Hey, Ritchie here!
In the world of pet care, no two days are ever the same – and that’s one of the best things about this job. Every dog we walk, every cat we visit, and every rabbit we feed has their own individual routine, personality, and needs. That variety is what keeps every day interesting and rewarding.
Here’s what a typical day looks like for us at PHG Southampton.
Early morning – home pet visits
I’m usually up early, as I like to beat the traffic and get a head start on the day. My mornings begin with home pet visits for cats, rabbits, and small animals whose owners are away.
During these visits, I:
- Feed the pets in accordance to their specific routine and put down fresh water
- Give them plenty of fuss and affection
- Check they’re comfortable, happy, and healthy
- Brush longer-haired pets to prevent tangles
- Clean litter trays and tidy food areas
- Send updates and photos to owners for peace of mind
These visits are a calm and excellent way to start the day – it's all about following the routine, attentive care, and making sure each is safe and content.
Mid-morning – coffee and preparation
Once my visits are finished, it’s time for that all-important coffee ☕
I then:
- Review my dog-walking schedule for the day
- Prepare all walking equipment (leads, towels, waste bags, treats, etc.)
- Check the van – every crate is spacious, comfortable, and secure, with its own light and ventilation
- Ensure plenty of drinking water is on board
- Have breakfast, walk my son to school, and respond to new emails or enquiries
Then it’s time to head out for the day’s main event – the walks.
Late morning to early afternoon – group dog walks
My group walks are the highlight of the day. Before leaving, I plan the route in my head, then set off and collect all of the dogs. Once everyone’s safely aboard, we head to a secure field where they can run, play, socialise and explore freely.
There’s nothing quite like seeing a group of happy dogs running around together with such joy and excitement. It’s what makes this business so special.
During our walks, I:
- Keep fresh water available at all times
- Bring toys (though most dogs prefer playing with their friends)
- Give each dog individual fuss and attention - after all, that's what i's all about!
- Monitor behaviour and safety throughout the walk
After an hour of fun (and the time always flies by), I make sure everyone’s had a final drink, then safely return each dog to their home. Each one gets:
- Fresh water topped up
- A final cuddle
- A photo update sent to their owner
While I’m out on my group walk, my wife Amber – who runs the business with me – carries out our solo dog walks.
She:
- Walks all solo dogs on-lead for maximum safety
- Tailor each walk to suit the dog’s pace, breed, and temperament
- Prioritise safety and wellbeing at all times
Afternoon – admin and solo walks
After the walks, I grab something to eat and catch up on admin tasks such as:
- Replying to messages and enquiries
- Sending receipts and invoices
- Confirming new bookings
Then it’s off for the afternoon school run.
After school, our son often joins us for the afternoon pet visits – something he absolutely loves. The cats and rabbits love him too, and it’s a lovely way to finish the day.
We’ve been able to shape our business around our family life, which is one of the best parts about running Pets, Homes & Gardens. Once the afternoon visits are finsihed, it’s time to head home, have dinner, and relax – ready to do it all again tomorrow.
Bonus questions
Can it be long hours in summer?
Absolutely. Summer can mean longer days, but they’re incredibly rewarding. It never really feels like work when you love what you do. The income is excellent, but that’s a by-product of providing great service, not the main motivation. We genuinely look forward to the busy season because caring for pets is our passion.
Is it seasonal?
Dog walking is year-round, which means steady income all year.
Other services, like home pet visits, rabbit boarding and dog sitting, can be more seasonal – especially during school holidays – but we still typically receive bookings throughout the year.
We have found that:
- Dog walking provides a regular core income
- Home pet visits, animal boarding and dog sitting adds a valuable income boost
- The combination gives you a balanced and sustainable business
Bottom Line:
Being a professional dog walker and pet sitter is an absolute joy. We've moulded PHG Southampton around us and it's truly a family business. Plus, every day is different, and that’s exactly what makes it so rewarding.
We are living the dream and can't ever imagine doing anything else!
