Quote:
Originally Posted by ArmaniMan  Sounds pretty good and good pet sitters are in high demand... one thing that jumped out though- did you mean you would have 15 clients per day? I would honestly not be happy if I knew my sitter had so many other clients at one time... I like that she gives my dogs so much time and attention if she had so many other animals to get to they would never get enough time. |
No, I couldn't handle 15 dogs per day on my own! It was just an estimate more or less, and if I had someone to help me. Hehe. But I know some people may not need EVERY day, or some may just need a weekend... some may just want a 10 minute visit, some may want an hour etc.
For start up purposes, I'd probably set my goal at 5-7 dogs per day and see how I handle it.
I did 3 dogs 5 days a week for over 2 years and definitely could have added more, but was scared to because of school schedule, and taking on more than I could handle, etc. Plus I want to be insured and established when taking on new clients and was doing it for a pretty low rate.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Maximo Check out your local Small Business Administration offices and regional business development groups. They offer free advisory services. I worked with both over the past 2 years putting my business together. It's good to establish a relationship with them and make contacts.
They can help you write a business plan and really think things through. |
Thank you!! Good advice.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mom to Hot Rod Brit, I think if you are passionate about this, and it sounds like you are, go for it!
I used a petsitter for my 2 cats many years ago, about 10 years and she charged me $12 a day to come and check up on them and clean out the litter box. She would also get my mail and turn various lights on and off so it look as though someone was home--which I thought was a great touch.
I didn't think $12 was out of line at all. I got her name from both my vets office, at the time (in Severna Park) and some of the yellow page directory, not the regular phone book. I don't remember what it was but I think it was all pet related.
She was wonderful and one time I had an family emergency where we had to fly out of town that very night and she was very accomodating and made special arrangements to squeeze me in. At that time, she was working along with maybe the help of her daughter from time to time.
I would probably suggest starting out small and alone until you really get a good feel and then look at adding another person. I'm one of those people who am very leary of allowing people access into my home. I want to make sure of who is coming in and who has access. When I had a cleaning service, they didn't even have a key. I would be home and working in the office while they were in my home. Just something to think about. Good luck with it if you decide to pursue this.
BTW, Congrats on getting your cause on Conner Cares passed thru legislation. I saw the story on the news the other night. You and your family must be so proud as you should be. |
Thanks Bo! When I was doing it on my own, I was charging $12 a day for 30 minutes. Which is realllyyy low comparing to most other pet sitting companies around here. My first client I was still charging only $10 per day and never changed or increased rates.
And thank you! We have been working sooo hard on Connor Cares. We had a meeting with QA County on Monday and will have a public hearing in August!