What do you think of pet sitting service???

[daisy mae06]

Originally Posted by omega

That would be cool if you could get it going!! It would be a great change of pace.

How far do you think you will travel to do it??? MN, maybe?

Personally, I am paranoid - so I wouldn't hire someone to be alone in my house or with my babies - that I didn't know or trust. Like I said, I'm just paranoid of things happening. I'm not sure what I'll do if I have to go somewhere and can't take the gang along.... I probably should start thinking of that before I need it!

I really hope you can make it happen. Wouldn't it be nice to have a job that you enjoy doing????

Sure Teri I'll Come on up any time

Oh and If I do Do this I will be bonded and insured for any problems.

[daisy mae06]

Originally Posted by Ladylavender

I have considered using a pet service. But I have issues too. I worry about the reliability of the person, whether the person will steal from me, or use stuff I don't want them using. Leave the house a mess, know how to operate the TV, really pay attention to Millie, ect. I just have problems with having a complete stranger in my house (and they would be until you got to know them)without me being there, let alone leaving Millie in their care.

I don't know what assurances someone would give me that could take me over my "issues" hump and allow me to begin using such a service. Because if the price is right, I surely would like the option of such a service, but won't go there because of my "issues".

I only say this, so you understand that there are people like me out there and you may have to address this type of person and how to reach them (mentally) so that you can do business with them.

Thank you for your input any and all are wecome.
I am intouch with one of the Sitters in Omaha and she is being really helpful

[Morkie4]

It sounds like it is an alternative opportunity that would be fun if the expense (insurance/bonding/license, etc) didn't boggle you down and make it a pain rather than fun and enjoyable! Self-employment is difficult with the taxes......I did house cleaning for a while and had to pay quarterly taxes. I needed no insurance or bonding or anything (this was years ago). But things are different today!

Just throwing some things out there for you to think about!

[daisy mae06]

Originally Posted by Morkie4

It sounds like it is an alternative opportunity that would be fun if the expense (insurance/bonding/license, etc) didn't boggle you down and make it a pain rather than fun and enjoyable! Self-employment is difficult with the taxes......I did house cleaning for a while and had to pay quarterly taxes. I needed no insurance or bonding or anything (this was years ago). But things are different today!

Just throwing some things out there for you to think about!

Thank you Carol I know the hubby said nothing that will have me driving all over. I guess we'll see.

[Morkie4]

Originally Posted by daisy mae06

Thank you Carol I know the hubby said nothing that will have me driving all over. I guess we'll see.

Yea, it's hard to pick clients that only live close by and make a "living" at it. And I think most would rather you stop in and check on their pooches than stay in their home. I am in a great position with friends that live less than five minutes from me. They have three chi pups and so we swap dog/house sitting. I only have the two but mine need more care with the long hair!! LOL

[Sukoshi's Mom]

Originally Posted by Ladylavender

I have considered using a pet service. But I have issues too. I worry about the reliability of the person, whether the person will steal from me, or use stuff I don't want them using. Leave the house a mess, know how to operate the TV, really pay attention to Millie, ect. I just have problems with having a complete stranger in my house (and they would be until you got to know them)without me being there, let alone leaving Millie in their care.

I don't know what assurances someone would give me that could take me over my "issues" hump and allow me to begin using such a service. Because if the price is right, I surely would like the option of such a service, but won't go there because of my "issues".

I only say this, so you understand that there are people like me out there and you may have to address this type of person and how to reach them (mentally) so that you can do business with them.

I haven't used a pet sitting service myself because of all these issues Sheila mentioned. I'm paranoid too...and my husband's worse than me. He won't even give his parents a key to our house because he's afraid of them snooping and getting into our business! I think the only way I'd consider it is if I had a wonderful word-of-mouth recommendation from someone who'd used the same sitter. So...tackle the people that are all for it first, and then hopefully they'll reach out to people like myself!

[Little Bit]

I have a friend who does this. Her business is actually called "Critter Sitter". She goes to the person's home at least 3 times a day. She takes care of mail and that stuff too. In addition she walks people's dogs who can't get out, takes them to the vet, the groomer, whatever they need. She is never at a loss for business.

[daisy mae06]

Originally Posted by Little Bit

I have a friend who does this. Her business is actually called "Critter Sitter". She goes to the person's home at least 3 times a day. She takes care of mail and that stuff too. In addition she walks people's dogs who can't get out, takes them to the vet, the groomer, whatever they need. She is never at a loss for business.

My gosh I think I used her I lived in Dallas area for 2 1.2 years and we used a pet sitter there calle Citter sitter for ous Cats when we went on Vacation How cool

[onelovelylynn]

Personally, I would never let someone I dont well, into my house to sit with my girls. To scary for me!!!!

I even have a hard time letting my 29 yr old daughter petsit for longer than a day.... Just to overprotective i guess..

[TammyJM]

Here is an organization that is well-known:
http://www.petsit.com/index.html

Lots of info for you and great ideas, too!

Tammy

[paulapoo]

I've thought about doing this too. I thought of maybe starting with weekend boarding at my home. I'm one of those people who won't leave her babies with anyone because my yorkie is a "runner". People just don't pay enough attention with doors, or fence gates and he could be gone in a second, so I'm OVER-CAREFUL! I thought that maybe with "word of mouth" I could get something started. I already have 2 friend who travel often and leave their dogs with me. I think getting someone's trust is the most important thing. That you are going to care for, and look after their dogs just like they would. That's very important. Potential boarders could come check out my house and fenced in yard to make sure I'm not "shady", and make sure all the dog babies get a long. Good Luck with starting this up. Hope things work out for you.

[sassypup]

can it be a situation where people bring the dogs to your house and you can watch more than one pet at a time? If so, I'd totally use something like this a couple days a week if it weren't expensive.

[peepads]

I would try it out on a small scale and go from there.

I also thought about starting a poop scooping business.

[nancy137738]

I have a pet sitter when my husband and I go for a long weekend. My dogs love him, he brings in my mail,waters my plants, anything that needs to be done he will do. I have recommended him to many people and they also love him. I think in this day and age a lot of people would rather have a pet sitter then board them out. Good Luck....

Nancy Sami & Lily

[Yorkie3]

I've thought about having a pet sitter myself. Just don't know if I could really trust them in my home. I know I wouldn't leave my computer. I have too much info on it to leave it for someone to find.