Video:How to Start a Petsitting Business on a Budget

Transcript:How to Start a Petsitting Business on a Budget

Hi, My name is Adam Jones and I am with Tailwaggerz pet services and I am here with About.com today to talk about how to start a petsitting/housesitting business on a budget.

Beginning a Petsitting Business on a Budget

I started my business by first of all getting bonded and insured; there are several national organizations. You are going to want to hold bonding and insurance because you are going to be traveling from home-to-home. You are going to be spending a lot of time in your car; your car is going to be your office. When I started this business I had a big pick up, obviously it did not get good gas mileage, so we traded it in and got a little wagon. I can transport like 4 to 5 dogs at a time. It gets twenty to thirty miles to the gallon and it is 4 wheel drive, so all types of weather.

Cheap Ways to Advertise Your Small Business

Dog parks and also walks on dog-friendly trails is a great way to meet other dog lovers and introduce yourself and tell them about yourself. I have found that in the last six years, word of mouth and referrals, above everything else is some of the best ways to build your business, and it doesn't cost a lot of money. Going to other pet related industries, such as veterinarians, groomers, specialty pet food stores, introducing yourself and getting your name out there. And that's a great way to build your reputation without spending a lot of money on marketing.

More Inexpensive Ways to Advertise Your Petsitting Business

Volunteer your spare time at local animal shelters. This does a lot of things to boost your business. First and foremost, it helps you give back to the community because there are a lot of animals out there that need help. But it also shows the better side to your business and that you are willing to do what it takes to help animals. And it is a great way to meet other animal lovers and to meet other people who are in the pet industry, and build your name.

Cutting Costs When Advertising a Small Business

We make our own fliers, it is not that difficult to do. You are going to want to use black and white when you are on a budget. As your budget increases, or if you would like to have more stylish and professional design, then you are going to want to think about color design. Business cards are going to be your best bet as far as economy and marketing purposes. Every time you meet somebody that is a pet lover or a pet owner, just hand them a card and introduce yourself. You want to take into account that this is a very time consuming business, and it is going to take more than just a love for animals, though a love for animals should be at the top of your list.

Thanks so much for watching. For more information, please visit us on the web at About.com.