If you’ve used spreadsheets to manage your client information and schedules for your growing dog walking and pet sitting business, it’s obvious by now that something more automated and manageable is required.

Dog walking management software should be at the center of your business. When you are connected to the right software, it will help you to manage your customers, staff, schedules, invoicing and more. You will run a more efficient business, have happier clients and you will grow faster. Without the right business management solution, your company will not be as efficient, you won’t know if jobs are being completed or if they’re being accomplished in a timely manner, and you won’t know if you’re getting the upper hand on your competitors.

If you’ve gotten to the point of reading this blog post then you are seriously considering starting your own dog walking or pet sitting business. You love dogs and you want to help them get the quality care they deserve. You want to work with dogs on a daily basis and you like helping people. Maybe you’ve seen a need in your market for better quality pet care, a different type of pet care, or something else. Before you go for it, consider how you would answer these questions:

• What companies are currently in the marketplace and what do they offer?
• What is my company’s mission, and what is my business model?
• How can I differentiate myself?
• What tools are available to help me run my business?
• How much money can I make?
• What do I need to get started?

What companies are currently in the marketplace and what do they offer? Before you start your own business it’s important to understand the marketplace. How many dog walking or pet sitting companies are in your market? What services do they offer? How much do they charge? How many pets are in your market? Can the market handle more dog walking companies? Once you research the answers to these questions you will have a better understanding of what’s out there, where there is a void, and where you can do offer better services.

As a dog walking business owner, you’ve put in plenty of time learning how to manage a pack. You’ve picked up dog communication skills and become an expert on body language. You know how to handle a dog on a leash and you’re passing all this knowledge down to your staff. Your business is beginning to thrive, but you are finding yourself struggling to manage your business because of your growth?

One of the biggest problems dog-walking businesses have isn’t related to managing the dogs. Rather, it’s effectively communicating with clients, showing accountability and managing the ever-changing schedules of your dog walkers, and keep up with billing. When the dream of growing your business becomes a “watch what you wish for” scenario, it’s time to upgrade your business management solution.