Pet sitters have a great opportunity for a second source of income by offering dog walking services. As an added service, a pet sitter can offer their dog-owning clients a special package price that will include specifically timed dog-walks in addition. Pet sitters are ideal as dog walkers since the dog and dog owner are already established clients.

Pet sitters are already familiar with their client's dogs and have gained the trust of both the animal and the family. Now the pet owners can know their dogs are getting plenty of exercise and fresh air.

There are numerous ways people who already have established a clientele with their pet sitting business can easily establish a dog-walking clientele. Here are some ideas for how the pet sitter can market their additional services:

• Offer a package deal that includes ½ hour or hour long dog walks along with daily pet sitting.
• Give existing clients the first ½ hour walk for free
• Offer their clients referral bonuses of one or two free ½ hour walks for each new client they send to the pet sitter/dog walking business
• Create a business name and a website to convey a professional level of services offered
• Use posters and flyers at community bulletin boards and recreational family centers
• Pass out flyers at dog parks and pet stores

Part time pet sitters may not be professionally bonded but they must become so when they go into business. To truly create a business of pet sitting/dog walking, one has to ensure their customer's security. The professional pet sitter/dog walker will have access to the client's personal belongings inside their home. If an item goes missing and the client accuses the dog-walker/pet-sitter, the bond will cover the cost of the item missing.

Becoming bonded ensures pet owners that you are professionally trained and can be trusted with their personal belongings. Being a bonded dog walker/pet sitter will give potential clients peace of mind. Purchasing a form of insurance is necessary too since the dogs will be out in the open and possibly interact with other dogs.

It is important for the pet sitter to remember that once they become a dog walker, different skills are needed. Before venturing out with the dog(s), take a practice walk around the yard or inside the apartment to be sure they dog is comfortable on a leash.

If you are considering adding dog walking to your pet sitting services, be sure to do the following:

• purchase insurance as a dog walker
• become bonded if not already so that you can offer complete professional services
• talk to your clients about their dog's habits, special needs, temperament and strength
• purchase one or two of your own leashes and collars in case your client's dog leashes/collars are not safe and secure
• be sure you have good walking shoes and always wear a watch or timepiece to ensure your walks are properly timed
• market your services through the internet and on bulletin boards throughout your local area.