Blog Post Title One
"If I Were" Newsletter – Dog Groomer, Walker & Sitter Edition
Welcome to If I Were, a Monday newsletter where I break down how I’d approach different businesses and industries if I were stepping into them today. This week, we’re talking about the pet industry—specifically, dog grooming, walking, and sitting. If I were in this business, here’s exactly how I’d build a thriving, profitable business.
1. Farm Apartment Complexes Instead of Towns
Instead of spreading myself too thin across an entire town, I’d focus on apartment complexes and condo communities where pet owners are concentrated in one place. Here’s why:
Built-in Client Base – Many apartments have pet-friendly policies, meaning there’s already demand for dog walking, grooming, and sitting services.
Convenience = Conversions – Offering services within a community makes it easier for pet owners to say yes—no need to travel.
Word-of-Mouth Growth – If I impress just a few residents, referrals will come naturally.
How I’d Do It:
✅ Partner with the leasing office – Offer free “Pet Perks” like a monthly nail trim event or a free first walk for new tenants. In exchange, they promote my services.
✅ Create a flyer campaign – Post eye-catching flyers in high-traffic areas (mailroom, elevators, dog parks).
✅ Offer subscription plans – Busy pet owners will love predictable pricing. Think: “5 walks a week for $X” or “Monthly bath & brush packages.”
✅ Provide overnight pet sitting options – For pet owners who travel frequently, I’d offer in-home pet sitting or extended stay options.
2. Pop-Up Events at Local Businesses
Many people don’t realize how much they need a dog walker, sitter, or groomer until you show them. That’s why I’d bring my business to them through pop-up events at coffee shops, breweries, and coworking spaces.
Event Ideas That Attract Customers:
🐶 "Yappy Hour" at a Brewery – Partner with a pet-friendly bar to offer free nail trims, giveaways, and mini grooming demos.
☕ “Pups & Lattes” at a Coffee Shop – Set up a table with a free treat station and offer discounted first walks, pet sitting, or grooming appointments.
🏢 Corporate Pet Days – Bring “puppy break” services to offices, offering quick dog walks, grooming, and even pet-sitting options for business travelers.
3. Sell Leashes, Treats & More (Because Services Alone Aren’t Enough)
Every service-based business should have a product line, and pet care is no exception. Why? Products create passive income and increase customer spending.
Products I’d Sell:
🦴 High-quality, locally made dog treats – Think grain-free, allergy-friendly, or CBD-infused options.
🐕 Custom-branded leashes & collars – These double as marketing tools when dogs wear them around town.
🧼 Pet grooming essentials – Brushes, shampoos, and paw balms that complement my services.
How I’d Sell Them:
Offer a "Groom & Go" bundle where clients leave with a brush or fresh-smelling spray.
Sell at my pop-up events, in apartment complexes, and online.
Set up a subscription box with treats, grooming products, and pet-sitting add-ons for recurring revenue.
The Bottom Line
If I were a dog groomer, walker, or sitter, I wouldn’t just rely on people finding me—I’d go to them, farm high-density areas, and sell products to increase my income. It’s all about visibility, convenience, and multiple income streams—because the best businesses don’t wait for customers to come to them!
🚀 Would you try any of these strategies? Reply and let me know!
— Ashley Woods, MBA - Founder & Creator