Getting word around

Been a bit slow getting started but finally getting some interest in my services. First was over a week ago someone emailed me, but then decided to look at other options. They have added me on Facebook to keep in touch incase they need me. They asked a few questions I wasn't sure how to answer about insurance which I will be getting for when I do my first dog walk or pet sit. Also they asked about over night stays, well I had very briefly thought about that and decided I would probably do it if asked and thats as far as I got. Til last night anyway this person asked how much I charge for them I didn't have much time to think so said £20 which I think is a reasonable price. They then asked how much for over night stay and 2 walks so I thought simply add up the cost 2 one hour walks £20 and £20 for over night so £40. I think thats reasonable.

Yesterday I got an email from someone else who then decided I wasn't experienced enough. Today I may of got my 1st customer a woman who is getting a pup next week and works 14 hours 3 days a week but once the pup is older she will take it to work with her. She asked me how many visits I recommend and how much so I've said 2 to 3 1 hour visits a day I think I should say preferably 3 for the pups sake. I love pups so may end up staying longer than the time I'm paid for.

Started but need some custom.

Got a web site set up. Not sure how to get it to come up on search engines but I have registered on Free Index which is probably the main way people will get to my site. I've got free fliers printed so using them to advertise. Got 1 in Pets at Home which hasn't got me any custom yet and only up til next Thursday and 1 up at the dogs home I volunteer at. I've posted some through doors need to do more soon. Getting a reference from the dogs home I volunteer at next week which I hope will help get me some custom as people can check its genuine.

Still doing voluntary, need to get used to talking to people and bringing up that I do dog walking and pet sitting. I would consider doing dog training as well at some point but need to look into it first and probably go on courses which I'll pay for using money I get from what I can offer now.

Great can start advertising

I have been told I can advertise for my business before registering as self employed as I'll still be on job seekers I'm only able to work under 16 hours a week on the business. I'm hoping to get on an animal first aid course while designing business cards, flyers and leaflets. Already started my web site need to finish that and publish it.

Did voluntary at dogs home yesterday took 4 dogs out all seperately 2 from last week Jack the Westy cross and Lizzie the Staffy cross Jack Russel I want. Also a giddy older one Rusty and a small Jack Russel pup all were lovely.

Can start the business finally

To say I'm exited is an understatement. I can't get working tax money but I can still get Job Seekers money as long as I work under 16 hours a week and earn less than what I'm getting Job seekers each week and if I sign off JSA and then earn less money I can get straight back on it. So in other words I've nothing to lose by trying this business. Best get web site done along with everything else.

Maybe first customer for when I start

On work program my advisor was off so I had to see a man instead and he said that once I get my dog walking and pet sitting business set up he will be my first customer a few days a week. He has a spanial. The only down side is he lives about 10 mile from me but to get started I would go up to 10 mile. I may only need 2 customers to start to be on the same money I'm on now so half way.

I'm finding out if I can get working tax credits on Monday to start the business. I did voluntary at the dogs home yesterday walking 3 dogs one at a time. first was a Westy cross which was quite giddy and liked carrying sticks. Next was an older Staffy and last was a young Staffy I would of loved to keep it kept jumping up at me licking me and as I left it was looking back at me. That is one I would get attached to if I see it much.

3 more dog walks

Did more voluntary at the dogs home took 3 dogs out one at a time. First one was Max from last time. He didn't seem to want to go far. Next I was told only bigger dogs were left needing walking so I said that I'd like to take one of them a walk as I have no experience at all with bigger dogs yet. I got to take a Staffy called Red that only needed a short walk as he is prone to having fits but is on medication to control them, I kept an eye on him all time hoping he would be ok. I'd been told he didn't like other dogs but we passed a few fine though I didn't let him near them he ignored them. Last was another Staffy older one who I was told again didn't like other dogs and the staff made sure there was no dogs near before bringing her to me and walked her outside before giving me the lead. This got me alerted to maybe a difficult dog, but we didn't pass any dogs while out and the few she passed at the home she ignored so maybe the staff were over cautious with her or maybe she is aggressive with some dogs.

Its got me thinking how I would deal with any dog that may have a fit or become ill when walking if I start a business. I had a dog before that had a fit twice so I have dealt with it before its not very nice but afterwards I read up on it and learnt the dog isn't aware of anything while having the fit and there isn't much you can do other than make sure the dog is kept safe while having the fit.

Started voluntary work

I should of started voluntary dog walking for a dogs home the week after my 1st post on here, but they had to close due to a virus. They reopened this week so yesterday I did my first 2 dog walks. The first dog was a 8 year old Jack Russel called Max then I walked a small Whippet (I think) called Pooch both were good though pulled on lead and wasn't bothered over being stroked much. Pretty straight forward walk.

Today I've spoken to someone about starting a dog walking and pet sitting business they have helped me write a letter to a company that gives people money to help start businesses. I've only asked for £200 which will cover insurance cost and leave a bit left over, but would like to get some custom for when I do start. I'm not taking any loan as for the bit of money I'll need its not worth having to pay more back and I do have the money myself to get started if I have to use it.

Getting started

I've been thinking about starting a dog walking and pet sitting business for a while now. I've always loved animals and always had 1 or 2 dogs (currently 1). I've read on internet about it and it sounds like something I'd like to do. One question though will there be enough custom? Considering I'm not working now so on very little money with I would not get if I set up a business I don't have much to lose but need to make sure I have a few people wanting me to pet sit or walk their dogs before I start. 8 dogs a week is all I will need to cover what I'll not be getting so I'm guessing its possible.

First step I've decided to do voluntary at an animal sanctuary near me, I'll be going there to sort this out later this week hopefully. Then I'll start talking to people there about dog walking and pet sitting to see if anyone knows anyone who would be interested in my services and get phone numbers of anyone interested.