Operating a dog walking or pet sitting business is hard work. You are required to balance the needs of your customers, pets, staff, and the business itself while trying to earn a profit and grow revenues. On top of all that, you’re working outside every day and battling Mother Nature. While being around dogs all day is very rewarding, it can be very demanding on your business and your resources. Honing in on your business model and the services you offer can make it a little easier to allocate resources, predict staff pay and build your business. But no matter how much planning and structure you create, one of the biggest challenges you face as a business owner is staff turnover.

There are a few factors that can contribute to staff turnover, including the overall economic landscape in your area, your staff hiring procedures and compensation packages, your company’s size and growth and company policies. Unfortunately, there is no magic answer when it comes to staff turnover, and it is often a juggling act between these contributing factors to see which combination works best for your business. And as these factors change over time, so should your practices.

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.

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.