Dog walking/pet care- a business worth trying?

claire1976

claire1976

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Apologies if this has been covered already!
I'm due to have a baby in a few weeks and have been thinking about when I have to return to work etc. Basically I'm not sure if I will have a job to go back to as the company is struggling and I have a feeling I may be made redundant.
So, I was thinking of using my maternity leave to start up a dog walking/pet sitting service covering my local area and incorperating horse care. I have plenty of experience and live in an ideal area. I don't expect to make a fortune from doing it but I would be interested in hearing from others who do it full time - is it financially viable? How much does it cost you to insure the business and can you recommend any companies? There are 4 other businesses in the town I live in which has approx 200,000 people living in it.
Thanks for any replies!
 
Yes, it can be. However if you are in teh UK, I would recommend checking out NARP (National Assoc REgistered Petsitters) for information. Also, check out Pet Care Trust.

Sorry, I'm usually a bit more helpful, but it's 5.30 am and i'm just up a bit early with my new pup!
 
I would say,yes defiantely worth it, esp with your experience/knowledge, dog owners like their dogs to be in capable hands, and it's definately very viable as a business , I home board and I make much more than my wage, I wanted to keep my job on because I love my job and I only work 2 nights a week.
My OH however has given up work, partly beacuse he had spinal surgery that went wrong and partly because we are so busy with the dogs we need someone at home full time.
OH walks the day walkers, and I go when I have not been on night shift, as he can manage them ok, we have had them from puppies so they are well well behaved and manageable for him.

Im always full with boarders, I have about 1 week in the whole year when I don't have a boarder in
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There is no huge lay out, the most expensive business aid I have bought is my doggy van, I have a boarding licence and insurance with Cliverton insurance, which covers be for everything, walking, transporting, boarding, vet fees, liability, loss of keys, I pay about £30 a month for this, which I think is fab.
We are looking for a bigger place to expand as we are bursting at the seams
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If you want any more info, feel free to PM me.
 
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