So you want to work with animals? Easy right? Let me explain why its not for everyone!...

Unfortunately 'Loving animals' isnt enough to do this job, whether you are a dog walker, pet sitter, dog trainer, horse groom. Just loving them isn't enough, you need a passion, you need knowledge, grit and determination to turn up everyday. Even when the days are long and the weather is rubbish. Being a dog walker isn't a summer only job, we are out there wind and rain regardless! We may, just may take a break if it snows!

Did you think that working with animals meant that you dont have to deal with people? Sorry to say customer service is part of running your own business. We have to communicate with clients and potential clients on a daily basis, and they aren't always nice!

You have to run your own social media, appeal to the clientele that are out there. Work in a world full of controversy, whether you choose to be a solo walker or a group walker, or a balanced trainer over a force free trainer. The voice of the public will always be around you.

Being self employed is MORE than a full time job, some people say you get to pick your own hours, but i work more now than i ever did in an employed roll. Working isnt just 121 sessions and training classes, or 5-7 solo walks a day for me. It's the daily (multiple) social media posts, its replying to clients, doing invoices, accouting, editing my website, making sure my forms are up to date. It is a NON STOP job, and guess what, there is no holiday pay, no sick pay. If you're off you are losing money.

Not to mention the increasing cost of life around us, yesterday i seen a diesel price of 192. Thats the highest ive EVER seen it since i passed my driving test. Not only an increasing fuel cost, but cost of insurance (business/car/van), car/van repairs, first aid training, dbs check, website costs, poo bags, training venues, training equipment, the list goes on..

Let's not forget that with being self employed comes with zero job security, especially in this industry. You can go from having full books one week, to struggling to make ends meet a few weeks later. Why you ask? Animals pass, people move house, people change jobs, money gets tight. Sometimes there is just no longer a need for your service.

The job itself no matter what your profession with in the industry is, is physically and mentally demanding. You may be walking for miles everyday, picking up dog poo multiple times per day. Cleaning dogs, cleaning your car/van from any accidents, getting cuts/scrapes/bruises and possibly on the (hopefully rare) occasion bitten.

Lets also not forget that it is a HIDEOUSLY oversaturated market with no laws around it (other than the new scheme within Bristol City Council which is limiting what we are able to do). So yes any Tom, Dick or Harry can announce tomorrow that they are a dog walker, or dog trainer and take out multiple dogs but not really have any clue about dog body language.

SO if you think you can cope with all that, then well done. You are one tough cookie, and you're going to love it! There are also so many other amazing things about what we do which i will entail in another post. But please dont be fooled that this job is easy, and that taking it up on a whim is a good idea. To those who have ever said 'oh but you're just a dog walker' please think again...