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(CBS) -- In the wake of a viral video showing a professional dog-walker abusing a Chicago pet, CBS 2 asks: What qualifications are necessary to set up one of the businesses?
CBS 2’s Dana Kozlov reports.
Stephanie Fumanelli is walking and training – not dogs, but a potential dog-walker for her business, Chicago Urban Pets.
It’s part of her screening process for her licensed, bonded and insured business. It’s just one business in the otherwise exploding dog-walking industry.
“It’s boomed so quickly, I think a lot of people are trying to get away with making a lot of money,” Fumanelli says.
The social media outrage over of a surveillance video of a dog-walker kicking a puppy in his care raises questions about what requirements are needed to open such a business. The answer: not many.
Jennifer Hayes, general manager of Green Paws Chicago, says dog walkers can get a city business license, but beyond that, nothing else is required. Her advice to people looking to hire a service is this: “Do your research. Get on the internet, get on Yelp, ask your friends.”
Specifically, check to see if a service is licensed and insured. Ask about the business’s training and interview procedures. And find out if they do employee background checks.
Fumanelli and Hayes say it’s also important to ask how a business trains its walkers.
CBS 2’s Dana Kozlov reports.
Stephanie Fumanelli is walking and training – not dogs, but a potential dog-walker for her business, Chicago Urban Pets.
It’s part of her screening process for her licensed, bonded and insured business. It’s just one business in the otherwise exploding dog-walking industry.
“It’s boomed so quickly, I think a lot of people are trying to get away with making a lot of money,” Fumanelli says.
The social media outrage over of a surveillance video of a dog-walker kicking a puppy in his care raises questions about what requirements are needed to open such a business. The answer: not many.
Jennifer Hayes, general manager of Green Paws Chicago, says dog walkers can get a city business license, but beyond that, nothing else is required. Her advice to people looking to hire a service is this: “Do your research. Get on the internet, get on Yelp, ask your friends.”
Specifically, check to see if a service is licensed and insured. Ask about the business’s training and interview procedures. And find out if they do employee background checks.
Fumanelli and Hayes say it’s also important to ask how a business trains its walkers.
