Setting boundaries in your pet sitting business

[@FirstStreetPets]

Pet sitters, I am now offering personalized consulting and coaching for your business! Contact me at [e-mail] for info.

[@kittygampr]

These are good tips. I have clients that try to negotiate my already very reasonable prices. And I DO answer my phone for them at all times if I'm awake! Boundaries are important! Thanks for the reminder. Most of my current clients are actually friends because that's how I'm starting out but my friends have never asked for a discount even though I offer it to them, they still pay me full price.

[@FirstStreetPets]

Thanks for sharing your experiences. I didn't think about working for people we already know, especially when starting out. I would think boundaries are important in that situation for different reasons, that is to preserve the personal relationship you already have. It can work out great or it can get weird if things don't meet the expectations of both parties.

[@CDHpetcare]

This is the type of video I need to watch multiple times. My personality defaults to doing or saying whatever it takes to avoid being (what I consider) non-confrontational. I tend to do more than what is asked of me (boundaries I need to set for myself) and take on extra tasks in addition to the job that is asked of me (boundaries I need to set with others/customers).

[@FirstStreetPets]

I'm so glad to hear my video is helpful to you! I hope you are able to start making more space for yourself. When you push back and get results it really helps you to continue approaching situations differently. Best wishes for you and your business.

[@tishg6053]

Great video! Thank you!

[@FirstStreetPets]

You're welcome!

[@region4243]

I've been pet sitting in house sitting on the sidelines for several years now from Oregon all the way to florida. It is now that I've decided I'm going to actually turn it into a business. Your video was very helpful appreciate you

[@FirstStreetPets]

You're welcome! I wish you success in your business.

[@nathanwebb7208]

Thank you for this

[@FirstStreetPets]

You're welcome! I hope you found it helpful.

[@faerieguts]

Fantastic video. I've done petcare for 13 years and the boundary I struggle with has to do with feeling anxiety and worrying about pets whose owners care for them in a way that I feel deprives the pets of a good life. Currently losing sleep over 3 cats I'm taking care of. It pains me to go over there and see them with very little space and no windows to look out. Not sure if I should suck it up, say something to owners, or just stop taking care of them.

[@FirstStreetPets]

That's a tough one! I've had that experience myself with dogs living in the backyard or garage, very dirty homes, etc. Most people won't be open to criticism, so unless the situation is unsafe I wouldn't say anything.

[@janetrae71]

Great video! This is so helpful as I am just starting out. Thank you!

[@FirstStreetPets]

So glad you found it helpful! How is your business going?

[@debstraub8437]

This was a fantastic video! Thank you so much for the real world examples. I use to take care of dogs in my home and had all sorts of crazy requests and issues. Now I plan to start a cat visit business and am so encouraged to hear about all the ways I can set boundaries and feel good about it!

[@FirstStreetPets]

Glad the info was helpful! Sometimes it's difficult to know what will work for you without trying it in the real world. There are so many variables like your geographic area, the clientele, and your lifestyle. Best wishes for the success of your business!

[@jenniferward6909]

The price thing is frustrating. Like you, I keep my prices firm. Unfortunately, there are some services and platforms that have pricing that is almost below minimum wage after expenses. I think the pricing seen on these platforms has created a perception that petsitting is a low-cost, rote type of service, that anyone can do, and it is anything but that!

[@FirstStreetPets]

For sure! It is frustrating and impossible to compete with individuals who are willing to accept pennies on the dollar for services. I recently had a dog owner ask me to stay at her house with three dogs 24/7 for $50 a day. Her argument was that another person was willing to do it. I don't usually argue with clients but I had to ask, "Would you work at your job for $50 a day?" Actually two days because we're talking about 24 hours!

[@jenniferward6909]

That’s crazy. Maybe that price would work in 1980! 😂

[@pakouyang8389]

I love your videos! They’re super educating and helpful. I recently just got my first customer on Rover. I’m hoping to build my own pet sitting one day.

[@FirstStreetPets]

So glad you found my videos helpful! How is your business going?

[@proartedance]

Wonderful professional advise. Am starting boarding with 2 friends. My home is large fenced in have 2dog pools and own 2loving dogs that are kind and friendly. Since my clients are friends am bit worried on what to state the daily cost will be. 1 clients has 2 dogs, the other 4 dogs. Both leaving on vacation for a week.

[@FirstStreetPets]

My advice is to charge the same as anyone else. Discounts and varied prices will only lead to trouble. Research the market in your area and charge accordingly. Check out this article and video on the subject. firststreetpets.com/how-to-start-a-dog-boarding-business-from-home-part-four-services-and-prices/

[@floridagirl8540]

I’ve got a client who refuses to let me keep the key and there is no code to get inside. They live 8.5 miles away from me and expect me to come and get the key from them before the visit while they go over all of what they want me to do for the visits. I am now going to tell them that I am requiring all my clients to either leave me with a copy of the key, garage code to get in , leave the key in a safe place for me to get at the start of my visit or I will be charging a $20 pick up fee. This is ridiculous! And to make matters worse, I get there today for a 2 week stretch and they did not leave payment! I used to water the little garden of vegetables in pots as a favor (I wasn’t asked to do it before) now the “garden has grown massive and extended to the front yard as well. They want me to water front and back and now take out all the trash cans, recycles and a lot of whole boxes that I think they want me to break down and put in the recycle? Idk, and multiple cans of yard waste. I feel like they are getting close to stepping over the line. I do take trash out for clients but this is an excessive amount and I was never asked to before. It seems with each visit I get they add more things they want me to do and I made the mistake of not having a terms of service. I need to get this and address it very soon.

[@adriana-jn8ru]

Yes!!! That is not right

[@FirstStreetPets]

I hope you have addressed these issues and gotten a satisfying resolution. People only take advantage of you as much as you let them. As business owners, we have a right and an obligation to set policies and stick with them.

[@CDHpetcare]

4:06 I am new to this, and I thought I made a mistake somewhere or overlooked something, because people keep asking what my service are and what the prices are, when as you say, the prices are clearly marked on the website. I thought it was just me.

[@FirstStreetPets]

It can be crazy making! You can either answer their questions or refer them back to the website.

[@deborc2705]

This was a good video. You made it very clear how to set expectation with customer and it was reassuring that it is OK to say No. I have a neighbor that may need services. I think I will want her to use the spp to keep it professional.

[@FirstStreetPets]

So glad this was helpful for you! Be sure to check out my other pet business articles and videos on www.firststreetpets.com

[@BrittneyC1]

I really like your tips, will be starting my own service soon.

[@FirstStreetPets]

Thanks! Be sure to check out my other pet sitting business content. I have a 3-part series on starting and running a pet sitting business, and my latest is on creating a website for your business. kzbin.info/aero/PLoStXKq6aTZQamqMas8YLVg_aGZSzFv02

[@HaxUK]

This is really valuable information. Thanks very much for sharing your knowledge and experience! We're just starting a pet/homesitting business and I really like your point about people trusting you with their home/pets but not enough to pay you upfront. I will strongly consider asking for upfront payment moving forward.

[@FirstStreetPets]

Sorry for the delay - just catching up on comments! How is your business going?

[@brad349miller]

I'm planning three sessions daily three hours each. That's 15-20 miles per day. How do I take care of myself when it comes to needing a bathroom during a session? I can't do what the dogs do, I'd be arrested.

[@FirstStreetPets]

LOL there are plenty of dog walkers (and mail carriers, and others outside all day) who use the bushes. That said, most clients don't mind if you use their restrooms. You can also become familiar with public restrooms in your work area.

[@VeganLife-i4b]

Hi Bridget, your videos are so helpful and a life saver.. When you dog board is the price includes walking the dog or you charge it separete? Also about timing, you said set up or own work hours but I normally wake up 11am and up til very late at night so that schedule won't work for most people as they go to work early so I can't just set up any schedule I like I have to probably wake up 8 when they wanna drop off their dog on the way to work.. I wanna start dog boarding on Rover and I offer a premium service cause I have a big fenced yard. Doggie playground with pool and ball pit and toys, separete pet room for the dog so he has his own room etc.. But people say I can't charge much at first cause I don't have reviews yet and won't get clients.. So I have to charge low and work it up I guess?

[@FirstStreetPets]

Glad you find the videos helpful! How you set pricing is up to you. You can charge an "all-inclusive" price or charge extra for walks etc. Yes, you will likely have to start earlier as most people go to work at 8 or 9AM. However, you have an advantage with folks who go out for the evening or want to pick up late. I'm an early bird so don't allow pickup past 7PM. You could allow late pickup and charge extra. I don't recommend starting with low prices. Set the price that's right for you and provide excellent service. Good reviews will follow.