Do you like the idea of starting your business, or perhaps you want to move away from your current career and are looking around at other options? As we live in a country of animal lovers, the pet industry is booming, so could pet sitting be for you? Let’s discuss it, below!
Could Pet Sitting Be For You?
You need to be an animal lover
This one goes without saying, right? But along with loving animals, it helps if you love all animals and are comfortable with them. You might enjoy dogs but only smaller ones, or perhaps you like rabbits but are uncertain around exotic pets?
Whether you choose to run your own pet sitting business, or you look to work for an established business or franchise, you are likely to get more regular work if you are open to taking care of animals of all shapes and sizes.
You need to be healthy and fit
We know that one of the most popular pets is a dog, and dogs are going to need you to be healthy and fit enough to get out with them each day. In fact, pet sitting and dog walking is a great way to get your exercise in each day, so if you like the idea of combining your job with getting outside into the fresh air, this might be perfect for you.
In addition to this, animals do require cleaning out and regular care, so do think about how able you would be to clean out an enclosure or tank.
You will need to be flexible
In order to meet people’s needs, it does help to be flexible. This will give you more opportunities to take on work and it will also be more fulfilling. If it is your own business, this is a great way to build a positive reputation and if you are seeking employment this will make you a stronger candidate.
In most cases, owners are going away on a vacation so they can predict their absence and return, but on other occasions, it might be a long term absence with no clear return date.
For example, some people might be going to a men’s addiction treatment center, they might be moving into respite care or perhaps they have an unexpected and emergency hospital stay. In these cases, being flexible around the care of their beloved pets is going to be a weight off their minds.
You will need to have a safe home
If you are choosing to bring pets into your own home, then you will need to ensure that it is safe to do so. For pets that roam free, check that your backyard is secure for them and free from toxic plants and then you can start pet-proofing your home. Think about the chemicals that you use, particularly on your flooring and furnishings, and then ensure that they are locked away.
You might choose to just board smaller pets that can be caged. If this is the case, it helps to set aside a room in your home for this and you can then show it to prospective clients.
What do you think? Could pet sitting be for you?