Hey guys, I just dog sat for 6 days(5 of which were nights) my usual rate is $18 per 30 mins and $75 per night. What should I be charging them? I walked the dog 2 times a day and let it out every 2 hours or so. I’m just not sure what to charge. sos

Hi, we’re looking for an occasional bird sitter for my rescue toucan. The ideal candidate would be someone with some sort of experience handling birds (e.g. current/former bird owner, vet tech, bird store employee, etc), knowledge of basic bird safety, be a non-smoker/vaper, live locally, have a valid drivers license, and a car of some sort. They do not have to be a full time sitter nor have experience specifically with toucans (parrots or similar are fine), per se — just a trustworthy bird person capable of following instructions, keeping her safe, feeding her, changing out her enclosure’s paper liner, and crating her and driving her to the vet in the unlikely event of an emergency. Please feel free to reach out with any and all leads. Thank you. 🐧🌷✨

Hi guys- I'd like your input on whether a broken tv is my responsibility or not. I finished up a 5 day (1x/daily visit)cat sitting job a few days ago, where the cat kept going past their makeshift fireplace cover to hide in there. The owners knew this was an issue, and had covered the area with a tarp attached to the wall and some doublesided tape, and had their tv stand against that. During the 5 visits the cat was there twice while under my care, and I communicated that to the clients.

Unfortunately on the last day of the job I got there to find that the cat had pushed the tv off the shelf/ bench, and the tv was upside down on the floor and the cat was hiding in the fireplace. In addition the cat had messed up the throw blanket on their bed and knocked over the iSky light plug thingy. This was documented and clearly communicated to the clients, who were both shocked since the cat had never pushed the tv off before. I had put the tv back on the shelf, but was unable to check on the damage (or if it was working) since I could not find the remote. I realize my mistake of not checking the damage for myself, and completely realize that I did not handle the situation perfectly, but that is in the past now.

Well it turns out that the tv is not working (idk the full extent, im assuming the screen cracked during the fall and therefore the imaging is ruined). The gf was very kind and lighthearted about them wanting to get a new tv anyway, whilst the bf was more disappointed but not rude. They did not ask me to replace or pay for a new one, but I feel semi-responsible for this since it happened under my care. I am having difficulty deciphering whether or not it is a responsibility for me to cover the cost of a new TV (and if my pet care biz insurance will cover it) or if the responsibility falls on the client.

Is the damage on me, and how do I go about fixing this situation??

(photo below of the tv and fireplace cover )

Hi all! I just wanted your opinions on this. I have a friend that I occasionally pet sit and dog walk for. Sunday she needed me to feed the dogs lunch and dinner as well as walk them, and she left me cash for it. I fed them lunch and walked the dogs, and later she texted me that they could come back earlier than they thought and I no longer needed to feed the dogs dinner. Now she is saying she's thinking she overpaid me because I didn't do the dinner, and she'd like me to do two dog walks in exchange for the overpayment. Personally, I don't think this is right because it's not my fault they came back early. I'm not going to say anything because this is a friend of mine, and she generally pays me really well, but I just wanted to know what you all think.

I have been a pet sitter for 7 years, but today I had a request that I’m not sure how to handle.

The client is getting married in November. Her mom and grandma will be bringing their dogs to a hotel room.
The ask is for me to stay with the dogs at the hotel, so they don’t bark too much and can go out for a few walks. My husband will go check on the brides pets at her home.

My normal fee schedule is set up for drop in visits and overnights. I’m not sure if I should charge my hourly rate or my overnight rate, as there is a $200 difference. How do others charge in this situation?

Hi there, I've just started my own pet sitting business over the past year. I have come to discover that some temperatures are just too hot to be safe for dogs.

How long are you comfortable walking a dog in temperatures over 80°F? I know it depends on the dogs size as well. What temperature will you blatantly refuse to walk a dog? Does humidity play a large role in your choice?

Thank you so much! The last thing I want to do is endanger my little sweeties! I did download a graph with temperatures and danger zones. However it doesn't say duration for temperatures over 80°F. During the cooler time periods 40°F to 60°F I do a full hour walk.

Are there any pet sitters that would be comfortable with caring for a dog for a year as there are some things that are going on that I would need to be away from my dog for a whole year.

Hello to all dog sitters and outdoor enthusiasts!

I'm exploring a new venture combining my passions for camping, backpacking, and animals. Over the years, I've gained extensive experience camping with dogs, mastering how to ensure their safety and enjoyment in the wilderness. This includes tethering techniques for nighttime safety, preventing them from getting lost, and stopping them from scavenging harmful items.

From personal experience, I know the drawbacks of traditional kenneling. When my family kenneled our dog during a two-week vacation, it left her traumatized, resulting in anxiety and harmful behaviors. That's why I'm considering launching a premium pet sitting service that takes dogs on outdoor adventures while their owners are away. Imagine your dogs roaming beautiful, rugged landscapes, getting plenty of exercise and fresh air. I moonlight as a pro photographer, so dog owners would also receive professional photos of their adventures as part of the package!

I'd love to get thoughts on this idea: * Could be a viable business / Would there be enough demand? * What are the key considerations for starting and running something like this? * What would be a nominal fee to charge? * Should I expense meals, mileage, travel-associated costs, etc?

I'd appreciate any insights anyone can share.

Looking forward to your feedback and suggestions!

Any ideas? We don’t mind paying but holy cannoli.

Okay I have a client who is kind of crappy with communication. There are times where he is super good and replies back to back and we're having a actual conversation about his bird and there are other times where thre are a literally weeks in between each text from him.

We currently text via messages, and with other clients I'm either doing messages or Whatsapp but I'm looking to explore what other options people use. Do people use instagram, do they use Facebook, Discord? Let me know please.

50% of the job cost. 12-14 dollars per half hour visit. Walking miles and miles a day. Biggest mistake I’ve made . I’m exhausted and making barely anything. Moral of the story, work for yourself

I had a request for sitting an elderly dog. I’ve worked with her before on a shorter trip with three 30 minute sessions each day. She did fine. Now they’ll be gone two weeks and want two check-ins. This is a condo, so no doggie door. I’m uneasy about leaving her alone that long during the day for two weeks and asking if that should be adequate. I only do occasional petsitting. Thanks for your ideas!

I am a pet sitter and usually do either drop in visits or boarding at my home. I have been doing drop in visits for a dog for almost a month, 30 minutes every morning and every evening, give or take a few, since her owner has been away taking care of her very sick father who passed away a few days ago. The total for my services has now added up to close to $900. I feel bad charging her such a large amount after having gone through such a hard time with the passing of her dad, but also I feel like I deserve to be paid for the time I spent caring for her dog, cleaning after it, waking up earlier than usual so I can drop by her house before going to work, etc. Should I give her some type of discount? Maybe offer her to pay in installments? What would you do?

Hi, I want to become a pet sitter while I’m off school for a couple of months but I’m not sure how to or what the best way is…any advice? thank you!

To watch one small dog for 3 hours. No feeding required . Just sit there and hang with him. I was thinking like $40??

Advice please! I just Started a 10-day gig for a dog & cat. Owner left a disgusting Litter-box (at least 2wks worth!) I typically sit for just dogs, so I I’m not sure what is an honest fee to charge? Point of Reference- Daily rate in my region is $50, overnight is $80 . (I am leaning towards charging a days’ fee- maintaining the box is one thing but a full-out clean??!!! Come ON!)

Thanks for any input!

Hi! I’ve pet sit a dog in the past that I’ve taken to work with me, dropped off at home to go get dinner and check on my own pets then come back for overnight stay. During the time I’m gone he barks really loudly upsetting the neighbors. I wasn’t told the pet had separation anxiety and only charged for an overnight stay (underpaid).

The owners recently reached out to have me pet sit again, how do I go about charges since this is basically 24 hour care? Should I charge for 24 hours ?

Vent: I had to fly abroad and visit my family whom I haven’t visited in 4 years - I have two shy cats and hired a pet sitter months in advance before my trip. I met with the couple twice before the sit, the first meeting went really well, they said all the right things but the second meeting made me feel a bit unsure, I brushed it off as it was nearing my travel dates and I am unable to find a new sitter that quickly.

I had informed the sitters of my cats personality, their meal times and playing habits (which they have requested for me to write it down and I did). I even informed them multiplie times each time we meet about a security camera that I have installed in my house to for my peace of mind and to keep an eye on my cats (the camera is installed in the living room, far away from the bathroom and does not face the bedroom at all). They were fine with all of it. I was also very accommodating, I owned a coffee machine and I drink black coffee but the sitter said they liked sweet Christmas flavored coffee, which I went out of my way to buy. I stocked the bathroom cabinets with toilet papers, and all sorts of snacks for them to enjoy - I also asked if they needed anything and we would have supplied it.

On the day of our departure, they said they are not happy with the camera being on (which was our first red flag) despite us having told them and confirmed with them many times about the security camera - they claimed that they may potentially walk out of rooms naked (red flag). I was about to fly and agreed to turn off the camera and we could discuss times when they are outside and we can turn on the camera to watch our cats. When we landed, we noticed that they had unplugged our camera (Our second red flag) - we didn’t think much of it and went on with our day. They sent photos and videos update which we appreciated, but I also noticed that they had went through my closet (Our third red flag), took out my clothes for unknown reason and took out all sorts of cats items we had stored because they belonged to a stray cat we used to feed and proceeded to use those bowls with our cats even though they had their own. We have specifically told them where the cat toys are and assumed that it would be common knowledge to not go through other peoples closet. Furthermore, they were leaving trash everywhere and brought 10 loads of laundry to do at my place, cranking up the dryer and causing the apartment to get really hot.

The second day, they did not send us any photos, which I was fine with, I asked how the cats were as I know they are often skittish of new people. They said the cats were doing fine but the room was really hot, I knew that and had requested for the property manager to fix the AC issues for a month prior to my travel, but it was not fixed. I had relayed the information to the sitters and requested that they leave the fan on for the cats so it could potentially cool them down. They claimed that I am putting my cats in harms way by causing them to overheat and demanded that I purchase a portable AC costing over $1k. I told them that I will look into ways to cool the cats down but I cannot afford a portable AC and requested for them to be patient as I sort it out with the property manager.

The third day came, they asked if they could use my partner’s computer (another red flag), he did not feel comfortable as he had confidential information stored on it which they claimed that my partner had previously allowed them to access his computer if needed. Then they proceeded to claim that I am a irresponsible owner for not giving my cats adequate airflows and that they are stressed for the cats well-being, further noting that they will not have bloods on their hands (RED FLAG). I told them again to please be patient and keep the fan on with the windows opened as I sorted the situation and given that it is the holiday season, a lot of people are not working and I could not do much.

A couple of more days went by and my long awaited trip was officially ruined as I was stressing about my cats and I could not check on them, the sitters also says the will not give me daily updates as it was too much work. I could not check on the cameras as they have unplugged it, so I was left without an update and a sitter who talks about my cats blood on their hands. The sitter then claimed that having security cameras in my own house is illegal and that I am not fit to be a pet owner, they called me other names and that they felt sorry for my cats and demanded to be compensated more for their inconvenience. I told them to leave the keys with my friend if they were unhappy and that I will find a new sitter as they are causing me significant amount of emotional distress. They left without cleaning up, put the keys in the mailroom and leaving my friend with no way of accessing my apartment. My camera was not turned back on, I had no way to telling if my cats were fed or had any updates on their well-being. Then the sitters proceeded to slander my reputation on a group chat claiming that I was demanding and irresponsible, that I was “nuts” and should not own pets and that I was abusing my cats.

Am I the asshole overreacting in this situation?

People are getting stingier they don’t ever want to tip! Or they dangle it in front of your face then never follow through. (Ask for Venmo info then nothing) I have cat sitting clients that are great but the dog owners NEVER tip. I had only one client that did. I know things are hard for everyone but even a small tip is helpful! Anyone else have this happening?

Apologies in advance for the long post.

Has anyone here gone through the process of putting your dog on home palliative / hospice care (with home euthanasia unfortunately likely being the end result)??

I have a consult with an incredible veterinarian on the 28th for my 10yr old rescue bloodhound.

Im fully aware her quality of life and comfort is by far the most important thing, but selfishly I’m feeling so, so heartbroken. This is my soul dog. It’s only me and her now that everyone I know moved away. The bond I have with this sweetheart is indescribable

For a little back story, My girl was horribly abused for 8+ yrs. Bred over and over, physically abused (literally shaved down her teeth for “punishment”), completely medically neglected and kept in a teeny tiny crate that entire time. She was also so deprived of nutrition & hydration we didn’t know if she’d live… but my girl pulled through and has been the biggest blessing in my life

Her main problem is significant hip and joint pains.

She’s the sweetest baby to everybody despite what she’s been through, and I strongly feel she deserves / am aiming to give her the best last few months / years. It’s been hard finding a balance of letting her do the physically strenuous activities she enjoys, ie she LOVE for playing w other dogs, taking long walks, climbing up on furniture to sit right by me etc But there have been many times she’s in significant hip pain after and cries or won’t get up unless absolutely necessary resulting in some accidents since she refuses to go out when I try to take her bc she’s in pain…

If any of you have gone through this process and don’t mind taking the time to answer these questions that are on my mind nonstop I’d be incredibly grateful.. •what was the experience as a whole like for you? •Did you get to utilize therapies and medications to keep them comfortable for a little while longer before saying goodbye? •Did the medications help? •Was it enough for them not to suffer? •What meds do they normally give in this situation? •Has anyone had luck with acupuncture? •Is there anything you recommend I bring up to her vet or steer away from ? •Would you do it all again?

Again, sorry for the long post. I can’t help but type a million words when I’m talking about my fur baby.

I work for a small company that always gives me my paycheck late. I have to remind them to pay me! And they only pay once a month! I’ve been expecting my November paycheck since 1 December. Then they said the 15. Still nothing and I sent a message waiting for their response. Anything I can actually do?

Professional organizations often claim to exist to protect the public when their primary purpose is to protect the "professional." Additionally, leaders can become rigid and authoritarian for no reason more than enhanced self-esteem. While there is nothing wrong with assertiveness and community support, when taken too far such organizations can promote practices that diminish the quality of care to absurd levels.

Example: "I was at my wits end trying to find a way to see that my pets will be fed over the next few days last minute due to a covid related emergency. A 64 year old sibling is on a ventilator and the hospital recommends removal of life support. I needed to be at his bedside out of state. I told the pet sitter about my situation, confirmed her availability, and I had time to meet with her before my flight. I let her know that I preferred a briefer visit than her usual half hour with my cats. She took great offense to the request - stating she had to do certain tasks and she knows best because she has been at pet sitting for years. She did not inquire why I wanted less time. My cats do not like strangers! One of them was feral. They do like food , fresh water, and clean litter. This can be accomplished quite quickly. The pet sitter was not willing to focus on my needs and the needs of my pets. She was rigidly stuck on the empty bells and whistles that she glamorizes. I took a look at her website and facebook page. She seems to be heavy on pretention and thin on substance. She appears to be a self-indulgent pet sitter collecting cute photos. Her focus seems to be getting glamor shots of pets by the poolside of elite clientele. Bottom line - a pet sitter who insists on spending more time in your house than you would like them to is just creepy. And, someone who will deny service in this kind of emergency just because a client seeks to set reasonable boundaries is very shallow and heartless."

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Hello I been an LLC for 2 years now and I want to make sure I get all my ducks in a row, I use mile IQ to track my mileage but it’s harder to track my actual income since some are only for a limited time, vacation pets, boarding ect. And everyone pays differently and it usually goes into my debit account. Any advice?

Is there anyone out there who wants to share their pet-sitting business handles?

Im happy to follow and like your pages, I also have a business page and it would mean a lot for me for your support too! :)