Pet Sitting – The Recession Proof Business

By Craig Wallin on April 15th, 2010

In these tough economic times many jobs are uncertain. People are cutting back on spending and being more concerned with where their money is going. Some people are reluctant to start a new business. But one you shouldn’t be afraid to start is a pet sitting business. The pet sitting business has been steadily growing as more and more people have pets. These pets need someone to take them on a walk or feed them when their owners are away, and that’s where you come in. Simply put, pet sitting is a recession-proof business.

In a 2009 survey done by the APPM, 63 percent of households in the U.S.A. own pets, while 45% own multiple pets. There are 75 million dogs and 89 million cats. And let’s not forget all the other animals, such as birds, reptiles, and fish. So what does that mean? A lot of work for you as a pet sitter. The United States Bureau of Labor expects pet care jobs to grow by 22 percent a year.

Pet sitters make between $12 and $22 a visit, a national average of $16. Best of all, most pet sitting jobs take half an hour or less. It’s common to visit the same home twice in a day. You often will need to feed the pet, take it outside for a bathroom break and perhaps a walk, and then play with it for a little while. Just give it the love and attention you give your own pets. If you’re a pet owner yourself, you’ll find this work to be just like the care and attention you give your own pets everyday. But there’s a catch. This time you’ll get paid to do that work!

It’s very possible to do 10 visits a day in five or six hours. At $16 an hour that means you’d make $160 a day or $4,880 a month! There are expenses, but they are very modest, such as transportation, cell phone, and insurance.

One of the best perks of owning your own pet sitting business, besides enjoying time spent with a wonderful variety of animals, is that you’re the boss. You take the jobs you want, you set your prices. Simply put, you’re in charge. And did you know there are no certifications or classes required to become a pet sitter? Not at all. Start up expenses, usually less than $500.

Pets are all around you. Your friends have them. Your neighbors do too. And when those friends and neighbors are at work or will be out of town, they need someone to look after their pets, recession or not. That’s where you come in. Before long, you could be the pet sitter everyone calls on. To learn more about pet sitting, read Profitable Pet Sitting, available at: http://extraincomebulletin.com

Author: Craig Wallin
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Mobile device news

How to Start a Pet Sitting Business For Under $500

By Craig Wallin on March 4th, 2010

Pet sitting is an easy way to make a good income without investing a lot of money. This is a great time to start a pet sitting business, as people are spending more and more each year on their pets, and want only the best for their four legged family members. Because all that’s needed is reliable transportation and insurance, you can become a pet sitter on a shoestring.

According to the latest national pet owner’s survey, 63 percent of U.S. households have pets. There are 75 million dogs and 89 million cats in the United States. That’s a lot of potential pet sitting work! In the past, pet owners had to send their pets to a kennel or find a willing friend or relative to care for their pets. Today, with the help of a professional pet sitter, pets can stay in the familiar surroundings of their own home. No more stressful visits to the kennel. Pet sitting has grown from an unknown career two decades ago to a popular business today.

It doesn’t cost a lot to start a pet sitting business. If you have basic reliable transportation and a cell phone, you’re almost there. An insurance policy is essential, and most pet sitters are also bonded. A simple index card system is all you’ll need to keep track of your customers, although many pet sitters prefer to use a computer. Business cards are also a must, both to hand out to prospects and to post on bulletin boards and leave with pet care professionals, such as groomers and vets. Setting up an emergency bag, with essentials like a spare leash and collar, flashlight, doggie bags, treats and cleaning supplies costs under $100.

How much can you earn? According to a recent poll of professional pet sitters, the average full time pet sitter makes around $175 a day. The average national charge for a pet sitting visit is $16 – more in big cities and less in small towns and rural areas. Most dogs require two visits per day, while cats may only need one. Most pet sitters are happy to work solo, although some choose to hire employees and expand their business.

In addition to the low start up costs, you want to start your own pet sitting business because you can be your own boss and keep your schedule flexible. And of course, because you’re a pet lover. If you don’t love pets – especially dogs – choose another business! A pet sitter’s life is all about animals, and pet sitters that thrive do so because they love being around animals. As one pet sitter said, “I can’t believe people actually pay me to play with their pets. What a way to make a living.”

Author: Craig Wallin
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Canada duty tariff

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