Having to juggle the unique personalities, quirks, and tendencies of severals dogs requires more than high-quality leashes. This is especially true for new clients. Dogs that you’re not familiar with require extra attention. There are products that you can purchase that will make your life as a professional dog walker easier.
Things that we kept in mind while compiling this list are portability and practicality. As a professional dog walker, you need to be able to carry everything in a backpack or a fanny pack.
Fanny pack/Leash Duo
As a professional dog walker you most likely already have a favorite leash brand. Have you ever considered using a fanny pack/leash duo? One of our favorites is made by Furry Buddy. It was designed with the pro in mind. With 2 heavy duty d-rings, reflective material, waterproof construction, and a designated treat pouch, this could be the answer to all of your bag needs. Check it out here.
Poop bags
Dealing with dog doo-doo it just part of the job. There are tons of options but Pooppac has one of the best solutions. It clips onto your belt, holds the empty bags and then once they are full you place the feces inside of the Pooppac and it holds the poop bag. The bags are machine washable and even have a charcoal filter to help with foul odors. You can check it out and order one here.
First Aid Kit
Being prepared for anything is key when walking dogs. That means you need to make sure you’re ready to act if one of your dogs gets injured. If you bring your client’s dog back with a small cut that is properly sanitized and bandaged, things will go over more smoothly than bringing back a dog that is still bleeding. Pocket-sized first aid kits designed for pets are a must-have item for any professional dog walker. Get yours here.
Water
Packing water is always a good idea, but it could get heavy carrying enough water for several dogs. If you pass a park on your walk, all you need is a portable bowl and voila! Check out this bowl that can even attach via a carabiner to your belt.
Treats
Treats are great for encouraging good behavior and a professional dog walker essential. If you already have a favorite treat that works great, stick to that! If you are looking for suggestions, try these out. Blue Buffalo only uses all-natural ingredients and the doggos will be sure to love you for it.
Dog Wipes
If a dog you’re walking gets a little dirty or muddy, you don’t want to return them that way. In such a competitive industry, a little thing like a dog tracking mud into a client’s house could lose their business. Dog wipes like these are perfect for cleaning up a puppers in a jiffy!
Headlamp
A great hands-free flashlight will keep you and your dogs safe by being able to see where to go and decrease your risk of a car hitting you. Petzl makes some great ones—you can see their lineup here.
Dog Walkers Insurance
While not exactly the first thing that comes to mind when you think about dog walking products, dog walkers insurance may be the most important. If a dog you are walking sustains an injury and you need to take it to the vet, you may be covered. If you lose the key to a house and it needs to be rekeyed, that could be covered up to $2,000. If you are sued and found liable for more grievous incidents, then you may be covered with up to $1,000,000 in general liability insurance. For more info, check out Pet Care Insurance.
The correct equipment will keep you safe and prepared for almost anything. This will keep you in the good graces of your clients and they will keep using you. P.S. Be sure to keep all the receipts of your business expenses so you can write them off on your taxes!
