In the UK, we’re spending more on our pets than ever before, including spending on accessories, clothes, specialised food, and care and grooming services. Dog walking is one of these thriving and growing service sectors, and likely to experience a boom in the coming months. The Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association reported that 3.2 million households in the UK had acquired a pet in the first year of the pandemic, most of them dogs! But as people return to their offices, they will need pet professionals to care for and walk their dog in the day.
If you’re a dog walker, this means plenty of opportunity—but also plenty of competition. The internet and local magazines are full of adverts for dog walkers.
So how can you make your service stand out, so that customers pick you and your services? You need a USP: a Unique Selling Point, which shouts out that your services are better than the rest.
What do dog owners care about?
Like anyone else, dog owners love a bargain and a competitive price. But their primary concern is that their dogs are safe, well cared for and happy when they’re in a dog walker’s care. They will need reassurance that you take every precaution when walking and transporting their dogs, and that the safety of their dog is paramount.
That means special concern for dog safety can be a really strong USP for you.
One way to provide evidence that you go the extra mile is to choose top-quality, safety-tested professional dog cages—and shout about it! Include it in your adverts and mention it in conversations with potential customers. It will make them feel confident about your professionalism and your care for their dog.
Of course, using reliable dog cages will also give you the reassurance of knowing the dogs in your care are as safe as possible when you’re transporting them—and that your passengers are protected too.
So which professional dog cages should you choose?
The gold standard in dog crates: MIMsafe
MIMsafe dog crates are the only crates in the world to be crash tested in situ in the vehicle to the same standard as baby car seats. MIMsafe ensures that its dog cages work in unison with the vehicle crumple zone, keeping dogs, drivers and passengers safe.
MIMSafe’s range of professional dog cages include:
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The MultiCage Professional Dog Cage, ideal for vans.
the MIMsafe Care2: suitable for very small dogs up to 30 cm in height, it’s available in in two sizes: Medium for dogs up to 5kg, and Large for dogs up to 9kg. It has a useful carry handle and thermometer and is mounted using a seatbelt.
- the VarioCage range of dog crates, which are depth adjustable and designed for use in the boot. The range includes:
– the Single for one dog, available in six sizes
– the Double (for two dogs, with an internal divider), in eight sizes
– the Minimax for small dogs or cats, in two sizes
– the Compact, which is ideal for small dogs. Available in two sizes, it has an elevated door for easier use in hatchback vehicles. - The Multicage professional dog cages, available in single or double models, for larger dogs. The dog crates can be anchored to each other horizontally or vertically—ideal if transporting two dogs or more or if you are kitting out a van.
Dog crates, the law, and insurance
In the UK, it’s not illegal to have an unrestrained pet in your car. However, Highway Code Rule 57 says animals should be “suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you, or themselves, if you stop quickly.” Disregard for this rule can cause you to be held liable for an accident or charged with an offence such as ‘careless and inconsiderate driving’. In serious cases, this could mean court appearances, an unlimited fine, up to 9 points on your licence and even disqualification.
Your driver’s insurance could also be invalidated if an accident is caused by an unrestrained dog in your care.
Choosing the right dog cage
MimSafe make it easy to find the right crate for you, your dog and your car. Use the car model search to find crates suitable for your car, or the crate fit search to check your selected crate will fit.
