I wonder if someone can tell me whether I'm just having a bad week or could I really scrape a living walking other people's dogs whilst they are at work instead of me actually having to go to work myself? - by work I mean sitting in a stinking stuffy office staring whilst my brain slowley turns to mush.  Any info on dog walking would be greatly appreciated, before I loose my marbles.

Thanks

I have just been talking to a friend who is trying to get a dog walking business going. She is now 6 months down the line and it has picked up a bit but people do use her like a nobody and expect her to be at their beck and call. You really do have to think 'yes, it sounds like a good idea when the weather is fine' but when you have a rainy day and you have several walks to do because you cant take them together, I can assure you its not such a good idea.

It fluctuates quite a bit, but it really depends on how much you need to earn. My friend is still doing her night nursing because she cant afford to stop but has cut back one night.

From a financial point of view,I think you would need to cover yourself insurance wise,as a precaution,because not all owners insure their pets and what would happen if a dog got loose from it's lead,cut itself on glass,got into a fight with another etc.whilst in your care,even the nicest of people can turn 'nasty' where their pet is involved.

Plus you would have to consider the tax aspect of a job of this type,as effectively you are self-employed.There would possibly be a need to contribute to a pension scheme of some sort,you wouldn't get holiday pay or sick pay :(

But on a brighter note you would be out in the fresh air,the rain,snow,hail,wind :D you would get terribly fit and probably love it for the first few weeks.

I have friends who have tried it,but all ended up back in either a 'stuffy office' or in another career that offered more stability.

Not to say you wouldn't stick with it and if you do decide to go ahead,I wish you all the best. :)
Jacqueline.

I would just like to walk a dog not for money,  I miss the out striding with dog by my side. I would do it for pleasure, but Id probably be taking money away from someone who relies on the income. I was thinking about walking elderly people dogs (not charging of course).

Thanks ever so much for all the info, I thought that it might not be as easy as it sounds - nothing ever is :( if I was going to do it and it is a big IF I would obviously find out about insurance etc.  The main thing is like you say I might do it for a bit and then get fed up after a while, although I figured I would take 4 dog maximum out for about an hour and do 2 walks per day and charge about £7.50-8 per dog that which would be enough income for me.  Then it would mean I could pursue my jewellery making hobby in the spare time that I aquired.  Rain and snow are no bother to me I go out in all weathers with my lot anyway plus I have a very good army surplus shop nearby :D :D :D Its a big step so I'll try and get as much insight as possible.

Thanks again for your replies they were very helpful

I pay £8 per day for my two dogs to be walked, and to be honest this is as much as I would be willing to pay.

The woman I use has a pretty good business but she also does house sitting for dogs while owners are away, and I think this is probably where most of her income comes from.  She charges £10/day for this

Depends where you are, and if there is already one, but you could consider setting up a PetPals franchise, if you have teh capital, they have a website, petpals.co.uk I think.  The girl round here is kept extremely busy, and is very professional, and earns wuite good money, and she has the back up of a national company, so insurance etc has already been thought of.

If you can afford to stop your office job, do it, you'll be happier and probably even live longer!

Good Luck!