Greetings, Doris!

With proper planning, you may well find a niche that is not too difficult to put together.  There are two approaches I would explore.  First, venues that already exist where you would be welcomed to provide your service as a class or on an individual basis.  These would be well promoted gatherings or Rallies that would welcome adding such a service.

The other approach would be at campgrounds that specialize in being more than just dog friendly, but seek out to provide dog related activities.  You can search within www.dogfriendly.com under "RV Campgrounds" on a state by state search.  I know of two campgrounds in NC that virtually solicit dogowners to bring their dogs to "camp".

You may be able to tie this specialty into other workkamping opportunities for both of you.

Our four-legged, furry-snouted children say, "Good Luck!"

Charles

We would ABSOLUTELY use your services!  Great idea!

Paula in Fl

I think you have a winner.  With so many people travelling with dogs you should have no problem finding enough business to keep you busy!  One thing to do first is make sure the campground you are in has no problems with your business activities.

We are animal lovers, especially dogs, and would anticipate that we will have a dog at some point which will need training and sitting.  We currently don't have a dog, but fully expect we will have one in the future.

Good luck with your plans!

Along with the dog training you might want to train some owners too. Dogs and cats are good folks but their owners sometimes are the ones that need to be trained on how to take care of them! Just an idea I thought I would stick in there. I have never had a real problem with a sweet pooch but the owner that let him potty in my yard now that is something else. I know that the campgrounds that I have stayed in would welcome some training along those lines.

Good luck

Joe and Sherri

Hi in Arkansas. We spent a couple of nights in Maumelle at that park about 4 years ago.

Enjoy your stay.

Cindy T wrote:

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Pet services is something I've been wondering about too, as I've had a successful pet sitting business for the past 6 years. I just wasn't sure I'd be able to do it on the road.
All of my new business currently comes via referrals. I have a great reputation and my existing customers know that I am very trustworthy. But moving from campground to campground, no one will know me or my reputation. So, let me ask the fulltimers, would you use a dog walker/pet sitter that you meet in the campground?
I'm thinking that I could offer dog walking for people who are going to be out sightseeing all day. I could pet sit for RVers who need to leave their rig for a few days, for whatever reason. Do you think this is a viable "on the road" business? As pet owners, what might be your concerns about hiring a pet sitter/dog walker?

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Hi Cindy,

Most full timers get used to dealing with new people, because that's what we experience every day. Doctors, dentists, hairstylists, barbers, supermarkets and restaurants, are almost always a first time experience.

Actually, to some of us, that's one of the main enjoyments of the lifestyle, even the most mundane aspects of daily life are new experiences every day.

If you are friendly and like animals, I'm sure that will come through and you won't have any problems in starting your new business.

Good luck,

Fred

I do groom my own dog (toy poodle) but I've never done it for other people. You do need quite a bit of equipment for the actual hair trimming, nail trimming, shampooing, hair drying etc. And you need a place big enough to bathe the dogs as well.
In my area (Denver) we have some mobile dog grooming businesses. These are folks who typically have a utility trailer or van specifically designed as a mobile grooming salon. They pull up to your house, plug their trailer into your water supply & electricity, and groom the dog on the spot. I suppose if you're in a campground that is near a city where this service is available, they could come to the campground too.

Thank you so much for your input.   I am currently in Troy, Mo which is about 1 hour NorthWest of St. Louis.   I will be working at PetSMART for 2 more weeks and at that time will be persuing this idea.  I will not be traveling at this time be will be going into different towns 1 or 2 times a week at each place IF I can find places that are willing to give me access for an 1 or 2 hrs to a building.

We plan to travel around in an RV in the next couple of years and don't plan to stay in one place real long unless we really like it where we are. I'll keep you posted.  My e-mail address is dridenhour@centurytel.net  please stay in touch.