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. :)

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.

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:):D

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

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.

Wow! Good Luck! I think you'll do fine. Ever consider becoming (lol) a dog trainer?:D Maybe even offer grooming services on the side (bath and brush, nail clipping, ear cleaning)?

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!

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 :).

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.

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. :)

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!

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.

Thanks!! I think I agree... If I can prove to myself that I can handle maybe 8 dogs at different homes, and then once I realize I need help, I will start looking.

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".

Thank you!!

Thanks, can't wait to see what you have to say!

Oh yes I'd definitely make prices for day trips, etc like you say. Yes, I've definitely learned a lot about business through running the foundation. I also help my mom manage her hair salon, though I do most of the behind-the-scene work.

Thanks!! I have definitely considered training... It's something else I am very passionate about and I just LOVE it. It would also be a nice thing to have on the side.

Thanks Nancy! I have taken two psychology classes in the past and love the subject. I'm kind of at a 'undecided' point in my education right now. I don't want to give up, because I'm sooo close to my AA, but in order to get practically any degree you have to get through college algebra and I can barely make it thru the two non-credit classes I had to take before getting into college algebra. I passed the first class (barely) and was signed up for the second one this summer, but had to drop it due to too many things going on in my life, and also with the foundation, and the fact that I had no CLUE what I was doing - lol.

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.

Yes! I'd love to watch your pups if you're ever in need. I treat each dog that I watch like they are my own - they get sooo spoiled. In fact I still keep in touch with two of the owners, and visit their dogs when I can because I miss them so much! :(

Thank you! Very good point.

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? :p:rolleyes:

Lol at a math degree :p I think I'd die... but I have taken lots of business classes, almost to my AA, and I would definitely love to learn more!

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!

How do I go about finding a back-up person, do you think? I don't really want to just find anybody... I'd have to REALLY trust them, and don't really wanna just post an ad on craigslist or anything, haha. Very good idea to talk with someone else who has experience with the business.

OMG awesome things to think about!!! Thank you sooo much for all of these great tips.

I would probably only be comfortable walking 2 dogs at once. I used to bring Jackson w/ me and I had a Black Lab, a Rottweiler, and a Boston Terrier mix that I was walking daily. I did other dogs on occasion, or weekends.
Thank you SOOO much for all of this.

I learned so much when walking/helping to raise the Rottweiler I walked. He had a few issues - he was somewhat reactive on leash, and had resource guarding issues. So I definitely had to know how to handle him, and I think I did it quite well.

I used to take him to the dog park until I told the owner I became too uncomfortable with it, because he began to not like certain dogs getting in his face.

All great points!!!

Get a tutor, it’s very inexpensive using another student. One to one work with someone can get you over that mental block you’re having. You need someone who speaks your language, and knows how to explain things in a way you understand. Algebra builds upon itself, if you are lost on chapter 3, you are lost the rest of the time. You have to learn each step as it goes, but it’s really not that bad.

Oh I was thinking you were bring the dogs to your place!

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.

Lol, if you do it right, you can even get college credit for doing this! ;)

Haha! All I can say is I should have listened to my father and taken more business classes in my undergrad program.

I feel like I deserve a business degree after researching and writing the business plan, and learning that a bricks and morter store was out of the question for me at this time.

I always found out after I did something that I could have gotten college credit for that! It doesn't seem like bricks and mortar are the way of the future for many, some of our long time local stores are struggling. I was in Joanne’s the other day and I was so sad to see how little stock they had.

Same in our area -- stores poorly stocked and many, many storefronts sitting empty.

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.

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. :)

It sounds like this would make you happy.

I'd hold off on having employees until you get established. I'm guessing many people would be fine with your pup being there; however, unless the client is a friend, I would not consider it.

I like the vet tech thing. I'd be very comfy leaving my pups with a good tech. But that is a lot of schooling to be a pup sitter, soooo probably not an option. My friend is on call to watch Ry this month, She is a pre-vet, calm, is used to working with rescues, doesn't mind crazy pups, is open to following my directions exactly, is very paricular, isn't afraid to pill pups/file nails, etc., shows no fear, reliable, and bc she is not insured, rates are reallllly low. LOL. Obviously not a good idea unless it is a friend...

As for Ellie...it is me or the hospital. I would want a sitter who could give injections if needed (like or diabetic pets, etc.).

You've gotten lots of great advice already, so I just wanted to share a quick story. I have a friend who was given the opportunity to take over a small dog walking business here in Toronto, Ontario. After running the numbers, she realized that she would make more money and work fewer hours (5 hours per day) working the business than she was making working as a Manager in a Non-profit organization (5 days a week, often 10-12 hour days)...The business she "inherited" was worth about $25,000....(name, insurance, clientele) and the people who gave her the business worked with her for a couple of weeks introducing her to all the dogs/clients and routines etc. She is incredibly happy and glad she made the change. I wanted to share this story because I think it is incredibly important that we follow our dreams...if you are doing something you love it won't matter if you are working 24/7...but the ability to do what you love and work reasonable hours, leaving time for your other interests etc...Priceless. Best of luck...I'll be waiting to hear all the stories of your new adventure as it begins!

Hi Brit,

I'm going to jump in on this... I ran a horse business for 6 years prior to starting school, so I have lots of insight into the running a business based on your passion.

FIRST the MOST IMPORTANT lesson I learned starting out is NEVER undervalue yourself. If you start low cost you are stuck charging that, existing clients will not accept a rate increase, and people may view you as a low end service, where you clearly want to offer a high end service. So your valuation isn't strong, you need to increase the price, cause business expenses will add up. I started teaching riding lessons by charging $20/hour, by the time I stopped I was delivering equivalent value of my coach who charged $50 per hour, but could only raise my rates to $30.

Second, are there loans in your area for small businesses, or youth. Look into this, there are many programs that come with mentors and perks and traininer for young entrepreneurs. I know in Canada there are several grant programs.

Third, get a mentor, or two, or three. You will want to call people and ask for advice, and you will get brutal honesty from these people, that will help you succeed. You need someone who isn't going to sugar coat things, they will tell you it straight so that you can learn quickly.

Fourth, I don't want to be a downer, but this needs to be considered. Make sure you're up for the work. The root of every good entrepreneur is indeed passion, but make sure you're ready for the amount of work that will come. I thought I was going to run a horse business for the rest of my life, I started at 14, built a small empire by 18 and lost it all by 20. I'm 23 now and I haven't rode a horse in over a year cause I had such a bad business experience that I don't want to ever go back to riding again. So think long and hard about it before you start. You want to assure that you are willing to take that extra work.

I have a million things I'd love to tell you, and I want to offer if you have any questions and want some help from a young entrepreneur I'd be happy to chat with you in more detail. I am part of a mentorship program here in NS and I mentor young entrepreneurs so do not hesitate to ask me anything you can pm me or email. We can even skype if you want.

I can see your passion and I know you've been working on trying to find what you love to do over the past year or so. I think this could be a great idea for you, you just need to make sure you've thought of everything, and it looks like you're off to a good start.

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.


Thank you!! Good advice. :)

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!

Thanks! I know I've been sooo wish washy with what I wanted to do. I was dead set on teaching, until I found out I'd have to start school practically all over again. Most of my credits I took for business were going to mean nothing for an elementary degree. Plus the extra schooling I'd have to do once I became a teacher. I think that would still be a career I would be passionate about... but animals are *more* my passion. And I'm almost certain I could end up making more money without the excess school.

I would plan on getting certified in whatever I can, but yeah vet tech would probably be out. You still need college algebra :p LOL, but I don't know, maybe if I really set my mind to it. I definitely would get certified in pet CPR/etc.



That's a great story! Thank you for that... makes me feel very positive. :)

I totally agree! That is what happened to me to start. My first "Real" client was the Rottie I walked. I really wanted the job so only charged $10 per day which was reallllyyy low. Once I got other clients, I charged $12 per day, but still could have gotten more.

I will admit it could get stressful. Running from house to house, sometimes leashing up the dogs could be a pain, hyper from being locked up all morning... dealing with snow, rain, hot weather, really cold weather, etc. But overall I really enjoyed it. I thought I would be kind of relived not to do it, but I honestly really miss it. I loved the routine, I loved the dogs.

But thank you for the great advice.

I wished you lived near me too. I am paying a pet sitter $25 a day to watch Copper at her house for a week this summer.

I did talk to an experienced pet sitter who would come to my house and stay at my house for $30 a night.

I don't know what the going rate is, my daughter used to do it, but she moved to Arkansas about 2 weeks ago. There is definitely a need for it!