Coby Goodhart, a 28-year-old engineering consultant in New York City, has successfully transformed his passion for animals into a thriving luxury dog walking business, Goodhart Dog Co. Operating primarily in Lower Manhattan, Goodhart's premium pet care service now brings in over $6,000 (approximately ₹5.8 lakh) per month, all while he maintains his demanding full-time engineering career.
From Engineering to Entrepreneurship
Goodhart relocated to New York City in 2023 and soon found himself missing the presence of animals. What began as casual dog walks for neighbors quickly evolved into a formal business concept. By 2025, he officially launched Goodhart Dog Co, meticulously structuring it to complement his engineering work rather than conflict with it. Goodhart handles morning walks before his office hours, fits in additional appointments during lunch breaks, and dedicates evenings and weekends to his clients.
A Premium Service Model
As demand surged, Goodhart expanded his operation by hiring and training an additional dog walker to manage midday sessions, ensuring seamless service delivery. The company caters to a discerning clientele across Lower Manhattan, typically walking between 10 to 20 dogs daily. Goodhart intentionally positioned Goodhart Dog Co as a premium offering, focusing on high-quality service rather than competing on price with standard dog-walking providers. This strategy allows him to tailor pricing based on factors like location, dog size, behavior, and specific scheduling needs, ensuring each client receives a bespoke experience.
Growth Through Reputation
The growth of Goodhart Dog Co has largely been fueled by positive recommendations and robust local networking. Goodhart emphasizes that delivering exceptional service in a concentrated area like Lower Manhattan naturally leads to word-of-mouth referrals. He also actively promotes his business by distributing cards to doormen and residents and maintaining a strong presence on social media.
Balancing Passion and Profit
Despite the financial success, Goodhart highlights that a significant reward of his work is the genuine enjoyment he derives from spending time with animals. He describes it as a 'grounding' experience, offering a welcome contrast to the high-stress environment of Lower Manhattan. While the work presents challenges—such as braving various weather conditions—Goodhart remains committed to his venture, with an ultimate goal of expanding Goodhart Dog Co to become his full-time focus.