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.