Help but don't judge please

shegirl

If you build up a good base there is no reason you couldn't get yourself enough money dog walking,perhaps adding in checking up and feeding pets while owners are away or at work etc. It's a valuable thing to pet owners.

I don't think there's such a thing as 'a degree in dogs'? And degrees are pretty useless with most animal care,unless you are planning to be a vet (zoological and conservation stuff won't include dogs)

ab1982

No advice from me, sorry don't know what to say but I can see how unhappy you are by reading your post and wanted to wish you luck.

What kind of dogs?

TattyG

I have a friend who does dog walking and she does great from it - Started walking, then got a boarding license and now going into doggy day care and a proper doggy nursery (!) She started off small but it has built up so quick - people adore their dogs and want the best for them so are willing to pay for that. She regularly has 12 dogs or so with her.

The point is, she had to start somewhere and that point was walking her friends dogs - she was so good that word spread Get yourself on FB advertising dog walking and the pet feeding while owners away (great idea!) this way you can start building a name for yourself and gaining experience x

TattyG

Forgot to add - she also trains the dogs and judging by your post this is also something you could offer Loads of scope, just need to work at it.

Once you have money coming in, you can look at a little house or flat to rent.

Good luck xx

Caroline_a

There are one or two people who have advised caution to going into any new venture - I actually don't agree with this. For people who love dogs, there's nothing better for peace of mind and relaxation as a long walk with a dog or 6. It's not like a 'normal job', it's more of a vocation, and I think that starting a venture like this would be just what the OP needs.

Go with your heart!

TBagpuss

Although you want to leave the area you may need to take this in 'baby steps', and think about moving out of your parents home first, and then moving on from there. The amount of help you will get towards rent is linked to the (lowers end of) average rents in the area so you won't get more , in real terms, by moving somewhere with low rents.

I second the suggestion to look at voluntary work as a first step - maybe a local dogs home would be the place to start. You would be able to gain experience is working with dogs and also to build up contacts, and might be in a good position to then apply for any paid jobs which come up.

You could also think about other types of work involving animals - for example, working as a cleaner or receptionist at a vets practice.

With both of these you are more likely to be able to have your own dogs with you t work hen you would with most jobs, and you may be able to make connections with people looking for a lodger or tenant.

Talk to your local housing office about your entitlement in terms of housing benefit and any support in getting independent housing. Also talk to your GP and to any specialist who provides you with treatment - living with your parents affects your health then a letter from your doctor or psychiatrist confirming this won't automatically get you a flat but may help you to be placed in a higher 'band' in terms of priority need for housing.

I do think that trying to find housing where you an have two dogs is going to be difficult, particularly if you are also in receipt of benefits - are they big dogs?

Are you familiar with Emmaus? (http://www.emmaus.org.uk/) it might be worth contacting them to see whether they might be able to help you

brokennotbent

I understand where you're coming from but I'm not getting back into the medical world, trust me I guess there is too much other stuff for you to understand and I need to sort this myself. And now you're saying I cant move out the area - great trapped. FWIW, the degree is one of its kind and graduates now work at high levels for Dogs Trust etc, my dream is to be a trainer for Canine Partners or the like, but they do require paper work as well as hands-on, which I have plenty of, with my own and training courses I've done.

shegirl

brokennotbent wrote: »

I understand where you're coming from but I'm not getting back into the medical world, trust me I guess there is too much other stuff for you to understand and I need to sort this myself. And now you're saying I cant move out the area - great trapped. FWIW, the degree is one of its kind and graduates now work at high levels for Dogs Trust etc, my dream is to be a trainer for Canine Partners or the like, but they do require paper work as well as hands-on, which I have plenty of, with my own and training courses I've done.

Do you mean in degree in 'Canine Behaviour' (which most trainers don't take)? As opposed to a general 'degree in dogs'

And surely for a degree you can get a student loan rather than paying for it yourself? If not, I wouldn't touch it to be honest, not at undergrad level!

brokennotbent

I cant get a student loan, as already got one owing nearly £30K. And I cant move out and stay in the same area as them. No they're medium sized (Spaniels), and wow £10 for 30 mins, no-one round here would pay that.

teddysmum

Here's a possible thing to try:


A few years back a large independent rescue wanted someone to live onsite, in a caravan, but free of charge, in exchange for help with the animals (mainly dogs and cats).


There are a number of such rescues, based out in the countryside, so with space for a caravan, so it may be worth contacting a few saying what you can offer and asking if they can help.


The Dogpages (for rescues) forum is frequented by many reputable rescues,so have a look on there.