Start your dog care business the the right way

As the owner of one of New York City's larger dog care companies I frequently receive emails from other pet service entrepreneurs seeking advice.  Most want to know how to get started and how to succeed. 

If your goal is to start a dog walking business or similar and provide the bulk of service yourself then you don't need my advice as you will have or already have an intimate relationship with your clients.  However, if your goal is to build a business like mine with thousands of clients and manage many resources then I recommend reading on.

The information I provide here is just the surface of the information that is passed in Running Paws' Certified Partner Program.  If you find this information useful you would probably find the CPP invaluable. To learn more about the CPP see the link at the end of this article.

Although the following tips are broad in nature they can still provide a strong starting point for your business.  These may seem like common sense but I can't stress enough how important they have been to the success of my business and how frequently I see competitors overlook these basics.  And while this list is a good start you should add your own thoughts to it to help focus your business even further.

1. Create policies that will allow your business to grow and stick to them. A same day cancellation policy is great when you have 5 clients, the clients like it a lot - but think ahead to what that will be like for you when you have 50 clients, 100 clients, 150 clients - you get the point.  You need to create policies that will scale from day one.
2. Do everything by the book and stress that this is your method of operation (MO) to your clients, you don't cut corners.  For example, get bonded and insured and provide proof of this to your clients when you first meet them.
3. Be extremely detail oriented.  If you're not naturally detail oriented then spend extra time going over emails, voice-mails, and service change requests.  You're dealing with live animals and it's important to show up when you're supposed to.  If you forget about a client one day they probably won't be your client the next.
4. Give yourself flexibility.  Under promise and over deliver.
5. Respond to clients as soon as possible.  You'd be surprised what a difference great communication makes compared even to adequate communication.
6. Follow our business principles that are available on our website or create your own.  Believe in them and approach your business with them in mind everyday.

If you decide to pursue this type of business keep in mind that it's a very challenging and difficult business that takes patience and persistence to grow to a meaningful level.  I know, it seems like a simple idea to execute, and it is if your goal is to service a few dogs per day.  However, if you want to build a business like ours that does several hundred runs per week then you need to plan properly from the beginning so you can scale your business as it grows.

Joshua Stine is the owner of Running Paws, Inc. one of the largest dog care providers in Manhattan. Running Paws, Inc. was the first company in the world to create a business around dog running and dog related fitness activities.  Running Paws' services include their award winning jogging service, puppy care, and day care services provided at the Running Paws Athletic Club a 5,000 square foot dog care facility. 

In business since 2002 Running Paws now offers a two week Certified Partner Program for like minded entreprenuers who wish to get a head start on their own dog care business.  For more information on the CPP please visit http://www.runningpaws.com/cpp