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GOWALKIES
A free dog walking app with big aspirations is now available in Hampshire.
Launched in June this year, GoWalkies is the world’s first on-demand dog walking app that easily connects dog walkers with dog owners and allows dog walkers to keep 100 per cent of their earnings while giving owners total peace of mind over the care and safety of their canine companions.
With zero membership fees and no sign up fees, GoWalkies is free to use for all professional dog walkers and a great addition for the millions of dog owners who struggle to commit the time required each day to walk their dog.
GoWalkies founder, Sonny D’Avola, said: “In realising that most existing dog walking apps available are US based, and often taking a cut from dog walker’s earnings as much as 40 per cent, I wanted to create a UK alternative that lets dog walkers keep 100 per cent of their fee, whilst offering dog owners a trusted and reliable solution for exercising their four-legged friend.
“We want GoWalkies to become the UK’s number one dog walking app, with an established and national network of professional, carefully vetted dog walkers.”
The App has been developed around the ethos that professional dog walkers should keep 100 per cent of their earnings. GoWalkies is designed to put dog-walkers in the driving seat when it comes to their own earnings.
It’s the world’s first on-demand dog walking app that allows them to set their own pricing and keep 100 per cent of their fee.
What’s more, the app provides a go-to hub for discovering and connecting with dog owners in a target area or region and provides the tools dog walkers need to grow and manage their business - allowing them to establish client rapport through quality customer service, while building a bank of reviews and testimonials.
We asked Sonny how the app can help dog owners.
“All our dog-walkers are vetted, identity-checked and strongly encouraged to invest in their own business insurance. In downloading and using the app, dog owners have the option of viewing all walkers’ GoWalkies profile, along with their reviews and testimonials to provide peace of mind ahead of making a booking.
“Once a booking is confirmed, walkers can share their location and even send live photos in real-time using the in-app tracking features, so owners never have to worry about where their dog-walker is.
“Additionally, all transactions between walkers and owners are carried out via the app, ensuring safety and security with every booking.”
Behind the development of the GoWalkies app is an interesting back story that inspired the founder to form a partnership with support Help For Heroes, a UK armed forces and military veterans charity, with donations from the app.
Sonny, a London-based veteran with 10 years of service, suffered from PTSD and Help for Heroes provided him with crucial support when he left the army.
“It is a charity that remains very close to my heart and we have pledged to donate 10% of our annual profits to Help for Heroes, and hope this will encourage other veterans to consider creating their own dog walking business as an alternative career opportunity that can help improve their mental health."
While the App only launched this year, the team led by Sonny have ambitious plans which include making GoWalkies a market leader.
“I am determined for GoWalkies to become the universal dog walking app that successfully connects dog walkers and dog owners worldwide.
“As the brand grows, we will aim to disrupt the market and increase share over existing US providers, while incorporating other key services like dog training, grooming and sitting.
“Passionate about dog safety and welfare, I also plan to work closely with governments and industry bodies to regulate dog walking so that it is safer and fairer for all.”
For more details visit https://gowalkies.app
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