Ways to make money!

[solomon]

???I am hoping to drop some hours at work, still going to work three days a week, but will finally have a bit of time to maybe start my own business. Always wanted to be my own boss, maybe dog walking or pet sitting. Any ideas on how to start, what you think. I have worked as a vets' receptionist for 20 years so have lots of handling experience. Just not sure how to launch myself?

[florence]

Well, the ad above suggests online dating for naughty people.....

Seriously, though, I would start by advertising at the vets you work for if they would allow it. Tack and feed shops would also be good places to advertise. Will you do horses for people whilst they're away too? As for pet sitting, you'll need to decide if that's going to be at your home or theirs. If there were any in my area, I would certainly consider using one as I wouldn't like to leave my dog in kennels. Luckily, I've usually had people willing to look after them but once or twice I've been stuck and had to beg favours, which I hate doing.

[FirenLady]

You couldn't have any better experience, then 20 yrs in a vet! Perhaps ask around and see what people are looking for, and what is already available. There are a few around here, I think they do well. Good Luck Sol

[kitcat]

If you are wanting to make it a business then it may be worth looking into insurance. Also think about setting yourself up as a company. That way you can set all your outgoings against tax and then pay yourself a salary from what you make.

[fimacg]

Speak to you local Business Link, they will also be able to offer advice on how to set up your own business, insurance is a must, just imagine what might happen if two dogs you were walking got into a fight, or one escaped and got hit by a car... you would be expected to pay the vets fees and compensation...

[scattymare]

Yes please please make sure you get the correct insurance. Professional dog walking can be a big thing if you can get the work- my friend gets charged £100 a week for his dog to be walked once a day. They collect the dog and walk it with up to 4 others at a time for one hour then return her home again. So thats up to £500 a week and you could do more than one 'walk' a day.
Def advertise locally wherever you can. You probably know and are known by the majority of animal owners in your town so thats a great start.
Good luck. I'd love to cut my days down from this rat race.

[zara]

hi Soloman, Frankiesmum on here runs her own pet sitting and dog walking business; i'm sure she'd give you a few tips about setting up etc. Good luck Zx

[Blonde Donkey]

Would you have the room to take pets on while the owners went on holiday. If you are known and trusted in your local area then this might be a good way to go. We have done this in the past for people and it is great fun and is less stress for the pet and owner when they know the person who is looking after their little darling.

[solomon]

Thanks everyone, giving it lots of thought.

[duckles]

what about adding dog grooming? dog creche?
I just can't believe someone gets £100 a week for walking a dog for 1 hour a day!
Good Luck Sol - mind you being self employed has a lot of down sides but it would be nice to be doing something you loved

[gnuton]

I don't know how it works in the U.K. but across the seas I love cash. The less bureaucratic contact I have the happier I'll be
One service you can offer is in home pet care for people who only need it short term because of illness or injury, or long term for the elderly or handicapped.

You could walk, feed, clean out the litter box, take a pet to the vet for appointments or even do the kindness of PTS for those who find it too difficult to do it themselves. For those who might be squeamish or too busy for specific at home treatments you can fill the void.

Once you're swamped with business you can start hiring people to do the work and turn you business into an agency

Sounds very exciting. Good luck