FAQ

Q: What is a professional dog runner?
Q: How much money do dog runners earn?
Q: Is dog running a dream job?
Q: Why wouldn’t I just create a business on my own?
Q: Is this a franchise?
Q: How many runs do dog runners do each day?
Q: What type of shape do I need to be in to be a dog runner?
Q: What is not included which I will need to run my business?
Q: Do you think a dog running business would “take” in my city?
Q: Are people still hiring dog runners during this economic recession?
Q: Is it necessary to own a car to be a dog runner?
Q: What is Search Engine Optimization?
Q: Will we have an ongoing relationship after you’ve set me up with my business?
Q: What happens if I have website problems or need more advertising materials?
Q: Will I be able to make changes to the website on my own?
Q: Will a dog running business work in a hot, humid city?
Q: Will I own my business logo/artwork?
Q: What is included in the manual?

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What is a professional dog runner?
It’s a person who gets paid to run other people’s dogs. It’s a more athletic version of a professional dog walker. Dog running businesses first appeared in 2002 in NYC. They were a major hit! Spreading rapidly, they are now present in most major US cities.

How much money do dog runners earn?
Dog running pays extremely well! Not only that, it only takes a few hours each day, you’re paid in cash, and it also breaks you into the lucrative worlds of pet sitting and dog walking. Predicting exactly how much you will earn is tricky. I’m not being coy. Your income depends on your rates, the number of runs you do each week, and how many dogs you take out at a time.

Below is the most typical possible scenario of a dog runner’s earnings. Read it over to see how it may be similar or different from your situation. Adjust figures as necessary:

A dog runner does 3 half-hours runs/day, 5 days/week. They run a max of 3 dogs at once, but average 2 dogs/run. They earn $40-50 per half-hour run. That’s $120-150 per day, which is $600-750 per week! Again, that’s paid almost entirely in cash. The workload is just 3 hours per day (1.5 hours running + 1.5 hours transportation) and the runner is back at home and showered before noon.

You can earn even more with your dog running business by:
Pet sitting – You can earn $60/night for overnight pet sitting. If your client is on vacation for a week, that’s an extra $420, on top of your dog running money! It’s fun, easy, and perfectly complements your morning dog running schedule since it’s typically 7pm-7am.
Dog walking – Once you’ve done all your dog runs for the day, dog walking is the perfect cool down. Typically, you’ll need to charge ~$5 less per dog if you’re walking it. However, dog walking is a more controlled activity, so you can take out more dogs at a single time.
Hiring additional runners – Once you’re running as much as you want to, hiring additional dog runners is a smart idea which will help you take on more business and earn more money. Your earnings will rise exponentially! Some people like keeping their business a small or solo operation, while others have hired over 20 extra dog runners!

(note: figures are based on this runner conducting business in a city with a cost of living at the US national average. You’ll earn more in Los Angeles, less in Omaha. See where your city stacks up. Adjust figures as necessary.)

Is dog running a dream job?
Here are the facts. You decide.

Zero Stress – Dog running isn’t low stress. It’s no stress!
Convenient Hours – Set your own schedule. Only a few hours a day. Be done by noon!
Doesn’t Feel like Work – You’ll be spending mornings out in the sun and fresh air, staying in shape, running through parks, relaxed and listening to music on your iPod, and in the company of your happy, furry buddies…and you’ll be getting paid for it!
High-Paying – It’s part-time work that pays like full-time. Your hourly income is incredible! Plus, payment is nearly always made in cash!
Great Growth Opportunities – Hire additional dog runners, offer pet sitting services, or offer dog walking services and you’ll watch your profits soar!
Energizes You – As a dog runner, you’ll never have felt so energetic and alive! Most jobs dull the mind and deaden the soul. They’re a 9-5 slave shift that slowly kills us. But dog running actually improves your health and vitality. You’ll get in the best shape of your life!
Rewarding – It feels great to make such a positive impact on the lives of dogs. You’ll see how much happier, more relaxed, and better-behaved dogs get after their run. Not to mention how healthy they become as they shed pounds and their muscles grow tight.
You’re Appreciated – For most dogs, these runs are the high point of their week….and boy will they let you know it! They will be so excited to see you show up that they’ll whimper, wag, bark, grin, and nuzzle you. You will never have felt so wanted!
Positive Clients – Customers are so grateful about how much calmer, fitter, happier, and better-behaved their dogs are because of you. You’re not just making a positive impact on the dogs, but on the owner’s lives, as well. Interactions are overwhelmingly positive!
Live Somewhere You Love – A dog running business will serve you well in most cities. You can operate where you’re currently located or you can set up business in that dream city you’ve always wanted to move to, whether it’s San Francisco, Nashville, or Honolulu!

Why wouldn’t I just create a business on my own?
Save Money – Simply put, I can create you a dog running business for less money than you can create one for yourself. Think about what is offered here and then estimate how much it would cost to create the equivalent on your own. There’s really no contest.
Save Time – I will set you up with your business in under 2 weeks. Doing it yourself would require several months of hard, unpaid work. Wouldn’t it be a better use of your time to be out there promoting your business, running dogs, and earning money?
Earn Money Immediately – Within 2 weeks, you’ll have a fully-formed business and can start finding customers and earning money pronto! If you create a business from scratch, you’ll be earning nothing during the several months of start-up. Why do it the hard way?
Find Customers Faster – Your business is designed to get you more business, faster. The website is primed using advanced Search Engine Optimization techniques, you are provided with web ads and great promotional materials, and (most importantly) the manual includes a ridiculously detailed, 20 page marketing plan you’ll refer back to over and over.
Avoid Beginner Mistakes – Many of your most important business decisions must be made right away, when you know the least. Poor choices regarding your website type, structure, SEM priming, URL, and business name are irreversible. Poor choices regarding rates, marketing, and paid advertising will cost you both time and money at a sensitive time in your business’ development. There are many ways to make a misstep. But as a veteran pro, I’ll navigate you safely through this minefield and on to a path of success!
Advanced Pro Tips – Do you know how to get running shoes for only $30? How to get your business featured on a morning TV show? How to get scores of backlinks from PageRank 4 and 5 pet websites? I didn’t either when I first started. The manual you get is absolutely packed with invaluable info like this to take your business to the next level!

Is this a franchise?
No. Your business is custom-designed. It is yours to shape as you wish. You choose the name, rates, policies, services, etc. You are your own boss and don’t answer to anybody.

How many runs do dog runners do each day?
2 or 3 is probably average for half-hour runs. Just do whatever you’re comfortable with.

What type of shape do I need to be in to be a dog runner?
The average dog runner is not the ultra-fit, marathon runner you might expect. In reality, dog runners span a wide range of athletic abilities, from those looking to get in shape to the more conditioned athlete. What unites them all is a love of dogs and an enjoyment of physical activity. In most cases, your current fitness level should not impede you from being a dog runner, as your stamina will have time to build in tandem with your clientele.

What is not included which I will need to run my business?
Besides dog running equipment (leashes, water bottles, and running shoes), the only thing you may still need is pet sitting insurance/bonding. This will run you ~$150/year, depending on which policy you select. While not legally required, it’s a good investment.

Do you think a dog running business would “take” in my city?
There is no perfect algorithm for determining the answer, so please give me a call and we’ll discuss your city. Certain cities are more optimal than others. It depends on a confluence of factors: population, layout, affluence, culture, etc. If it sounds like a dog running business might not be viable in your city, I will be straight up about it with you.

Are people still hiring dog runners during this economic recession?
Yes! The entire duration of my time as a dog runner has been during the recession. I’ve never had problems finding clients. For hardcore dog lovers, making cuts to their pet simply isn’t an option. Also, especially during this time when jobs are scarce, starting your own business is the best way to ensure you stay busy and earn a good living.

Is it necessary to own a car to be a dog runner?
Generally, yes. There is simply a lot of transit involved, to and from people’s homes. In certain cities you will be fine without a car, though. For instance, cities with a dense urban center where you can cover a small, populated area by bike, foot, or mass transit. There, a car may actually be a liability due to traffic congestion and scarcity of parking.

What is Search Engine Optimization?
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is the practice of priming websites in such a way that they turn up high in the Internet search results for relevant and frequently searched for keywords. Studies show that 99% of the time when people search the Internet, they never go beyond the first page of search results. If your website doesn’t show up on that first page, it might as well not exist. Each dog running website that I create is custom primed for SEO to keep these great sites from floundering in Internet obscurity, as most sites do.

Typically, SEO priming costs several thousand dollars per site. It’s actually worth it! SEO has pretty much the highest Return On Investment of any marketing strategy. Also, the high price tag is actually reasonable, considering how time-intensive the process is. The reason I’m able to offer you a primed website at such an insanely low price is because I’m creating many similar sites and have streamlined the SEO process. The customized priming for your site will only take me around 4 additional hours.

Your site will be primed specifically to make it easy for potential customers to find and to beat out your local competitors. Since very few dog running, dog walking, or pet sitting websites have been SEO primed, the fact that your site has been primed puts you at a distinct advantage over them. Their loss is your gain. This SEO-driven competitive edge is one of the most valuable things I have to offer you!

Will we have an ongoing relationship after you’ve set me up with my business?
Not really. When I create your business, I will make good and sure it’s set up beautifully and that you’re happy with everything. Once you’ve given the business your blessing, my work is done and it’s up to you to make your business a success.

What happens if I have website problems or need more advertising materials?
For website problems, simply e-mail the web designer, Alex. He will take care of it for you. His rate is $40/hour. In the unlikely case that a problem arises due to the site being improperly set up, I will obviously incur the costs. For additional supplies, e-mail Alex your order. He’ll send you an invoice and will ship your supplies after receiving payment.

Will I be able to make changes to the website on my own?
Yes. Most basic changes such as adding text, images, and new pages can be done by yourself. You will be provided with simple, entry-level instructions, which assume you have never worked on a website before. It’s a cinch! For complicated changes, just e-mail the web designer, Alex, and tell him what you want. His rate is $40/hour.

Will a dog running business work in a hot, humid city?
Yes. There are dog running businesses in Texas, Louisiana, and Florida (including mine!). You simply have to take extra precautions because overheating is a real risk for dogs. Runs must be done early in the day and should be conducted on soil surfaces whenever possible. Dogs will need ample water breaks and it helps to wet down their fur with water.

Will I own my business logo/artwork?
Yes. It is yours to use or change however you like. The only exception is that you may not resell this logo/artwork to others, even if you make changes to it. Fair enough, right?

What is included in the manual?
The manual is an extremely detailed guide containing just about everything you’ll need to know about succeeding as a professional dog runner. It will likely be the most important item I provide you with. The following is its index:

p. 3 – Supplies
p. 9 – Meet-and-Greets
p. 12 – Run Itinerary
p. 14 – Dog Safety
p. 18 – Dog Handling
p. 21 – Introducing Dogs
p. 23 – Run Reports
p. 27 – Reluctant Runners
p. 30 – Pricing
p. 33 – Advertising & Marketing
p. 50 – Establishing Credibility
p. 52 – Pet Sitting
p. 62 – Keys
p. 64 – Phone Protocol
p. 67 – HTML