best have your own business as pet sitters

have your own business as pet sitters

Pet sitting can be a rewarding job but can also be tiring. If you are interested in making your own business as a pet sitter,

here are answers to most frequently Asked Questions about this career.

1. What does a pet sitter do? What he/she is responsible for?
Pet sitters care for your pet just as a baby sitter cares for your children.

While most pets do not demand the same amount of supervision and care that a child does every pet has a certain amount of physical requirements as well as social needs.

What is necessary for your pet will depend on the personality as well as species you are looking to have cared for.

In addition, pet sitters perform a variety of tasks. They may simply check the food and water supply of your animal.

Dogs may require a walk while cats and caged animals may need their litter boxes cleaned or the papers changed.

If you have an exotic animal or bird you should look for specialized services that can adequately meet the needs of your pet.

With pet sitters, your pet will be allowed to stay in its own environment without the stress of travel or new accommodations.

Pet sitters will follow the schedule your animal is use to and the diet it is accustomed to. Pet sitters also provide the one-on-one attention your pet will be missing when you’re away.

2. What does a pet sitter cost?
You can expect to pay at least $15-25 for a daily visit of 30 minutes – possibly more if you require the sitter to walk your dog.

Usually the cost for multiple animals is only a few dollars more per animal. If you need the sitter to stay overnight you will probably pay $50 or more. Holiday visits (during the day or overnight) will have an increased rate.

Please note that rates will vary according to region and specialty. Some pet sitters will visit twice a day or include other tasks, such as collecting the mail, with their pet sitting services.

3. How do I find a pet sitter?
You may find a pet sitter listing in your phone book or online. You can also ask friends, groomers and veterinarians for referrals.

It is wise to only hire pet sitters who are bonded and insured since they will not only be responsible for caring for your pet but must be trusted in your home and with your belongings.

Even when trust is not an issue the sitter will be responsible for being respectful of your home and properly securing your home when leaving.

4. What do I have to do to become a pet sitter?
It depends on where you live you may have to have a business license to operate a pet sitting business. It is also important to acquire bonding and insurance, not only for the possibility of negligence but to assure customers of your professionalism.

While you do not need experience to start your own business you will need to research businesses in the area and talk to groomers, vets and others about the market.

It is important to be organized and take your business seriously – others are depending on you. Use contracts to establish the tasks and costs agreed to and keep paperwork and schedules organized.

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Wahm pet sitting business

If you have experience working with animals, or are just an animal lover, then starting a work at home pet sitting business may be right for you.

Pet sitters offer an important role to pet owners and help keep the one hundred and forty-five million pets in this country healthy and happy.

As a pet sitter, you’ll offer a valuable service to busy pet owners who are on vacation or who need someone to take care of their pets during the day.

Getting started as a pet sitter is very simple. To begin with, you’ll need to decide if this really is a business that you want to pursue.

First off, ask yourself if you really love animals? If you are considering pet sitting just because you think it will be an easy job, then it is not right for you.

You must enjoy spending time with animals and have at least a little experience in being around them. While most pet sitting jobs involve dogs and cats,

you may occasionally be asked to care for rabbits, birds or reptiles. Make sure you are comfortable with these pets before accepting assignments involving them.

Start your business by becoming legal. Obtaining a business license doesn’t cost much and will give you a professional edge when getting new clients.

You’ll also be able to take advantage of many tax write-offs, including your costs for mileage to and from your customer’s homes and any necessary business supplies.

Speaking of business supplies, all you’ll really need are business cards and an appointment book to keep track of your assignments. Unlike other work at home businesses, the start up necessities for pet sitting are relatively low.

Next, you’ll need to decide on what services you offer and how much you are going to charge. Play detective and find out the going rate for pet sitting services in your area.

Try to stay in the same range. Offering lower prices may seem like a way to beat the competition, but it also makes your services appear less valuable to potential clients.

You can print your rates on the back of your business cards, or make up a small flyer with prices listed on it.

Getting clients for your pet sitting business may be the most difficult part of running the business. However, with a little effort you can build a client list rather quickly.

The best way to get clients and assignments is by word of mouth. Offer to pet sit for neighbors and friends to help build your reputation. Once you’ve done a good job for them, they’ll tell their friends and so on.

You can also use a few free and low cost advertising methods to get the word out about your business. You can distribute your cards at local pet shops, or post a flyer on their bulletin boards.

Ask your vet if they would put some of your business cards on their reception desk, or recommend you to other pet owners. A small ad in your local paper can really help get the ball rolling for your business.

Once you have clients calling you for pet sitting appointments, make sure to keep them by treating them with great customer service. Always arrive on time and prepared to watch their pets.

Respect their home and their property. If they enjoy your service, they’ll be more likely to call you in the future.

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