Brookings, home to South Dakota State University (SDSU), is a growing college town with a population of roughly 25,000. The community is pet‑friendly, with numerous parks, trails, and the expansive McCrory Gardens attracting both residents and their dogs. University faculty, staff, and students often work long hours or attend classes, creating steady demand for mid‑day dog walking. The city also has a growing number of young professionals and families who value convenience and want their pets to get regular exercise, especially during the harsh South Dakota winters when owners may be less inclined to brave cold and snow. The dog walking market here is moderately competitive—there are a few established pet‑care businesses, but many operate informally through word‑of‑mouth. Because Brookings is small and tight‑knit, a strong local reputation is essential. During the academic year, demand spikes around class schedules and finals, while summers see lighter need as many students leave. The winter months require extra attention to safety (ice, sub‑zero temperatures) and clients appreciate a walker who understands cold‑weather gear and quick, safe routes. Overall, the market offers good opportunities for a new walker who provides reliable, friendly, and prompt service tailored to the rhythm of the university calendar.
Before you start walking dogs, you must register your business with the City of Brookings. Visit the Brookings City Hall or their website to apply for a general business license. The fee is typically under $100 per year. You will need to provide a business name, address (can be your home address if you don’t have a separate facility), and proof of any required insurance.
In South Dakota, dog walking services are considered taxable personal services. You must register for a Sales Tax License through the South Dakota Department of Revenue. This can be done online. You will then be required to collect 4.5% state sales tax (the state rate, Brookings has no additional city sales tax) on each walk and remit it monthly or quarterly. Failing to register can lead to penalties, even if you are a small operator.
While not legally required, liability insurance is highly recommended for dog walking in Brookings. A general liability policy (often called “pet‑care insurance”) covers injuries to the dog, damage to client property, or accidents involving third parties. Many clients ask for proof of insurance. Professional organizations like Pet Sitters Associates or Business Insurers of the Carolinas offer policies tailored for walkers. Bonding can further reassure clients that you are trustworthy.
Create a simple service agreement or waiver that outlines your responsibilities, cancellation policy, handling of emergencies, and weather‑related cancellation rules. While not a legal requirement, a signed contract protects both you and the owner. Consider consulting a local attorney or using templates from the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters.
If you operate from home, ensure your home‑based business complies with Brookings’ zoning ordinances. The city generally allows low‑traffic home occupations, but you cannot have a kennel or outdoor runs that create noise or disturbances. Check with the City of Brookings Community Development Department to be safe.
Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is the most important local SEO tool for a dog walking business. Follow these steps for Brookings:
Focus on geo‑specific terms: “dog walker Brookings SD,” “dog walking services Brookings South Dakota,” “Brookings pet sitting,” “SDSU dog walking.” Use these phrases naturally on your website and Google Business Profile. Create location pages if you serve surrounding areas like Volga or Aurora.
List your business on Yelp, Nextdoor, Facebook Business, the Brookings Chamber of Commerce directory, and local pet‑care directories (e.g., BringFido, Rover, Care.com). Ensure Name, Address, Phone (NAP) is identical across all listings. Inconsistent citations hurt local rankings.
Write blog posts relevant to Brookings: “Top 5 Dog‑Friendly Trails in Brookings,” “How to Keep Your Dog Safe During South Dakota Winters,” “Best Pet‑Friendly Coffee Shops Near SDSU.” These pages can rank for local long‑tail keywords and demonstrate your expertise.
Sponsor a local pet adoption event at the Brookings Regional Humane Society or offer a free “Meet the Walker” at a local vet. These activities often result in backlinks from news sites, event pages, and partner organizations. Ask the local newspaper (Brookings Register) or the SDSU student newspaper to feature your business.
Many Brook
Run a free GBP audit, analyze your competitors, and track your review growth — all in one platform.
Try BizLaunchIQ Free →