Setting up a guinea pig boarding service

losingpatience

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PassedAtFailing

If you believe you have the customer base, go for it.

I don't believe you'll get enough (if any) customers though to be honest. These two people who you've been put in touch with through the rescue were probably trying to get the rescue to board them - free of charge. I used to run a rescue centre and we would always get people trying to give us their animals whilst they go on holiday - free from charge. In fact it became quite infuriating, we were trying to deal with some of the sickest animals whilst being pestered by cheapskates.

Most small pet owners would pay a pet shop to board them - most will. If not they might ask a friend or relative to look after them. I believe the fundamental point I'm trying to make is: the people willing to pay for this service probably already do.

Blackpool_Saver

i would house them in their own cages to be honest, that way they feel at home and you don't get as much cross contamination.

fozzeh

I have 9 guineapigs and my stress has always been what to do with them when we go away. I think it's a good idea. You may not get a huge turn over or anything but if we had a local facility like what you want to offer then i would definitely use it. I do think having options of either them bringing their own cages or using yours would be good. I know for us it'd be impractical for us to take our own cages- it'd be a nightmare getting them there and back! But for others they may prefer it so perhaps just offer it as an option.

POPPYOSCAR

I think it is a good idea.

Our local pet shop has advertising cards in the window and I noticed the other day when I was in there someone offering a rabbit boarding service.

losingpatience

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loulou123

I used to take my gpig to a hoilday home, when i went away (now i just get a friend to look after him though.)

They charged £2.50 a day for one animal and then an additional £1.25 per day for each further animal that could share the asme accomadation (or that was the charge last year) and that included all fresh food, hay, sawdust, grass, grooming nail clipping and bathing if required.

You could bring their cage/hutch or use one of theres (the choice was up to you and it cost the same no matter which.)

So depending whereabouts you are your pricing sounds quite high too me, im on the south coast. Also think that as you are working full time this may put people off (the lady who used to look after mine was a SAHM so it was nice that i knew he was getting attention during the day.

I would also say that insurance would be a good idea, in case one of the piggies gets ill/attacked/gets lost whilst in your care.

losingpatience

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Rummer

I would second the insurance it would make you sound more professional and I doubt it would cost much. Why not look on some of the guinea pig forums and see if there is much interest?

lozza1985

I think its a great idea! While I don't have piggies, I have 2 rabbits and when we went away last year we had to take them somewhere - MIL look after them if we're just going away for a weekend as she pops up but its too much to expect anyone to do for a couple of weeks.

We took ours to where MIL took her dogs for boarding...seemed a nice enough place...but when we checked them in OH mentioned they were vaccinated - place wasn't even aware rabbits could be vaccinated..and the hutch was tiny...and they weren't fed correctly. Rabbits were petrified when we got them back - even the boy who is usually pretty laid back.

My point being - there will be people willing to pay for them piggies to be looked after by a "specialist" - we've since found a reputable place for the buns to go to, and will be happy to travel the extra distance as we know they'll be in safe hands - wish OH had listened to me in the first place! MIL was of the opinion "they're only rabbits they'll get over it"!....same could be said for her dogs, every animal is someones much loved pet and a lot of people will want to be able to go away in the knowledge they are in safe hands. Word of mouth will be a great way of getting some business, particularly if the piggy rescue place is happy to recommend you to people who might adopt their pigs. Definately a good idea for people to take their own cages and other bits and pieces. We had to fill in a form (a dog one lol!) but it took all the particulars - their temperament, age, anything in particular you would need to know about them during their stay, and what vet they usually go to - and whether we were happy for them to treat any minor injuries or if we would prefer them to go to a vet. Could be a useful thing to draw up - I know you wouldn't have many pigs at once, but if someone had a family of 3 it could be hard to remember everything.

notsorichandnotsofamous

I too think its a great idea.
We have 4 guinea pigs (got 2 in December and 2 in March) and to be honest I think one of the reasons I have decided not to go on holiday this year is because I wouldn't like to leave the piggies with someone who doesn't have a clue about them.