Managing Your Dog Sitting Service

Managing your own dog sitting service can reap big rewards financially, personally, and professionally if done correctly. Organized dog sitting schedules bring in cash regularly. Satisfied customers stems personal fulfillment. The dog sitting industry can be a training ground for learning business etiquette and professionalism. So whether you are your own boss or have your own employees, your dog sitting service needs to employ management skills to be successful.

Legal Issues

Every business starts with securing the needed business forms and permits. You should check your county and state regulations if you would need a business permit for a dog sitting business.

Define your Services

You have to set the scope of your dog sitting services. What are the activities that you will be doing while the dog is under your care? Are you amenable to doing tasks outside of the dog sitting business like watering plants, managing the mail, and others? Will you be providing dog kennel services in your home? Will you be providing sitting services for pets aside from dogs? A clear description of your duties lessens the stress that you can get from performing prohibited tasks.

Market Your Business

There are a number of ways you could market your dog sitting services locally. One, you could create business cards to be given out to clients. These business cards may remain with your clients for long periods of time, or can even be passed on to other dog owners who will need your services. Two, you could print out simple, one-line flyers to be posted on light posts or trees at dog parks. A statement announcing your business and contact number would suffice since passers by have only a few seconds to spare to read your flyer. You could also consider posting one-line ads in the local yellow pages. The yellow pages are references for persons who actually need something.

Reservations

Most of your clients would be dealt with on the phone. It is important to practice phone courtesy so as not to turn-off or intimidate your clients. You should be willing to meet the owner before the actual start of your services to get acquainted with him/her and his/her pet. You could also draft contract details with the owner during your initial visit.

Make a Contract

A contract is essential to strike a professional balance in your relationship with the dog owner. It should be kept simple and understandable for both you and the owner. It should define the boundaries of what you are to do with the dog in your care. It should state if the dog sitting is to take place in your home or in the owner’s. If in the owner’s home, the contract should define what home areas are accessible and restricted. The contract should also state how the owner wants his/her pet to be treated. How you would be compensated (either by the hour or per day) should also be clearly defined. A contract should have a contact information form to be filled out by the dog owner. It must contain the owner’s emergency contact number. If possible, it should also contain the dog’s veterinarian, the clinic address, and the phone number. Secure a copy of the contract for you and the owner. It should be signed and dated by both parties.

Ensure Client Satisfaction

Clients would gladly return to you if they are satisfied with your services. They would also refer you to their relatives and friends. Your capability and credibility should be manifested in the first days of working with your client.