Starting a dog-walking business in Canada may seem daunting, but it’s simpler than you might think. To set yourself up for success, there are key steps to follow. We spoke with Lori Smith, owner of Urban Tail Dog Walkers in Toronto, to guide you through the process.
Permits, Qualifications, and Licenses for Dog Walking
“You don’t need a federal or provincial license to start a dog-walking business in Canada,” says Rupin Bal, a lawyer at The Rupin Bal Law Professional Corporation in Toronto. However, some municipalities, particularly larger cities, may require a permit.
For instance, in Toronto, a commercial dog-walking permit is mandatory if you plan to walk more than three dogs at a time. Even the owner must get this permit if walking more than three dogs (except for service animals). Additionally, you’re only allowed to walk up to six dogs at once in Toronto.
If you live in a city that requires a permit, you may also need general liability insurance to cover potential damages. Your insurance policy will likely need to list the city as an insured party. To apply for a permit, you might need:
- A completed application form
- A fee (varies depending on the permit’s duration)
- Personal identification (such as a driver’s license or passport)
- A separate application to walk dogs in public parks
Although no formal training is necessary to start, having qualifications in areas like animal first aid, animal behavior, or veterinary care can build your credibility and help you grow your business more quickly.
Registering Your Dog-Walking Business
The requirements for registering your business vary depending on where you live. You may not need a federal business registration number unless you plan to incorporate or need to open a CRA program account (such as for collecting GST/HST or payroll deductions). Check with local provincial/territorial and municipal authorities to find out if additional registration is required.
Insurance for a Dog-Walking Business
It’s crucial to invest in insurance to protect your dog-walking business. Consider these options:
- General Liability Insurance: Covers legal expenses if a client sues for damages to their person or property.
- Business Contents Insurance: Protects assets like computers, office furniture, and other equipment.
- Personal Injury Insurance: Covers costs if you or your employees are injured while working.
- Commercial Auto Coverage: For vehicles used in your business, such as when transporting dogs.
Some insurance providers offer dog-walking-specific policies that cover accidents, injuries, and even lawsuits involving the dogs you care for. To get this type of insurance, dogs under your care may need to be vaccinated, and you may need to maintain a record of their medical histories.
Pricing Your Dog-Walking Services
In Canada, dog walkers typically charge between $10 and $40 per walk, depending on the duration and location. Walks in cities like Toronto or Vancouver may cost more than those in suburban areas. Shorter, 30-minute walks will be priced at the lower end, while hour-long walks will be on the higher side.
You can adjust your rates based on demand, competition, and your experience or qualifications. Offering additional services, such as potty breaks or event-handling, can increase your earnings. These services can be priced individually, with simpler tasks closer to minimum wage and more complex services reaching several hundred dollars.
Discounts for walking multiple pets from the same household are common but ensure that your pricing still covers your costs and provides fair compensation for your time.
Marketing Your Dog-Walking Business
Effective marketing can help grow your dog-walking business. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Flyers: Post them in areas where dog owners frequent, such as parks, vet clinics, and pet stores. Always check if you need permission to post them.
- Business Cards: Print a batch and keep them handy to share with potential clients. Ask friends and family to help spread the word.
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Make sure your website is optimized for local search terms so people can easily find your services online.
- Organic Social Media: Share photos and videos of happy dogs on platforms like Instagram and Facebook. Cute animal content tends to spread quickly!
- Paid Social Media Ads: Target dog owners in your area using paid ads on social media platforms.
With a solid plan, some marketing efforts, and the proper permits and insurance, your dog-walking business can be up and running in no time.
