Are you one of many people who absolutely love dogs and are looking for a new career path? If so, you can unleash your entrepreneurial spirit by becoming a professional dog walker. Dog walkers can be a lifesaver for pet parents who are on the move and need help caring for their furry pets. Best of all, you can make money and have fun!
We recently spoke with Lori Smith, the Owner of Toronto’s own Urban Tail Dog Walkers, to help you learn the essential skills needed to start a dog walking business. It will show you how to organize your operation, find clients, set your prices and what liability insurance is required.
Dog walkers are in high demand. Look at the statistics: three out of five Canadians (59%) own at least one animal, and dogs are the most popular! Canadians who own at least one pet make up 35%. You could say that Canadians are as fond of dogs as they are of children. How is this possible? According to a survey conducted across Canada, it is estimated that in 2022 there will be 7.9 million dogs living in Canadian homes. This is about 20% of Canada's 40 million population, or roughly the same as how many children under 18 make up our population.
Leash up, and let's embark on this exciting adventure!
The basics: What is a dog walker?
Dog walkers are professionals who get paid to accompany other people's pets on outdoor adventures and provide companionship over a certain period of time. Dog walkers ensure that pups are getting fresh air, have time to explore and burn energy and can socialize. Regular walks can help to prevent boredom, and even behaviour problems!
Dog walkers have many options. They can either work as an independent walker or part of a larger business. Others walk multiple dogs while others only handle one. Some may offer additional services to meet the needs of owners who often give specific instructions.
What licenses, qualifications, and experience do dog walkers need?
It's not necessary to have a degree, diploma, or official certificate in order to become a professional dog-walker.
Dog walking is an industry that's not heavily regulated. However, you still need to have the right licenses and insurance in order to run smoothly. Depending on your province and organization, you may have to meet specific licensing requirements.
You may need the following licenses:
- Business license: If you are the owner of an organization, a licence may be required to allow you to legally conduct your business.
- A valid driving licence is essential if you plan to transport dogs in a vehicle.
- Insurance against liability: As a business, you need to have insurance that covers accidents involving the dog walkers themselves, their dogs, or their owners.
- Licenses and permits for certain cities: Some cities require regional licenses before you can take your dog to municipal parks or other public places. Toronto, for example, requires that individuals obtain a permit to walk more than 3 dogs. Six dogs is the maximum that can be walked in a single walk.
To be a good dog walker, you need to have the following skills: love for animals, fitness, responsibility and communication skills. You also need first aid training and a knowledge of dog behavior. Volunteering or walking dogs with friends and family can also help you gain experience in dog walking.
Do I need to have my clients sign contracts?
When you are preparing to welcome your very first client, it is important to create contracts.
Contracts are important for any business, but they have a special importance in the professional dog walking industry. You are responsible for the safety and welfare of your clients' dogs as a dog walker. A contract that is well-structured provides a safety net in the event of miscommunications, accidents or harm.
Consider these important elements in your contract for dog walking to ensure a successful working relationship:
- Consult an attorney to review and draft customer contracts.
- Include your service scope, rates, hours of availability and payment terms.
- Make sure you include the responsibilities both of you and your client.
- Prioritize pet well-being. Include clauses for emergency veterinary treatment in your contract.
Before you begin providing services, ensure that your clients have signed contracts. A signed contract can build trust, and help prevent disagreements and misunderstandings.
What liability risks do dog walkers face?
We spoke with Toronto Criminal Lawyer Ahmad Karzai, to get his expertise on several risks associated with dog walking businesses, including:
- Bites: If you walk a dog that bites someone else, you may be responsible for their medical bills and other damages.
- Damage: If you walk a dog that damages property, the costs of repair could fall on you.
- Runaways: If you cannot retrieve a dog that you're walking, you may be responsible for the loss of the animal.
- Theft: If you walk a dog and it is stolen, you may be responsible for its replacement.
- Dog injuries: If you are responsible for an incident involving a dog that is in your custody and care, or falls ill, then this could make you liable.
Do Dog Walkers in Canada Need Insurance?
In Canada, dog walking businesses are not required to be insured. However, it is highly recommended. Dog walking policies are designed to provide peace of mind and protection for you and your customers.
Dog walker insurance policies typically cover general and professional liability claims, tailored to the risks you face:
- Your dog walking business is covered by general liability insurance in the event that a third party suffers bodily injury or damages property while your dog is under your care. This insurance also covers injuries caused by dogs under your care. The policy offers additional protections such as the loss of keys to a client's home, liability coverage for animals in your care and emergency vet fees.
- Dog walkers need professional liability insurance. This insurance protects you against allegations of professional negligence and misconduct.
Other coverages you may require include:
- Cyber liability insurance protects your dog walking business against losses caused by cybercrime. Cyber liability insurance is a must if you use e-mail to confirm appointments and accept digital payments.
- Commercial auto insurance includes the use of your vehicle to conduct business, including driving customers home or transporting pets.
Consult a licensed insurance broker if you are considering purchasing dog walking insurance to make sure you have adequate coverage. You can get help understanding any breed exclusions and make sure you are fully covered in the event of an accident or incident while walking your dog.
When starting a business that involves pets, it is important to know the importance of insurance. This applies whether you are running a dog-walking service or a pet-sitting company from your home.
Give those paws some purpose! Embark today on your dog-walking journey and make it a success!
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