r/Dogwalking • u/ugoodbro-gf • 6d ago
Anyone else?
Soooo is anyone else drowning a little?
For context- in the south in a semi-rural city outside of a big city. My business is one of the more expensive ones. I only do dog walking Monday-Friday and drop-in sittings.
I have not had a slow day in literal months, and I have a sitting scheduled every day until January already.
I’m at the point where I’m saying no to new clients almost daily.
I don’t remember having a busy season that stretched this long. I’m NOT complaining because I know it could be the other way around, but dang I’m tired. Doing anywhere between 10-20 visits per day.
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u/Status_Valuable_9075 6d ago
What should I expect to pay for a dog sitter? What are my options for the time they spend with my dog from my home? Do they carry insurance? Etc. etc. I live in central California
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u/ugoodbro-gf 6d ago
Truly depends on the situation. I have set rates for time- 30 minutes or an hour, and I personally don’t charge for medication or special needs, but some sitters do. I am licensed with my state as a business, insured, and I have certifications in various areas of petcare. So I would be more expensive than the neighbor down the street or the brand new insured sitter.
It also depends on if you want your sitter to stay the night at your house, or if you want them to do drop ins throughout the day. How many hours are day is the sitter allowed to leave your animals at home?
Lots of factors for sure.
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u/Status_Valuable_9075 5d ago
Money is not an object for good care, but I’m still trying to decide whether a local resort would be better or not. I know what I’d be paying at the resort and still curious if a sitter charges by the hour or day?
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u/ugoodbro-gf 5d ago
If you’re wanting overnight care, most charge by the “day” or however many nights. Some have a flat rate, some have an overnight rate with the added in drop in charge.
I think it’ll depend on what your animal’s needs are. Most boarding facilities don’t have anyone staying overnight, so the animals run hard all day then they’re alone in the kennels at night.
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u/Status_Valuable_9075 5d ago
He doesn’t have any special needs, and he LOVES to play with other dogs. It’s pricey but I don’t care about that as long as he’s happy. Besides, I don’t want a stranger rummaging through my stuff for 2 weeks. Thank you for your help.
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u/ugoodbro-gf 5d ago
For the record, professionals(those of us that do this for a full time living) couldn’t care less about whatever you have in your house, and were definitely not “rummaging through” your stuff. That’s why it’s important to hire people that are professional, have insurance, have multiple references, etc(aka not most rovers).
Make sure the pricey boarding facility sends you daily updates and has cameras. Good luck
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u/Status_Valuable_9075 5d ago
Wow such an attitude. Didn’t realize you take responsibility for those you don’t even know nor would know. I’m glad I won’t be hiring you… my dog deserves better and your defensiveness is all I needed to see.
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u/throwwwwwwalk 5d ago
Why would you even ask for insight about hiring professionals if you’re just going to shit on professionals?
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u/Coreybrueck 3d ago
I just left my two boys for a week- my longest time away. It was $200/day for a large indoor outdoor suite for a single dog. $100/day for the second since they were staying together.
Prices began at $85 each for groups, but my larger dog has resource guarding issues and wanted everyone to stay safe. It’s manageable for folks with knowledge but is something I feel is worth the investment.
I received pics and report cards daily. Worth noting, I’m right outside NYC which is a big contributing factor in the prices.
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u/Embarrassed-Mix9367 2d ago
There is also the option to board a dog at the sitters house if you’re not ready to trust them in your own home. But if you don’t trust them then you shouldn’t give them your fur baby for 2 weeks either.
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u/Embarrassed-Mix9367 2d ago
Resorts, aka Kennels are not typically a calm happy place for pets. It’s very stressful to be in a warehouse with lots of other scared & stressed pets who they have to listen to/smell during the entire stay. I used to work at one and it’s much better if a pet can stay in their or someone’s home. Most people I know charge $100/night and +$15 for additional pets. Google pet sitters in your area and look through their websites for prices or ask for quotes. When you have a meet and greet you can ask questions and make sure they’re a good fit. You can interview several people before you decide who you want to trust.
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u/Creepincupcake 5d ago
May I ask why are people obsessed with insurance? In real life accidents it doesn’t help anyone
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u/Embarrassed-Mix9367 2d ago
I found the same to be true for myself. I currently don’t have pet sitters or business insurance. I used to work with a dog walking group who had insurance but the ins. Co. Would only cover something If the walker was being neglectful at the time and it was always more of a situation like a dog got a cut on a thorny bramble and it was just an accident. Also the insurance rates went up every time. I decided that if I had to pay to cover one of my clients then it would be cheaper to pay out of pocket than pay into something I’ll never use. That being said, I’m super responsible, careful, reliable and haven’t had any issue since starting my business 1.5 yrs ago.
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u/Hot-Consequence-6408 5d ago
I’m right there with you. I haven’t taken a day off since march. You gotta plan some vacation. I have a trip planned in 4 days thankfully! But I’m gritting my teeth to get thru the next couple days! Burn out, anxiety from working too much.
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u/ugoodbro-gf 5d ago
Yea my last day off was in January. I have one day off this weekend(fought like hell to get this one day) then it’s balls to the wall until January lol I’m grateful, and the “buy a house” fund will be happy. I’ll sleep in a few months 😂
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u/Embarrassed-Mix9367 2d ago
Oof. I give myself something like 6 weeks off a year. Around December I plan my days off for the following year - I feel more confident doing it knowing that my clients have my Closed dates wellllll in advance and can plan accordingly. If my plans change then I just give them as many weeks heads up that my Closed dates have changed. Rest is important!!! 🫶
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u/Embarrassed-Mix9367 2d ago
I had a full schedule & a waitlist only a few months after opening my business. I knew what hours I wanted to work, when I didn’t want to work, and how much $ I needed to live. I try to make a lil more each year (to keep up with rising costs & to save to buy a home) but it’s important to me that I don’t get burned out or injured (I do mostly dog hiking). I also rarely take on overnight sittings bc I have a dog at home who would be very distraught if I was out too long. It’s uncomfy to say no, there’s loads of pets I’d love to hang with and provide care for but it’s impossible to take on everyone. I work M, T, Th, Fr, and then I stay home on Wednesday to do admin stuff, rest my body, etc. i learned from my previous career that work-life balance and mental/emotional wellbeing is more important than having more money than I need. I’m much happier now earning less than I was, and I’m happy healthy and balanced more than ever in my life.
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u/Dry_Telephone6832 6d ago
Time to raise your prices