Paws for thought.....

[Deesie_88]

A question for any pet owners - I am 24 and have been working in animals since I was 16. A mixture of stable and kennel work, shelters and training groups and am currently studying a course on physiology and biology of cats and dogs. My plan is to start my own dog walking / pet sitting business and was interested to know if you would favour an older but less experienced pet sitter for a younger person with more experience? I will be doing market research before starting my venture but was intrigued as to what you aspects you would find more appealing? Many thanks for any insights :)

[Nibble]

I'd settle for an honest, reliable and animal-friendly person, who has the confidence of the owners animals, age/experience doesn't come into my expectations.

Good luck with your ambition :)

[Baldric]

^^^^^^^^^^^What he said including good luck.^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

[Sir Alec]

You could ask your local vet if they'll let you put up a card in their surgery, detailing your experience and what your services include. I think that many would want a younger fitter person, as different breeds need different sized walks, etc.

[Zeuhl]

Have you talked it through with someone already running that kind of business? They will be a good source of tips, pitfalls and info eg what are the insurance and legal requirements?

Assuming people in your area might be unwilling to help an aspiring competitor do an internet search in a comparable area you can get to easily and give a few of them a call.

[lankeela]

Word of mouth is the best way of advertising, talk to people with animals and you will find you will get recommendations if people are happy with you. Age wouldn't worry me, ability to handle a variety of animals is more important together with common sense and reliability.

[islasmum]

Can any of your previous employers give you a good reference? I would be happy with someone of 24 looking after my animals if I had met them and seen how they interact with my dogs, and generally feel confident about their ability to cope. You also need to be properly insured for public liability. I also went through the police check which I think gives people more confidence in you too. I started doing what you want to do at 22 and had great fun doing it, but did get most of my work through word of mouth. I went back to house and animal sitting a couple of years back and although freelance I did 95% of work from a well known agency, which suited me well. They get you work, and take around 25% commission, but I could have worked all the year if that is what I wanted. Anyway, good luck and it can be real fun.

[Deesie_88]

Thank you so much for all the great tips and opinions :) Have got a business plan with all these ideas in already - Great minds think alike haha. All the businesses in my area are ran by older women with not much experience which is what started my wondering - Like I said will be doing more in depth market research in my local area but was on here earlier and was interested in an honest opinion for some animal lovers with no reason to be biased either way.
I will be getting full insurance cover and joining NARDS, also have a recent CRB check from my previous job which I will be getting updated nearer the time. And yes can provide references from all my previous employers as well as my CV. Islasmum its great to know you did well it at such a young age and that you enjoyed it. Dont think working for an agency is a route I would take as one of the main appeals is being my own boss and FINALLY being able to do things the way I want too.No bosses to interfere lol. Word of mouth will definitely be my main source of advertisement - A few of my friends work in the RSPCA, local shelters Vets and stables so will be bribing them with bottles of wine to shout my name from the roof tops haha
Thanks again for all your help :)

[lankeela]

A good tip would be to advertise in a local dog show catalogue, as show people often need dog sitters when they are away at shows all day. They also recommend people to each other once you get going. I did this back in the late eighties, before it became well known, and I really enjoyed the freedom. I specialised in kennel sitting, so owners could get away and it meant I could take mine with me. Cliverton are a good specialist insurance company. Why not also train as a microchipper, Pet Detect do courses in different areas, and if the government bring it in as compulsory there will be lots of work. Animal first aid is also a good thing to have, and you could ask you vet to give you some training in giving injections in case any animals need them.

[Deesie_88]

Lankeela - Those are some fab points. Already trained in giving meds and injections but the micro chipping course is a brilliant idea. Thank you!

[lankeela]

http://www.pet-detect.com/

What area are you in? I will let you know of any shows coming up.

[Deesie_88]

Lankeela im in Newcastle in the Northeast that would be fab thanks - Sorry for the extremely delayed response had a hectic few months and havent been on here in a while :)