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07-05-2012, 06:14 AM | #1 |
Action Jackson ♥ Donating Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Maryland
Posts: 17,814
| Pet Sitting Business Start-Up Basically, I did dog walking "on the side" for the past 4 years. It started just watching family friends dogs and eventually... I responded to a few ads on care.com and got the jobs. They were always very happy with me and I had 3-4 clients that I would visit on a daily basis 5 days a week. I stopped in January and they were all upset to lose me, but understood, as I was going to school during the week almost an hour away so it would've been impossible to keep it up. However, I really really miss it. And I really think I could make a career out of it and it be something I'm passionate about and make money doing. I've never come up with anything else that I would be good at, or semi-enjoy doing, or whatever. It's something I've always struggled with. But this time I would do it right. Get my LLC, get bonded/insured, get Pet CPR Certified, and take any other certifications, etc, that would look good. This area particularly is very dog friendly and people love their pets so I know I could build up a nice clientele if I worked hard enough (possibly getting back my previous ones too). I also know sooo many people in this area (or everyone knows our family, more like it). There's some really high up neighborhoods too near my house where I could market myself. I did some math last night just for approximations... and with charging $15 per day (which is very low for this area, but I figured since it's just an approx) for a 30 minute visit 5 days a week for 15 different clients... equals out to $58,500/year. That's of course not including any weekend customers or over-nights. I also will be forever running my brother's non-profit foundation and can legally pay myself a salary once we get it a lot bigger, so I will plan on having that too. I work my butt off on the foundation. I still need to do the research and determine proper pricing. But most I've seen charge at minimum $20 per day for a 30 minute walk but I want to keep my fees a bit lower than others. Also, how do I deal w/ weekends/overnighters? I'm not sure if I should even offer at it first. The only reason I did weekends and overnights with my other clients is because their dogs got along with Jackson and I was able to bring him. I don't want to be unprofessional and basically be like "well I have to bring MY dog if you want me to watch your dog overnight" lol. So I'm thinking, until I am able to get a helper or back-up person, overnighters will mostly be on a case-by-case basis with the clients I'm close with and know, and who don't mind him coming over. I also wouldn't mind watching someones dog in my home if they wanted that. But not sure how to handle that in general. Also, how do you go about finding a person who could be an emergency/backup type person? Should I try to find someone right away that I can essentially hire? Or get it up and running on my own first and THEN deal with that? Also, what would you look for in a pet sitter? I was considering offering pet photography on the side, though I still have lots of room to improve with my photography... my previous clients loved when I would bring my camera and take pictures of their dogs and give them to them. I thought it could be a unique little side-service. Any help, advice, words of wisdom, or anything is appreciated.
__________________ ~ Brit & Lights! Camera! Jackson! CGC ETD TKP ~ Follow Jackson on Instagram: https://instagram.com/jacksontheterrier |
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07-05-2012, 06:26 AM | #2 |
Cedric♥Lola♥Keylo Donating Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Gilford, NH, USA
Posts: 9,209
| i think you might want to wait on an additional person until you get up and running. that way you dont have to worry about paying someone when you havent got work for them to do. i think the photos is a great add on idea. as for the extra person you need someone who is passionate about dogs just like you. good luck sounds like you know what you want and how to start going after it!!wishing you tons of success.
__________________ Cedric N Lola N Keylo RIP Punkee Princess |
07-05-2012, 06:27 AM | #3 |
Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: South Florida
Posts: 8,008
| all I can say... 1st -- it seams you have thought this out very well 2nd-- OH HOW I WISHED YOU LIVED NEAR ME If I am in desperate need can I ship my three to you lol 3rd-- I have no dought you will do well. My dh has acustomer that have pet sitting company/service and she is doing really really well.. sadly she is out of my price range though..and service an area that is really upper crust. GOOD LUCK
__________________ Shinja mom to Remy lil Sis to Bailey and Sammy |
07-05-2012, 07:00 AM | #4 |
T. Bumpkins & Co. Donating YT Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: New England
Posts: 9,816
| Brit, I've been using petsitters for 9 years - I have a lot to say about this topic - ill PM you tonight and share my experiences. I can't type it all from my phone LOL
__________________ Washable Doggie Pee Pads (Save 10% Enter YTSAVE10 at checkout) Cathy, Teddy, Winston and Baby Clyde...RIP angels Barney and Daisy |
07-05-2012, 07:36 AM | #5 |
Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Where the deer and the antelope play
Posts: 7,069
| There's a pet sitting service advertising pretty heavily in my area I have been considering using if I need to be away from home. It sounds like you are looking at regular daily clients, but what about the service for vacations or day trips where owners can't be there to let their pets out while they are away? I would want someone to come twice a day but not necessarily an overnight stay. BTW, I think you'll do great at this and with your brother's foundation background you have a good idea of the business aspects involved.
__________________ Shelly and the girls Moka Mylee |
07-05-2012, 08:02 AM | #6 |
I♥PeekTinkySaph&Finny Donating Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Posts: 18,865
| Wow! Good Luck! I think you'll do fine. Ever consider becoming (lol) a dog trainer? Maybe even offer grooming services on the side (bath and brush, nail clipping, ear cleaning)?
__________________ Kat Chloe Lizzy PeekABooTinkerbell SapphireInfinity Last edited by kjc; 07-05-2012 at 08:03 AM. |
07-05-2012, 08:20 AM | #7 |
I ♥ Joey & Ralphie! Donating Member | I totally agree you should do something you love. If you are continuing your education, I’d strongly recommend your taking classes in psychology on learning and motivation. Different schools may have different names, but it’s basically behaviorism. Very helpful, if you ever want to become a dog trainer; I really see you as this. Also, classes in business never hurt anyone! Next, I would look into your liabilities. Talk with an insurance person, about what your liabilities could be and what your insurance costs would be. One thing I’m concerned with is I know you believe that our dogs are being “over vaccinated” and this is true of some dogs, however other dogs have had no vaccines and may have diseases they could pass along to another dog. You need to figure out what your policy will be. Will they need some proof of initial vaccines? Will they need some proof of visiting a vet for a health check? For example, many boarding facilities require that a dog must have a bordetella vaccine and the main reason for this is to reduce their liabilities. Best of luck!
__________________ NancyJoey Proud members of the CrAzYcLuB and YAP! ** Just Say No to Puppymills – Join YAP! Yorkshire Terrier Club of America – Breeder Referrals Last edited by Nancy1999; 07-05-2012 at 08:21 AM. |
07-05-2012, 08:25 AM | #8 |
YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Northern Virginia
Posts: 3,609
| That's a great plan!!!! Plus you're fairly close to me.... I've got 2 pups that I've been afraid to leave in anyones care, but I know I would trust a fellow yorkie owner like you .
__________________ Sarah Sophia & Brody |
07-05-2012, 08:36 AM | #9 |
♥ Maximo and Teddy Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Northern Virginia
Posts: 25,041
| I love the added photography option. That would be a nice touch. When figuring costs and necessary income, don't forget the price of gas for your commute, and taxes, lots of taxes. Minimum 15% for SS and Medicare alone.
__________________ Kristin, Max and Teddy |
07-05-2012, 08:56 AM | #10 |
Donating YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Los Angeles, California, USA
Posts: 12,693
| What about getting a AA in math (accounting) or business. You are building a business, and you might benefit from that knowledge. Once you get up and running, I'll hire you as a consultant. My friend and I want to open a doggy daycare.
__________________ Littlest JakJak We miss you Kaji |
07-05-2012, 09:31 AM | #11 |
YT 2000 Club Donating Member | What a wonderful idea. Take a course for the small business owner, is always a good thing. Communications is so key in any business your in, but particularly a people service business. 1. BAck up person should you be ill/unwell,your vacation time etc. First I would suggest if you have not already talked to some "professional dog walkers" that would be a good first start. Try to get to know the business from the inside out as it where. Develop a good list of questions you would like to ask them. And there might be an arrangement you can make with someone. 2. There are all sorts of things to think about - like will you accept large dogs? How many dogs large n small can you comfortably and securely walk at one time. Maybe you could only once a week a day trip for several dogs whose owners are willing to take the pups swimming (Dad's pool?). What will be your rules to acccept a dog for walking? You will need to develop an application form What will be your hours? Cancellation charges when customers cancel on you? Will you want to offer monthly packages? ie - Commit the client to a month's worth of your services? Liability Issues for sure - what are they? What will the Insurance be? Will you need to update your car? Or at least buy some protective covering for the back seat. That is if you will be taking dogs in the car with you. How will your customers pay you? cheque, cash, paypal, charge card? 3. This may be old news to you, but it does really work well. Develop a five year, and a 10 year plan. After five years where do you want to be in the business? Income, employees? Ten years down the road? It is not just about $numbers, but more qualitative goals. If you are going to be on your feet a whole lot, look at your shoewear. You will need some good quality shoes, and a couple of pairs of them. I definitely see you involved in training. Maybe that can also be something to look into - get certified by what-ever is a good reputable agency in your state. Oh I am so excited for you. You go girl!
__________________ Razzle and Dara. Our clan. RIP Karma Dec 24th 2004-July 14 2013 RIP Zoey Jun9 th 2008-May 12 2012. RIP Magic,Mar 26 2006July 1st 2018 |
07-05-2012, 09:48 AM | #12 |
YT 2000 Club Donating Member | Oh I forgot to add, that I paid $60 an hour, for a very experienced person to walk Magic. I needed some-one with a working dog training background, who would always keep him under control, and work his obedience commands during the walks. From the consumer side of things: I wanted him insured. I did go out with him on two walks to see how he handled Magic. Which by the way I paid for,and was glad to do. He was also assessed by my trainer, and coached in how to handle this big boy. BTW if my trainer said, umm no, not experienced enough, or competent enough, he wouldn't be walking my boy. I would expect the person to show up on time, and to give a full hour's worth of exercise. If the person was going to be "late", I would expect a phone message or a text message to let me know. I also expected and "paid" for Magic to be walked alone. That is only him on the lead with the walker. After a time, when I became very confident with the person, he was allowed to take Magic to our leashfree Cherry Beach for swimming. On those days this happened I paid for more than 1hr-travel time to and fro the beach. I provided the vet phone number and address. Also the location of all "vet emergency hospitals" in our area. Clear instructions on what to do. Don't wait to reach me; just get to closest emergency hospital or my vet. I expected to be told, if Magic had diarehea or anything unusual with his elimination. In summer, I expected the dog walker to carry water, and always an extra lead and collar. At any time of year, I expected Magic's pads to be checked. Heavy dogs, chasing toys, can often literally sheer off the skin of the pad. Also he was walking in parks and conservation areas so burrs can attach to the paw and hair on the foot. Anyhow these were some of the things I expected.
__________________ Razzle and Dara. Our clan. RIP Karma Dec 24th 2004-July 14 2013 RIP Zoey Jun9 th 2008-May 12 2012. RIP Magic,Mar 26 2006July 1st 2018 |
07-05-2012, 09:56 AM | #13 | ||
Action Jackson ♥ Donating Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Maryland
Posts: 17,814
| Quote:
The thing is - I know I can do it, since I did it before, but on a smaller scale and it wasn't as "professional". Quote:
Thanks, can't wait to see what you have to say!
__________________ ~ Brit & Lights! Camera! Jackson! CGC ETD TKP ~ Follow Jackson on Instagram: https://instagram.com/jacksontheterrier | ||
07-05-2012, 10:02 AM | #14 | |||
Action Jackson ♥ Donating Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Maryland
Posts: 17,814
| Quote:
Quote:
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As far as vaccines... I'll definitely look into it. Since I'll be going into peoples homes, I'm not too worried about it. If I was running a daycare facility-type place, I think it would be different. But for my own sake, if I get bit, etc, I definitely want to make sure their UTD on rabies.
__________________ ~ Brit & Lights! Camera! Jackson! CGC ETD TKP ~ Follow Jackson on Instagram: https://instagram.com/jacksontheterrier | |||
07-05-2012, 10:07 AM | #15 | |||
Action Jackson ♥ Donating Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Maryland
Posts: 17,814
| Quote:
Quote:
Luckily, the initial start-up isn't *terribly* expensive from what I've seen about in-home pet sitting businesses. I found this on insurance: Pet Sitting Insurance USA Comparison Chart, Dog Walking and Pet Sitter Liability Taxes do suck, don't they? Quote:
That would be Awesome if you opened a doggy daycare!! I couldn't decide if I would rather do that, or have in-home sitting... I picked going to peoples homes because I feel like it's what I know and less start up costs, but I think owning a doggy daycare would be awesome. Good luck! Keep me posted on you!
__________________ ~ Brit & Lights! Camera! Jackson! CGC ETD TKP ~ Follow Jackson on Instagram: https://instagram.com/jacksontheterrier | |||
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