Comments on: Getting Started Pet Sitting

By: Tina

Tina — Tue, 31 May 2011 20:42:59 +0000

Though the other Tina has many good points, I think pet sitting is a pretty good idea. But you can’t just go ahead and pretend that nothing at all could happen during pet sitting. I’ve been bitten by my own pets, so an animal you don’t know can harm you just as easily. It’s especially dangerous if it’s a large dog, or not well trained dog. I’m trying to think of a good job opportunity at age 13, and i’m not sure how safe this job really is. I would really like to this because I love animals, have plenty of expirience with animals, and am considered rather responsible for my age.But, I just don’t know if this is very safe, with the various problems that could occur. Maybe I’ll just try dog WALKING, and that’s it. Something as serious as taking full responsibility of a strange animal for long periods of time, with so much danger and issues that can occur, should probally be left for more professional people. While dog walking doesn’t pose as much threats, same with grooming. Sure if it’s a huge dog that likes to run off leash and chase a bird to the other side of town, it could be a problem. Though otherwise thats the best I can give you all.

By: Madi

Madi — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 13:06:08 +0000

I believe that babysitting is a great deal more serious than pet sitting and yet teens have been providing this service for decades. If we were to approach life with this attitude then there would be NO jobs at all for teens, since lets face a baby could trip, lawn mowers might fling a rock, newspaper bike riders could run into someone…you get my drift. Most adults that hire a tween or teen to perform a job are well aware of the fact that they do not carry insurance and other such perks, which is why teens are usually hired since they have the advantage of charging a great deal less than professionals due to low overhead. Overall I believe that the most important thing is knowing your teen or knowing yourself (teen) and what your strenghts are (are you attentive or easily distracted) and most importantly understanding the responsibility that is accepted when you take on a job-paying full attention (no texting), taking pride in what you do, researching things to know and do, interviewing those who hire you so that there are no confusions and so that you know what to do in case of an emergency, if needed making preparation and even checklists. In fact there are a great deal of teens that are more responsible at their job then some called professionals

By: Samantha

Samantha — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 20:58:17 +0000

Maybe Tina has a point…but if you think of it this way, don’t all children and teen need parent supervision? It is probably the parent’s choice if their child could take care of a special need animal or not. Also, just to point out, the article says that before you start this pet sitting business, you have to be atleast experienced, doesn’t it? Well I’m a 12 year old girl that used to take care of a full adult Rottweiler and also an adult Belgian malinois but with a few help from my parents. I would like to start dog sitting and I am sure that I’m probably responsible enough.I know basic questions like what is the normal routine, how long does it walk need to be, does it take any medication or special items for their comfort, likes and dislikes, how many meals does it take during the day and etc. Also I have only thought of these questions by myself. Sooo just saying, pet sitti g IS TRULY a great job and opportunity for children and teen PERIOD.

By: courtney

courtney — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 16:32:32 +0000

i need a job but im only
10………………

By: bethany

bethany — Thu, 21 May 2009 16:51:44 +0000

I would love to take up pet sitting! Good idea! I already have a dog and cat of my own. Tina does make good points. But I am honestly really responsible. Babysitting is a good idea too, i already babysit my brother on a daily basis for free and I have made $65 in just 3 babysitting jobs! Thanks for good ideas, keep ‘em coming!
-Bethany

By: treece

treece — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 11:26:53 +0000

Tina,

You certainly have made some valid points and we’ll continue to stress the need for adult supervision in any child/teen based business venture.

Pet sitting is serious business…so is babysitting, for that matter.

By: Tina

Tina — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 22:57:17 +0000

Pet sitting IS NOT a great idea for children. Period!
Pet Sitting IS NOT A HOBBY, nor should be taken as a hobby nor just for fun!
Professional Pet Sitters carry full insurance, are licensed and bonded. They are NOT children or teens. They have their own business, which many requires an attorney and
an accountant to set up the corporation, L.L.C or Inc. This is not for a child to run and operate.
What happens when an animal gets ill, hurt or were to get loose? What about if they were walking a dog and someone approached the dog, and it jumped on them and scratched their face and needed many plastic surgeries? Or worse bites someone or another animal? Who is going to pay for that? Are you prepared to pay thousands or hundreds of thousands when you are taken to court and sued?
At least the liability insurance that one has will cover those types of issues.
What about if the pet needs medication, are the “children” old enough to administer such? What about pilling an angry cat? What if the cat escaped out the door when being opened or leaving?
There are SO many more things to think about, research (like Pet First Aide courses), licensing, bonding, insurance, attorney fee, accountant fees, etc….that a child CANNOT do, heck there are A LOT of adults that do not have the first clue as to how to start and operate a successful Pet Sitting Business.
It is not a “cute” profession…. it is serious business!

By: Tricia

Tricia — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 00:43:50 +0000

Pet sitting is such a great idea for our children. It teaches them responsibility, and helps them earn money.

Great idea. Thanks for sharing with us.