By Craig Wallin
Starting your own pet sitting business isn't too difficult. You love pets, so this is already a natural fit for you. So what are the tips that could get you ahead and make you the pet sitter everyone calls on?
1. Do your research
Before you get started, do your research. Learn about your town and the demand for pet sitters. If possible, consult other pet sitters, veterinarians, groomers, and pet shop owners to see if they have any tips or advice that could help you become an all-star pet sitter.
2. Emergency kits
It's a good idea to have a couple different emergency kits. First of all, have one in your car in case if you have to transport a pet for any reason. If the pet makes a mess, you don't want to have major cleanup to do. Also, it's a good idea to carry a kit with when you're with a pet in their home or on a walk. This kit could include a spare collar, leash, and can opener for pet food, as well as a change of clothing, flashlight, and a spray bottle filled with half water and half vinegar to handle any aggressive dogs you might encounter on a walk.
3. Come up with a catchy name
When thinking of a name, make sure to find out if the name is already in use, especially if it's been trademarked. Have a fun name that could be memorable to your customers? Also, consider putting an "A," or "AA" before your name as this will put you towards the top of alphabetical listings in the Yellow Pages or other list.
4. First visit
This is your chance to get to know the pet owner and their pet and to see if this is a job you want to take. You can learn the layout of the home and what services the pet owner wants you to provide.
5. Having a signed agreement
Having a contract between you and the pet owner will help avoid trouble if the pet gets sick or injured while you're caring for them or any other problem that may arise.
6. Daily visits
Make sure to knock before entering a pet owner's house, even if you've been told they won't be home. It's also a good idea to find out ahead of time if any other people could possibly be in the house. Also, be sure to scout the entire house for any messes the pet might've made and clean up the mess in the way the pet owner wishes.
7. Be safe
Don't let anyone, except for a fireman or policeman, into the pet owner's house unless given permission by the pet owner. For example, don't assume someone wearing a polo shirt stating they work for a carpet cleaning company to be telling the truth. Just be safe. Also, be sure to take a safe route if you'll be walking a dog. And most importantly, keep all doors locked. Don't give burglars any way to get inside.
8. Key organization
Keep your customer's key(s) on you at all times you are on a job for them. If you have multiple customers, develop a system to keep track of the keys. It's also not a bad idea to have a backup key for each customer just in case. And don't forget to test the keys during your first visit.
9. Free advertising
Take advantage of free advertising, such as blogs and Craigslist and Backpage.com. Many take just minutes to post an ad and could help you gain new customers at no expense to you.
10. Advertise to planned (over 55) communities
This can be a great way to get customers. Many have newsletters that offer very cheap advertising and you open yourself up to a wealth of customers. Many of these communities have residents with high incomes that travel a lot. That means a lot of work for you!
Taking advantage of these tips will make you an all-star pet sitter. You'll see more calls coming in and those profits piling up. Pretty soon your pet sitting business will be the talk (woof! meow!) of the town!
Before you get started, do your research. Learn about your town and the demand for pet sitters. If possible, consult other pet sitters, veterinarians, groomers, and pet shop owners to see if they have any tips or advice that could help you become an all-star pet sitter.
2. Emergency kits
It's a good idea to have a couple different emergency kits. First of all, have one in your car in case if you have to transport a pet for any reason. If the pet makes a mess, you don't want to have major cleanup to do. Also, it's a good idea to carry a kit with when you're with a pet in their home or on a walk. This kit could include a spare collar, leash, and can opener for pet food, as well as a change of clothing, flashlight, and a spray bottle filled with half water and half vinegar to handle any aggressive dogs you might encounter on a walk.
3. Come up with a catchy name
When thinking of a name, make sure to find out if the name is already in use, especially if it's been trademarked. Have a fun name that could be memorable to your customers? Also, consider putting an "A," or "AA" before your name as this will put you towards the top of alphabetical listings in the Yellow Pages or other list.
4. First visit
This is your chance to get to know the pet owner and their pet and to see if this is a job you want to take. You can learn the layout of the home and what services the pet owner wants you to provide.
5. Having a signed agreement
Having a contract between you and the pet owner will help avoid trouble if the pet gets sick or injured while you're caring for them or any other problem that may arise.
6. Daily visits
Make sure to knock before entering a pet owner's house, even if you've been told they won't be home. It's also a good idea to find out ahead of time if any other people could possibly be in the house. Also, be sure to scout the entire house for any messes the pet might've made and clean up the mess in the way the pet owner wishes.
7. Be safe
Don't let anyone, except for a fireman or policeman, into the pet owner's house unless given permission by the pet owner. For example, don't assume someone wearing a polo shirt stating they work for a carpet cleaning company to be telling the truth. Just be safe. Also, be sure to take a safe route if you'll be walking a dog. And most importantly, keep all doors locked. Don't give burglars any way to get inside.
8. Key organization
Keep your customer's key(s) on you at all times you are on a job for them. If you have multiple customers, develop a system to keep track of the keys. It's also not a bad idea to have a backup key for each customer just in case. And don't forget to test the keys during your first visit.
9. Free advertising
Take advantage of free advertising, such as blogs and Craigslist and Backpage.com. Many take just minutes to post an ad and could help you gain new customers at no expense to you.
10. Advertise to planned (over 55) communities
This can be a great way to get customers. Many have newsletters that offer very cheap advertising and you open yourself up to a wealth of customers. Many of these communities have residents with high incomes that travel a lot. That means a lot of work for you!
Taking advantage of these tips will make you an all-star pet sitter. You'll see more calls coming in and those profits piling up. Pretty soon your pet sitting business will be the talk (woof! meow!) of the town!
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