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Post by petitsfilous on Jul 22, 2013 12:51:05 GMT
I have been approached by a company who I emailed enquiring work after having a lovely chat with a dog walker. This is what the job entails: Dog walking Home from home dog boarding Puppy and Doggy day care Cat Sitting Small pet boarding In home pet care House sitting Pet sitting Obv, some of those I cannot do until I move to a house with a garden. I think I'd enjoy something like this but am unsure. Does anyone do this? Know of anyone who does this and can tell me more about it? We never had anything like this in Devon so the concept is all very alien to me. Just looking for more information really. Thanks guys
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Post by migsy on Jul 22, 2013 14:10:42 GMT
I actually considered just dog walking some years ago.But on thinking it through,decided against it. You must be a 7 day a week worker,as owners who work may do the walking at weekends and bank holidays,but more frail or elderly people couldn't.It's a job needing much commitment,as you can't suddenly take a day of.The best way to go about it if you really want to,and it would be a lovely job,(and dog walkers don't balk at bad weather,)would be to share it with another person who was really committed who you know definitely wouldn't let you down.Good luck,as it's a service very important and welcomed by people who couldn't otherwise own a pet. My daughter has a wonderful dog walker a couple of times a week,she signs a sort of diary each time,leaving little remarks that will interest or amuse.She left message of her great approval and delight at daughters new dog trailer for her bike,saying how much fun both would find it.
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Post by petitsfilous on Jul 22, 2013 14:30:32 GMT
I'm a 7 day a week worker now The company have walkers all over Bristol so I'd build up my own customer base and if for any reason couldn't walk, they'd have cover for me so the doggies will still get walked
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Post by BorderTerrier on Jul 22, 2013 14:40:59 GMT
I like the sound of that job - it definitely entails a lot of working with animals I think that you, as a dog lover, would enjoy this. This job seems like it would be even more fulfilling for a non pet owner, so they can spend most of their days working with animals. It wouldn't be too stressing for you, and when pet sitting (depending on the behaviour of the pet, obviously!) it would be quite easy and relaxing! All but the dog walking sounds quite laid back - even the dog walking, on neutral days would be enjoyable. Good luck if you decide to eventually take on this job.
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Post by SarahHound on Jul 22, 2013 14:48:34 GMT
I look after dogs regularly, but its not 'official'. I look after a collie, a JRT and occasionally a few other dogs, but those two are the main ones. The JRT spends the day at home because she doesn't like other dogs, so I go to hers 4 times a day, for feeding, walking, playing and more walks and feeding! The collie just stays here and basically plays with mine all day, just like babysitting really I enjoy doing it. If there were more people in my area I'd like to set up a proper regulated business, but for the moment, just walking is good by me. I think you'd really love that job if you got to do it
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Post by tonib on Jul 22, 2013 16:11:50 GMT
I've heard of but not dealt with companies that do this, with at least one being a franchise (can't remember the name now)
My comments are based around the fact that you have a dog of your own. Dog walking - shouldn't be too much of a problem & depending on circumstances you could take Bernie with you as well. Home from home dog boarding - how would Bernie feel about that as the way I interpret it the dogs are boarded in your home not in kennels. Puppy and Doggy day care - where would this be done? If at your home again what about Bernie. Is this one dog at a time or multiple = rather like a childrens creche? Cat Sitting - not too onerous - Bernie would soon get used to you smelling of Cat! Small pet boarding - as you say you need the premises for this In home pet care - same principle as cat sitting. House sitting - now this could be the awkward one as I presume you are meant to stay at the home of the customer - so what about Bernie, Brian & Maggie Pet Sitting - I presume that's the same as cat sitting & in home pet care.
the various in home care services could be at early/late hours to fit them all in. How many tasks a day would it take to make the service pay enough (including cpst of petrol to get to the various homes)?
Sorry if I'm sounding negative, it actually sounds an ideal job for you but just think about the how it could affect your life.
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Post by petitsfilous on Jul 22, 2013 20:29:00 GMT
No tonib, that is exactly what I needed to hear.. The more realistic side of the job. I'm not going to jump into it but will bear it in mind. Things are picking up at my current work place now so I'm more inclined to stay put for now Thank you all for you replies
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Post by gladys on Jul 23, 2013 11:37:20 GMT
Hiya. tonib beat me to it so I wouldn't repeat as there are some great points listed already. But yeah I will add that you need to read the small print as I looked in to this when I had to give up my teaching job because of my back. I would get them to send you all their paper work stating all they expect of you. A lot of these companies want you to pay in to the company and then they give you a client list. After getting info from a couple of places I thought about just setting up my own business as there was/is a need for it in my area but you then have to think about what would happen if you were ill or wanted to go on holiday etc?? But if you are all ready use to working 7 day weeks and think it's something you would enjoy doing then just get as much info as possible on the companies before you sign anything.
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