Dog walking is just one of many types of pet businesses.
Running a pet-oriented business may seem like the ideal career for animal lovers who want to be their own bosses and enjoy flexible schedules. As with any other business, however, setting up a pet business, requires a lot of sweat equity and an understanding of relevant laws and regulations.
Instructions
Setting Up a Pet Service Business
1. Decide what type of business you want to start. There are many types of pet businesses, such as pet sitting, pet grooming, and dog walking. Consider such influencing factors as whether you want to work from home or set up a shop and whether you have the start-up capital to lease a space. If you plan to pet sit only at clients' homes, for example, working from home is a viable alternative. However, if you want to run a pet day care or spa, renting a space may be more appropriate. Likewise, you don't need a storefront for a dog walking business, but you will need space for a grooming business.
2. Create a budget and set your rates for service. When deciding on your operating expenses, estimate generously. It's better to have money left over at the end of the month than to be short. When deciding on your rates, do your research and find out what similar businesses in your area charge for the types of services you plan to offer.
3. Decide whether you want your business to be a sole proprietorship or partnership and whether you want to incorporate it formally. Different options have various tax implications, along with potential benefits and pitfalls, but that won't make a difference in the day-to-day operations of your business. Sole proprietorships do not need to file corporate paperwork with the states in which they operate. If you decide to incorporate your business, however, you can find the required documents at legal websites such as legalzoom.com.
4. File the required permits. Your city or town and county may require that you file certain operating and tax permits before launching your business. Permitting rules vary by state and locality, so call to ask what, if anything, they require.
5. Decide if you need insurance. Find professional organizations that cater to owners of businesses like the one you want to start. Some offer special deals on insurance and bonding for their members. Insurance protects you and your business from lawsuits in case something happens to a pet while in your care or something of value goes missing in a client's home while you are pet sitting.
6. Acquire training and certification. When dealing with other peoples' pets, it's always a good idea to be certified in pet first aid. Your local chapter of the Red Cross may offer such training. Additionally, some organizations for pet care business owners offer certification courses.
7. Advertise. Go to local veterinarians and pet stores and ask if you can put up flyers or leave a stack of business cards. You might also want to consider advertising in your local newspaper.
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