[Muddy Paws]

I am planning on starting up a new dog walking service in the next month or so in the S5 area, it will cover Longley, Shiregreen, Wincobank, Firthpark, some of Parson cross, Ecclesfield areas, and just want to assess what call for a walker there is in these areas as I am putting my business plan together, (I plan to offer additional services in the future such as cat/small animal care and feeding and perhaps a sitting service).

I plan on attending a animal first aid course in the near future, and of course will be fully insured and CRB checked.

Also I am hoping that the members of Sheffield forum can help me to choose a good name for my business as I just cannot decide
I am adding a poll of a few that I have thought of but would value ideas from other people too, it is surprisingly hard to think up a unique name that is already not in use and I don't want to tread on any toes

[Muddy Paws]

Thank all for your votes, please keep them coming, and particularly let me know any ideas that you might have of your own

I would also like to know if people in the S5 area might at some time use such services as I will be offering (I am not touting for business just trying to establish if there is a need in this area) it would also be useful to know what you would like the business to include and what you might expect of the business.

Any help/advice would be great as this is the first time that I ever tried to do anything like this.

[H_Hounds]

Hi

I like the name Muddy Paws and I was going to choose that when I first thought about going self employed in grooming. However there are a few grooming salons already called that which was why I avoided it.

I like Home Alone but I'm not sure if it is 'pet' enough, as it could be used for all sorts of businesses but that's not too important I suppose.

Have you thought of putting your name in it? My surname is Hardwick (since marriage) which was why I chose Hardwick Hounds, although most people think it is because I am based on Hardwick Lane. That was just a lucky coincidence. They say that if you are willing to put your name to it, you are really proud of it and have real confidence in what you do and the services you provide. Just food for thought

I hope you are successful and reach your goals

Terri

[teeny]

I am sure there will be buisness in your area, I love crazy critters cos i think you need to be crazy lol I love doing this business and find although its hard work its greatly rewarding.
\\good luck

[Muddy Paws]

Originally Posted by H_Hounds

Hi

I like the name Muddy Paws and I was going to choose that when I first thought about going self employed in grooming. However there are a few grooming salons already called that which was why I avoided it.

I like Home Alone but I'm not sure if it is 'pet' enough, as it could be used for all sorts of businesses but that's not too important I suppose.

Have you thought of putting your name in it? My surname is Hardwick (since marriage) which was why I chose Hardwick Hounds, although most people think it is because I am based on Hardwick Lane. That was just a lucky coincidence. They say that if you are willing to put your name to it, you are really proud of it and have real confidence in what you do and the services you provide. Just food for thought

I hope you are successful and reach your goals

Terri

Thank you Terri for your lovely response, I have also thought of just using my name as its almost impossible to avoid duplicating someone elses business name, so that is still a possibility.

Thank you for your good wishes, much appreciated

[Muddy Paws]

Originally Posted by teeny

I am sure there will be buisness in your area, I love crazy critters cos i think you need to be crazy lol I love doing this business and find although its hard work its greatly rewarding.
\\good luck

Thank you teeny, I am definitely crazy so that name might suit well I hope that there will be business in the area and I can't wait to begin now.

Thank you for your good wishes I appreciate it and I need all the luck I can get

[SpeedDemon]

Wishing u all the best in your new business venture

[H_Hounds]

Have you been in the business section of this forum? There are some really helpful people on there and loads of previous threads about marketing, using social media, websites, accounts etc

[Muddy Paws]

Originally Posted by H_Hounds

Have you been in the business section of this forum? There are some really helpful people on there and loads of previous threads about marketing, using social media, websites, accounts etc

Thank you H_Hounds I have just been in there to get advice about getting a CRB check and everyone was really helpful, thank goodness for Sheffield forum

And to SpeedDemon thank you for your good wishes it means a lot.

[steveb1978]

Would it be a simple walking service or would you offer a sitting service (half days) also, I have an 11 week old pup and have started looking into dog creche type places for when my wife is at work but the nearest one I can find is Ecclesall road.

[Muddy Paws]

Originally Posted by steveb1978

Would it be a simple walking service or would you offer a sitting service (half days) also, I have an 11 week old pup and have started looking into dog creche type places for when my wife is at work but the nearest one I can find is Ecclesall road.

I hope to offer an all round service once I get started, I will pm you

[Muddy Paws]

I have decided to call the dog walking business Muddy Paws (although I still fancy CrazyCritters), I think that is a clear winner

I hope to change my user name to Muddy Paws soon as well!

[Krush]

Congrats!
We will be looking for a dog walker and let out service in early August so be sure to keep this thread alive, we have 3 of our own and more often than not have a foster dog or two!!

[adelrose]

we use pet-walkiz and i know shes mentioned you to one or two people as theyve been out of her area

http://www.facebook.com/peta.walkiz?sk=wall

[Muddy Paws]

Originally Posted by Krush

Congrats!
We will be looking for a dog walker and let out service in early August so be sure to keep this thread alive, we have 3 of our own and more often than not have a foster dog or two!!

Thank you Krush

Yes please keep me in mind that would be brilliant!

adelrose

Please thank pet-walkiz for passing on my name, thats really kind and very helpful

[teeny]

it will be muddy feet and muddy paws lol with all this rain , congrats hun like the name

[Strix]

Good luck with the new venture

[Muddy Paws]

Originally Posted by teeny

it will be muddy feet and muddy paws lol with all this rain , congrats hun like the name

Very true, where did summer go? thank you teeny.

Thank you for your good wishes Strix

[danamy]

I have used Muddy Paws for the first time today brilliant service my dogs are happy dogs

[Muddy Paws]

Originally Posted by danamy

I have used Muddy Paws for the first time today brilliant service my dogs are happy dogs

Glad that everything was ok for you danamy, they are smashing little dogs, I'm looking forward to the next walk with them