Today we’d like to introduce you to Ethan Gamet.
Hi Ethan, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Ethan’s Dog Walking: How It All Started
Ever since I can remember, I have always felt a natural connection with dogs. I loved how each one had its own personality, some quiet and observant, and others bouncing around like they had just discovered happiness for the first time. As I got older, that love turned into something more than just spending time with pets. I realized I wanted to make it part of my everyday life.
The idea for Ethan’s Dog Walking started simple. I wanted a way to earn money doing something that did not feel like work. I’d already spent years helping friends and family take care of their dogs, whether it was feeding, walking, or just keeping them company. One day, it clicked. If I was already doing it and people trusted me, why not turn it into something more official?
This past summer, I decided to turn that idea into reality. I made flyers, told neighbors, and began building Ethan’s Dog Walking! At the beginning, I only had a couple of dogs to walk, but I treated every moment like it was the last. I learned quickly that running a business, even a small one, takes more than passion. It takes consistency, communication, and effort every single day.
I have always believed that hard work leads to success, and Ethan’s Dog Walking has proven that to me. There were days when I was tired but still had dogs to walk, or when I had to carefully plan my time to finish homework before heading out. Balancing school and my business was not always easy, but I saw it as part of the challenge. Every time I pushed through and stayed disciplined, I saw the results of satisfied owners, happy dogs, and the feeling that I was creating something real.
Running Ethan’s Dog Walking has taught me a lot about responsibility and entrepreneurship. It has shown me that success does not just happen; it is earned through small, steady steps. I am still learning and growing, but I am proud of what I have built so far. Every time I slip a lead on a dog and head out for a walk, I am reminded of two things: hard work always leads to success, and when you do what you love, it never really feels like work.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Starting Ethan’s Dog Walking came with a few more than a few challenges than I expected. One of the biggest hurdles was balancing school and the business. Some days I had homework, projects, or tests, but I also needed to set aside time for what doing what I loved: walking dogs.
Another major challenge was finding customers. I didn’t know truthfully how to promote my business or reach people who might need dog walking. I tried different approaches, like posting online a couple times, or handing out a handful of flyers, but it took time to figure out that I wasn’t advertising as much as I thought I was. Progress started slow, and it was definitely frustrating to put in effort without seeing immediate results.
Even though these challenges were tough, they pushed me to think outside-of-the-box, stay organized, and keep going. The challenges also taught me that running a business isn’t just about enjoying what you do, it’s about solving problems, learning new skills, and being persistent, even when things don’t come easily.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Ethan’s Dog Walking?
Ethan’s Dog Walking is a small, personal dog walking business I started to turn my love for dogs into something real. I provide safe, reliable, and fun walks for dogs of all sizes and energy levels. Every walk is designed to fit each dog’s personality and needs, whether that means a calm stroll around the block or a more active outing to burn off energy.
I focus on getting to know each dog and their routines, habits, and personalities, while also building a strong connection with their owners. I make sure to keep owners updated so they can feel confident their dogs are safe, happy, and receiving the care and attention they deserve.
What I’m most proud of is the trust I’ve built with the families I work with. Even as a growing business, knowing that dogs are excited to see me and owners feel confident in my care is what makes it all worth it. Ethan’s Dog Walking is more than just taking dogs outside — it’s about responsibility, consistency, and doing what I love, which makes every walk a positive experience for everyone involved.
I also hope readers will consider supporting local businesses, not just for dog care but for a variety of services. By choosing a small, local business like mine, you’re helping someone in your community while getting personal, attentive service. Additionally, I am looking to work with regular clients in Lake Orion/ Orion Township and nearby areas who need dog walks, longer care sessions, or quick check-ins, and I aim to provide flexible and reliable services to meet those needs.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Over the next 5 to 10 years, I see the pet care industry continuing to grow, with more people looking for personalized and trustworthy services for their pets. I plan to capitalize on this trend, and expand Ethan’s Dog Walking by hiring close friends I trust and building a team that can provide more than just walks. My goal is to offer a range of services, including dog care, basic training, and even guidance for pet owners to better care for their dogs at home. I want to create a business that is both local and personal but also has the capacity to reach and help more pet owners in the community.
Pricing:
- We offer discounts for regular customers
- We offer a first walk that is half off
- Flexible pricing for longer sessions or special requests
Contact Info:
