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Have Your Own Business as Pet Sitters
by Susan Wong
Published on this site: February 8th, 2006 - See
more articles from this month
Pet sitting can be a rewarding job but can also be tiring.
If you are interested in making your own business as a pet
sitter, here are answers to most frequently Asked Questions
about this career.
- What does a pet sitter do?
What he/she is responsible for? Pet sitters care for your
pet just as a baby sitter cares for your children. While
most pets do not demand the same amount of supervision and
care that a child does every pet has a certain amount of
physical requirements as well as social needs. What is necessary
for your pet will depend on the personality as well as species
you are looking to have cared for.
In addition, pet sitters perform a variety of tasks. They
may simply check the food and water supply of your animal.
Dogs may require a walk while cats and caged animals may
need their litter boxes cleaned or the papers changed. If
you have an exotic animal or bird you should look for specialized
services that can adequately meet the needs of your pet.
With pet sitters, your pet will be allowed to stay in its
own environment without the stress of travel or new accommodations.
Pet sitters will follow the schedule your animal is use
to and the diet it is accustomed to. Pet sitters also provide
the one-on-one attention your pet will be missing when you're
away.
- What does a pet sitter cost?
You can expect to pay at least $15-25 for a daily visit
of 30 minutes - possibly more if you require the sitter
to walk your dog. Usually the cost for multiple animals
is only a few dollars more per animal. If you need the sitter
to stay overnight you will probably pay $50 or more. Holiday
visits (during the day or overnight) will have an increased
rate.
Please note that rates will vary according to region and
specialty. Some pet sitters will visit twice a day or include
other tasks, such as collecting the mail, with their pet
sitting services.
- How do I find a pet sitter?
You may find a pet sitter listing in your phone book or
online. You can also ask friends, groomers and veterinarians
for referrals.
It is wise to only hire pet sitters who are bonded and insured
since they will not only be responsible for caring for your
pet but must be trusted in your home and with your belongings.
Even when trust is not an issue the sitter will be responsible
for being respectful of your home and properly securing
your home when leaving.
- What do I have to do to become a pet sitter?
It depends on where you live you may have to have a business
license to operate a pet sitting business. It is also important
to acquire bonding and insurance, not only for the possibility
of negligence but to assure customers of your professionalism.
While you do not need experience to start your own business
you will need to research businesses in the area and talk
to groomers, vets and others about the market. It is important
to be organized and take your business seriously - others
are depending on you. Use contracts to establish the tasks
and costs agreed to and keep paperwork and schedules organized.
Susan Wong maintains many interesting contractor websites,
including
http://www.roofingcontractorsecrets.info
, and http://www.eczemasolutions.info
. Please visit her websites and read more useful articles.
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