PP here. ITA you need to confirm that they are doing what they are supposed to do. OP, think of ways to get legitimate references. Dog people (like parents) talk, that is to your advantage.

OP, I would informationally interview other dog walkers in areas that you're not interested in covering. It seems like most operations cover a certain geographical area during the week so they can get to their clients within a certain timeframe.

When we lived in Columbia, MD, we had a great dog walker. She expanded her business and added staff to cover house/pet sitting, errands, etc.

When we moved here, we had an absolute terrible experience with a dog walking company that lost our house key had dog walkers who showed up and didn't actually walk the dog but let them out back to pee (at least the dog got to pee).

I think there would be a need for help with pets. GL

Who do the dog walkers in the park work for? We pay $15 for a 15 min walk.

OP Here - Thanks for the thoughtful replies. I've been in corporate America the last 15 years providing client service so I would like to think I could leverage that experience and create a very professionally run service. The lazy dogwalker hanging out at the park is simply unacceptable and hopefully there's a way to let the owners of these dogs know they are not getting the service they paid for and deserve.

Thanks again for the feedback and encouragement.

I think if price just a little bit lower than the typical rates or give discounts for multiple times/day or days/week, you will be able to get some business. Then do a good job and customers will tell others about your business. If you are good, you should have a nice business going after a while.

In Arlington, you should visit the dog parks and you will see many, many dog walkers. As a dog owner, I personally have a problem with this. Most of the dog walkers are being paid to exercise the dogs. Many of the dogs are just lying around in the shade, when in reality - they SHOULD be out for individual walks. This would not be so bad *if* the dog walkers paid attention and did not put some of their dogs (or others, i.e.: law suit) at risk.

You will notice one dog walker in particular who sits at the park all day and talks to the visitors. She is known. She is not attentive, and gives commands that the dogs do not know if they are getting into trouble. She does not move from the bench, and often has too many dogs with her. Everyone sees it, and comments on it.

Point being, most of us at the park know who to hire and who not to hire. If it were me, I would prefer someone responsible and energetic that has no problem going around the block a couple times per day, as they are being paid to do.

If this is what you are offering then apparently there is a space for you in the market.

More info.- when we had a dog walker, I believe we paid $5-$10 a visit. Two dogs, one large and one medium. We found we could not trust her if she set the alarm off, as she was too lazy to reset it, and the police issues warnings in those cases. So it became a liability. You have to be somewhat on the ball.

GL OP.

Is this a good business idea - assuming it was run professionally (i.e., bonded and insured, reliable and trustworthy dogwalkers, etc.). What do you think? Is there room for another one in Falls Church or Arlington? What do you think the income potential is? Just curious about new business ventures!