Sounds like you're on the right track! The other thing I'd look into aside from first aid (which is a great idea, and something I'd look for if I were in the market for a dog walker) is insurance. Public liability insurance means that if the worst happens - a dog you're walking attacks someone, a dog gets injured or dies while you're handling it, a client tries to blame you for a behavior problem, etc. - you have protection. Accident and injury protection means you're covered if you get injured or sick and can't work. This will also probably involve looking into the legal structure of your business - such as if you want to set it up as an LLC or sole proprietor - because that will also matter to how much personal and financial liability you have should your business fail. This isn't something I've done personally, so definitely do your own research!
If you're able to (and you don't already have this experience), it could also be a great idea to buff up your marketability by volunteering with a local shelter to walk their dogs, getting you extra experience with different breeds and personalities. Taking online courses in dog behavior so you can market yourself as knowledgeable and up to date on how dogs think and learn will also be attractive to customers, though that hands-on experience is probably going to get you farther.
Good luck! Looking forward to hear how it goes!
If you're able to (and you don't already have this experience), it could also be a great idea to buff up your marketability by volunteering with a local shelter to walk their dogs, getting you extra experience with different breeds and personalities. Taking online courses in dog behavior so you can market yourself as knowledgeable and up to date on how dogs think and learn will also be attractive to customers, though that hands-on experience is probably going to get you farther.
Good luck! Looking forward to hear how it goes!
