I think I want to start a business (Scary)

[Silverstar]

Soon I am going to graduate from the University of Phoenix and I was thinking of what I want to do for myself in regards to employment. I was looking at these jobs that require not only a degree but be familiar with the business. Like many I say "how am I supposed to gain experience if they do not give me a chance". Typical of most companies.

I consider myself an intelligent person, quick learner (eager to learn as well). Always looking for a challenge and to expand my knowledge. But, I'm finding out little by little that I don't think I want to work for anyone else anymore.

So, I am thinking of all the things I love to do. And I love being with my doggies, my babies, my little wiggle butts. What can I do that would incorporate my loves?

So let me ask you all something. If you had the money would you spend $20 per day (as many or few days you want) to have someone pick up your baby, take them to the park or exercise area and drop them off?

What I am thinking of doing is targeting those with medium to extrodinary incomes in my area who love their doggies as much as I do. Pick their babies up take them to the park for two hours (or indoor activity place) and drop them back off. For around $10 per hour.

Do you think that is too much? Do you think this could work? We don't have anything around here that I know of like this (of course I would need to research it more).

Any comments will be appreciated.

 

[courtney323]

Quick question - is that the University of Phoenix online degree program?

We have several small businesses in Austin that provide dog-walking services. I can think of 4 or 5 of them. They will come by your house or apartment & take your dog out for a walk/potty and spend an hour or 2 with them.

I would consider it if I had a small puppy that needs frequent potty breaks while I'm at work... but my adult dogs can hold it from 8-4. I also don't use one because (a) my dogs would go NUTS if someone tried to come into the house and (b) I would be worried about what could happen if someone else took them to the park, especially a dog park (we have lots of leash free dog parks around here). This is just my 2cents!

On the other hand, if you are looking to start up a business, this would be a very cheap way to go.

Good luck

 

[Clover's Mom]

Just want you to know that I pay that much ($23), but I pay for all day. It use to be cheaper ($18) but they moved to a new facility and with gas prices so high they had to raise it. Clover's daycare people come and pick her up (around 7:30am), take her to daycare, she plays all day, then they bring her back home (between 4 -7pm). They have keys to get in, know where everything is, and if I'm not home they will feed her, or put food in the kennel for her. Clover goes 2-3 days a week, and on Saturdays now that it's football season. They also do kennel free boarding. It's great I love them.

I guess if you kept them longer, or something...but then again I am spoiled because of the people I have. I think it's great - and I hate for Clover to be in her kennel during the day, and since we have an apartment, she gets ton of exercise at daycare.

I think it's a great idea!!! Good luck

 

[Silverstar]

courtney323 : We only have two (off leash dog parks) so far. I know they are in the process of creating another. I would also have to go during a work day and see how many people are out there. I only know the weekend crowd.

(No, not the online program, I actually attend a campus.)

Clover's Mom : I thought of a doggy day care like that, unfortunately I don't have the facility (though I could get one). I'm looking at a low start up cost then eventually move in that direction.

All I am trying to do right now is start up slow, giving people an option to have their dog excersized regularly without having to go out themselves. I know alot of people just can't afford the time (but maybe they can afford the money )

 

[Rocky Hoya]

I say Just do it! Rocky goes to daycare and that is 25 dollars for the whole day. I even take goodies for the employees most of the time so maybe my baby gets extra extra attention. You could even offer grooming if you wanted. Just remember it is a big responsibility because Rocky once got bit at daycare not bad at all but still he almost didnt go back but he loves it so much and the dog that bit him was not allowed back...They offered to take him to the vet but he just needed neosporin the owner was more upset about it than we were.. it was the dogs 1st day there. There is people out there willing to pay for their pampered pooches. Also, think about offering a discount if they use you a couple times a week. Good Luck and let us know how it goes. Just think how much would you pay for someone to take your pooches? For 2 hours a day 5 days a week I would do 80.00 but thats me. Rocky is our only furbaby and we dont have kids so I think that is your main target audience. GOOD LUCK!

 

[Silverstar]

I have been tossing around ideas. And I have been researching the area (Houston in general) and what I determined is Houston needs a Doggy Cafe' type venue. A place where people and their dogs can have some eats and drinks and maybe do a little shopping (for pet accessories).

I remember watching a place like this on Animal Planet (unless I was dreaming). I could have a playground for the doggies as well as a sit down cafe for the humans they own :D I was thinking maybe having a single night. You know come with your doggy and mee your mate type thing.

What do you think?

 

[Tulsa-Dan]

In NY, I walked dogs for extra income. I charged the going rate which was $10 per walk, per dog. Each walk was 30 minutes and most people had me walk their dogs twice a day. Feeding the dog was extra. I made a TON of money. I was astounded at how many people sought me out to have me care for their dogs and needed someone to walk and/or feed their dogs and puppies. And, since I was known well in the neighborhood because of my constantly walking and training Maggie, the Princess of Park Slope, people trusted me completely in their homes and were anxious to have me work for them.

I had another friend who did the same thing. He ended up buying a home in the country with the money he made just walking dogs full time. I was stupified at how much $$ can be made with a little effort and dedicating yourself to something which you love.

That is one of the reasons the prompted me to continue my education, get my degree in training/behavior and become a dog trainer. I now have my own training business and do quite well thank you very much !

Go for it. You've got nothing to lose but time if it doesn't work out. But I too recommend doing something for a living that you love to do. Don't make the mistake I did and work for 30 years for someone else, doing something I hated and getting basically nothing but money and grief in return; no satisfaction, no personal reward, no particular self-esteem and certainly no pride as I have now with my work with dogs.

Best of luck.

 

[Scorpio]

I say go for it too!! I have always told my boys to seek a job that you love to do and not for the money, there is nothing worse than getting up in the morning and going to a job you don't like. Your young give it a try. Its sounds like a great idea, do some research, write things down, make a plan and go for it.

 

[Silverstar]

Thank you for the support!

Now, I am going to put together a questionnaire/survey type thing and ask Petsmart and Petco if they would let me ask their customers a few questions about a business (such as the one I am proposing) and find out if there is even a market for one.

 

[stonydell]

i have a question for Dan and others who started doing this as a side-business or hobby. how did you handle the income with regards to taxes? was it a huge pain? anything to make it easier come tax time?