Dog walking York area, any demand?

lorac_uk

Hi

I am thoroughly miserable in my job, it is fairly well paid but I sometimes dread coming in. I have had an idea of leaving and starting up my own business in the York/Malton area doing dog walking, house cleaning, horse mucking out or admin work, what would the demand be do you think for these services and where should I advertise?

What do you all think?

Carol

Jesstar · Posted: Tue Jan 30, 2007 9:03 am Post subject:

Sorry, I wouldn't know where to start finding out about this sort of thing, but just wanted to wish you luck with the venture. Hope someone will be along soon to offer some advice.

Basil · Posted: Tue Jan 30, 2007 9:18 am Post subject:

Difficult one, you've got to quit to start to build up your trade havent you really.

Try google and see how many other dog walkers there are? Advertise in pet shops / vets / dog training schools. Link with local breeders too.

I guess a good way to find out how many there are locally would be to try and find a dog walker for yourself - see how many that throws up?

I was thinking about this the other day (while have an anti-asia day and considering buying my old house back in york Wink

).

I think one of the issues with york may be that its quite traditional in terms of industry and jobs etc, people commonly do 9-5 days there and live close to work so there may not be as many people needing the service (as opposed to young professionels in leeds, london etc). But then you only need enough custmers to fill full time hours i guess.

VJH · Posted: Tue Jan 30, 2007 9:21 am Post subject:

ooohhh Carroll is just setting up her dog wlking business in Rippon (is that near york Confused

North of Watford and I am lost) I am sure she will see this thread.

Carroll franchise sub contract open another branch hehehehehehe

lorac_uk · Posted: Tue Jan 30, 2007 9:34 am Post subject:

A few months ago I was looking for a dog walker in York and they were £15 an hour which we couldn't afford and they couldn't do the times I wanted either, I was hoping to set up around the Malton/York/Easingwold side of York if possible, lots of places to walk and not so far for me to travel.

I am really looking of a way to stop working here, spend more time with my daughter (get rid of the £650 a month childcare) have time with Maisie the new lab and enjoy life more.

It would be a brave move but thought I would start my research off here!

Any other ideas welcome

Carol

VJH · Posted: Tue Jan 30, 2007 9:38 am Post subject:

be brave - do the research then decide. Competitor analysis as mentined before - are you friendly with vets? do you go training? compile a questionnaire and take it along and interview people. Ask people when you are out walking - pavement walking people at abotu 7am I reckon will be workers - stalk them heheh ask them whether they would consider a dog walker.

GOODDDDD LLUUCCKKK - Life is for the living if you can get off the wage slave treadmill go for it!!!!!!

animalmagic · Posted: Fri Feb 02, 2007 6:49 pm Post subject:

Hi ya,
I have run a Dog Walking and Pet Sitting Business since last April and it's going really well Smile

Do ittttttttttttttttttttt!!! You wont regret it! Smile

Give me a shout if you want any help or advice Smile

www.dogsit.com is a good place to start Smile

Maria
-x-

Caroline234