From Zero to Fully Booked: How NZ Dog Walking Specialists Get Their First 10 Clients
Starting out as a dog walking specialist in New Zealand can feel like a tall order when you're trying to find your first clients. But with the right approach tailored for Kiwi pet owners and communities, you can quickly build trust and fill your daily schedule. This guide shares 10 practical tips to help dog walkers attract their first 10 clients and start growing their business.
Here are some tips that you might find interesting:
1. Tap Into Your Own Network First
The easiest place to begin is with those you already know. Family, friends, and neighbours make great first clients and can offer honest feedback or testimonials to build your credibility.
Consider offering discounted or complimentary dog walks in exchange for reviews and word-of-mouth referrals. A dog walker in Hamilton found that walking her neighbour’s pooch helped kickstart bookings quickly.
Use these early opportunities to also gather photos or short videos showing your care and professionalism.
2. Join Local Facebook and Community Groups
Kiwi communities love their Facebook groups like “Auckland Dog Owners” or “Wellington Pet Parents” where people commonly seek recommendations or share questions about dog walking.
Instead of selling directly, provide useful tips like safe walking routes, weather considerations, or how to handle shy dogs. This builds trust in your expertise.
Neighbourly is another quiet but effective platform where neighbours connect and recommend local services.
3. Build a Mobile-Friendly Website
A simple website showcasing your services, availability, contact details, and positive customer testimonials helps you stand out professionally.
You don’t need a fancy site - many Kiwi dog walkers use Google Sites or Wix to create easy, quick-to-load sites optimized for mobile users.
Including a short bio explaining why you love dog walking adds a personal touch that resonates locally.
4. List Your Business on Yada and Other NZ Directories
Yada offers a free, NZ-focused platform where dog walkers can respond to job requests and build reputable profiles without lead fees.
Its rating and review system helps small starter businesses quickly gain visibility and credibility.
Also consider local listings such as TradeMe Services or Pet Sitting NZ to widen your reach.
5. Offer Introductory Discounts or Trial Walks
Attract hesitant new clients by offering discounted rates or free 15-minute trial walks.
This lets dog owners meet you, see how you handle their pets, and helps convert interest into regular bookings.
A Tauranga walker credits trial walks as the key to filling weekday slots during quiet periods.
6. Partner with Local Pet Businesses
Vets, groomers, and pet supply shops are great referral sources.
Drop off cards or flyers, offer cross-discounts, or volunteer for community pet events together.
A Christchurch dog walker partnered with a local vet clinic and gained consistent new clients through this route.
7. Collect and Promote Client Testimonials
Ask satisfied clients for reviews on Google, Facebook, or your Yada profile to showcase your trusted service.
Kiwis highly value word-of-mouth, and genuine testimonials can make a big difference for prospective clients.
One Dunedin dog walker found that sharing client photos and stories helped attract several bookings in a month.
8. Share Useful Dog Walking Tips Online
Post quick advice like "How to prepare your dog for walks on busy streets" or "Tips for walking shy dogs safely."
These casual, helpful posts keep you top-of-mind without feeling pushy.
A Whanganui walker’s simple weather tips on Instagram led to followers reaching out for bookings.
9. Advertise with Flyers and Vehicle Branding
Flyers at local community centres, libraries, and cafes still generate local enquiries, especially among older pet owners.
Car magnets with your branding act as moving billboards around your neighbourhood.
In provincial towns like Timaru, these low-cost methods work surprisingly well alongside digital efforts.
10. Stay Organised with Scheduling Tools
Use calendars and simple invoicing apps to manage appointments, track client details, and avoid double bookings.
Well-organised service builds client trust and encourages repeat bookings.
A Nelson dog walker credits professionalism and punctuality as key to growing her client base.