Pros & Cons of Dog Walking to Earn Extra Cash

Dog Walkers Can Overcome Money Problems and Balance Household Bills

Mar 14, 2009 Asa Ghaffar

Dog walking helps people earn extra cash and end money problems. Unemployed people, low income families and retired people can balance household bills with dog walking.

Dog walking helps people earn extra cash, overcome money problems and balance household bills. Becoming a dog walker is the perfect job for retired people, low income families and unemployed people. It is a business for regular people as there are minimal associated start-up costs.

Benefits of Dog Walking

Earn extra cash. According to a Daily Telegraph article in July 2008, "Dog-walkers can charge upwards of £10 per hour per dog, with higher rates for walkies on weekends and on bank holidays." Rates will vary, depending on local competition, but it is possible for dog walkers to earn extra cash by walking several dogs at the same time.
Family responsibilities. Dog walkers not only get to earn extra cash to help with household bills, they can also achieve this in a flexible way that fits around family commitments. For example, dog walking can take place whilst children are at school.
Fresh air and exercise. Dog walking is vastly more healthy than a desk-based occupation. A 175 lb male dog walker can burn an estimated 213 calories per hour. The more active lifestyle that dog walking promotes can improve cardiovascular conditioning and increase longevity in both man and dog.
Family dogs. Those that choose dog walking to earn extra cash can often achieve this objective whilst walking a family pet. Some dog walkers take up to four dogs out at any one time.
Suitable for most people. Dog walking is a business opportunity available for most people, including: unemployed people, low income families, retired people and single-parent families.

Negatives for Dog Walkers

Advertising. Pet owners won't automatically know that there is a new dog walker in the area. It is necessary to advertise online, in shop windows or local papers in order to generate business.
Run-away dogs. A dog walker shouldn't take out more pets than can be reasonably coped with. A run-away dog that doesn't return is not only upsetting for both parties, it is very bad for future business as word-of-mouth spreads quickly.
Sickness. It is sensible for all dog walkers to ask owners for a contact name and telephone number for the pets vet in the event of illness.
Dangerous dogs. Dog walking potentially dangerous dogs can be a risky business. The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 states that any attacks are the carers' responsibility and not the owners.
Worrying livestock. The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953 provides that a dog mustn't worry livestock on agricultural land. A dog walker should always be careful not to walk animals on farm land property, especially when there are new-born animals in the vicinity.

Setting up a dog walking business is a great way for unemployed people, low income families and retired people to earn extra cash. It is a low cost business venture and can help those struggling with money problems balance their household bills. Dog walkers should try to avoid any pitfalls by considering possible negative scenarios and taking relevant precautionary steps.

Those that found this article useful may be interested in reading about ways to lower monthly outgoings and reduce spending. Individuals struggling with personal debt may find practical solutions to credit card debt of assistance.

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