It’ so hard to believe it’s that time of the year again! It seems as though the summer has just begun and now the kiddos are headed back to school.

Gone are the lazy mornings snuggling with their best buddy, the warm afternoons lounging in the sun, the morning walks dodging sprinklers and going outside whenever they’d like to only be replaced with the morning rush. The hustle and bustle of trying to get everyone out the door on time, the late afternoon frenzy as we attempt to get everyone picked up from school then dropped off at their club meetings, sports practices, and games, and back is the family routine. But what happens to our pets during back-to-school time? Do they love the peace and quiet or do they languish in the empty house, are they missing the exercise and activity of the summer, do they suffer from separation anxiety? What’s going to happen to long morning dog walks now that our mini dog walkers are back to school? Typically, our company sees an uptick in new clients looking for dog walkers as well as the reinstatement of services with existing clients. If you haven’t already filled those coveted midday dog walk slots now is the time to get marketing. Start a social media campaign to attract new prospects, reach out to vet offices and power partners like poop scoop services and pet supply companies and get your marketing collateral and business cards in their hands. Our dog walking clients bring in daily revenue for our sitters but also, they often turn into long-term vacation clients. Since we see these clients daily it’s easier to create and foster that deep business relationship, we all seek with our clients. These are clients I see turn into our best referral generators. Do a great job for them and they’ll reward you many times over in lead generation. 

Now what to do with the pets that are “left behind” in the wake of back to school. We have so many dogs that may have forgotten their manners and training since those Jr. walkers may not insist upon the etiquette that we demand. Fill your treat pouch and get back to work. Good manners for dogs are like riding a bike for us, it all comes back quickly, and the pups appreciate having a leader in charge. What about our furry friends with separation anxiety? Pet parents will be worrying about them and as during the period right after Covid when we see clients return to the office we’ll be called upon for our expert knowledge and advice. Severe cases should be referred to a behaviorist and veterinarian but for those with mild cases, if they’re crate trained returning them to their “safe place” helps, mind games such as puzzles and things will tire them mentally should be of great assistance. I love to take those pups on “sniff and find” walks anything that challenges them mentally. The old saying is a tired dog is a happy dog needs to be rephrased as a mentally tired dog is a happy dog. 

The dog days of summer are flying by so take advantage of the shift in client’s needs and here’s something else, only 3 months until Thanksgiving and 4 months to Christmas. Happy end of summer!

Yvette Gonzales, As You Wish, LLC

NAPPS Past President / Current Marketing Committee Chair