Table of Contents
Preface.
Acknowledgments.
Introduction.
Chapter 1: The Concept of Pet Sitting.
What Makes Pet Sitting a Great Career.
Alternatives to Pet Sitting.
The Advantages of Operating a Pet-Sitting Service.
The Need Is Everywhere.
How Much Can You Earn?
What You Need to Start.
Chapter 2: Getting Started.
Research and Resources.
Pet Sitters International.
A Market Survey.
Naming Your Business.
Your Business Logo.
Business License.
Your Office Location.
Basic Office Supplies and Furnishings.
Business Telephone.
Structuring Your Business.
Finding an Accountant.
Selecting a Bank.
Insurance.
Dishonesty Bond.
Chapter 3: Office Procedures.
Using a Computer.
Customer Card System.
Policies and Procedures.
Credit Cards.
Telephone Techniques.
Cell Phones.
Answering E-mail.
Determining Service Areas.
Setting Prices.
Compensating Sitters.
“Always Ready” Service.
Planning for Disasters.
Initial Client Interviews.
Handling Customer Complaints.
Handling Delinquent Accounts.
Chapter 4: Personnel Choices.
Finding Qualified Pet Sitters.
Applicant Interviews.
Sitter Orientation.
Survival Bag.
Sitter Safety.
Sitter Nutrition.
Managing and Motivating Sitters.
Staff Meetings.
Employees or Independent Contractors?
Chapter 5: Advertising: The Means to the Masses.
PSI’s Web Locator.
A Brochure and a Business Card.
A Word About “Licensing”.
Using Your Brochure and Business Cards.
Inexpensive Ways to Advertise.
Do You Need a Web Site?
Newspapers.
Yellow Pages.
Radio.
Television.
“Free” Advertising.
More Great Advertising Ideas from Readers.
Chapter 6: Public Relations.
A Newsletter or E-zine.
News Releases.
Public Speaking.
Exhibition Booths.
Special Events.
Business Etiquette.
Chapter 7: Examining the Negatives.
Just Say No.
Industry Challenges.
Don’t Do This!
How to Avoid or Handle Other Problems.
The Best from the Best: Tips from the Field.
Chapter 8: Useful Business Forms.
Designing a Service Contract.
Invoices.
Daily Log.
Evaluation Form.
Client Reservation Form.
Notification Forms.
Additional Forms.
Tips from Pet Sitters.
Chapter 9: Buying, Selling, or Closing a Business.
How a Business Broker Can Help.
The P’s and Q’s of Saying Good-Bye.
Thinking of Buying?
Chapter 10: Tracking Trends.
Analyzing Your Business Trends.
Crime Deterrence.
Overnight Pet and House Sitting.
Expanded Services.
Closing Thoughts.
Appendix.
Estimated Start-up Costs Checklist.
Helpful Products for Professional Pet Sitters.
Pet and Business-Related Organizations.
PSI Recommendations for Excellence in Pet Sitting.
Postscript.
Index.
