How is Frances walks your dog different from other dog walking companies?
This is my full-time job. I work seven days a week, all year. Also, I'm the only dog walker I know of who has a written business plan which I developed with the help of Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women (GROW) in the fall of 2005.
What do you like most about your job?
Being outdoors, and working alone, are invaluable to me, And of course, there are the dogs!
What questions do clients most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
"Do you do overnight pet sitting?" No.
"Do I need to bring my dog over to your place?" No; I'll go to your house.
How can a client get in touch with you?
By telephone: 616 885-6150 or email: arf.arf@me.com There is also a form of the next page of this website they can fill out to set up a meet-and-greet session.
What is a meet-and-greet session?
I meet with the clients in their home, show them proof of my insurance, and get to know the dogs. We discuss booking times of day for the walks, veterinary information, any instructions regarding special harnesses or leashes, and what medicines (if any) are needed for the pets. The client entrusts me with the house key, and we agree on method of payment. There is no charge for a meet-and-greet session.
What's involved in a typical walk?
I arrive at the client's house, apartment or condo, and let myself in with the key. I greet the dogs, leash them up, and we go for a nice walk around the neighborhood. I provide my own recyclable waste bags and never fail to pick up after the pet. When we arrive back home, I will email a Doggie Report Card to inform the client if the walk was uneventful, or if the dog seemed to be showing any unusual behavior. Of course, there are treats involved (organic!) and I leave the residence, making sure the door is firmly locked.
How many dogs will you walk simultaneously?
Not more than three. It's unfair to the dogs to walk them in a "herd." They need more individual attention than that.
What do you wish clients knew about you or your profession?
Dogs need to walk more frequently than you might think. Not only is it good exercise, it's good for their morale. Also, I need plenty of advance notice these days. I'm very busy, so you may want to board your pet if you're planning a spur-of-the-moment trip.
What advice do you have for a potential client looking to hire a provider like you?
Hire a responsible, insured professional. There are many kids in this line of work, but do you really want to entrust your beloved pet with one?
If you were advising someone who wanted to get into your profession, what would you suggest?
Research your competition, and whether your particular market will support your business; i.e, is there a critical mass of pets that aren't currently being served by a dog walker? Is the average income of your area such that it would support your business?
Also...write a business plan. GROW can give you help with that.
Are you a dog owner yourself?
Yes; my husband and I have a dear Boston terrier named Jackie. We adopted her through Vicky's Pet Connection in 2002. Jackie is now thirteen years old.
What about cats? Do you cat-sit?
Most definitely. I love kitties.
What is your Holiday Policy?
I charge double my usual rate on these holidays: Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Years Day, Easter and Labor Day.
This is my full-time job. I work seven days a week, all year. Also, I'm the only dog walker I know of who has a written business plan which I developed with the help of Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women (GROW) in the fall of 2005.
What do you like most about your job?
Being outdoors, and working alone, are invaluable to me, And of course, there are the dogs!
What questions do clients most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
"Do you do overnight pet sitting?" No.
"Do I need to bring my dog over to your place?" No; I'll go to your house.
How can a client get in touch with you?
By telephone: 616 885-6150 or email: arf.arf@me.com There is also a form of the next page of this website they can fill out to set up a meet-and-greet session.
What is a meet-and-greet session?
I meet with the clients in their home, show them proof of my insurance, and get to know the dogs. We discuss booking times of day for the walks, veterinary information, any instructions regarding special harnesses or leashes, and what medicines (if any) are needed for the pets. The client entrusts me with the house key, and we agree on method of payment. There is no charge for a meet-and-greet session.
What's involved in a typical walk?
I arrive at the client's house, apartment or condo, and let myself in with the key. I greet the dogs, leash them up, and we go for a nice walk around the neighborhood. I provide my own recyclable waste bags and never fail to pick up after the pet. When we arrive back home, I will email a Doggie Report Card to inform the client if the walk was uneventful, or if the dog seemed to be showing any unusual behavior. Of course, there are treats involved (organic!) and I leave the residence, making sure the door is firmly locked.
How many dogs will you walk simultaneously?
Not more than three. It's unfair to the dogs to walk them in a "herd." They need more individual attention than that.
What do you wish clients knew about you or your profession?
Dogs need to walk more frequently than you might think. Not only is it good exercise, it's good for their morale. Also, I need plenty of advance notice these days. I'm very busy, so you may want to board your pet if you're planning a spur-of-the-moment trip.
What advice do you have for a potential client looking to hire a provider like you?
Hire a responsible, insured professional. There are many kids in this line of work, but do you really want to entrust your beloved pet with one?
If you were advising someone who wanted to get into your profession, what would you suggest?
Research your competition, and whether your particular market will support your business; i.e, is there a critical mass of pets that aren't currently being served by a dog walker? Is the average income of your area such that it would support your business?
Also...write a business plan. GROW can give you help with that.
Are you a dog owner yourself?
Yes; my husband and I have a dear Boston terrier named Jackie. We adopted her through Vicky's Pet Connection in 2002. Jackie is now thirteen years old.
What about cats? Do you cat-sit?
Most definitely. I love kitties.
What is your Holiday Policy?
I charge double my usual rate on these holidays: Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Years Day, Easter and Labor Day.
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Will you walk dogs in all weather?
Yes! But please note: do not expect me in a blizzard or ice storm. When they announce: "all non-essential personnel stay off the roads" they mean me. |
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