Pet sitting is this a realistic idea?

loulou123

Thank you again everyone :j

Pasturesnew - that is a great idea, and one i will give serious consideration too, as i have very little other commitments. Only thing im not sure about is that i dont live near a big city, but its definatley worth some thought.

jo70mo - thank you for the book link, i will check that out. Do you happen to know who your son used for the insurance? As i have googled liability insurance for pet sitters and there is a lot of different companies offering it - and i have no idea who is reputable.

pullup - not sure if your asking me this question, or just members in general! Im not sure about prices yet as currently researching what others charge in surrounding areas. I would imagine it would depend on whereabouts you live too. Unfortanetly i live nowhere near north hamptonshire either!

joannenotts - thank you for your info - unfortanetly having the animals living with me, would not be an option at this time, but it was interesting to hear how word of mouth got you so much work and good to hear of someone else who done well in this area.

As for vets giving referrals, i agree that its unlikely mine would recommend someone, but they do have an advertisement board, where i could advertise my service. (have seen a advert for animal taxi service there already.)

[Deleted User]

loulou123 wrote: »

Thank you again everyone :j
As for vets giving referrals, i agree that its unlikely mine would recommend someone, but they do have an advertisement board, where i could advertise my service. (have seen a advert for animal taxi service there already.)

You can advertise in most pet shops, also grooming parlours and Gumtree.

I think the main reason I did so well was the fact I kept them in my own home and people liked this as not many people like leaving their beloved pet in Kennels. But I was often asked about dog walking but was unable to offer this as I had other parttime employment. I definately say go for it, once you start and people give you references there will be no stopping you, I even got my Mum doing it too at one point cause I was fully booked all year x

Mips

My ex boyfriends family ran a successful pet sitting service 10-15 years and it was really popular - they don't do it now, due to death of his mum and dad needing a liver transplant.

But they did it. I am sure its got to be easier to do it nowadays!

tracyanddella

Go for it! It can be done!

We are experienced professional house and pet sitters and we would be more than happy to help with general or more specific advice.


Good luck!
Tracy & Della (Chez Vous House & Pet Sitters).

Lemony

I am currently having work done on my home so can't do it at the moment, but I am thinking about offering doggy day care in my own home while owners are out at work. I have a small rescue dog of my own so was thinking that maybe I could offer two or three places to small to medium sized dogs (to be at home with me all day in my own home). I was just wondering how this might affect your house insurance because when I took mine out I noticed one of the questions asked if I ran a business from home, and if I did it asked if anyone would be visiting my home. So I'm guessing if the answer is 'yes' then it might affect your insurance???

HappyMJ

The answer is a "maybe" you'd have to speak to the insurance company. All are different.

lanfear

If you're looking into the exotics side then there is a reptile forum with a huge community from all over the UK where it might be worth joining/advertising - if you google RFUK then it should be the first link that pops up. Your b/f may already be a member if you have a water dragon?

LOL I know where you're coming from with holidays/exotic pets, I have 3 boas and a python and I'm the only one brave enough to even open their doors (even though one is just a lil baby), and I certainly don't know anyone who would feed them for me!! And their vivs are far too big to take anywhere.

Good luck!

FATBALLZ

scotsbob wrote: »

The real money is from people going on holiday who want someone to stay with their pets while they are away.

I have no personal experience but a relative with 2 dogs used a dog sitter while she went abroad for 3 weeks. This person stayed in her home, walked and fed the dogs and got £150 a week for doing it.

There are web based agencies, but they obviously take a cut, so you may be better to advertise yourself.

I wouldn't say a job paying 89p/hr is where the real money is.

livingseaside

I run a local dog walking business and have been doing so for 2 years.I charge £9 for an hours walk, normally walk 2-3 dogs for an hour and normally walk for 2-3 hours a day. I work 4 days a week. I have built up slowly covering an area up to 2 miles from where I live.I am now full and not taking any more new customers. I advertise in local newspapers, have a website,am insured and treat this as a business. Having said that I also have a couple of other income streams so to me it is a great ptime job doing something I love and is great fun.

buzzyy

i got a mate who loves pets has guineas rabbits cats and three diffrent breeds of dogs,also she makes good money by doing dog walking,id give it a go but not a good area here to even think about it