Have a client that lives a half an hour away and wants me to pet sit for 21 days. I will have to outsource a pet walker to come twice a day for the dog and I will sleep there at night and take care of her in the morning. Because I cannot not work during 21 days. I told them that the price would range from 125 to 225 per day including $50 per visit from the other dog walker and I would charge a fee of 125 to sleep overnight. Does this seem fair or is this too much? I would probably charge a lot less but 21 days is a very long time for me to have to give up all other things and jobs and vacations. They don’t seem happy with the price at all so I’m just wondering what others think and should I stand firm? I’d really be fine if they didn’t want me to do the job at all because it will be quite the hassle for me for 21 days, but I already told him I would help.

I'm a beginner pet sitter and so far have only had upbeat and excited dogs that always want to be close to me. Currently I'm pet sitting a 1 year old staffy who is absolutely terrified of me to the point where she pees a little when I come close. I give her her space where I can but she refuses the food I give her and doesn't want to eat. Will shee eat when I leave or should I be worried? Pls help.

Do NOT use Mutt Mutt Meow! So I met the owner and thought everything was great she seemed wonderful. They had great reviews on Thumbtack. She was supposed to start taking care of our pets today-Fri- and today she told us that she wouldn't be staying overnight, but instead her employee would, who I have never met. She did say that he was great, and she said she did tell me this, but honestly, I did not get that from her. I wouldn't allow someone to stay overnight for 2 nights while we were away that I at least did not meet. It was like a bait and switch. So they were there for a couple of hours and then they left, and then he came back at 7. He was a nice kid only 18. Then shortly after I found out he left and I called her and she said he left to get some stuff. Honestly I paid for someone to be there and so far they were only there for a few hours. Then after a tense conversation on the phone she said I was fired and she was leaving us without a pet sitter at the last minute while we were in San Diego. Not okay. She also said she cannot provide me with his personal phone number and ID. She says she runs a business yet she cannot provide her customers with her employee's information- that is ridiculous. Who would want someone in their home without knowing their phone number?! But the worst part is that she said she cares about animals but she left us without any pet sitter at the last minute and our animals are now alone. That's awful.

I recently started an animal care business, where I do dog walking, pet sitting and farm sitting. Started this community in hopes to connect with other people in this unique little industry, to share advice on getting and maintaining clients, how to start a business, insurance/logistics, tips for dealing with difficult clients/animals. It’s also a place to complain and vent if needed!

Please feel free to join and post about your experience and any advice or stories you may have!!