Starting A Dog Walking Business
Wednesday, 21 October 2009 19:02 | 
Author: marvyn | 
If you are interested in developing a dog walking business, there are a number of important things to consider. First, you must select a name for your new business. Second, you must register for a business license with the state and local government. Third, in order to have a successful business, you need to attract clients by advertising your business. Fourth, you must draft service agreements for your new clients. Finally, you need proper insurance coverage for your new business.
When you decide to develop a dog-walking business, you should first select a name for your new venture. You should select a distinctive business name to differentiate your dog walking company. Once you have chosen a unique name then search the internet to ensure the name is not already being used.
After selecting a name, you must register for a business license with the state and local government. The Small Business Administration website provides information about state license registration requirements. In some states, a license may not be required for dog walking businesses. Local governments may also require business registration; it is important to verify local licensing requirements also.
Once you have registered your business, you must draft the requisite service agreements. A number of agreements will be needed before you can begin operation; these agreements include, but are not limited to: medication management, care instruction sheets, daily task tracker and ancillary services. When agreeing to provide medication management, a contract is important to protect a dog walker from liability resulting from any medication problems. A care instruction agreement is necessary to outline services you will provide. If you agree to provide additional services, these services should be covered in an ancillary services agreement. You should discuss terms of these agreements with clients before providing services.
Before beginning business operation, selecting appropriate insurance coverage is vital. The internet provides an excellent place to search for information on business insurance coverage. You must first join the Pet Sitters International or National Association of Pet Sitters. These organizations provide links to insurance company websites. Before selecting insurance, you must determine the type of coverage most suitable for your business; important considerations include: coverage for employees and independent contractors. Insurance quotes are available online, once you have decided on appropriate coverage for the business.
Beginning a dog walking business can be an exciting and lucrative venture. However, new business owners must consider a number of things before providing services. First, you must carefully select a unique business name and ensure the name is available. Second, you must register your business with the state and local government. Third, before beginning operation, you must draft the necessary service agreements. Finally, you must select appropriate business insurance coverage before beginning operation.