Animals & Nature

Doggie Walking

Due to health reasons I had to give up my very exciting job as a civil servant. Every now and then I reconsider my 'career options' and, being honest, my health pretty much gives me zero options.

However I love dogs, have had dogs in the past but, due to feline domination on the house, am not allowed to get one at present.

Has anyone worked at doggie walking as an actual business venture? I would only need to earn about £600 per month - is this an achievable amount? I don't drive but live in the city centre.

I looked at "barking mad" ages ago - but, if I remember correctly, they say that you will need a garden. I don't have a garden and don't want to take the dog(s) home - the cats would be most displeased.

Any ideas? Am I on a non-starter? Help!

wolf63 Tue 13/05/08 01:35

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wildwood
Tue 13/05/08
04:58

Rates are £8 - £10 for an half hour walk. Add time to pickup and dropoff and it will take you a whole hour for one job. Don't be fooled into combining dogs on one walk or you can be in serious trouble with expensive dogs. Although you can charge more for taking 2 or 3 dogs from the same place or combine those that have been properly socialised. Some people won't pay you full rate if you combine jobs though.

To clear £600 per month you need to earn £60 per day to cover tax. insurance etc. If you are able to work 8 hours per day, 5 days per week then yes, it can be done. I don't know what your health reason is but If however you can walk for 40 hours per week does that negate your reason for being unable to continue your 'exiting' previous vocation??

wolf63
Tue 13/05/08
05:52

Question Author

I have a couple of health problems but the main problem is due to manic depression, this effects my ability to work as I have a poor memory and short concentration span. .

Anyway - thanks for your answer. The answer is very good and makes me realise that it was a poorly thought out plan on my part. It would be unrealistic of me to be able to proceed with it.

I currently manage on my civil service pension - but it would have been nice to earn more and thus spend more.

Thanks

wildwood
Tue 13/05/08
06:49

I don't want to pry into your private affairs but are you not allowed to earn a small sum before it affects your pension? Perhaps there is a dog shelter/kennel in your vicinity where you can still work with dogs and earn a small wage on top of your pension.
I don't know nothing about the public servants pensions but it would be almost cruel to not allow people such as you who are willing to get off their chuff to enabled you to earn a few quid while (I am sure) getting therapeutic benefit from a spare time job.
As you can tell, grammar is not my strong point. lol

888sally888
Tue 13/05/08
09:07

I would just like to add that if you suffer from depression a walk in the fresh air with a dog is a huge mood lifter. If you could even walk one dog a day and earn a tenner it would benefit you so much.

'Pickles' has never failed to cheer us up!!

888sally888
Tue 13/05/08
09:11

wolf - found this from a typical dog walking site to give you an idea - this lady is in Hertfordshire - hope this helps. Sal.

Dog Walking
I walk no more than 4 dogs at any one time as I feel that I would not be able to provide your pet with the well deserved time and affection that he/she needs. I can also provide individual 1-2-1 care service for your pet if required.

40 minutes to 1 Hour dog walk in the park/forest
Clean up any accidents while out
Clean them up if dirty before entering them back in to your home
Make sure they have enough water and food
Security check before leaving
£10.00 for 1 dog then £5.00 for each additional dog.

wolf63
Tue 13/05/08
11:56

Question Author

Thanks everybody.

I am really happy with my cats but it is right that walking a dog is good for you.

I will give this idea some thought now that I know more about it.

Earning the money wouldn't make any difference to my pension.

lankeela
Tue 13/05/08
12:51

You must have insurance (check out Cliverton) and if you are entering peoples houses you should get a police check done on yourself.

Why not consider joining an agency that provide pet sitting services, where you stay in people's homes, or visit their pets when they are away.

PS Can you come and do mine the weekend after next lol.

wolf63
Tue 13/05/08
15:36

Question Author

Lankeela - your large pack of dogs would be a bit too active for me. They are beautiful dogs if I remember correctly - you posted a link ages ago.

noknowledge - according to my brother JRs are the spawn of the devil and I agree.

I might look into doing this work via the WRVS. I don't need the money I only want more. It is a lot of responsibility and financial outlay - I just miss the companionship of a dog.

Maybe I should sell the cats and get a dog.

I am typing this fast before one of them sees over my shoulder and finds out what my plan is.

Susan, Frankie and Princess Merlin.

:-)

ruthann58
Sat 17/05/08
17:34

could you not go to a rescue kennels and walk a dog waiting to be rehomed a friend of ours does that. you wont get paid but you will get a walk with a new friend who is waiting to find a new home

barb1314
Sat 17/05/08
17:40

Rescue homes are always looking for volunteer dog walkers,that would be a great way to meet dogs and enjoy their company. I am in a similar situation where I miss them,as my husband point blank refuses to let me get a dog.We lost ours 2 years ago.I would actually prefer to get rid of him

888sally888
Sat 17/05/08
17:43

lol Barb!!

Also there is a call for volnteers to dog walk for people who are too old/ill to walk their own dogs.

thought about doing this but i know that if the owner died I would have to take the dog on and I would end up with dozens of dogs!!

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