and things can happen at any moment. The animal could get sick while you’re walking him, or get into an accident with a car or another dog. So, it’s important to know how to react to these types of situations and save the animal’s life.
Passion
There’s no better work than work done with a passion. Enjoy every walk with the pets and be passionate about it. That way you will enjoy what you do, and the dogs will have a much better time.
Social Media
This will be the first step towards fame as a dog walker. Social media is the best way to broadcast information. Post your services on your profile, your friends’ profiles, and at your community’s market, as well as employment groups in the zone where you live. Someone will probably contact you on the very same day you post!
Find out about pricing
Prices may vary depending on the area you will be working at. Look for other dog walkers’ (or similar jobs) rates so that you don’t charge too little or too much.
Offer other services
Once you have been walking dogs for a while, consider the fact that many people may need other services, such as taking the dog to the vet, taking care of their pet for a few hours, or even staying at their homes to take care of their pets while they’re on vacation. As you get customers, let them know that you are also willing to do these kinds of jobs if they ever need them.
Be honest
If you’re honest and you do the job in the agreed amount of time at a set price, and also put passion and effort into it by treating animals affectionately, then your “word of mouth” reputation will benefit your business just like it did for Cesar Millan, and you’ll continue to get more clients.
Starting something new is always difficult, but with determination and perseverance, you can get positive results sooner than you think. Go ahead and give it a shot!