there is a lot of risk involved in going to people's houses and caring for their pets...risk of loss/damage to their property and their pets.
so your first course of business should be to insure yourself, then licensing yourself in your jurisdiction...then bonding, if your feel it is necessary -
If you join a professional petsitting association, you can get help with the forms etc.
That's what you'll need to start...
Then you'll need to figure out your advertising - websites, fliers, business cards, etc...
Research your rates, etc...
Your running, operating expenses - receipts, key fobs for everyone's house etc...
As you start, these things will come to you, and your membership with a professional organization would definitely help!I want to start a pet car business taking care of pets while their owners are away...?Create a flyer and ask your local veteranarian's if you can post one in their offices. Check with groomers in your area, too. And any local pet stores. Place an ad on www.craigslist.com.
You will want to tell about some of the things you will do while keeping the pet. Walking them, playing with them, grooming them, etc.
If you have watched any of your friends pets, ask them if you can use them as references and give the references to any potential client. You could add to your flyer "References available upon request".
Check with your local Humane Society to see if they offer any classes you could take that might help make you stand out amongst pet sitters. They may have classes on animal first aid, for example.
Create a form for your clients to fill out before you sit for them. It should include their cell numbers and hotel numbers, the vet's name - address- phone, feeding instructions and any medicines the pet may take on a regular basis. You may also want to have questions about how the animal gets along with others, what the favorite treat or toy is and so forth. Make sure there is a collar and leash available if you are to walk the animal. You really want to get to know the animal. Find out if the animal has been microchipped or if the animals collar has contact information on it just in case the animal gets lost.
Take a polaroid of the animal and write his name and the owners name on the photo. Keep all of these things in a file and keep it with you while you sit.
I hope this helps!
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