my sister wants to start a dog walking business for the summer but how?

I

Isabella A

New member
(is that a bad idea) how would she start advertising? she's only 13 though
also what would she charge for like en hour of walking? IDK if she should??
she's responsible, I know babysitting is different then dog walking but she started babysitting at 11 and last summer she babysat 6 kids (not for the whole summer lol)
 
As long as your folks approve, your sister is mature and responsible and she is very comfortable around dogs, it should be ok. She should work with people and dogs who already know her and walk them on a very safe route. Walking a dog can be fun but it can also be stressful if the dog wants to pull her or not obey her. She might want to start out walking with a family member and go it alone when she is more comfortable. It might also be a good idea for her to watch shows like "The Dog Whisperer" and see how to walk a dog so the dog doesn't end up walking her!

As for advertising, she should start by contacting only family members, friends and neighbors whose dogs she already knows. Later on she might want to make up flyers to pass out around the neighborhood. As for what to charge, I am not so sure what the going rate is! Maybe check with other dog walkers in your area. Call and just ask what they charge. Good luck to your sister, Isabella!
 
My friend and I are starting a petsitting and dog walking business next year when school starts. We already made flyers, business cards, and made prices. we are 12 and are planning to charge $1 for each pet owner, and 50cents extra for each extra dog. We plan to walk 10 dogs each day. No, I don't think its a bad idea cause I know some 11 year olds who do babysitting, and dog walking doesn't really take as much responsibility.
 
Just tell her that SHE is responsible for the dog and if anything happens to the dog (gets lost or injured in anyway including some attacks) SHE will be responsible. SHE will need to get liability insurance to cover any lawsuits that might occur. Ask he if she knows what to do if the dog gets attacked by another dog or if the dog get loose and starts running away from her. What will happens if the dog she is walking bites another dog or person? Does she know what to do? Rember she is reponsible for the dog while it is in her care!!!
 
Isabella, if your sister is a mature 13 and knows about dogs and walking dogs then I would encourage her and help her out.

If she is not mature enough to handle this without supervision from someone older do NOT encourage her.

There is only one kid in my neighborhood under the age of 17 I would trust to walk my dogs and he is the son of a K9 Police Officer.
 
Trust me, in this economy, people are not gonna pay for some kid to walk their dog for them. And if they are, they are probably perverts or something. Be careful. Don't think it's a good idea.
 
Use your current customers to meet new customers. Ask them to give your name to their neighbors, cousins, friends, co-workers and in laws. They are obviously satisfied with your dog walking skills, so they should have no problem recommending you to others now that you've decided to take on this hobby as a full time career. Warn your current customers that you will be charging for your services in the near future. Give them adequate time to prepare for this; don't show up with your hand out for money one day. Research local rates in your area for other dog walkers and consider giving your current customers a discount, at least for a little while, until you build up your clientele. Advertise! Most sign making businesses can make you a magnetic sign for the door of your car with your name and phone number. Post flyers in your local supermarket and post office. Take out an ad in the classifieds of your newspaper. Leave your business cards in clever places, like animal hospitals and pet stores. Create a website for your new business.
 
umm...personally, I wouldn't hire someone so young to handle a bunch of big dogs on her own.
but if she did, she could put up fliers at a pet store, pet supply stores, shelters, grocery stores, etc. i'd say like...10 bucks per hour for one dog.
 
She should just put signs up in the neighborhood. I am sure their are old people who need a dog walker. I think it's a great idea to make some extra cash.
 
1. she should make posters saying what she is doing and who the people should call or talk to.
2. for an hour she should charge like 5-10 dollars
Hope it helps =)
 
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