Starting A Lucrative Pet Sitting Business

Article Title: Starting A Lucrative Pet Sitting Business
Author: Eric Znoj

While the idea of a pet sitting business may some odd to many,
it is actually a very lucrative industry. The home-based &
commercial pet sitting industries are literally exploding in
popularity in the U.S. and abroad.

Currently, pet sitting businesses are one of the easiest, less
riskiest & most profitable businesses to start as there are no
substantial costs to look after pets. Over 40 million U.S.
households own at least one dog, and Americans spend over $34
Billion a year caring for their animals. In addition, over 47
Million U.S. households own more than one pet.

The statistics and market trends speak for themselves. The fact
is owning a home-based or commercial pet sitting service can
generate anywhere from several thousand to several hundred
thousand dollars in additional income, regardless of which
region or country you reside in.

There is a fast-growing trend, not only in the U.S., but
Canada, and other countries to find a loving, caring pet sitting
service in their area, and in most cases, price isn't much of a
factor. Many surveys have been conducted, and pet owners are
choosing independent pet sitting services over the mainstream
kennel.

Think about it? Why would a pet owner drop their little
companion off at a kennel where they are caged for most of the
day, while they are off at work or on vacation. A pet that is
not cared for equally as it is accustomed to, whether it be for
a day or several days can impose a damaging psychological
effect.

For about the same price, more or less, a pet owner can look to
Magazines, Newspapers, Direct Mailings or the Yellow Pages where
they can bring their pet to a loving, caring place such as a
home pet sitting service. Not a jail cell.

As a pet sitting business owner, referrals will come gradually
in a concerted manner. The most difficult part during the
start-up phase of this kind of business is finding the first
five to ten clients. After that, the client referral snowball
will begin as your clients will refer others to your business
and pretty soon, you'll need to hired help to take care of all
of the pets.

Please keep in mind, that there are numerous types of services
you can provide, such as visiting the owners home to take pets
for walks when they are absent, or by keeping a watchful eye
over the pet owners home by not only caring for their animals
but also watering their plants, maintaining their aquarium,
performing security checks, or mowing their lawn. In addition,
you can arrange for doggie-day-care outings and arrange for dogs
to play in the parks. You can also provide taxi services to the
veterinary appointments and grooming visits, and also deliver
pet food to homes & other places.

Before the first year is out, a home based business could pull
$100k USD income, while a commercial pet sitting service at a
public location can generate up to $500k USD and more.

You are ultimately the one that determines how much money
you'll make in the business as you'll be the one that attracts
clients.

If you take an active approach, you will soon learn that owning
and operating a pet sitting business can be extremely
profitable.

If you are a little apprehensive about diving into this kind of
business because you don't know how to attract new clientele, do
not worry. Start-Up costs for this business is minimal to
non-existent using various forms of advertising, including:

1.) Listing your Business in the Yellow Pages, 2.) Distributing
Flyers in the mail or door-to-door at places of businesses or
residential areas, 3.) Community T.V. Bulletin Boards, 4.) and
Web Sites which you can develop for FREE plus many others.

From Internet Advertising, to Radio & T.V. Pay-Per-Lead
Programs, to Direct & Co-Operative Coupon Mailings, we can
honestly say that it will be easy to find new clients as demand
is high.

As far as hard costs go, there really is none, except Pet Food
and maybe a few special leashes.

As a pet sitting business owner, you will need to learn the
business inside and out, including day to day operations,
marketing techniques, the skills you need to know for short and
long term success, avoiding costly mistakes, zoning issues "for
commercial businesses", essential resources, etc…

If you've been looking to start your own business, and be your
own boss, with a minimal risk and virtually no startup costs,
with a potential to earn six-figures a year doing what you love,
then a pet sitting business may be just for you.

About The Author: Eric Znoj provides beneficial business and
financial information to business owners, entrepreneurs and
investors. Visit: http://www.petsittingbusinessaz.com

.

__,_._,___

Helping a Child Overcome a Fear of Dogs

Article: "Helping a Child Overcome a Fear of Dogs"
Author: Rachel Paxton

It seems inevitable that at one time or another a child will have
an unpleasant run-in with a dog. When my twin boys were about 18
months old, their first encounter with a dog was not pleasant for
them. The dog was fairly small, but very energetic and ran
straight over to them and started jumping up on them. After that
experience it was months before they could even look at another
dog again.

If your children have grown up around dogs, then they will
probably not be as easily scared by a new dog. If your children
have not spent much time around dogs, then it is probably a good
idea to plan the circumstances around their first experiences
with a dog. It only takes one unfortunate situation to have your
child scared half out of his wits.

My boys are now almost three years old, and they are slowly
getting curious about dogs again. I have noticed that certain
situations we have been in have facilitated this curiousity.

First of all, you definitely want to start out with a small dog.
Many big dogs may be larger than your child is! Another thing
that will help is introducing them to dogs of people you
know...dogs that you know are safe. This is one reason you might
wait to overcome your child's fear until they are old enough to
understand that some dogs are "nice", and some dogs are not. At
about 2 1/2 years of age, my boys started to understand this
concept that they shouldn't try to pet all dogs. They always
look to me to let them know if a dog is nice or not.

Two members of our family have small dogs, and over time our boys
have slowly started to warm up to them. They started by being in
the same room with them, then gradually sat next to them.
Petting them gently was next, then even once in awhile they are
brave enough for a kiss! The important thing is to not force
your child to do anything he doesn't want to. This will not
alleviate his fear. The best thing to do is give him the
opportunity, and he will eventually take the step when he is
ready.

When you are out in public places, don't be afraid to tell dog
owners that your child is afraid of dogs if they let their dogs
get too close to your child. It infuriates me when people
disregard leash laws and let their dogs run around in a public
park where children are playing. Obviously they have never had a
child that was afraid of dogs! One bad experience with a dog can
undo months of work you have done with your child to overcome his
fears. I have found for the most part, however, that people are
generally respectful and understanding and if you let them know
your child is afraid of dogs they will steer clear with a
sympathetic smile. I have to laugh, however, when they tell me
their huge dog is nice and loves children. I know my boys will
appreciate that when they are bigger than the dog!

Rachel Paxton is a freelance writer and mom of four. For more
inspirational articles and tips for everyday living, visit
http://www.christian-parent.com

__._,_.___

.

__,_._,___