The Woof Wagon

For the past year or so I have been thinking about running my own pet business, specifically a dog-walking business in Southampton.

In May of 2025, I have decided to take the leap and began investing myself into my dog walker business. Since I am going into my third year of University, I wanted to prepare for myself post-graduation and use my summer for something useful. So I’m buckling down; learning how to drive, taking canine first aid and behaviour courses, and reading dog training books.

I’m going to start posting on Facebook groups asking if people need their dog walked, and that I am willing to offer it for free if they live in my area. I am hoping this will help build a future client base, grow my professional experience and gain vital feedback on how I can run my pet business in the future.

Still in the works, my start will be temporary as I have holidays, car lessons and other courses to complete. However, I am hoping even just one dog walk around the neighbourhoods in Southampton will help me grow my confidence and improve my dog-handling skills. Since I have a dog myself, I already have the personal love and intuitive nature for reading dogs, but I believe immersing myself in voluntary work handling other people’s pets before I launch The Woof Wagon will help me evermore.

I believe it’s important to run a self-employed business, not just because I’m a young woman searching for her purpose in life, but to break apart from the constrictive reality of modern day jobs. My love for the countryside and animals can be combined and I am so excited to start my business straight after I graduate in 2026.

I hope that by next year, I can come back and read this post knowing it all came to action. The Woof Wagon idea came to life just the other month, but it will be at least a year from now that I will finally get to walk dogs officially.

For now, volunteering and learning here I come!