Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Starting a Dog Massage Business - What You Need to Know


The age of unconventional business ventures has arrived. All kinds of services are available to enhance the wellness of human beings, and now those services are being extended to our pets. After all, they are an important part of our lives and enrich it in so many different ways. So while people have been enjoying massage for thousands of years, pets are now getting their turn. Dog massage businesses and schools are popping up across the country to teach people the art of the therapeutic rub-down.

Dogs are perhaps the most preferred pets because of their loyalty, exuberance and how useful they can be. If you love animals and are constantly seeking ways to improve their lives -- and you give a good back rub -- a dog massage business may be right up your alley.

Don't fret if you've never massaged a pet in your life. There are pet massage training centers that give you step-by-step lessons on how to massage dogs or cats, or even horses. In fact, these schools conduct live pet massage training sessions where you are taught exactly how to do your job. Dog massage courses also give you an edge as far as dealing with vets and customers is concerned. Being able to work well and coordinate with veterinarians is key to your success, as many of your new clients will have been referred to you by a vet.

Even if you can't attend dog massage classes in person, there are home training courses that you can study and complete at your leisure. Most of these schools even give you a certification on the successful completion of your course. This will place you in a better position when it comes to finding potential clients.

Good massage schools give you practical experience on how to deal with different breeds. They go one step further to teach you different massage styles like a general holistic massage, healing massage for an injured dog, athlete massage and more.

Do you know that pet massage therapists on an average earn up to $40 and more per hour? That's how lucrative a dog massage business can be. The best part about this business is that you can be as flexible as you want to be. You can decide to be a sole pet massage provider or you may employ a team of people. If you have enough space, you can even start your own massage school. And if you already own a pet care facility, you may use this as an add-on to your existing business. Many dog groomers are signing up for massage classes because the two services are so complimentary. Another option you have is starting out as a single provider and then employing others and adding on more services as your business grows.

Advertising is very important. Use the internet and local newspapers to advertise your services. Get a business card printed and hand it out to pet owners. You may also need a license to operate. So make arrangements to get one. Price your services reasonably to attract customers.

Before opening your business, prepare a complete business strategy that covers your initial investment, costs and takings. Be realistic. You certainly won't become a millionaire overnight, but if you keep at it, this can fetch you some substantial revenues.

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