Get on the Brand Wagon

We're taking a slight detour from our usual brand wagon journey to explore the purr-fect world of pet care #sidehustles. 🐾

Whether you’re walking dogs, pet-sitting, or running a cat café, there are some fantastic business lessons to be learned from our furry friends.

So, let's leash up and take a stroll through the business park, shall we? 🌳

Why Pet Care Side Hustles Make Great SMBs

Pets bring joy, companionship, and a bit of chaos into our lives. But did you know that pet care side hustles can also teach us valuable business lessons, including tax benefits! 🐶🐱

Here are #brandwhispering lessons I learned in my first year running pet care as a side hustle and how they apply to any business.

The Tail-Wagging Business Tips

1. Consistency is Key
Just like your dog needs regular walks (and sniffs, IYKYK), your business needs consistency to thrive. Whether it’s posting on social media, engaging with clients, or managing your finances, consistency builds trust and reliability.

• Tip: Create a schedule, stick to it, and track EVERYTHING (from Alieve to mileage to your phone bill to your new umbrella because yours broke at the most inopportune time to wearing through shoes!). If you can afford it, use a professional pet care app such as Walkies to simplify tracking on the go. Consistency in your efforts will pay off in the long run, much like those daily walks keep pets happy and healthy. (Plus, fresh air + steps + stress relief for you, too!) 🐕 🕒
  
  
• First-timers: Having your own pet does not necessarily equate to immediate success in pet care.
  • Consider investing in a few cost-effective trainings that cover things like insurance and first-aid. Like starting any business, leverage all resources that help you learn from other people’s mistakes. (Oh, that we could all learn from others' mistakes!)
  • New client Meet & Greets are a MUST to see all spaces you’ll be in when caring for their pet, any unusual aspects like a door lock, and any behavior issues like excessive barking, jumping, clawing, or a Houdini hamster that can get out of the cage! (It happened, more than once!)

2. Customer Service: Treats and Belly Rubs

Excellent customer service in pet care means treats, belly rubs (if permitted 😉), lots of love, and pictures sent to the owners! In business, it means going the extra mile to ensure your customers are satisfied and feel valued.

• Tip: Personalize your interactions, follow up with clients, and show appreciation. Pictures are key (to show their pet is thriving and, conversely, to record any issues.) Happy customers are loyal customers, just like a well-pampered pet. 🎁❤️

But don’t try belly rubs on your human clients 😉

3. Attention to Detail
When pet-sitting, pay attention to every little detail – feeding schedules, medication, behavior changes, favorite toys. Similarly, attention to detail in business can set you apart from the competition.

• Tip: Keep meticulous records, double-check your work, and be proactive in addressing potential issues. This is also a protection for you against scope creep from your clients’ expectations and any he said/she said obstacles that could arise.
  
  Repeating this louder – for those in back: “a picture is worth a thousand words”; taking pictures help you remember any details you may forget if you’re logging later.
  
  In the business sense, this translates to visual aids, data-driven reports, metrics dashboards. Your clients will also notice and appreciate your thoroughness, and it can save you from a liability standpoint. 📝🔍

4. Networking: The Dog Park Effect
Ever notice how dogs make friends at the park? Networking is crucial for both pet care and business. Building relationships can lead to referrals, partnerships, and new opportunities.

• Tip: Attend industry events, join online forums, and connect with others in your field. If you’re trying to grow your pet care business, ask family, friends, neighbors and colleagues (yes even peers in the pet care field who often need backup) to notify you of requests in their neighborhood community boards or Facebook groups.
  
  Get out there with flyers; YES! paper still works for pet care business growth (and you can use a traceable QR code, which made a surprising come-back due to COVID). Networking can open doors and grow your business, much like a friendly dog at the park. 🐩🤝

5. Flexibility and Adaptability

Pets are unpredictable, and sometimes you need to adapt on the fly. The same goes for business. Being flexible and able to pivot when needed can help you navigate challenges and seize new opportunities.

• Tip: Stay open to new ideas, be willing to change your approach, and always have a backup plan, such as when a pet owner encounters travel issues getting back home!
  
  Flexibility can be your greatest asset. 🐱🔄

The Takeaway

Pet care side hustles aren’t just about cuddles and playtime; they’re a fantastic training ground for essential business skills. By applying these pet care principles to your pet care side hustle or any small business, you’ll be well on your way to building a successful and fulfilling venture. 🐾

Stay tuned for more branding wisdom on our next ride with the Brand Wagon!

And remember, whether it’s pets or clients, a little love and attention go a long way. 💖✨

Happy hustling! 🌟