How to Start a Dog Travel Agency

Many people prefer to take their dogs with them when traveling for either business or leisure, rather than leave them behind. Traveling with pets within the U.S. is relatively uncomplicated, but it is a little more difficult for international travelers. A travel agency that specializes in the safe transportation of canine clients is an important resource. This makes dog travel a business opportunity for an entrepreneur who can provide additional value through services such as accommodation, special offers and leisure bonuses.

Instructions

1

Register your business under the applicable small business criteria for the region in which you are located. Decide whether you will operate from home or whether you need business premises. Obtain insurance for any situations in which you may be subject to a lawsuit.

2

Obtain information on transporting dogs to specific destinations. You need to know the rules for sending dogs to other U.S. destinations, as well as the most common international destinations. Some countries, such as the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand, require incoming dogs to spend time in quarantine before being collected.

3

Find out the requirements for dog travel on the airlines that fly to the destinations you will focus on. Prepare lists of the necessary documentation, health checks, vaccinations, crate specifications and approvals needed to transport a dog to each place.

4

Create a website that details the dog travel services you offer. The site should also provide prospective clients information about your business, your credentials and references, and offer an opportunity to sign up for regular updates and news about changes to rules and regulations. Add a blog in which you tell the stories of the clients you transport.

5

Set up social media profiles for your dog travel agency on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube (for videos), Flickr (for photo galleries) and other social media outlets. Ask your clients and friends to "like" or "follow" your profiles and to share them with others.

6

Post regularly on the blog and link to it from your dog travel agency's social media profiles. This helps spread the news about your services through word of mouth, and to encourage potential clients to sign up to receive your newsletter.

7

Generate special offers for dog owners travelling to destinations by contacting dog-friendly resorts and venues and asking them for a promotional offer based on occupancy. Most hospitality providers are prepared to give a discounted rate for accommodation to increase business, and you can offer these specials to your customer base.

8

Print business cards and leaflets about your services and special offers. Approach veterinarians, pet stores and local businesses, and ask them to display your marketing materials on their counters as a service to their clients.

9

Become a member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA) and operate according to their rules and regulations. This helps reassure your clients you are a credible dog travel agency that adheres to international standards.