@Mom2Dogs wrote:
DH and I recently went away for a few days. Usually the person that keeps the dog, has us take her to their home, this time she said she would come by several times a day to our house instead of keeping her at their home.
That was fine with us, the dog was probably happier being at home.
She charged $10.00 each time she came by. She only had to feed her and let her out. The yard is fenced in so she did not have to be outside with her. Each day she came by different times...the day we left only 2 times, the full day we were gone 4x and the day we came home 2x.
The pet sitter lives about 3 blocks from our home.
I am just curious about her fee, do you find that to be a suitable charge?
@Mom2Dogs
My wife has had her Pet Sitting, in the Clients Home business, going on 5 years now. She has been gone almost every day in November, still gone, and has many days in December booked.
Her business I would call: House Sitting/Pet Sitting all in one. In that 5 years she has not raised her costs to her clients, in spite of my suggestions to do so.
She charges $40 per day for 1 dog(pet), and I think, $10 each per additional pets. She tells all her clients not to expect her to be there 24/7, as she does go out for food and maybe other shopping. If she is closer to home she stops in for an hour or so visit with me and our 4 furry ones.
She does have 1 friend she worked with, before she retired, that has 3 cats. With those she goes twice a day to spend a couple hours with the cats, and cleans the litter boxes and feeds them.
Not sure what she charges, but considering it is a 20+ mile drive each way and present gas prices? I am sure, knowing her, it is not enough. It's her Business and I don't discuss her prices with her anymore.
I have met people interested I met ice skating and if they ask, I give them her business card that has her cell number. And she is certified in pet CPR. She has many clients now because of "word of mouth praise", and at times has to turn down, even some of her best clients if she is already booked for specific dates.
As most pet owners know, their furry ones prefer their own familiar surroundings. Some even get traumatized when taken to a Pet Kennel, and I assume, some even in any unfamiliar surroundings.
Now for what I think in your situation! Coming 4x a day from 3 blocks for a "feed" and an "in and out", and $40? If only my wife had that arrangement for the same that she charges for "Home and Pet Sitting".
Sounds like a few quick bucks, and heck, I would do the same if I wanted to make some easy money. But I can't resist spending time with animals, especially those I am sure get lonely when the ones they own are gone.
Only you can decide, but have you checked other venues for sitters you can trust? Our Vet even gives out my wife's cards and gives her very high recommendation to his Clients.
hckynut
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