For dog-walking services, determine if this animal plays well with others. Some pet service providers walk several dogs at the same time, which allows for a bit of socialization and maximizes your profit. But it may not be possible if the dog will not cooperate or is much larger or more aggressive than the others in your pack. Some dog owners may prefer that their dog socialize with others, while others may not want their pet exposed to diseases. The principal expenses are for advertising and promotion.
In order to give a charge for the dog-walking services, you can rate vary by location, with higher prices in major metropolitan areas, although you should also factor in your costs if you need to drive a great distance to meet a pet in a rural setting. A typical price for a 15-minute quick check on a pet or a short walk ranges from $10 to $15; a 30-minute walk is generally priced from $15 to $20 and a full hour of exercise is priced from about $20 to $30 in most areas. If you intend to walk packs of dogs as a standard service, you may want to list a higher price for solo walks. Some pet service providers give volume discounts; for example, they might offer a 10 to 20 percent reduction for a prepaid punch card that entitles the pet owner to 15 visits. Other providers offer lower rates for visits more than once per day. You might also offer a bonus if customers refer new business to you, especially if the clients live nearby, which will save you time and money.