I love pets and have had cats,dogs,hamsters,birds and anything that ran on all fours I would take home hurt birds,squirrels and mice,nurse them back to health, and then release. them. Whenever I found a dog or cat, I would place ads and care for them ,until the owner came for them. and sometimes they went to a new home.

Reasons for Petsitting

Americans Work Long Hours nowaday and they need someone to walk the dog in the middle of the day. Neighbors are not always available and it's an imposition to constantly ask your neighbors to help out. Besides you may have a nosy neighbor and who wants that?

People are so busy and work longer hours and have to drive further today ,for their jobs Americans also own lots of pets,according to the US Census.A whopping 81.7 million cats and 72 million dogs. Turtles are catching up ,as well as other reptiles.

According to The pet food industry, Vermont,Idaho,Oregon,Wyoming,and New Mexico are the top states for the most pets owned.

I found this remarkable since I was raised in the Northeast and everyone I knew had two to five pets each!

This can cause stress for both pet and owner.There is not always a neighbor,family member or friend ,at home, to watch , or walk your pet.

Petsiters to the rescue! 

I had always watched neighbors' , friends' and family members' pets so when it came to starting a home business,this was a no-brain-er.

The idea came to me when someone offered to pay me to walk their dogs. Next , their neighbors heard about this and asked me for their dog ,as well.

Information

Soon I was very busy and needed help. I also knew I had to become official and make it legal. I read as much as I could and found some organization of like mined people. I have used the following organizations to help me;

PSI Petsitters International is the largest group in North America and based in virgina. They have classes and offer certifications.

Other groups are online ,such as www.petsitters.org, and www.petsits.com have membership and informational articles.I was listed with both and had many calls from pet owners.

WWW.petllc.comt is a group that offers membership and includes liability insurance,and also good, is a site for help wanted ads and sitters services ads at www.pet-sitters.biz.

When your sitting service becomes popular to the point that you need help on a regular basis,then it will become necessary to hire employees .

The qualities for these employees is no different than the qualities that you have yourself. That is, they must love animals,they must be honest, be dependable and able to handle any situation that may arise.

It's important to first do a background check. This is true for any work situation. The clients should also be introduced to the new employee and so should the pet that they will be walking or feeding. If the animal doesn't t like the person,you will have an unhappy customer.

Next, the employee should go along with you on your assignments; walking the dog, picking up after them,feeding them,cleaning the cat litter boxes and chasing the gerbils around the house,as well.

Above all, a new employee has to go on the bonding and insurance plan you have. A cell phone check is also a good idea. Have them call in and let you know their whereabouts at all times.

Temporary help

In a pinch., when the holiday season arrives and there are more jobs than people , or someone is sick,you should also have a backup plan. I've used a competitor when I had too many jobs and not enough help.

I informed the customers who were away and had them sign a non compete form and provide me with a copy of their insurance.

No matter how careful you screen employees, some will steal your customers away and start their own business.

If the customers don't care if they charge less and don't have insurance and bonding then ,that's their business.

You need to be aware that if someone leaves your service and a customer stops calling for you,then check to see if they are using someone else.

Inform them that so and so is no longer working for you. This should keep you from being liable for their actions.

All in all, the pet siting service can be rewarding and enjoyable experience.

As long s you are diligent and have covered yourself, there shouldn't be many problems.

The best pet sitters .all have some things in common.here are some important items. 

The most important item I need to mention is a love for pets. You cannot start a pet sitting,walking feeding,transportation,daycare, unless you absolutely love animals.!

You may be driving to one clients home three times a day.There are days when you'll arrive at a home and find that Fido has torn up the couch or done his business all over the house.This happens. Sometimes a pet will get out and you'll have to track them down.

If you are a qualified Vet Tech.and can care for sick pets and can give medication,there will be times when the animal will have to be taken to the Animal hospital or clinic. These matters must be in writing ahead of time before you agree to a job.

Contracts are available and liability insurance and bonding are highly recommended. You can find information about this on the before mentioned sites.

In Conclusion

So you see, starting a pet sitting service is a great way to help others and yourself,at the same time.Some extra money for you and some peace of mind for the owners.

Well,that was 20 years ago that I started to pet sit professionally and now I sit occasionally for friends.Pet sitting an be a good home business to start but you must research first and be professional.

Email me for any questions or help .