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Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Top Jobs: Pet Sitter
When mom or dad's away, animals need tending. Pet sitters work while others play. Demand is steady, despite the economic swoon.
Christie Joy goes to work every day in jeans and a T-shirt and works with some real animals. "The best part of pet-sitting is it's something you can be proud of and passionate about," says Joy, of Treasured Pets, Tyler, Texas. She takes care of all types of pets and enjoys getting to know the pets and their families. "It's an intimate business because not only are you taking care of what some people feel are their children but you're going into their homes," says Joy.
It's Raining Cats and Dogs
People spent more than $43 billion on their pets last year, according to Pet Sitters International (PSI) and the American Pet Products Association. Pet services like pet-sitting have grown rapidly. Jerry Wentz, owner of Homesitters of Raleigh & Cary, a Raleigh, N.C.-based pet-sitting company, says that the economy has affected the pet-sitting business in positive and negative ways. Businesses have cut back travel and families have trimmed vacation plans, reducing the need for pet-sitting. But some pet owners are working longer hours to ensure job security and they're employing professional pet sitters to care for their pets during long work days. Families who choose to drive instead of fly for summer vacation are often away from home for longer periods and require pet sitters for longer assignments.
More Than Food and Water
Pet sitters do more than show up to pour out a few scoops of food and refill the water bowl. Joy says they also might administer medications, walk dogs, play with cats "and, my favorite, give out treats." Most pet sitters also perform house-sitting duties such as bringing in mail or taking out trash, opening and closing blinds and turning alarms and lights on and off. "A pet sitter is there to provide peace of mind for your pet and your home," says Joy. Wentz adds that those who own their own business also must attend to paperwork such as invoicing and to the "people" details like marketing, interviewing new clients or even interviewing employees. This is a job that ranges from scooping poop to high-level customer service and responsibility. Loving pets isn't enough. People and organization skills are important, too.
Training and Certification
The National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPP) offers a certification program that covers pet care, health, nutrition, behavior and a complete pet first aid course. The program also offers the basics of developing and managing a pet sitting business, says Wentz.
Getting Started
It takes more than a leash, telephone and car to get started. Both PSI and NAPP have information online to help pet sitters start their careers. You probably should work for a pet-sitting business before starting your own or at least find a mentor willing to help. Talk with your personal vet about your community's need for sitters; the vet and local shelters, pet shops and groomers are good referral sources, says Joy. She adds that good pet sitters always should belong to a professional organization and be insured and bonded. Wentz and Joy agree that although the hours can be crazy, the rewards make up for any drawbacks.
"We really have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our human and pet clients," says Wentz. "It's very gratifying to hear about the peace of mind our clients feel and that allows them to be more productive on a business trip or enjoy a vacation more. And of course the pets tell us how much they care about what they do with their returned affection."
Pet Sitter
Take Home: It's hard to pin down the actual salary for pet sitters; many own their business. Pet Sitters International (PSI) reports average gross revenues for their members' businesses of $75,000 a year. But those just starting out or employed by small businesses make much less and may receive no benefits.
Training: Nearly half of PSI members have bachelor's degrees but it's not necessary. Training in pet care, safety and first aid are. Some business training will help those who start their own business.
Kibbles: Pet-sitting is independent work with lots of rewards. Dogs, and even some cats, are always happy to see you. Dress is casual and work days are varied. Meet lots of human and animal personalities.
Work Like a Dog: Pet sitters work when everyone else is off: weekends, holidays, evenings. If you go at it alone, you can easily burn out.
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