Dog Walking/Pet Minding

marlot

I've been helping my dog walker turn his hobby into a business. In addition to the items raised, I would be asking whether my dog walker had done any canine first aid courses. Also, is your car properly fitted out with cages and with some form of ventilation.

Mojisola

marlot wrote: »

In addition to the items raised, I would be asking whether my dog walker had done any canine first aid courses. Also, is your car properly fitted out with cages and with some form of ventilation.

And an emergency contact who can come and collect the dogs and deal with them if something happens to you so that they aren't left in a vehicle in the sun.

Flyonthewall

marlot wrote: »

I've been helping my dog walker turn his hobby into a business. In addition to the items raised, I would be asking whether my dog walker had done any canine first aid courses. Also, is your car properly fitted out with cages and with some form of ventilation.

Far as I know the people currently walking them haven't, but it's possible they have. I certainly haven't though and I don't like First Aid things

I have dog bars in my car. I doubt I could fit a cage in. Even for a short journey, I don't think I'd want to take more than 1 medium dog or 2 little dogs. There just isn't room in my car. However, the company know this so I don't know what will happen regarding that.

If, as being self-employed, they expect me to sort it I just won't be walking any big dogs or larger groups if a car is needed.

Flyonthewall

Mojisola wrote: »

And an emergency contact who can come and collect the dogs and deal with them if something happens to you so that they aren't left in a vehicle in the sun.

Well I suppose the contact would be the business.

Mojisola

It doesn't sound as if there's a clear separation between their role and your role and the related responsibilities.

In your position, I'd want a meeting with them to go through exactly what happens when a client contacts them, what paperwork is exchanged, what is their responsibility and what is yours, etc.

While everything is running smoothly, it's easy for things not to be done properly. When something goes wrong, everyone will be looking for someone to blame. If the paperwork is done properly and basic risk assessments are carried out and acted on, you can protect yourself.

Mojisola

Flyonthewall wrote: »

Well I suppose the contact would be the business.

So if you've got my dog with you and trip over and break your ankle and get carted off to hospital, you suppose the business owners will look after my dog?

Flyonthewall

Mojisola wrote: »

It doesn't sound as if there's a clear separation between their role and your role and the related responsibilities.

In your position, I'd want a meeting with them to go through exactly what happens when a client contacts them, what paperwork is exchanged, what is their responsibility and what is yours, etc.

While everything is running smoothly, it's easy for things not to be done properly. When something goes wrong, everyone will be looking for someone to blame. If the paperwork is done properly and basic risk assessments are carried out and acted on, you can protect yourself.

When a client contacts them the company would get the details off them and pass on what I need to know I believe. No clue how much paperwork there is though.

Indeed.

Caroline_a

Flyonthewall wrote: »

Far as I know the people currently walking them haven't, but it's possible they have. I certainly haven't though and I don't like First Aid things

I have dog bars in my car. I doubt I could fit a cage in. Even for a short journey, I don't think I'd want to take more than 1 medium dog or 2 little dogs. There just isn't room in my car. However, the company know this so I don't know what will happen regarding that.

If, as being self-employed, they expect me to sort it I just won't be walking any big dogs or larger groups if a car is needed.

I'm not sure this job is for you to be honest. When does a dog become a big dog? A Labrador? A German Shepherd? And what size German Shepherd - my friend's female is around 38kg, my big neutered male is 54kg. So that would be a no then. Also if you don't like 'First Aid things' what are you going to do if there's a dogfight? To make any sort of money you will need to be walking at least 3 dogs at a time and it doesn't sound as if your car is suitable for that. You are limiting your options so much that I doubt if you will earn anything more than a bit of pocket money!

Flyonthewall

Mojisola wrote: »

So if you've got my dog with you and trip over and break your ankle and get carted off to hospital, you suppose the business owners will look after my dog?

Well I'd probably just faint if that happened

I'm not good with anything medical and the company know that. Does make me worry though because if something like that should happen I've no idea how things would work out.

I mean, even if I didn't faint, I could let go of the lead or it may have already been running around. With a broken ankle I probably couldn't get it back. It's hard to say what a dog will do though. Some may just keep running nearby, some may come over to you and others may run off.

Mojisola

Flyonthewall wrote: »

When a client contacts them the company would get the details off them and pass on what I need to know I believe. No clue how much paperwork there is though.

Time to find out and find out what responsibilities you are taking on.