Petsitting business

[thelady]

I want to start my own pet sitting business from home. Can anyone offer me some good advice as to what I need to know to get started. I am now petsitting my neighbors dog. I have 7 birds & raise canaries. I also have had many pets in the past. I love animals and I know I can do a good job. I just need to know the legal aspects and what forms I need to have to be professional. Thank you for any advice

[ajazzfan]

I don't know much about this, but I think it would depend on where you were located. Different countries/states laws may vary. It would probably also depend on if you were going to be offering any veterinarian services, or not. Doesn't sound like you are, so that probably won't apply. But, what happens if a pet gets sick or injured? Is there a vet nearby? This will reassure customers who don't know you.

I would suggest calling your local Chamber of Commerce and asking them what the requirements are--ask them about any zoning restrictions you need to be aware about. Zoning may kill your business before you even get started--all it takes is one neighbor to complain and you've got one big hassle!

You will probably have to get the Board of Health or maybe the ASCPA (?) to approve your location if you are going to be keeping the animals on your premises. This would probably depend on how many animals would be there at any given time--including your own personal pets. People that don't know you might like to see this even if it's not required--gives them a sense of security, that they are leaving their pet in good hands.

If you can, get some testimonials from the people whose pets you've taken care of--ask them if you can use it in your advertising. Nothing like word-of-mouth to get a business off the ground--particularly with pets, they are the same as children to many people!

Just my thoughts, I would definitely check with your Chamber of Commerce, and check zoning laws. In general, most locations require you to pay a liscense or permit fee for any business that you register with your own (business) name--but not all businesses require this, so you'll have to ask them. So, if you decided to do business as "Lady Di Pet Sitting Services" you would probably have to pay a fee--if you didn't formally name your business, you might not have to.

Keep in mind this is information I have gleaned from online business sites, I am involved in affiliate marketing, so haven't had to deal with this aspect yet as I am an "independent contractor" for tax purposes.

Hopefully you'll get a response from someone actually doing this! Good Luck!

John

[Vishal P. Rao]

Hi

Sorry for posting so late! I cam across this website and thought you might find it useful:

http://home.universalclass.com/i/crn/5345.htm

Have a great day!

Vishal

[csmarketing]

Very nice site, Vishal have you used them yourself.

Michelle

[Vishal P. Rao]

No Michelle, I haven't taken the course. If at all I was interested in starting a pet sitting business, I would have surely taken the course

Vishal

[Mahogany]

Does this same advice go for a Pet Insurance Business

[sdefiore]

Hi thelady

There are a number of organizations for pet sitters. I would contact them and find out from members what are the best programs. Then as was suggested do the appropriate research for your state and county as to what is involved in starting this type of business.

Good luck,

Sue