My husband could well be about to be made redundant. I have come up with the idea of maybe starting up our own business in dog walking and pet sitting. Does anybody have any thoughts,suggestions or ideas along these lines.

I am presuming that some sort of insurance would be needed to cover us in the event of say a dog escaping (fingers crossed it never happens) or the like. Perhaps some sort of course in setting up our own business would be useful.

I would welcome negative as well as positive suggestions. Has any of you ever used such a service and was it good,would you use it again etc. I would personally never put my own dogs into kennels so I can see the advantage of it. I am in Scotland by the way.

Hi Ailsa

I looked into it very briefly at one stage, apart from insurance, most people would expect you to be Police checked (well I would if you were coming into my house), then I would think extensive advertising and leaflet dropping in your local area would help!!

Good Luck and I wish you every success :)

liberty

Have you thought of contacting any of the established petsitting companies? They are always looking for more sitters, and they'll organise the insurance etc.
:)

I tried asking about dog sitting a while ago and admin removed it. Dont think we are allowed to mention it...or maybe its just me....

I think Admin intervene if it's obvious advertising, I don't think they have a problem with the subject being discussed........ could well be wrong tho ! :)

liberty

There is a dog walking/pet sitting company local to me (better not mention the name!) who sell franchises. This could be a good option if you have the capital as everything is done for you - even the advertising.
Good luck.

and this isnt???? (to liberty)

:)

All I can say, is that as it is not advertising specific companies, and no-one is advertising their services as dog walkers etc, then I would consider it just a discussion :)
If you email Admin, I'm sure they could clarify what is considered advertising,

liberty (just a mere poster) ;)

Nothing much to add to Liberty or JG's response ... except that in my area there is a huge demand for dog walkers! Advertise at all your local vets - even better if you can get a recommendation from them. It would also be helpful if you had someone who could take over from you in emergencies - ie if you were ill, on holidays etc. You can then guarantee a 100% service.

Good luck.

Jo

How do you use pet-sitters?
My daughter is going into hospital as a day case and we will have moved to Wales by then. My parents in law aren't keen on dogs and won't sit in with her. If i leave our dog (5am-10pm) with just one call she will destroy the house and be very very lonely.
Do sitters do just one day?

Sarah

Hi Sarah,
Generally they'll do just one day - give the various companies a call and discuss it.
:)

Thanks to everyone that has replied. I have been off line for a few days so am only catching up now. I have printed off all the replies and am away to study them in depth.

Thanks again.
Ailsa

Ailsa

I also live in Scotland and often need to go away for a couple of days or even just a day. I rely on friends or kennels for my dog/cat but a sitter would probably suit my needs better. The only thing I would say is that the one's I have contacted are just far too expensive. The kennels become a much better option. Sitters cost say £6 a visit (1 hour) but how do you know they don't just come in, chuck some food down and put your dog in the garden. And you would need a sitter at least twice a day. So the kennels at £7 per day including food seems a much better option. From the dog's point of view, staying at home and having a "friend" come in twice a day is preferable but I would need to see the cost benefits personally. I think you have a good idea but contact me if you want any more "punters" input because believe me, some of the kennels I have seen are appalling and not cheap either.

CG

Hi Ailsa there is huge demand for dog walkers in Edinburgh. The ones I see most often walk 6 or 7 dogs at once round an estate and the dogs look really happy with them. These tend to be mature dogs without issues. Before I entrusted my dog to a walker Id want to know how many dogs they take out at once, how they propose to introduce my dog to their pack and what theyd do if a dog didnt come when called etc. I wouldnt expect the walker to train my dog. Id also expect to see an insurance certificate.

For the record, I'm in Edinburgh and often I just need a walker/feeder for one day. Difficult doggies wouldn't need to be a problem to the walker although I supply a muzzle etc. But to be honest I'd love to meet someone that I could trust in my house and could cope with my dog/cat on the odd occasion - we have a kind of hectic life!! I could be a customer!!