white sun
PROSPEROUS PET BUSINESS
EPISODE #168

Pet Sitting and Dog Walking Liability and Worker Classification

Prosperous Pet Business Podcast Artwork in Phone

Listen Now ↓

This episode dives into the intricate challenges of running a pet sitting and dog walking business, focusing primarily on liability and proper worker classification.

Lori, who operates a dog walking and pet sitting service in the Philadelphia area, shares her concerns about managing the risks associated with her pet walkers, especially after sustaining an ankle injury herself while on the job.

In this episode you’ll hear the critical distinction between employees (W-2) and independent contractors (1099).

Beyond legal matters, the coaching session explores marketing strategies to help Lori grow her cash flow, which had suffered during the COVID pandemic.

What You’ll Learn:

  • The crucial difference between employees (W-2) and independent contractors (1099) and how this impacts liability and benefits.
  • Why workers’ compensation is only available to employees and the legal risks of misclassifying 1099 workers.
  • The potential penalties and fines associated with misclassifying workers as independent contractors.
  • The importance of seeking jurisdiction-specific legal counsel
  • Strategies for pet sitting and dog walking businesses to set themselves apart from large competitors like Rover and WAG through reliable, responsible service.
  • Actionable marketing strategies for pet businesses

Click Logo to Subscribe on Your Favorite Podcast App:

+ You’ll find Prosperous Pet Business on the other podcasts apps too.

Share This Podcast Episode:

How is Lori doing now?

Hi Kristin,

Thanks so much for the coaching session.

I’m so grateful for the time to talk as you always give me great ideas on issues my pet service company is dealing with – ideas that I likely would not have given any thought to!

The first topic was how to handle situations when workers get hurt during pet sitting visits or dog walks. You suggested seeking out an employment lawyer.  I have reached out to an employment lawyer and am in the process of connecting with them.

The other issue I had was lack of cash flow. You suggested we keep marketing our business and possibly get in contact with some dog and cat rescues. We have dropped off cards at the nearest rescues in our area, and we even set up an appointment with a local marketing company to help do some additional social media marketing!

So again, thank you so much, Kristin!

~Lori

Links Mentioned in the Podcast:

Over 135+ Five-Star Reviews on Apple Podcast   5 star rating

gold stars

Want a FREE Pet Business Coaching Session?

Pet business + life coach Kristin Morrison is offering a FREE coaching session to pet business owners who want or need coaching on a specific question, challenge, or business issue.

You’ll receive a free coaching session in exchange for it being released on the podcast. This is not a “fluff session” – you’ll receive a top-notch coaching session from Kristin and walk away with actionable steps that will get you pointed in the right direction in your pet business and/or your personal life

Since its release, the podcast has been downloaded over 190,000 times by listeners from all over the world. The pet business podcast was an Apple Podcast New and Noteworthy podcast and has over 120 five-star reviews on Apple Podcast.

Meet Other Business Owners in the Prosperous Pet Business: for Pet Sitters, Dog Walkers, Dog Trainers & More Facebook Group

Come join this group of supportive business owners in the private Facebook group!

You’ll get updates each time a new episode drops so you don’t miss a thing, have the opportunity to discuss podcast topics with other podcast listeners, and find out about tips, tools and strategies to create a better pet business.

You may even meet some of the people coached on the podcast in the private Facebook group!

Prosperous Pet Business Facebook Group

Grow Your Audience by Sponsoring the Podcast

Do you have a product or service, and you’d like it to get in front of thousands of pet owners or business owners – or both?
If so, you’ve found your tribe here; your ideal clients and customers are listening to the Prosperous Pet Business Podcast!

When you sponsor the podcast, your marketing message will be heard by a passionate group of pet lovers who are also pet industry entrepreneurs, innovators and small business owners.

If you’d like to get your product or service in front of thousands of business owners, click the button below:

grow your audience

Love What You Hear?
Leave Me a Voicemail.

I love hearing from you podcast listeners, and I especially love hearing your voices.
If you’d like to leave me a voicemail, click the button to leave your message.

Not sure what to say to me?

Here are some ideas:

  • What episode has had the most impact on you and why.
  • How you discovered this podcast and what you’re learning from it.
  • What you’d like to say to one of the coaching clients if you were able to leave them a message (I am happy to pass your message on to them).
  • What you’re learning about yourself and/or your business by listening to the sessions.
  • Or… anything else you’d like to share.

I look forward to hearing from you,

kristin
support me on patreon

Pet Business Books + Audiobooks

Optimize, elevate and gain more clients and profit with these information-packed books and audiobooks.

30 Days to Start and Grow Your Pet Sitting and Dog Walking Business Book
The Hiring Handbook For Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers
Six-Figure Pet Sitting
Six Figure Pet Business
Prosperous Pet Business Book
How To Recover From Pet Business Burnout

You’ll find the paperback books on Amazon and other book sellers.

30 Days To Start & Grow Your Pet Sitting & Dog Walking Business

The Ultimate Goal Setting and Visioning Toolkit

This FREE goal-setting workbook, developed by Kristin Morrison for the pet business owners she coaches, will assist you in gaining clarity about what worked and what didn’t in your business and your life last year.

It will also help you create crystal-clear goals for the next 12 months! You can complete this workbook at any time (not only at beginning of the year). This workbook will give you a teeny tiny taste of what will be in store for you when you experience Coach Kristin’s rockin’ Best Year Yet Coaching. Enjoy!

Click to download free pdf goal setting worksheet: