It would be great to hear some ideas on pet sitting issues that we can start a poll on. Needs to be in the form of an Issue with set outcomes - tnen we get a breadown of responses by percentage from pet sitters.

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Ian White Moderator pet-sitters.biz
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To have Monday - Friday regular Mid Day Dog Walk Clients, or not?
I like it because it provides a steady income, but some others I know do not.

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The Tender

Edited: 09/04/2006 at 08:50 PM by pettend

I would like to have a poll on what people are charging. I raised my visits from $15.00 to $18.00 since gas and everything else has jumped sky high. I even got rid of my gas guzzler.

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Terri Graham
Always Home Pet Sitting and Dog Walking
www.mypetsitter.biz
alwayshome@mypetsitter.biz
Mobile, Alabama

It is not a good idea to discuss prices on the board as it could be seen as price fixing. It is better to talk in vague terms.

Linda Brown
Chris's Crittters

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Chris and Linda Brown
Chris's Critters

I charge a surcharge on Xmas Day only. What do other petsitters do around the world?

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METRO MUTTS & MOGGIES
In Home & Hobby Farm Petsitter
Nth Side of Brisbane, AUSTRALIA
Mobile: 0410 349 095

Hey Terri:
Use a basic price for your time. You can then use a two or five mile radius to increase your prices. I use a map where I have circled the areas up to 40 miles in five mile radius. Yes, I tried to overprice myself with the 40 mile client, but they had no problem in paying.

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16 years of indepth pet-sitting. All species, K-9 units large difficult dogs seem to be my specialty. Also excellent with small dogs and felines. Expert with dibetic, thyroid and surgical situations. Emergency transportation is available. The best of care since 1992.

Hello Ms Metro:
I have and will continue to charge extra for holidays. Please keep in mind your time is just as valuable. You are giving up your holiday, its only fair that a surcharge is added. Of course you know your clients and some are not in the situation to pay extra. Just take all into consideration. I also charge for New Years, Easter, and Thanksgiving (its a US thing). Your not being caddy, your a business woman.

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16 years of indepth pet-sitting. All species, K-9 units large difficult dogs seem to be my specialty. Also excellent with small dogs and felines. Expert with dibetic, thyroid and surgical situations. Emergency transportation is available. The best of care since 1992.

I do charge a $5 surcharge on my current pricing for holidays.

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Website: http://www.happytailsinfo.com

You know when I started doing pet sitting, I did that. I had a big map on the wall with my pricing listed in each area. It turned out that as I got busier and was out on the road alot, I couldn't reference my map. I have however designated zip codes with a pricing structure. It works better for me. All I have to do is ask what is your zipcode and I give them the price for that area. i know som esay they only work within a 5-10 mile radius of home. But I live in suburbia with lots a fenced in backyards. So, I go where needed and hope I am charging properly. I was the first in my area to change pricing. When I told the other pet sitters what I was doing they followed suit. Just wanted to know if anyone else had changed theirs.

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Terri Graham
Always Home Pet Sitting and Dog Walking
www.mypetsitter.biz
alwayshome@mypetsitter.biz
Mobile, Alabama

You shouldn't discuss your rate structure with other pet sitters. When others start changing their prices to "follow suit", that could easily be construed as price fixing, and you could be in for huge fines and lawsuits. It's best to always just recommend everyone comes up with a structure that works well for them, and to mention all the different options out there. But don't recommend any specfic ones, or talk about who has changed theirs to match others.

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L8rgator - Kelley

Professional United Pet Sitters
& Happy At Home Pet Sitters
www.happyathome.net

I find that doing research and doing the proper planning to determine rates on the area that is being serviced makes a big difference. This should be done way ahead of actually getting a business license. I have Independent Contractors that I hire out, so prices have to be accurate to reflect gas prices, overhead, etc., I also charge $10 for the major holidays. I give the whole amount to which ever IC is doing the actual pet sit. They also get to keep tips and I always pay each one for whatever time is being used, and that includeds interviews, training, key pick ups or drop offs. I generally have an 8 mile radius that we service and if we go beyond that mileage limit, I do charge extra, plus I compensate my IC's for excess mileage. I list my rates on my website and I have done so ever since I began business.