In Brooklyn’s Prospect Park, Michael Josephs walks two dogs: his own and Remy, who belong to a pair of young professionals who work from a nearby home but are immersed in their daily routines.
Michael Josephs admits that becoming a dog walker was the best decision he made three years ago, after getting his real estate agent’s license in the Big Apple.
I started in July 2019, just before the pandemic. We grew really quickly and then I had 95% of my clients who left New York during the incarceration. Everything stopped
He says.
Gradually, his clients rejoined, and in 2022, when everyone started going back to offices, his business picked up strongly.
Michael Josephs runs Parkside Pubs, which employs nine dog walkers.
Photo: Radio-Canada / Frederick Arnold
Today, at his company Parkside Pubs, he manages a team of nine dog walkers. He hopes to develop a comprehensive pay system to provide benefits for his walks.
How much does this service cost? A half hour is US$20, an hour is US$25, and two hours is US$35. People always ask me why you should pay $5 more for an extra 30 minutes. I think all dogs deserve time outside, even if it’s just a 30-minute walk. Maybe stay out for another 30 minutes if they want.
He says.
US$200,000 a year?
By the way, do dog walkers pay US$20 for half an hour?
Michael Josephs replied with a big smile: I earned US$120,000 in 2022. We have grown 250% in the last two years. Last year we saw 150% growth. I think that shows you that we are on the right track, and I predict that my goal this year is to reach $180,000 to $200,000 USD.
Prashant Selvam and Lucy Seery gave their dog Remy to a dog walker in New York.
Photo: Radio-Canada / Frederick Arnold
Remy’s owners, Prashant Selvam and Lucy Seery, didn’t hesitate to use the services of Michael Josephs to get their 2-year-old dog out. Prashant says they adopted him during the pandemic, and since moving to Brooklyn, walking their dog is easier.
He loves watching other dogs and he really loves those walks. Look how happy he is
Lucy Seery explains.
Personalized service
Bethany Lane became a dog walker 12 years ago when she started her company, Whistle Walk. I had to pay my bills, my rent, my student loans. I posted a classifieds ad and found someone willing to pay to walk dogs, which is the craziest thing I’ve ever heard in my mind, because I love walking dogs for fun.
she recalled.
Bethany Lane offers personalized dog sitting and walking services.
Photo: Radio-Canada / Frederick Arnold
Since then, he has employed six employees and mainly does business management. I had to take a step back from the walk. It’s a shame because it’s actually my favorite job.
Bethany Lane says.
She focused on highly personalized service, with a maximum of one or two dogs per walk. His hourly rate remains confidential because it all depends on the needs and personality of the dog and its handler.
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, more than 23 million American households — or one in five nationally — have adopted a dog or cat during the pandemic. As Americans return to the office, someone has to walk those pandemic puppies.
It’s no wonder, then, that this industry has attracted so many people. But, according to Bethany Lane, you have to be very reliable because it’s a demanding job. You must be prepared to go out every day regardless of the weather.
More than a promising future
Michael Josephs and his wife, who works with him at Parkside Pubs, are full of plans. We want to open a dog daycare in New York and we dream of opening a kennel on ten hectares of land in New Jersey so that I can bring my clients from New York there for long stays.
He explains.
Michael Josephs’ business has grown exponentially since the pandemic.
Photo: Radio-Canada / Frederick Arnold
Bethany Lane has saved enough money to buy a house in New Jersey to spend her weekends there. His other cash cow is dog grooming for vacationers. With these two assets, he ensures good income growth even if he wants his business to be human scale.
When asked if she ever thought of making a career out of it, Bethany Lane bluntly replied: That is my dream. That’s what I wanted.
A dream about financial success.
