Demand for canine professionals and the services they provide is a particularly bright spot in the global services economy. Ask any dog pro about their book of business, and the typical response is “booked solid!” Why is it, then, that many service professionals struggle to convert a packed work schedule into predictable growth and sustainable income?
Pet owners are ready and willing to spend money caring for their animals. A 2022 industry study by Morgan Stanley highlighted the favorable economic environment for pet care by projecting an 8% compound annual growth rate in spending through 2030 to $500 billion.
How are dog trainers responding to this highly favorable economic climate?
From our analysis of 550+ dog trainers using PocketSuite to run their businesses, we can measure the impact of innovative services and offerings on business income growth and business resiliency. We have the data that shows the differences between a $48,000 and a $120,000 a year dog trainer business. The top 10% of our dog trainers make, on average, $273,000.
A dog trainer’s standard offer is a one-on-one, private training service, whether at a client’s home or their dedicated training facility. Premium offers take it a step further, maximizing a professional’s time and income while creating a more personalized experience for clients. We find that the following premium offers have the largest impact on dog trainers’ income.
By selling a group of services or classes and getting paid upfront, a dog trainer is able to spend more time training and less time scheduling. We found that dog trainers who offer packages of services make 11% more than dog trainers who rely on single-session, billed services.
Dog trainers, by establishing a position of trust with a pet owner, have the opportunity to provide informed recommendations on the products best suited for the animal. Dog trainers who offer products and services in 2023 made 394% more than dog trainers who exclusively offer services.
From daycare to grooming to bathing and walking, most pet services are needed on a recurring basis, so they work great as a subscription. Dog trainers that offer their services as a recurring subscription make 87% more annually than dog trainers that exclusively offer services.
Pet professionals who provide daycare, overnight boarding, or board and train services rely upon reservations for schedule and capacity management. Dog Trainers that sold reservations, like board and trains, along with their standard training services, made 102% more than professionals that exclusively offered same-day, one-to-one sessions.
Classes are a premium offering that allow dog trainers to monetize their expertise over a larger group of clients. A trainer can host a class with five to twenty students at the same time. Dog trainers that offer classes along with their 1:1 services made 93% more than dog trainers that exclusively offer private sessions.
Now more than ever, it’s essential that dog trainers prioritize making their businesses run more efficiently. Affordable and easy-to-implement solutions can streamline business workflows and boost income. Every dog trainer should know that a six-figure income is attainable if they choose to prioritize nurturing long-term client relationships and developing sustainable, recurring income.
