{"id":82918,"date":"2016-02-26T12:56:29","date_gmt":"2016-02-26T12:56:29","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/startups.co.uk\/?p=82918"},"modified":"2022-01-27T09:17:59","modified_gmt":"2022-01-27T09:17:59","slug":"how-to-start-a-dog-walking-business-4-simple-steps","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/startups.co.uk\/guides\/how-to-start-a-dog-walking-business-4-simple-steps\/","title":{"rendered":"How to start a dog walking business: 4 simple steps"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]With recent figures showing that Brits spent more than £4bn on their beloved pets in 2015, you’d be barking mad to think the recession has impacted on the UK’s pet spend.<\/p>\n

Marking a 10% increase on pooch spending from 2010, it’s not only large retailers benefitting, with many entrepreneurs realising there’re opportunities to be had in the pet industry.<\/p>\n

The average dog walker charges £14.51 per hour according to<\/span> Indeed.co.uk,<\/span><\/a> so it’s clearly a viable and profitable business opportunity. In fact, many dog walkers earn more than an average salary. <\/span><\/p>\n

Of course you’ll need to have a genuine interest in dogs as well as a good knowledge of the various rules and regulations surrounding the industry – and it’s a fairly business marketplace.<\/p>\n

Sound interesting? Then read our four simple steps to help you become top dog in the industry.<\/p>\n

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1.    Experience is essential<\/h3>\n

It may look leisurely, but the real truth is that dog walking is far from a walk in the park – and experience is simply essential for anyone wanting to get involved in the industry.<\/p>\n

While it’s not imperative to have a career background with animals, you should at least be confident around dogs and at the very least have experience in walking a family or friend’s pet.<\/p>\n

The Kennel Club’s guidelines for people working with dogs advises: <\/span><\/p>\n