New Business

[michelle2009]

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Hi everyone

I am sick of the 9-5 office job and would like to put my love of dogs to some good use, I would really like to set up a dog walking/sitting/kennels/grooming business but dont know where to start ! :unsure:

I cant afford to quit the day job th :unsure: ough to throw all my time into a new career and I dont have the money to buy premises for kennels........i'm stuck in a viscious circle and dont know how to get out !

I'm only 26 and live in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire

Any thoughts would be appreciated

Michelle

 

[uggybugs]

Hi everyone
I am sick of the 9-5 office job and would like to put my love of dogs to some good use, I would really like to set up a dog walking/sitting/kennels/grooming business but dont know where to start ! :unsure:

I cant afford to quit the day job th :unsure: ough to throw all my time into a new career and I dont have the money to buy premises for kennels........i'm stuck in a viscious circle and dont know how to get out !

I'm only 26 and live in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire

Any thoughts would be appreciated

Michelle

Have you thought about doing the canine studies course or a similar course? It may help you get started plus you would get a qualification too.

 

[michelle2009]

How and where do i go about this then ?

 

[uggybugs]

How and where do i go about this then ?

ummm not sure where you live college near me does it but i think if you search for it on computer you should find out where the courses are held. Im not sure but i think they do an on-line study course too. Hope this helps

 

[jayp]

Hiya I did my psychology course here, they have lots to choose fromhttp://www.animalcarecollege.co.uk/

 

[weathergirls]

you could put some posters in the vets and pet shops advertising dog walking/sitting etc

 

[~Sarah~]

Hi Michelle

If you look at page 2 on this section there is a thread called 'Calling all dog owners - I need your help' about setting up a dog walking business. The original person who posted did an on-line survey on here (I recall) to get some feedback and suggestions.

My niece runs her own business - boarding dogs in her home, walking dogs and dog grooming. She is very busy and has to turn people away. However, it is a 7 day a week job!! If you board dogs in your own home you need to be registered with the local council and they come round and check annually. They will state a maximum number of dogs you can have, I think.

Have a look at the web site of NARP (National Association of Registered Petsitters). I think if you join (not cheap) they give you all the correct paperwork ie. for dog sitting, walking, cat visiting etc, and you would then be listed on their site. You also need to condider the correct type of insurance for the work you are going to do.

If you want to do dog grooming you would need to do a course, and I believe they are quite expensive. I thought about doing it myself a while ago and was surprised at the cost. There are a lot of general animal care courses, so have a look on the internet at what is in your area.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do. :luck: :luck:

 

[FifeJillandIan]

Try searching online for 'Business Gateway' or 'Small Business Gateway'. They give lots of advice about starting up new businesses, any grants you might be eligible for etc and run courses in lots of different areas important to running your own business. Only thing is I don't know if it's UK wide or just up here in Scotland. Good luck :luck:

 

[Happy Humber]

You culd try the kennel club site I think they have general advice on there