Dog Walking Essentials by Nayanthara & Nalaka Daundaratne
1. Dog/Pet First Aid Supplies
As a dog walker you are completely responsible for health and safety of your dog client. There are so many possibilities of accidents and emergencies that will require your first aid skill and to have basic supplies with you. While there are readymade pet emergency kits, you can always buy a compact one for people and add anything that you will find more useful. Perhaps, make your own pack by separately buying products. Your kit at least should include band aids of different sizes which are ideally made for pets, some gauze, few dressings, a wound healing ointment, some gloves and wound cleansing spray. Also, consider buy self-adhesive band aid rolls as they are very easy to use with dogs and animals. Especially, there is a skin damage on a limb. You can get more information about how to create your own pack when you do your pet first-aid certification through a valid provider. By Nalaka Daundaratne
2. Extra Dog Leashes
Buy few leashes with your choice or adjustable lengths. We recommend keeping at least 3-4 with you in stock at the beginning. Ideally, pick from different colors as some dogs have their preference. There can be instances where you can’t find the leash when you went to pick the dog while the owners are away or simply break the buckle or any component while you are walking dogs. Sometimes the owner can be using leash that is not an ideal length for you to handle the pet assuring proper body dynamics which is very important to maintain your health. Further, you may find very dirty or worn leashes that come with the pet. So, for number of mentioned and other reasons it’s very useful to keep few of your own. Remember, always expect the unexpected and ready. By Pravitha Nalaka Daundaratne
3. Dog Collars of Different Sizes
Collars are another essential accessory will be useful. Keep at least a pair from small, medium, and large sizes in your mobile inventory. If you are only working with certain regular long-term customers, just keep the sizes that correspond to each dog client’s need. In experience, we have seen breakages of buckles and components, inability to find pet’s own collar at their place and sometimes certain below standard collars given by the owner can cause damage while you are in-charge. Remember, you are completely responsible for your dog clients’ safety and well being while on your watch. So, be responsible and always make sure to take precautions.
4. Dog Food and Treats
Carrying your supply of dog food has many uses. There can be situation that you are not able to find dog food at the client’s place or the owner had forgotten to leave some. Now that you have food the problem solved. Who would want to be hungry right? When your dog clients are not nourished on time there can be number of behavioral issues that will make your work and the relationship with him/her little difficult. As for the treats, they are a great tool to make a connection with your dog client as well as to guide to do certain trained tasks. Always ask the owner whether there are strict preferences of your dog client. For instances, I have seen many cats and dogs who are very picky when it comes to food and treats. Typically, the owner would provide the treats and food to go but try to see if you can have variety of foods and treats in your trunk.By Nalaka Daundaratne
5. Water and Feeding Accessories (bowl and other)
Bringing water for your dog clients is a must. Always carry a bottle of water at sufficient size dedicated to pets when dog walking. Get few collapsible water bowls that are made from food grade silicone or similar material. Look for ones that come with travel hooks that you can easily attach to your backpack or belt. These bowls will come in handy to offer dog food when you can’t find their own bowls at your work setting. So, ideally keep few in your trunk for any unexpected need that you can use them. There are new dog water feeding bottles which are also a good option. However, while the bowl is universal these bottles may be challenging to use based on the size of the dog and many other individual factors as level of hyperactivity. However, research and decide what will fit you.
6. Dog Waste Bags
Cleaning up your dog client's waste or poop is part of your job and you must always carry dog waste bags. Buy quality bags with better thickness and ability to manipulate easily. We highly recommend that you buy a dog waste bag carrying pouch that you can attach to your backpack or a utility belt for convenient access. Also, since we must expect a variety of consistencies of poop, get a small spade with a cover or an appropriate carrying pouch that will allow to maintain hygiene while carrying.
7. Poop Scooper
Dealing with dog poop is a major part of your job and be ready to handle all types of waste that your dog clients would leave behind. A portable poop scooper with a carrying pouch or a case will be useful to handle difficult situations. Since there is a legal responsibility of you to clean after your dogs’ poops, it is important to find all that it takes to do the disposal of the wastes appropriately. You need not to spend on fancy and expensive spades or scoopers as there many good ones you can find at affordable places.
8. Dog Toys
Having few colorful, durable, and good dog toys are always handy to keep your dog clients happy and calm. Make sure you buy quality dog toys that re made from animal friendly materials and sizes that won’t have risk of choking hazard for the sizes of the breeds that you are taking care of. For example, a small ball that would easily fit a mouth of chihuahua can be a choking risk for a grown Great Dane. Also, be aware that most cheap toys in the market are easily breakable and once again can cause risks, and you will have to work on cleaning up the pieces while on the job adding more work as well as waste of your money. So, make good judgement and buy better choices appropriate to your clients.
9. Dog Chews
During your time taking care of your canine clients, it is important to have many engaging activities as possible to keep them occupied. Dogs and most pets have lot of energy, and they intend to use it continuously. Dogs have higher physical tolerance and faster recovery from exhaust than us and you will need more breaks than they would sometimes. So, dog chews are a great solution for that. Once you offer appropriate or dog chews of your client’s choice, she or she will simply stay at one place and enjoying the treat compared to being more active with dog toys. Remember, there are several types of dog chews in the market made from numerous materials as natural leather, synthetic ones with meaty aromas and even natural bones. Use your common sense and practicality when selecting the kind. For an instance, leather and bones are not durable and might carry issues related to safety and hygiene. However, if you can properly store and carry, natural products will give you the best outcomes. Sometimes, even if you will have to spend few more bucks, it’s worthful for the extended breaks that you will get during some long hours of working
10. Dog Walking Insurance
Although this is not a mandatory requirement, we highly encourage you get any dog walking insurance policy or Pet care & services related insurance relevant to your provided services and business. Remember, you are totally responsible for your animal client’s safety as well as during any damaged causing event while you are at work. So, having an insurance is very helpful during an unexpected incident what probably will be costly to pay from your own pocket. Also, like your pet first-aid and other qualifications, having an insurance will be a five-star point for reaching more and good customers. It will give your company a more reliable and a credible status when you show that your services are offered under an insured environment. If you require more information in selecting the right insurance for you, send an e-mail to Pravitha Nalaka Daundaratne for further information. Also, depending on the time you contact us, we might be able to offer you discount coupons from several companies that we recommend. These little but important things are the elements that make your business distinguish from a 15 years-old kids walking dogs for 10bucks for few times a week vs a well reputed dog walking business owner.
