How Old Do You Have to Be to Dog Sit?
While teenagers may be able to take care of dogs for cash, they may not be prepared to handle emergencies that could impact the health of the pet or the owner’s schedule. Many pet owners have called dog sitting companies in a panic when someone has canceled or failed to show up. Thankfully, these companies are available to help. Even if you’re a teenager, you can still make a great living dog sitting.
Qualifications
There are several qualifications you must have before you start dog sitting. The first one is the ability to interact with people. A pet sitter needs to be friendly and get along with people, as well as respond to emails and messages promptly. The next qualification is flexibility, as dog owners may need to leave their dogs for extended periods of time. Therefore, if you are interested in this job, be prepared to be flexible with the working hours and the time of day.
Professional certification is a must. This certificate proves that you are fully equipped to care for dogs and offer a high level of service. CPPS stands for Certified Professional Pet Sitter and has been around since 1994. The CPPS Exam is a knowledge-based examination designed specifically for dog sitters. Professional pet sitters are required to complete the exam with a score of seventy percent or higher.
Job duties
Some of the job duties of a dog sitter may be physically demanding, such as walking and feeding a dog. Some jobs even require that you take care of sick or injured animals. A dog sitting resume sample can show you what to expect from the job. The duties of a dog sitter should be as varied as the type of pet they will be caring for. There are several different ways to get a dog sitting job, but the following are just some of the most common.
Providing food and water on schedule. Dog walking can involve handling up to 10 dogs, each attached to a belt. Dog walkers also need to follow specific care instructions and report pertinent information to the dog owners in a timely manner. The job also requires grooming and cleaning up after dogs. Regardless of the type of pet sitter, they must have a love of animals and be responsible in ensuring the animals’ health and well-being.
Income potential
The income potential of dog sitting depends on your skills and availability. While boarding a dog at home can be profitable, you can also offer group walks or hikes. Group walks and hikes can be very lucrative, but driving to a client’s house is less efficient. You can also charge extra for premium services, such as providing grooming, walking, and boarding. Listed below are some ideas for how to maximize your income.
When determining the rate for your services, consider the cost of living in the city. The average cost of living is nearly 9% lower in Bremerton, WA than in Sunnyvale, CA. Also, a city’s cost of living is higher than in a rural area, so it makes sense to set your rates accordingly. Be sure to check if you can charge more in a busy area. The demand for pet services in a city is generally higher than in a rural area.
Traveling requirements
When it comes to hiring someone to take care of your pets while you’re on vacation, you have a few options. First, you can choose to travel by yourself or find a sitter who will come to your home. Dog sitting jobs require you to be home for at least four hours daily. The sitter will feed your pet, walk it, play with it, and provide water. While most pets feel most comfortable in their own environment, cats will need daily care, including changing their litter box, so he or she can be left alone for the duration of your trip.
You can even travel with your pet if you’re renting a motorhome or a car. This is a great option if you plan to stay for a long time in one place. But you must consider the border requirements before you leave your pet. Some countries require lengthy quarantine periods for animals. Others just require proof of vaccinations and a certificate of good health from a veterinarian. Make sure to check the requirements for your specific situation before you travel.
Tax implications
There are tax implications of dog sitting, just as with any other business. Because pet sitting is a self-employment, there are certain taxes you must pay. While you do not have to register as an employer, it is best to have a good understanding of the rules and regulations for self-employed individuals. The IRS offers several tax deductions for self-employed individuals who work for themselves. To start, set aside 15-20 percent of your income before April 15. Most banks now offer free checking accounts, so this is one of the easiest ways to keep track of your expenses.
Other taxes involved with running a pet sitting business include the use of your home office for your business. Since your home office is considered part of your business, you can claim your office space as a deduction. However, make sure it is used exclusively for your business, or you will have a hard time proving you have sufficient space. There are two methods for this deduction: the simplified option lets you claim $5 per square foot and a maximum deduction of 300 square feet. The regular option allows you to deduct a percentage of your home for your business, and may also take into account your mortgage, utilities, and other related costs.
