Operate a dog-sitting business to work from home.
If you work from home and love dogs, you could start your own dog-sitting business. Dog-sitting provides a valuable service to pet owners who don't want to board their dogs. It also provides entrepreneurs the opportunity to start a business they love without investing lots of money. If you always wanted your own business but never really thought you could do it from home, working with animals that you love, then a pleasant surprise awaits you. Planned carefully, a dog-sitting business could provide you a satisfying and profitable business.
Instructions
1. Decide what dogs you want to sit. Consider size and breed. If you have kids in the home, some breeds such as Pit Bulls or German Shepherds might not work. Similarly, you need to decide if you want to work with small dogs 5 to 20 pounds, medium-sized dogs 21 to 45 pounds, medium-large dogs 46 to 75 pounds, and large dogs that weigh more than 76 pounds.
2. Design your "Dog Space." If you have an extra room or two, you can establish small pens for dogs. You can use your creativity to create sleeping quarters. You can wall dogs off so they have their own private spaces, or you can build raised beds that keep the dogs off the floor.
3. Outline your services. For instance, a successful dog sitter doesn't just sit the dogs, she engages them. Make sure you offer dog walking and playing in a spacious yard. Make sure you also offer pampering services such as grooming, shampooing, group or private play, and a treat schedule.
4. Get certified. Organizations such as the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS) provide training on handle dogs and care for them. Your certification will help instill confidence in pet owners because they know you care enough to keep up on education and training.
5. Establish your rates and schedule. For example, dog sitters need to offer services around holidays when dog owners travel. Expect to also work weekends. To successfully compete, you'll need to accommodate all sorts of schedules. Rates vary from $10 to $30 per hour.
6. Obtain liability insurance. Liability insurance covers you in case of an accident. An accident might include something beyond your control, like a dog getting sick. Accidents might also include a dog escaping its leash and running into traffic. Make sure your liability insurance covers you, so your client can't sue you for negligence.
7. Prepare a list of references. When you open your business, offer free sitting services for friends and neighbors in exchange for a reference. When your clients ask, you can offer them your reference list.
8. Prepare your release forms. Your customers will need release forms to allow you to make decisions for their pets should the need arise. These decisions include taking the pet to a vet.
9. Make sure you have enough startup capital. You'll need money for food, beds, treats, leashes, grooming tools. Make sure you allow yourself a working budget of $500 per month depending on how many dogs your care for. Extra money also allows you to cover unexpected costs.
10. Market your services. Visit local vet offices and see if you can post a brochure. Get creative with your marketing by putting magnetic signs on your truck, van, or car, and driving to pet parks. Create a website so people can find out about your via Google.
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