Woman Walking Dogs

Why a Dog Walking Business Isn’t Your Best Investment

A dog walking business may seem like a good opportunity, but there are some things to consider. Learn why it’s not a smart investment and what pet businesses are better.

The Business of Pets: In Demand and Growing

More likely than not, you or someone close to you adopted a pet over the last few years as COVID-19 shutdowns and changes in work/life balance saw Americans spending more time at home, in need of companionship, a chance to exercise, and some stress relief. According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), 70% of U.S. households now have pets in their home, with 54% selecting dogs to join our fur families. Each generation is represented in pet ownership, with 32% of Millennials, 27% of Baby Boomers, 24% of Gen X, and 14% of Gen Z preferring a home with a pet.

Millennials, the largest group of pet owners, also spend more on their pets than any other generation. APPA reported in its National Pet Owners Survey that 41% of dog owners spring for premium dog food over common supermarket options, plus they’re willing to spend on treats, vitamins, and toys to make their furry loved ones happy.

The growing pet industry is ready to meet demand from pet parents seeking high-quality retail and services. Total U.S. pet expenditures were $123.6 billion in 2021, an increase from $90.5 billion in 2018. With such strong economic indicators, now seems like a good time to get into the pet industry.

There is more than one way to break into this expanding market with categories like pet grooming and dog walking. You might be considering investing in a dog walking business but wonder if it’s profitable or hard to start. Explore some of the factors that go into owning this type of business and learn about other pet businesses that may be better options, so you can make the best decision for your lifestyle and financial goals.

The Ups and Downs of a Dog Walking Business: What You Should Consider

If you love dogs, the great outdoors, and making money, buying a dog walking business for sale or starting your own can sound like the ideal move. But there are things you should know about making dog walking your craft and trade before you consider investing in a dog walking franchise or opening an independent venture.

A business walking dogs can be profitable but as with any business, whether you make money depends on a few key factors like your location, whether there’s a strong demand, the time needed to grow your business, and your business savvy. Other determining factors for profitability include your ability to generate repeat business and keep customers loyal, plus how many walks you can offer per day.

On the upside of a dog walking venture is that many pet owners are busy and don’t have time to walk their dogs sufficiently. They need the services of a professional to manage their pet’s walking schedule.

On the downside, the competition from other dog walkers is fierce. You’ll want to differentiate your business by offering something unique and investing in marketing that reaches your target audience. You can hire employees to walk more dogs, enabling you to multiply the number of walks offered per day, but labor costs will cut into your profits. And unpredictable revenue is a business hazard since walking schedules are affected by inclement weather, the dog’s health, and pet owners’ schedules.

No matter how much you love dogs, some of them can be moody, snubbing their walk or being short-tempered with you or other pets. Their owners can also be difficult to satisfy, demanding only the best for their loved ones. Your days won’t always center around dogs; as your business expands, your responsibilities to bookkeeping, customers, and employees grow. You may need to spend lots of money on rent, insurance, and permits. It’s not all a (dog) walk in the park.

Aussie Pet Mobile: A Pet Business on the Move

Is there a better option than investing in a dog walking franchise or buying a dog walking business for sale? At Aussie Pet Mobile, we think we have an opportunity for you to own the pet business you’ve always wanted while creating the lifestyle you’ve dreamed of.

Aussie Pet Mobile is the No. 1 dog grooming franchise on the prestigious Entrepreneur Franchise 500 list. You can own a mobile grooming business conveniently delivering top-notch services to a customer’s driveway for a stress-free experience for pooches and parents alike.

If you’re ready to take the leap into owning your own business, consider investing in your future with Aussie Pet Mobile. Take charge of your life and schedule with a mobile pet grooming franchise. We give you all the tools you’ll need to succeed, including extensive training and ongoing support, a scalable business model you can grow at your own pace, protected territories, a one-of-a-kind eco-friendly and pet-friendly grooming van, marketing and software tools, and repeat customers, since the majority of our clients keep coming back.

Aussie Pet Mobile is the leader in mobile pet grooming and part of the Home Franchise Concepts family of brands. We are dedicated to the success of our franchise owners and believe people from all walks of life should have the chance to gain financial independence by owning their own business. If you have a passion for pets and are ready to take the next steps toward making your dream of business ownership a reality, inquire now for more info about how to join the Aussie Pet Mobile franchise family.

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