Is a petsitting service financially a good idea?

sterl1ng

As an adoring owner of 3 cats and feeling a sense of calm around the animal kingdom, I'm starting to think whether to have my own business as a pet/catsitter here in London. Only thing is I'd still be working full time at my job and this would really be, (not only my passion) a second income.

But I wonder whether its possible to make anything from it and if anyone here has done or does it for a living and if its rewarding?

At my work there are two fellow cat owners whom i could reach out to but only as freebie as I don't think my compliance department would allow it as they are in bank I work.

Plus if I get a second income I need to get approval from my compliance side here first! So much red tape!!!

picklepick

I have just closed my pet company because I'm pregnant and moving.

What hours do you work?
Do you mean sitting in your own home or going to otheres?

sterl1ng

I work a typical 9-5 day on fulltime basis.

I mean going to others homes. I don't think my 3 cats would appreciate me bringing in other cats!

picklepick

Ok.
Look at how many established companies there are in your area. If there's already loads, it's a non-starter.
I'd visit cats once in the morning and again in the evening. On more than one occassion I've had to take a cat off to the vet. Would you be able to do that and get time off work?
You need public liability insurance from a pet company specialist. Mine covered animals in transit, dogs in my care, damage to other people and property, loss of keys. You absolutely must have this!

You must register with HMRC as self employed, complete a self assessment every year and pay the relevant tax every year.

Once you've factored all that in, plus the cost of transport on each visit, I don't see that it's viable on a part-time basis.

gettingready

As an owner of 4 cats.... I would not have someone who has a full time job looking after them when/if I go away

I do not normally go away but if I do.. pet sitter comes in 2 times per day for the cats and dog goes for home stay/boarding (in the house, never in kennels) with another person who has a dog walking/sitting business as her only job.

Sorry but as above - if something happened when I am away - I need to be sure the pet sitter will spot it on time and get the pet to the vets (that are open normal office hours) on time so someone who has a full time job would be a no.. sorry

sterl1ng

I guess its a no no then, thanks guys

gettingready

You coulk always offer weekend cat sitting... when you are off work yourself?

Have a look on Gumtree in your part of London in pet sitters dog walkers section - see how many advertise this type of service?

My part of London (East) a lot..

sterl1ng

i'm east london too. Yes I did think only on weekends as i'd probably be knackered after work. but probably given teh insurance and everything else to consider I should just leave it as not worth.

gettingready

Why dont; you have a look at local agencies websites, there is a lot of them round East London, will give you some ideas perhaps...

I was using a dog walker for few years, one with all the bells and whistles but recently could not afford those prices (£10.00 per hour) and found a local lady who is happy to take my dog out at lunchtime with her dog for half the money I was peying before.

She has been walking my girl for a while now and I think we are all very happy with the arrangement.

gingin_2

I know our cat sitter works as a full time vet nurse and then comes out to us in the the early evening. For me, it's perfect. She charges £8 per visit but is not in London. She also waters plants and put out bins which is a huge draw for us over other sitters.