Prices for Pet Sitting Services
When you watch somebody's pets, you should be charged for your services. Much like watching children, they must be entertained, fed and taken to the bathroom. You can offer many services when pet sitting therefore a set price is not possible. Here are some of the variables that you should consider when setting prices for pet sitting services.
- Dog Walking- If you are only going to stop in and take the dogs for a walk, this is a minimal task when caring for someone's pet. This task is not difficult unless you are working with bigger, stronger dogs that may be beyond your capability. If you are already going for a walk anyway, this is really nothing, pricing this service inexpensively will help bring you in more revenue.
- Feeding- If you are only coming in to feed the animals, this takes little out of your day. Ensuring that there is fresh food and water for the animals is not hard. If this is the only pet sitting service that you are offering, keeping the price low will bring you more people looking for pet sitting services, but also keep in mind that animal diets can vary from types of animals as well as from each individual animal in the house. Some animals may need more feeding care than others may.
- Waste Management- There are many toxins and other things like bacteria that can be found in animal feces, litter boxes and the like. Because of this, charging a fair amount to do waste removal for the pets is acceptable. If waste management is not handled while the pet owners are away, an animal can get it matted into their fur and will likely start doing their business wherever they can find a clean spot- inside the house or not.
- Types of Animals- Some animals require more maintenance than others do. Not only this but also some animals within a breed are harder to work with and can be dangerous. Because of this, offering a set price for every animal is not practical. Watching a pit bull for the weekend is not the same as watching a Chihuahua for the weekend. Not only is one more energetic than the other but you have to consider the potential dangers of watching bigger, larger animals.
- In Home or At Their Home- Some people will choose to have you stay in their home while they are away because their animal is familiar with the area and everything in it. Others find it easier to bring their pets to you to have them be watched. Depending on what you are comfortable with and the other services you are expected to provide while watching their pets, this price can vary.
- Older Animals- If you are watching older animals, especially with health issues, there are a myriad of things that could go wrong. If dogs need medication, it has to be dispensed at certain times in certain fashions, they may need special food that you have to make for them and there is always the possibility of the pet dying while their owner is away. These factors should seriously be considered when deciding on whether to offer services for older animals as well as what to charge for the service.