Money Moral Dilemma: Should we start charging our friends for looking after their dog?

Lizrobson

No, I don't think you can do that. I would raise the subject that you are finding the dog sitting rather demanding and see what they say.

amibovvered

MinnieCooper55 wrote: »

If you start charging, you will need a council licence. This came in with the new Animal Welfare Act. So be careful. /QUOTE]

No, you don't. Income of under £1000 per year does not constitute a business under the Act therefore does not need a licence. One dog a couple of days a week would surely not be this much.

That said, I'm inclined to agree with those who say 'don't charge a friend'.

For the one who said they pay £16 for kennelling, home boarding is vastly more expensive than kennelling - last time I enquired for my dog, it was about £25-30 per night. My local kennels charge about £14 per night.

JayD

If you are not enjoying having their dog on a daily basis, then why charge them and keep on having it? Just talk to them and explain how you really don't want to take on that responsibility - or be tied down by it.

If you do enjoy looking after their dog, then the charge you have suggested seems rather mean! I don't think you intend to be mean or money grubbing - rather that you are beginning to feel that you are being taken advantage of and would like a more stable arrangement, rather than an ad hoc token 'thank you' gift.

I agree with other contributors here that you need to discuss the situation and your feelings with your friends.

BUT I think you should sort out just exactly what is upsetting you first and then explain it to them clearly-

the feeling of being taken advantage of (as this is a situation that grew, rather than being agreed upon)?

the feeling of being tied down and being unhappy with the responsibility?

or maybe your desire just to make a bit of pin money out of it?

crmism

If these people are genuinely your friends, I begin to wonder why they had a dog in the first place if they both work full-time. Either they take the dog with them, or don't have a dog at all. The poor creature, which might have cost many hundreds of pounds, must be left wondering exactly who its owner really is.

They're certainly taking advantage of your generosity if all they're doing is making an occasional gift, but I think professional sitters charge what they do as it must include an element of insurance against a variety of potential claims, eg poisoning, attacks and accidents.

Explain to your friends that looking after the dog is becoming a bit of a burden, even financially, and suggest a charge of £15 per week, which is only £3 per day. If the dog cost as much as it probably did, they should be able to afford that without batting an eyelid.

canadabob

Markie76 I can't remember when you could buy a pint (not water) for £3 in London...!!! :beer:

Thank gawd we don't all pay London prices Markie, I called in one of the local pubs this afternoon and paid £1.50 for a pint, Samuel Smith's pubs have a pint of bitter on for £1.40 a pint of dark mild for £1.35.

Looks like there's a massive difference between prices "up North" for that read Lancashire, I think I'd rather spit feathers than pay a fiver for a pint :beer:

LameWolf

Presumably you enjoy the dog's company? If not, stop doing it immediately, as the dog will pick up on your dissatisfaction.

I also assume the owners are providing his/her food, treats etc?

If it's becoming too much, or too often, just say "no I'm sorry I can't do that occasion" or whatever when it's inconvenient.

I am a carer with a dog-sitting service myself, having other peoples' dogs to stay in my home; what our company charges, booking fee (which the company gets) plus carer's fee (which I get) totals around £20 per day (it varies a little by region, and there's a discount for online booking).

I have to be licenced by the council, which is not required for a friend doing a favour (but might be if you charge - you'd have to check on that, as it varies council to council); and there is insurance included (all dealt with by the company), which presumably will not be the case for a friend doing a favour.

But the pleasure I get from having the dogs here far outweighs the payment; the money is a nice-to-have side-effect for me.

harrassed_granny

I have a feeling you may be thinking they are taking advantage of the situation and taking your good deed for granted? Friends or not I think they should have offered to pay you a little something and they should also be checking its still okay. My dog is part of my family and very precious so I would definitely make 100 per cent sure everyone is happy with the arrangement!

chucknorris

We might start having the odd week holiday abroad and leave our dog with friends who have offered, they think that they will be doing it for nothing as a favour, but I will give them £250 for the week. I know even though they like him, it will compromise their lifestyle a bit, and I don't want to take advantage. I won't put him in kennels because I want him to be in a place where he will be appreciated and liked (if not loved).

hammer1964

3 years ago i got drunk and offered to look after my mates cat whilst he went on holiday with his wife i stay at his very nice house he stocks the fridge and bar has sky sports and the cat is no problem at all to look after it's a win win for both of us occasionally he will give me some money but i see it as helping a mate out and it doesn't stop me from doing what i want and when we go abroad to play golf i get a card wishing me a good time and inside are some euros like i say win win it all depends on how you view the people friends or just acquaintances?