Starting up a Dog Walking Business can be difficult without support and guidance. Animals at Home has the experience to support you and help build your business
When starting a dog walking/pet sitting business, there are a lot of things to take into consideration:
Business Insurance – You’ll need business insurance which should include Public Liability, Care Custody & Control/Animal Liability, Personal Accident Cover and Vet Fees. Our Franchisee’s works with a number of Insurers and through this experience we can put you in contact with a suitable insurer.
Animal Ambulance – For the transportation of pets, your van should be professionally kitted out on the inside, with first aid kits, secure cages, air circulation and livery, meeting all DEFRA regulations. We have been working with a company who have been supplying and converting used vehicles to our existing and new Franchisee’s for many years.
Vehicle Insurance – We can provide you with the relevant areas of cover required for your ‘vehicle’ again working with insurers from the experience of our existing Franchisee’s.
Home Boarding & Day Care Licenses – We prepare the application with you and from our extensive experience we have achieved licences from the initial 2 star rating start-up business, to the 5 star rating.
DBS/Disclosure Scotland – All Franchisee’s and their helpers undertake relevant police checks to inspire confidence in your future clients and to demonstrate trustworthiness.
Website – A modern, vibrant website is a must to convey professionalism and to allow clients to find you easily. This along with a suite of advertising campaigns and social media is prepared for you by us and then when the time is right for you, we pass the reins over. You are benefitting from 18 years of internet presence and advertising.
Branding/Trademark – You will be using a recognised protected brand.
Documentation – These will be consistent with your brand, and cover the likes of leaflets, business cards and posters advertising within your licenced area. These should be placed at local vets, estate agents, grooming parlours and other related business.
Marketing – It is important to keep your advertising costs to a minimum when starting up any business, yet vital to find clients. This is why we provide the first 3 months of advertising free.
Uniform – In accordance with your brand, you must be seen to be smart and professional at all times.
Pet Sitter Plus – A system allowing you to collate all your bookings and customer details online. Providing scheduling and invoicing capabilities for a small monthly subscription.
Accounts – Dependant on your experience and capabilities, it may be beneficial to gain a book keeper as tidy book-keeping will save you a lot of time and expense.
Training – Our training includes City & Guilds qualifications, Pet First Aid courses and far too much to list here, so we go through this with every prospect in great detail during our discovery days.
Animals at Home will offer full training, branding, uniforms and everything else needed to get your business up and running! We will also ensure that you have someone to turn to for advise every step of the way, via our 6 month mentoring scheme or advice supplied through our private Franchisee facebook group page.