Britain is commonly known as a nation of animal lovers. But, the recent economic crunch has changed the lives of many leaving them with less or no time to focus on their loved ones – including their pets. Day to day needs of these pets are often overlooked making them starve for attention. Here’s where the role of a pet-sitter or dog walker springs in; who indeed help these dogs overcome their separation anxiety.
If you’re a pet lover with an entrepreneurial streak, it’s high-time you grab this opportunity and start a dog walking business. Before you spread the word to your friends/family there are certain areas that you’ll need to fix.
So, what is that you’ll need to look at before putting out an open-sign?
Yes. You guessed it right. It is the legal side of starting a dog walking business in the UK. Whether you’re looking to establish a robust trade or make some petty-cash – this article provides some basic clarity on starting a dog walking business.
1. Form your company:
First and foremost is to prepare a business plan which defines your business objectives/goals and maps out different strategies to achieve it. Next is to choose a name and register your company at Companies House. You can either do it yourself by completing the documentation processes or you can choose a specialized company formation agent.
If you’ve not incorporated a company before – rest assured, we can take care of setting up your company in the right way. As a Companies House authorized company formation agent, we offer an end-to-end solution for your business. You don’t have to get in a sweat about your startup business- because we’ve it all covered for you.
2. Get some experience of dog-walking:
Dog walking appears to be a relaxed sightseeing activity, but it is far-off from just a walk in the park. It is not obligatory to hold a professional background with pets, but you should at least be confident around dogs. Alternatively, you can let your family/friends know about your business and find out if they are interested in using your service for free or at a discounted rate. You can also consider volunteering at animal rescue centers or at local boarding kennels and help them out in their daily routine.
The Kennel Club’s has listed out the basic requirement of a good dog-walker and they expect you to have:
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to get along with dogs and understand them
- A good level of fitness and efficient to handle an emergency situation
To improve your business even further and to showcase your commitment to the dog’s welfare consider gaining a certificate in animal psychology or pet first-aid and medication.
3. Get your dog-walking business insured:
Accidents are unforeseeable – you’ll be solely responsible for the dogs you’re walking while they’re in your charge. This includes both damages done to the dogs and damages done by the dogs, so it’s best to protect yourself through insurance coverage. If you would like to expand your business and hire employees as dog-walkers, it is good to consider bonding. Bonding will protect you and your business in the event of employee theft at your client’s place.
4. Animal boarding licence:
If you plan on providing accommodation for other people’s pets at your place, you’ll have to get an animal boarding establishment licence. Fees vary depending on the area, so you can talk to your local authority or seek professional advice to get in right.
5. Criminal record check and trustworthiness:
You’ll need a basic check if you hold your client’s key and have access to their home, for instance to pick-up and return a dog during their absence. You can make a request for the criminal record check on the official gov.uk website. The fee for a basic check is £25 and you should be 16 years or over to apply for one. It usually takes up to 14 days to receive the certificate and here’s what you’ll need to produce:
- National Insurance Number
- Passport
- Driving licence
- Complete addresses for the past 5 years and the dates you lived on each address
Dog owners rely on you when they are away from home, so you need to prove that you’re trustworthy. One sure-fire way to gain their trust is through personal testimonials from friends/family or your existing customers. Make customers feel that you can be trusted with their beloved pets during their absence and to ensure you can:
- Take the paperwork with you when you meet your client (CRB check, insurance, and contract)
- Explain what you’ll do and who you’ll contact in case of an emergency
- The name and address of the vets that you’re in tie up with
- Alternate contact information in addition to yours