Dog Sitting

[smlpkg]

I'm thinking of taking in small dogs while owners are on vacation as a way of getting some extra money. I have no idea how much to charge, nor do I know any of the ramifications. My biggest concern is that I will be attached to the dog instantly and then will grieve when I have to part with him/her. I still miss my Chablis and it's been 2 years.

I'm now a real estate agent and last week showed a house that had an aging toy poodle. My buyers' son is afraid of dogs, so I picked up the toy poodle, and I think the dog sensed my love for Chablis because it cuddled up and fell asleep in my arms! The buyers thought it was amazing. The dog became attached to me immediately!

Any thoughts, ideas, pricing ideas, liability issues, etc. from you folks if I should pursue this venture? Thank you!

Melanie

[Doglady]

I'm thinking of taking in small dogs while owners are on vacation as a way of getting some extra money. I have no idea how much to charge, nor do I know any of the ramifications. My biggest concern is that I will be attached to the dog instantly and then will grieve when I have to part with him/her. I still miss my Chablis and it's been 2 years.
Melanie

Pet sitting is meant to be a kennel alternative, i.e., service performed in the home of the pet owner, not your's. It could be a big problem for you, if your home is in a residential area and neighbors see different dogs coming in and out of your home and report it. Your home owner's policy does not cover any business you operate inside your home. All boarding facilities in my area must be in a zone where it is allowed. The facility has to be constructed according to town code, including fire and health codes, require a kennel license and a yearly inspection. There's a lot of liability when caring for pets of others. I doubt you would be able to get the coverage if running a pet boarding business in a residential area, and without the proper facilties. You really can't provide the proper sanitary conditions in a home, when bringing in different animals that might have a contagious illness or parasites that stay alive in the soil in your yard that could infect other pets you bring in...a nightmare for you, in many ways.

If you are going to open a pet sitting business, do it the right way and take care of the pets in their own homes. The fee charged should be per visit, taking into account your mileage (a huge factor with high gas prices now too) time travelling, and other expenses. You can't discount mileage for anyone, so find out what other pet sitting businesses in your area charge per visit. Some sitters also charge a surcharge per visit on major holidays, and also for late night visits. Most charge additionally for giving insulin injections, and charge a couple of dollars extra for each additional dog, or multiple cats, and any other pets the owner may have. A fee to pick up and drop off the keys is also charged...again, mileage.

[smlpkg]

Thank you, Doglady, for your response. I thought there might be some liability issues, etc., but I wasn't really thinking of making it a "big" business. I thought I would take 1 small dog at a time, but you've convinced me otherwise!! I'm not even sure I'll consider going to their houses because of the idea of giving an injection!! Yikes!