Keep it simple so people can move on to wondering if you are good and if they can afford your services.2) Keep it shortAny name longer than four words is a long name. While more than four words will give you a better chance at explaining exactly what you do (like "NYC Dog Walks for Elderly Dogs"), that long name is going to force you that discomfort and clumsiness of having to say it over and over again. If you are really attached to a long name, seriously consider if you would be willing to answer a phone 20-30 times a day,,, Dog Tip, Dog Tip, repeating that long name, for the five or more years you will be in business.
3) Check that no one else is using itYou will run into copyright infringement issues for you use a name that someone else has already laid claim to. To be sure your new business's name is not taken, check your local phone book, and then do a few different searches online. If you do find another company that is using the name, just be sure its very small, and not in your state (or near your state) and you will probably be fine. If you have any concerns at all, it is best to check with a lawyer.4) Do not be too cleverIt is good to get attention with a name, but do not get too clever, or too extreme.
You, Dog Tip, want people to smile when they hear your business name, not, Dog Tip, to raise their eyebrows in suspicion.5) Test it out on your friendsSee what your friends think of the name. When, Dog Tip, you have whittled your names list down to 2-3 candidates, ask your friends which company name they would be more likely to hire. Also ask people who would be your target clientele.Here are 20 business names to get your ideas flowing. Each one of these could also be changed to "dog walkers" or "dog walking" and still work well.
Pamella Neely writes about how to start a dog walking business and how to become a dog walker.
