Getting Into the Growing Business of Pet-Sitting
by Gianna Lazarou
If you love of animals, then you can turn your fondness into something that’s profitable. Baby-sitting service may be familiar to you, but this time you won’t take care of babies or toddlers – you would baby-sit pets!
Almost every household has pets at home. You are not only confined into taking care of dogs and cats, there maybe times that “pets” means rabbits, reptiles, house pigs or what have you. Simply put, pet sitting is taking care of someone else’s pet whenever they’re not around to take care of them themselves. Come to think of it, who would want to keep their pets locked up in a kennel? Besides, there is no assurance that pets are kept safe if they are left alone. Because of such situations, there’s a growing need for pet-sitters.
Pet-sitting service includes feeding them, or bathing them if so needed. Make sure to give them pills or other supplements they may need if they are under medication. Your task may also include cleaning their litter box. Above all, your most important task is to take care of them and give them a big helping of some
 tender loving care.
Make sure that you personally meet your clients before accepting a pet-sitting job. Familiarize yourself with the pet and ask your client things that are of importance like which particular food they eat or any medications you should give their pets. Listen attentively to your client’s instructions.
If you’ve been a pet sitter for some time now, then you can go ahead and start a small pet sitting service in your own neighborhood. It takes just a minimal investment. It would cost you $200 at a minimum. There are three basic things that you should pay for: advertising, insurance and transportation. Talk to a reliable accountant to explain to you tax laws that may be applicable to this kind of business.
To add credibility and professionalism to your pet-sitting service, make sure that you are bonded. This simply means that you should have an insurance policy that may cover for any liability that you may cause while inside your client’s home. If you happen to break something inside their house, your insurance company should pay for it. But take note that most insurance would not cover for
any physical damage that you may cause your client’s pets while under your care. Insurance may cost you around $100-$500 per year. It is worth the cost, most people would take you as someone reliable and credible if you are insured.
Transportation can also be quite an expense on your part. Keep a record of the miles you traveled, gas and car expenses. These operating costs are tax deductible.
Start by giving away flyers and business cards to people you know with pets. The places that should have your posters are veterinary clinics, pet shops and grocery stores. It pays to have a good rapport with veterinarians around your neighborhood. Remember to keep your phone lines open at all times to take in inquiries. If your business boomed, then you might need to buy an additional business line and an answering machine. In this kind of business communication is top priority.
Pet sitting is a relatively easy business to start. All you really need is a genuine love for animals. If you adore animals then everything will flow our natural from you, including a nice flow of cash!
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