So, you’re ready to dive into the world of dog walking or pet sitting? First of all, welcome! It’s an exciting (and fur-filled) adventure. But as fun as it sounds, starting a pet care business isn’t all cuddles and wagging tails—there are some common missteps that could trip you up along the way. Luckily, you don’t have to go it alone! I’ve rounded up a list of mistakes I see new pet business owners make and, more importantly, how you can avoid them.
1. Forgetting About Insurance (Yes, You Need It)
Let’s face it—accidents happen. Whether a dog bolts after a squirrel or you accidentally knock over that antique vase during a house sit (whoops!), being uninsured is a massive risk. Without proper coverage, any mishap could leave you footing the bill, and trust me, that’s the kind of surprise nobody wants.
How to avoid this: Get yourself some public liability insurance, pronto. And while you’re at it, look into care, custody, and control insurance, which has you covered if something happens to a pet under your watch. The peace of mind is worth every penny.
2. Saying Yes to Everything (AKA Boundaries, People!)
I get it—you want to please your clients and do an amazing job. But bending over backwards to accommodate every single request is a one-way ticket to Burnout City. You might think, “Sure, I can water the plants, take out the bins, and reorganise your pantry while I’m here!” But before you know it, you’re doing a lot more than just pet care… and probably not getting paid for it.
How to avoid this: Lay it all out in a clear service agreement. Spell out exactly what you offer, what extras cost, and when you’re available. Setting expectations early on will save you tons of headaches later.
3. Lowballing Your Prices
Ah, the classic rookie mistake—charging way too little. You might think undercutting the competition is a sure way to win clients, but it can actually have the opposite effect. Charge too little, and people might wonder if you’re cutting corners on quality. Plus, you’ll end up overworked and underpaid, and that’s no fun for anyone.
How to avoid this: Do your homework on local pricing and think about what your time and expertise are really worth. Don’t forget to factor in things like travel, the number of pets, and any special care they might need. Trust me, the right clients will pay for quality care.
4. Relying on Word-of-Mouth Alone
Sure, recommendations are gold, but sitting around waiting for your phone to ring isn’t a growth strategy. You’ve got to get the word out there yourself! Potential clients won’t just magically find you—unless, of course, you have a marketing plan in place.
How to avoid this: Start with a simple website that shows off your services, pricing, and how to get in touch. Social media is your friend here too—Instagram and Facebook are especially great for pet-related businesses. Post cute dog pics, share tips, and let your happy clients spread the word for you through reviews.
5. Not Thinking About Growth
It’s easy to get comfortable with a few regular clients and call it a day, but if you don’t think about how you’re going to grow, you’ll eventually hit a wall. A handful of clients is great, but what happens when you want more? Or need a day off?
How to avoid this: Plan for the future! Could you hire someone to help? Offer extra services like grooming or pet transport? Thinking ahead will set you up for long-term success.
6. Poor Communication = Big Problems
When people hand over their pets to you, they’re putting a lot of trust in you. Failing to communicate well can leave clients stressed or even worse, unhappy with your services. And no one wants that!
How to avoid this: Keep clients in the loop, always. Send updates, photos, or a quick message after walks—just let them know their fur babies are safe and happy. And don’t forget the basics—confirm pick-up times, clarify any special care instructions, and avoid any confusion.
7. Not Understanding Dog (or Cat!) Body Language
Knowing how to read pet behaviour is key. Misinterpreting a wagging tail or a tense posture could lead to trouble. Imagine walking two dogs who suddenly get into a scuffle because you missed the warning signs—yikes.
How to avoid this: Brush up on your animal behaviour knowledge. Read up on body language signals or even take a course. Not only will it keep you and the pets safe, but it’ll also boost your credibility.
8. Forgetting to Take Care of Yourself
Newsflash: running a pet care business is physically and emotionally demanding. Long hours, back-to-back appointments, and an unpredictable schedule can wear you down. And let’s not even get started on dealing with bad weather!
How to avoid this: Make self-care part of your business plan. Take breaks, stick to your working hours, and don’t be afraid to turn down clients if you’re already booked. You’ve got to look after yourself so you can keep looking after the pets.
Final Thoughts
Launching a dog walking or pet sitting business is super rewarding, but there’s definitely a learning curve. Avoid these common mistakes, and you’ll be well on your way to building a successful business that not only keeps the pets happy but also gives you the work-life balance you deserve.
Need a hand with getting started? Check out my Dog Walking Business Mentor Program, where I’ll guide you every step of the way—business planning, marketing, all the good stuff. Let’s make your pet care dreams a reality!
