Are you considering a career in the dog industry?
Whether you’re dreaming of becoming a dog groomer, trainer, walker, treat seller, or opening your own dog field, taking that leap into starting your own dog business can be both exciting and overwhelming. With the right knowledge and support, you can turn your passion for dogs into a profitable and rewarding venture.
I’m Katrina Bayliss, a dedicated dog business coach, and I help dog professionals like you start and scale their businesses.
From walkers and trainers to behaviourists and agility instructors, I provide tailored advice and guidance on how to grow your dog-focused business. If you’re at the beginning of your journey, here are five key steps to consider when setting up your business, along with how my coaching can support you every step of the way.
1. Identify Your Niche and Ideal Client
The dog industry is vast, with a variety of services ranging from dog walking to high-end grooming. Before launching your business, it’s essential to identify your niche. This could mean focusing on a specific service, such as behaviour, or targeting a specific client base, like busy professionals who need dog walking services during the day.
A niche allows you to differentiate your business in a crowded market, making it easier for clients to understand what you offer and why they should choose you over competitors.
Additionally, defining your ideal client helps you tailor your marketing and services to attract the right people. Consider their lifestyle, location, needs, and more. The clearer you are about who you’re trying to reach, the more effective your messaging will be.
How I Can Help:
As your coach, I’ll help you refine your niche, define your ideal client, and position your business for success in the competitive dog industry. Together, we’ll develop a strategy that highlights your unique value and speaks directly to the clients you want to attract.
2. Get Clear on Your Business Plan
A solid business plan is crucial for turning your ideas into a structured and actionable roadmap. Your business plan should outline your vision, mission, goals, and strategies for growth. Think of it as the blueprint for your business.
While it may seem tedious, a well-thought-out business plan not only keeps you focused but also prepares you for challenges and opportunities. It gives you a clear path forward and is invaluable if you plan to seek funding or investments.
How I Can Help:
I guide dog business professionals in crafting a robust business plan that aligns with their vision, helping you set realistic goals and map out your journey from start-up to success and beyond. We’ll break down each aspect of the plan into manageable steps so you feel confident and clear about your direction.
3. Understand the Legalities and Financial Requirements
Starting a dog business isn’t just about doing what you love – there are practical aspects you must consider too. First, you’ll need to research the legal requirements in your area, which can vary depending on your service. For example, dog groomers or home boarders may need specific licences. Additionally, you’ll need to ensure you have the right insurance to protect yourself, your business, and your clients.
Financially, it’s important to have a sound understanding of your costs, including start-up expenses, ongoing overheads, and your pricing model. Setting up a clear accounting system from day one will help you manage your cash flow, track expenses, and meet tax obligations. Understanding the legal and financial landscape early on will save you from costly mistakes down the line.
How I Can Help:
Navigating the legal and financial aspects of a new business can be daunting. I’ll help you stay on track by providing clear advice and resources to ensure you’re fully compliant and financially prepared. From choosing the right insurance to setting up effective financial management systems, I’m here to simplify the process.
4. Develop a Strong Online Presence
In today’s digital world, having a strong online presence is essential. Your website, social media platforms, and online listings are often the first points of contact for potential clients. An attractive, professional website that showcases your services, testimonials, and contact details is a must. It should be easy to navigate, mobile-friendly, and clearly communicate what you do and how you can help.
Equally important is having a consistent and engaging social media strategy that reflects your brand, attracts your target audience, and builds a loyal community. Choose the platforms that make sense for your business – for example, Instagram and Facebook are excellent for visual content like photos and videos, which work well for dog services. Posting regularly, engaging with your audience, and using social media to show your expertise can significantly increase your reach and credibility.
How I Can Help:
With expert advice on social media strategy, website development, and content planning, I’ll support you in creating a compelling online presence that drives enquiries and grows your brand. Whether you’re building a website from scratch or looking to enhance your social media strategy, I can guide you every step of the way.
5. Focus on Your Mindset and Organisation
Starting and running a business requires a lot more than just technical skills. Your mindset and organisational habits play a critical role in your long-term success. As an entrepreneur, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, especially in the early days. Maintaining a positive, growth-oriented mindset is essential to keep you motivated and resilient during challenging times. Remember, self-doubt and setbacks are natural parts of the journey, but they don’t have to hold you back.
In addition to mindset, organisation is key to managing your day-to-day operations. Developing effective time management skills, setting priorities, and creating systems for routine tasks can make a huge difference in your productivity. Whether it’s scheduling clients, tracking expenses, or planning your marketing, being organised will help you stay focused and reduce stress.
How I Can Help:
I offer tailored coaching on mindset, productivity, and organisation, helping you stay focused, manage stress, and keep your business on track for success. From developing daily routines that work for you to building resilience against setbacks, I provide the support you need to stay on top of both your business and well-being.
Why Work with a Dog Business Coach?
Starting a dog business is a journey filled with learning curves, challenges, and big decisions. But you don’t have to do it alone. With my coaching services, I’ll provide you with the personalised guidance, support, and accountability you need to turn your passion for dogs into a thriving business. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your existing business to the next level, I’m here to help you achieve your goals with confidence and clarity.
I started my dog business on a whim, and it wasn’t planned. I started from scratch with no investment and built it from a small dog walking business to a thriving training, behaviour, and agility school. I offered a range of services both in person and online.
Over the 10 years in this industry (and 20 years in business) I’ve undertaken countless courses on a variety of business topics, and I want to share my knowledge with you, so you don’t make the mistakes I made to ensure your business can be a success from the start!
How can you work with me?
There are in person and online options to help start up or scale your business:
Growth Group
If you’re ready to start or scale your dog business, get in touch today, and let’s make your dream a reality.
If you don’t already, make sure you follow my socials for more hints and tips for your dog business!
Katrina Bayliss , Dog Expert and Business Coach.
Katrina Bayliss Coaching 