Author Archives: Julie Walton

About Julie Walton

Internet Success Website Designer from Boise, Idaho. Designing websites for small businesses in the Northwest. Dogblog writer "A Dog's Eye View".

Building a Pet Care Business: What It Takes to Succeed in a Growing Industry

Posted on by

Guest Contributor: Nick Burton, Ourbestdoggo.com

Dog Walker – Photo by Pexels

Starting a pet care business can feel like a leap into uncharted territory, but the opportunities are real and growing. The pet industry is booming, fueled by a culture that increasingly treats animals as family members. If you’re someone who lights up around animals and wants to build a career rooted in that passion, this path can combine purpose and profit. Success, however, comes from more than just loving pets, it demands clear strategy, thoughtful structure, and the ability to make decisions that resonate with modern pet owners.

Choosing Your Pet Care Niche

The first big decision is figuring out exactly what kind of services you’ll offer. Will you provide dog walking, overnight boarding, or grooming? Or maybe a mix of all three? Casting your net too wide early on can dilute your message and resources. Instead, look for ways to specialize and stand out. Consider focusing on a particular demographic, such as busy urban professionals who need flexible services, or families looking for safe and fun daycare options. Research shows that leaning into niche strategies for pet care can help you create a strong identity and attract loyal clients.

Setting Up Legal Requirements

A pet care business isn’t just about cute moments and tail wags; there are legal requirements that protect you, your clients, and the animals in your care. Depending on your state or city, you may need a business license, permits, and liability insurance. Some areas also require proof of training or certifications, especially if you offer grooming or medical-related services. Taking the time to understand local regulations will save you headaches later. Many new owners also overlook the need for financial safeguards, like surety bonds, which can help build trust with clients. Learning how to obtain a surety bond for licensing will position your business as professional and reliable from day one.

Building a Pet-Friendly Service Model

Your business model needs to reflect how people experience your services, not just what’s on paper. Think about the environment you’re creating for pets. Is your space designed for both safety and play? Have you set up routines that keep pets comfortable, well-exercised, and stress-free? Mapping out a service framework can help, especially when you expand to hiring additional staff. This might include structured activity times, clear feeding protocols, and easy-to-follow handoff systems for pet owners. Tools like a business model template can give you a visual plan for operations, making sure every detail—from pricing to customer experience—is covered.

Continue reading →

Creating a Dog-First Home Without Breaking the Bank

Posted on by

Guest Post by: Nick Burton  Ourbestdoggo.com

Dog at home.


Image by Freepik

Your dog doesn’t care if your patio furniture is West Elm or Walmart. What matters to them is safety, space, and spots to sniff. Shaping your home and yard into a haven for your pet doesn’t have to run your wallet ragged. With a little grit, a pinch of planning, and a sense of what dogs genuinely need, your space can transform. No need for sprawling lawns or fancy gadgets either. Just smart choices, creative reuses, and a few changes that make life a whole lot better for both of you.

Pet-Safe Landscaping

Start by asking yourself where your dog likes to wander. If it’s the flower beds, you’ve got a problem, but not an expensive one. Consider raised planters or hardy border shrubs to protect fragile areas while giving your pup clear boundaries. Swap out toxic plants for hardy, non-poisonous ones like marigolds, sunflowers, or rosemary, which not only survive your dog’s curiosity but also look decent doing it. Mulch smart, too—skip cocoa mulch and go with cedar or pine. Browse these dog-friendly backyard ideas to help you sketch out the transformation.

DIY Dog Fencing

You don’t need a contractor to build a fortress. In fact, most dogs just need consistency and a clear line between theirs and the outside world. You can use wooden pallets, lattice panels, or repurposed fencing to create barriers that fit your budget and blend into your landscaping. Just ensure the height suits your breed’s jumping prowess and that gaps won’t tempt small adventurers. Invisible fences are an option but not always ideal for every temperament. Some of the smartest cheap dog fence ideas can be built with materials sitting in your shed.

Continue reading →

How to Actually Start a Dog Care Business (Without Losing Your Mind or Your Money)

Posted on by

Image: Freepik

Guest Contributor: Nick Burton, Ourbestdoggo.com

If you’re the kind of person who slows down when you see a dog on the street and instinctively uses that “good boy” voice without thinking, it might be time to stop ignoring that itch to work with dogs for a living. Starting a dog care business isn’t just about turning your love for pups into a paycheck—it’s about showing up consistently, building trust with clients (both human and furry), and learning how to run a business that’s more than just cuddles and walks. The demand is real. People are busier than ever, but they don’t want their dogs to suffer for it. That’s where you come in.

Figure Out What Kind of Dog Care Actually Fits You
There’s a difference between loving dogs and loving dog care work. Not everyone wants to walk five huskies in the rain or scoop poop at 7 AM, and that’s okay. Maybe you’re better suited for in-home boarding, training, or even mobile grooming. Don’t feel pressured to copy what everyone else is doing. Build your services around what you genuinely enjoy and what your schedule allows. If you hate early mornings, dog walking may not be your jam—but maybe late-day drop-in visits are your sweet spot. Know yourself before you start promising the world.

Build Your Business Backwards—Start With the Client
Too many people dive in with a logo and an Instagram page before they’ve even thought about who they’re trying to reach. You need to reverse-engineer your business from the dog owner’s perspective. Ask yourself what they’re worried about. Is it safe? Reliability? Socialization for their anxious doodle? When you know what matters to them, you can build your offerings, policies, and communication around solving those exact problems. That’s how you become the no-brainer choice in your neighborhood.

Continue reading →

Living the Dream: Digital Nomad Life with Your Furry Friend

Posted on by

Guest Post Contributor: Jessica Brody

Digital nomad with pet dog

Image by Freepik

Traveling as a digital nomad with your pet combines exploration with the comfort of companionship. It allows you to discover new places while sharing the experience with your four-legged friend. Balancing work commitments and your pet’s needs requires careful planning and adaptability. Incorporating thoughtful routines helps maintain stability for both of you during your travels. Flexibility in your approach ensures a harmonious journey that supports your goals and your pet’s happiness.

Traveling Safely with Your Pet as a Digital Nomad

When you’re exploring the world with your pet, ensuring their safety is paramount. Investing in a reliable GPS tracker or smart collar can provide peace of mind and keep your pet secure. These devices offer dependable location tracking and health monitoring, making them ideal for keeping track of your pet’s whereabouts. By investing in these advanced tracking solutions, you can focus on your remote work and travel plans, knowing your pet’s safety is well-managed.

Navigating LLC Formation for Entrepreneurs

For entrepreneurs, forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC) can be a strategic move that offers numerous benefits. An LLC provides a separate legal identity and limited personal liability, safeguarding your personal assets from business debts. Additionally, LLCs enjoy pass-through taxation, where profits and losses are reported on the owners’ personal tax returns, potentially easing the tax burden. To streamline the formation process and ensure compliance with state regulations, consider using a reputable LLC formation service. This approach not only saves on registration fees but also provides peace of mind by ensuring your business is set up correctly.

Traveling Comfortably with Your Pet

Ensuring your pet’s comfort during travel is essential for a stress-free journey. Calming aids, such as pheromone sprays and anxiety-reducing vests, can significantly ease your pet’s anxiety. These products work by mimicking natural calming signals, fostering a sense of security. Incorporating these tools into your travel routine not only helps your pet stay calm but also enhances the travel experience for both of you. Additionally, consider using a calming diffuser or lavender scent to create a soothing environment.

Continue reading →

Dog Poop and Your Septic System – What You Should Know

Posted on by

Mark Lewyn got in touch with us to share an article of interest to our readers. Read the article – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT DOG POOP AND YOUR SEPTIC SYSTEM

The article features the following points:

  • Dog Fur and your Septic Tank: A Furry Problem
  • Dog Food and Your Septic System: A Surprising Culprit
  • Dog Play and the Drainfield: Fun But Risky
  • Dog Safety Around the Septic System: Keep Them Out of Trouble

He goes on to say that you might think that since human waste breaks down in the septic tank, dog waste would do the same. But here’s the catch – it doesn’t always work that way, and explains how dog waste can throw off the balance of your septic system. Looks like valuable information.

This is something I have never considered. But our family doesn’t have a septic system, we are connected to the city sewer system. Nevertheless, I started to think maybe I should make sure no waste from our dog would end up in the toilet.

Hope all is well with you and your fur babies. Let’s keep everyone safe.

How much should I feed my puppy?

Posted on by

Well, actually I don’t have a puppy. Our family includes a 12 year old canine contributor and the smartest dog we know. But I imagine our readers would like to know the answer to this question. I received an email the other day from Rob at BetterPet.com. He offered to share a Guide to Puppy Feeding. It says you can keep your furbaby healthy, happy, and nourished with these puppy feeding tips, techniques, and advice.

The article on betterpet.com discusses the essentials for feeding your puppy. The size and age of your dog will be an important factor in determining how to feed your little friend. To calculate their daily food intake take note of your dog’s age, physical condition, and weight. Puppies need two to three times more calories per day than older dogs. So it will be good to feed them more often than adult dogs. Be aware that every puppy is unique so talk to your vet about your dog’s nutritional needs.

So, what am I supposed to feed my little puppy, you ask. Keep in mind your dog’s breed, medical conditions, and activity level. Dr. Jennifer Schott gives this advice:

The most important thing to look for is that the food is labeled for growing puppies. It’s also important that your puppy will consistently eat the food! I typically recommend foods from Purina, Hill’s, or Royal Canin as they consistently make good quality products and have multiple puppy formulations based on size and breed.

For more information about how much to feed your puppy, check out the article How Much to Feed a Puppy, Backed by Vets at betterpet.com.