I run a small dog training business, just me and one part-time helper. I've been using free contract templates I found online, but a client recently asked about liability coverage and I realized my paperwork might not be solid. Someone mentioned Rocket Lawyer to me. Is it worth it for a business my size, or am I better off paying a local attorney by the hour?
Legal
Does Rocket Lawyer make sense for a small dog training business?
I used Rocket Lawyer for a while When I first started my pet sitting business. The document templates were fine, but the real value was being able to ask a lawyer a quick question without a huge bill. For a dog training business, your main risks are probably client contracts and liability waivers. I'd check if their templates are specific to services like yours.
How much does it cost? That's the big question. If it's a few hundred a year and you get unlimited document reviews, it might be worth it. But if you only need one contract, a local lawyer might be cheaper in the long run.
I tried Rocket Lawyer for my landscaping business. The contracts were okay, but I found the interface clunky and the customer service wasn't great when I had a billing issu. It's not bad, but don't expect white-glove service.
I agree with NoBarkAllBite about the value of asking quick questions. But But for something like a liability waiver, I'd still have a local attorney review it once. Dog training has specific risks (bites, injuries to other dogs) that a generic template might not cover well. Maybe use Rocket Lawyer for the basic stuff and pay a lawyer for a one-time review of your key documents.
Have you looked at their pricing? I think they have a free trial. You could test it out and see if the templates fit your needs before committing.
One thing to consider: Rocket Lawyer's legal advice is often provided by lawyers who may not be familiar with your state's specific regulations for animal-related businesses. I'd check if they have attorneys licensed in your state. That was a dealbreaker for me.
I Think for a small business like yours, it's a reasonable starting point. But if you have any doubts, consult a local attorney. The peace of mind is worth it, especially if you're dealing with dogs that could bite or injure someone. That's a lot of liability.
I've been using Rocket Lawyer for my dog walking business for two years. Its been fine for basic contracts, but I haven't had to use it for anything complicated. The document builder is helpful, but you have have to be careful to read everything and customize it. It's not a set-it-and-forget-it solution.
Thanks for the input, everyo ne. I think I'll try the free trial and see how it goes. I'll also look into having a local lawyer review my liability waiver, since that seems to be the biggest concern.