How To Start a Pet Sitting & Dog Walking Business in 7 Days from Udemy

What's inside

Learning objectives

Discover exactly how to launch, attract clients and make a profit.
Create a hobby business, side gig, part-time or full-time pet business in only a week.
Know when it's time to leave your 9-5 job to create your pet sitting or dog walking business.
Utilize low-cost and free proven marketing stategies to gain new clients during and post covid-19.

Learn how to powerfully use your website and social media to quickly and easy build your client base.
Align your marketing and branding with your unique vision.
Identify your ideal clients and start marketing directly to them.
Set up your pet sitting and dog walking business for long-term, profitable success.

Discover exactly how to launch, attract clients and make a profit.
Create a hobby business, side gig, part-time or full-time pet business in only a week.
Know when it's time to leave your 9-5 job to create your pet sitting or dog walking business.
Utilize low-cost and free proven marketing stategies to gain new clients during and post covid-19.
Learn how to powerfully use your website and social media to quickly and easy build your client base.
Align your marketing and branding with your unique vision.
Identify your ideal clients and start marketing directly to them.
Set up your pet sitting and dog walking business for long-term, profitable success.

Syllabus

Discover how best to do this course and what you'll need to know in order to have this business start-up program work for you.

This section sets the foundation for the course: you'll learn how best to do this course and what you'll need in order to have this business start-up program work for you.

I know you're eager to get started and, before you dive into Day One, check this out. This contains important information that will support you as you begin your start-up journey. You'll learn what to have by your side before you dive into Day One and how to pace yourself as you go through each segment.

You'll learn: how to choose what types of pets to care for and what services to offer, tips to name your business and your website URL, clarity about getting a trademark, and determine your prices.

You love animals, that much is clear. Before deciding which services to offer clients, you need to determine what types of pets you would like to care for and the all-important why. This section will help you get clarity on exactly what types of pets you'd like to, and can comfortably care for in your business. This information will prepare you to then choose your services, which is in the next segment.

You may want to provide a particular pet care service but your lifestyle or schedule may not support that. In this section, you'll identify and decide which pet care services to offer by discovering which hours particular pet care services generally require and the necessary equipment that's needed. This segment will also help you choose the right pet services that will compliment your current work and personal life schedule, lifestyle needs and preferences.

Naming your business correctly is so important! In this section, you'll learn common mistakes to avoid when it comes to naming your business and exactly how to pick the right name for your business - one that will stand the test of time for the life of your business.

What you choose for your URL (website domain name), is crucial. You'll discover how to choose the right keyword-rich URL that will work for your business as well as help get you high on the search engines so you can get more clients. You'll also learn the why, where, and how to get a trademark for your pet sitting and dog walking business.

When you watch this section, you'll avoid costly pricing mistakes that many new pet sitters and dog walkers make. If you set prices too low, you may not make a profit; too high and you may struggle to get clients. This section will help you discover the right pricing for your location and help you confidently choose the right price for you, and for your area.

Decide upon your business classification (LLC, corporation, etc.), track income, expenses and budgeting basics, know where and how to apply for a business licence, and create a short business plan.

How you classify your business will determine how much you pay in taxes and what paperwork you need to file each year. In this section you'll learn about the three most common business structures (sole proprietor, LLC, corporation) and choose the classification that is most right for you, and for your business.

Accurately tracking your income and expenses is crucial for success - and it doesn't have to be difficult. This section will help you choose a method for financial tracking that works best for you and your business. The process is broken down in a simplified, easy way; perfect for those who are afraid of the "numbers aspect" of running a business!

Now it's time to officially register your business! In this section you'll learn what licenses you may need for your new business and why, when and how to apply for a tax identification number or EIN.

Get ready for business enlightenment! In this section you'll answer targeted questions that will enable you to tap into the pulse of your area's market and determine your business's unique SWOT: strengths (S), weaknesses (W), opportunities (O), and threats (T).

Creating a business plan, even a simple one, can to be an important and effective guide when you start and grow your business. Using the business plan template enclosed and armed with the knowledge you learned from the last section, you'll create a short and quick business plan that will take you about 30-60 minutes.

Master the art of the client interview, banking and accepting client payments, and what to know about business insurance and bonding.

The client interview is when you meet your new human client, their pets and their home. You'll learn: how to best present yourself and your business at the new client meet-and-greet, important forms to have including a contract, and how best to collect and protect client keys.

Ready to get paid? In this segment you'll discover how to take care of your business financials including how and why to separate business from personal finances, invoicing basics, and when and how to best get paid by your clients.

Pet business insurance protects what you're working to create and it's crucial to the well-being of your business. This section will provides an overview of the main types of insurance you should consider for your pet business so you can make the best decision for your business needs.

Design a logo and tagline that matches your business vision and create an effective website that drives traffic to your business.

A logo is a crucial aspect to create your business's "personality". In this section, where and how to get a logo created, ways you can use your logo to promote your business, and how to choose a tagline that fits the spirit of your company.

You'll learn the basics to create your most powerful new client generator: your website. You'll learn what you absolutely must have on your website, why a blog is necessary, and crucial web pages to include on your site.

Get on social media and on Google, create a diverse marketing strategy, print marketin including business cards

It's time to get your business online! You'll discover how to gain followers on the top social media sites, how to stay focused and not to go down the "rabbit hole" online, and how to protect your personal privacy online.

Just like financial investing, you also want to diversify when it comes to marketing. You'll determine which marketing streams are currently working best for your business (if you’ve already started it) and how to expand your advertising methods to find and reach as many new clients as possible.

Print marketing and target mailing can be a powerful way to reach local pet owners. You'll learn the most successful forms of print marketing including business cards, flyers and newsletters, and explore direct mailing to attract new clients in neighborhoods and areas you'd like to serve.

Make local marketing work for you, the power of recommendations, find new clients through networking.

Local marketing can reap results. You'll learn important do's and don'ts for car advertising, how and when to track advertising to discover what works and what doesn't, and you'll create a portable marketing kit to save you time and energy.

Client recommendations are one of the most effective ways to get new clients. In this segment you'll learn exactly how to encourage your clients to recommend you (in a non-pushy way) to their friends and neighbors, how and where to find local referral connections, plus how and where to get more client reviews.

Build your referral tribe by networking. You'll discover how and where to find valuable referral sources online and in-person, how networking groups can take you to the next level, and how to find pet sitting and dog walking networking groups.

You'll learn how to write a press release that stands out and helps you gain new clients. You'll gather what's needed for your launch party and celebrate how far you've come.

Get the word out about your pet business. You'll learn how to write a press release like a pro - when using the press release template enclosed, it is likely to generate publicity about your venture, plus where and how to distribute a press release as well as what keywords to include to get good SEO from your press release.

It's time to celebrate how far you've come and the business you've created! Learn how to plan a "launch party" and where to announce your grand opening party for your new business (or a noteworthy business milestone), how to enlist the support of friends and family to spread the word, and so much more!

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides a structured approach to launching a pet sitting or dog walking business, which can be especially helpful for those new to entrepreneurship

Covers marketing strategies tailored to the pet care industry, which can help learners attract clients and build a strong brand in a competitive market

Includes guidance on business planning, licensing, and financial management, which are essential for long-term sustainability and profitability

Emphasizes the importance of client interviews, contracts, and insurance, which are crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of pets and protecting the business

Focuses on low-cost and free marketing strategies, which is beneficial for entrepreneurs with limited startup capital

Requires learners to determine the types of pets they are comfortable caring for, which may restrict some learners from completing the course

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in How To Start a Pet Sitting & Dog Walking Business in 7 Days with these activities:

Review Pet First Aid Basics

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Refresh your knowledge of pet first aid to handle emergencies while pet sitting or dog walking.

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Find a reputable online resource or guide on pet first aid.
Review common pet emergencies and their corresponding first aid procedures.
Practice basic techniques like bandaging and checking vital signs on a stuffed animal.

Review 'Pet Sitting for Profit'

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Read this book to gain a deeper understanding of the pet sitting industry and best practices.

View Pet Sitting for Profit: A Complete Manual for... on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of 'Pet Sitting for Profit'.
Read the book, focusing on sections related to business setup, marketing, and client management.
Take notes on key takeaways and actionable steps.

Create a Sample Pet Sitting Contract

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Develop a contract to protect your business and clearly define your services.

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Research standard clauses in pet sitting contracts.
Draft a contract including services, payment terms, cancellation policies, and liability waivers.
Have a legal professional review the contract for accuracy and completeness.

Four other activities

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Design a Business Card

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Design a professional business card to promote your pet sitting and dog walking business.

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Choose a design template or create your own.
Include your business name, logo, contact information, and a brief description of your services.
Order printed business cards from a reputable printing service.

Build a Basic Website

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Create a website to showcase your services and attract potential clients.

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Choose a domain name and web hosting provider.
Select a website builder platform (e.g., WordPress, Wix, Squarespace).
Design your website, including pages for services, pricing, testimonials, and contact information.
Optimize your website for search engines (SEO).

Attend a Local Pet Expo

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Network with other pet professionals and potential clients at a local pet expo.

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Research local pet expos or events in your area.
Prepare business cards and promotional materials.
Attend the expo and network with attendees and vendors.

Review 'The Yellow Pages Small Business Marketing Guide'

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Read this book to gain a broader understanding of marketing strategies for small businesses.

View Putting Knowledge to Work on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of 'The Yellow Pages Small Business Marketing Guide'.
Read the book, focusing on sections related to marketing and advertising.
Identify marketing strategies that can be applied to your pet sitting business.

Career center

Learners who complete How To Start a Pet Sitting & Dog Walking Business in 7 Days will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Pet Care Business Owner

A pet care business owner manages all aspects of a business providing services like dog walking and pet sitting. This course directly addresses the needs of someone starting or growing such a business. It offers guidance on choosing services, setting prices, and managing finances, all crucial for a pet care business owner. Moreover, the course’s focus on marketing, branding, and client acquisition helps a pet care business owner expand their client base and establish a strong brand. The course's focus on marketing and business strategy also makes it particularly useful for entrepreneurs in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Pet Care Business Owner

Dog Walker

A dog walker provides exercise and companionship to dogs, often on a regular schedule. The course gives a strong foundation for someone starting dog walking as a business. Learners will come away with knowledge of business naming, client acquisition, and branding, all crucial for a successful dog walker. The course teaches how to choose services, set pricing, and organize your time, enabling a dog walker to efficiently manage their business. The marketing and client interview segments of the course are also quite useful for a dog walker.

See salaries and explore the career path for Dog Walker

Pet Sitter

A pet sitter cares for pets in their own home while their owners are away. This course directly applies to the needs of someone starting a pet sitting business. It teaches how to choose services, determine pricing, and manage client interviews, all critical for a pet sitter. The course also covers business setup, marketing, and client acquisition, helping a pet sitter build a solid client base and brand. The course’s guidance on client management and business operations is invaluable for any aspiring pet sitter.

See salaries and explore the career path for Pet Sitter

Freelance Pet Care Provider

A freelance pet care provider offers various pet services, such as dog walking, pet sitting, and pet taxi services on a contract basis. This course is quite helpful for managing the business aspects of freelancing in pet care. The course covers how to choose services, set prices, and manage finances. A freelance pet care provider will also benefit from the course's marketing and client acquisition strategies. The course’s focus on business structure and client management is particularly beneficial for freelancers in this sector.

See salaries and explore the career path for Freelance Pet Care Provider

Mobile Pet Groomer

A mobile pet groomer travels to clients' homes to provide grooming services. While this career is not directly focused on pet sitting and walking, the strategies taught in this course can improve their business. The course guides on how to brand your business and set up a website, important for a mobile pet groomer who wants to attract new clients. The course also covers financial tracking, client interviews, and creating a business plan to boost a mobile pet groomer's success. While the services differ, the business fundamentals in this course would benefit mobile pet groomers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mobile Pet Groomer

Pet Daycare Operator

A pet daycare operator manages a business that provides care and supervision for pets during the day. This course may be useful for a pet daycare operator because it provides foundational business knowledge and marketing advice. Although the course is about walking and sitting, the concepts on pricing, client interaction, and brand building are applicable to a daycare business. A pet daycare operator may gain knowledge of marketing and customer aquisition that this course teaches.

See salaries and explore the career path for Pet Daycare Operator

Animal Trainer

An animal trainer works with animals to teach them specific behaviors. This course may still be useful for someone starting an animal training business. The course discusses aspects of business planning, including setting prices, marketing, and client interviews. Though the services differ, an animal trainer can employ the business strategies, such as branding and client communication, that this course offers. This information can be particularly helpful for an animal trainer who seeks to create a sustainable business.

See salaries and explore the career path for Animal Trainer

Veterinary Assistant

A veterinary assistant supports veterinarians and veterinary technicians in caring for animals. This course may be useful to someone who is considering starting a side business or a future business related to pet care. While this course does not directly teach veterinary skills, it provides instruction on important elements of running a business that a veterinary assistant could use to their benefit. The business fundamentals taught in this course, such as marketing and business planning, are transferrable to a pet-related business.

See salaries and explore the career path for Veterinary Assistant

Animal Shelter Manager

An animal shelter manager oversees the daily operations of an animal shelter which cares for animals until they are adopted. This course may be helpful to an animal shelter manager by providing business strategies that can be used to boost fundraising and awareness of the organization. While different in service delivery, the business and marketing advice in this course can benefit the management aspects of an animal shelter. The course may provide guidance on client relationships and building community.

See salaries and explore the career path for Animal Shelter Manager

Pet Product Retailer

A pet product retailer sells items such as pet food, toys, and accessories. This course may be useful for a pet product retailer who is looking to gain insight on branding and advertising their business. This course does not focus on retail, though it provides business fundamentals such as marketing, finance tracking and branding, that will be useful for a pet product retailer. The course may offer helpful information about business growth and operations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Pet Product Retailer

Social Media Manager for Pet Businesses

A social media manager for pet businesses handles online marketing campaigns and social media presence for pet-related organizations. This course may be quite useful to a social media manager who wants to understand the specific needs of pet businesses. The course's focus on branding and social media marketing can be valuable for promoting pet businesses online. The course may be helpful to a social media manager in building a digital presence for businesses in the pet care industry.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Media Manager for Pet Businesses

Small Business Consultant

A small business consultant provides guidance and support to small business owners. Although this course focuses on pet care, the business skills taught in the course may be useful to a small business consultant since it provides foundational, general business knowledge. The course's modules on marketing, branding, and business structure are useful to many small businesses. A small business consultant may find the course helpful in broadening their business acumen.

See salaries and explore the career path for Small Business Consultant

Local Business Marketer

A local business marketer creates and implements marketing strategies for businesses in a specific geographic area. This course teaches marketing and client aquisition skills that are valuable to any local business marketer. This individual may find this course useful as it addresses a variety of marketing tools, including digital marketing and print marketing. The course's marketing guidance may be relevant to a local business marketer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Local Business Marketer

Customer Service Representative

A customer service representative provides support to customers, addressing their concerns and questions. The client interview module in this course may help a customer service representative learn how to interact with customers. Although different in scope, a portion of this course touches on managing client interactions and client onboarding. The course may be useful to a customer service representative who wants to improve their client interaction skills.

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Virtual Assistant

A virtual assistant provides administrative and technical support to clients remotely. The course may be useful for a virtual assistant who wishes to specialize in supporting pet care businesses. The course covers a range of business concepts, and a virtual assistant may find benefit in understanding the needs of pet care clients. Although the focus is not on administrative tasks, the business fundamentals may be valuable to a virtual assistant.

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Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in How To Start a Pet Sitting & Dog Walking Business in 7 Days.

Pet Sitting for Profit

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Comprehensive guide to starting and running a successful pet sitting business. It covers everything from setting up your business to marketing your services and managing clients. It valuable resource for anyone looking to start or grow their pet sitting business, providing practical advice and real-world examples. This book adds depth to the course by providing detailed operational insights.

Pet Sitting for Profit: A Complete Manual for...

Paperback

Putting Knowledge to Work

Save

Provides a comprehensive overview of marketing strategies for small businesses, including online and offline techniques. It covers topics such as branding, advertising, and customer relationship management. While not specific to pet sitting, it offers valuable insights into general marketing principles that can be applied to any small business. This book adds breadth to the course by providing a wider view of marketing.

Putting Knowledge to Work

Paperback

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Putting Knowledge to Work

Kindle Edition

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How To Start a Pet Sitting & Dog Walking Business in 7 Days

What's inside

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