Teens! Earn Your Own Money as a Pet Caretaker

Most adults who have pets want to be able to go home at the end of the day, and just snuggle up to their pet. They really don't want to take care of the work part of it like feeding and cleaning their baby. Most people don't really have the time and energy to do all that work anyways. If you love pets, and have the energy to work with them, you may want to take up the position as a Pet Caretaker, and offer several different services like walking dogs, bathing them, grooming them, and perhaps even taking them to the vet. You can also teach dogs obedience for their trainers. There are many advantages of this business if you're a pet lover!

Of course, you'll need some experience with pets, and how to take care of them. Having your own pet for example is a great advantage. You'll need to learn how to care for different breeds of pets, and to do the job properly. No one likes a job half done!

There are not many necessities that you need for this job. Most of the time, owners will provide the materials that they want you to use like shampoo, conditioner, and pet food. However, you may need clippers, and shears if you offer a grooming service. You should be able to have the owners supply most of the item; however, if you need to get some of the items yourself, remember to charge the owners for it. It shouldn't be coming out of your pocket! Because of the little necessities, the starter costs should be quite minimal.

Charging as a Pet Caretaker can be quite tricky. You may have to do some market research as to what others are charging, and what you think is reasonable based on the work that you'll have to do. For example, grooming and bathing a German Shepard is a lot harder than having to deal with a Chihuahua. Being a Pet Caretaker does give you a couple of benefits like the different price deals. For example, you can choose to charge by the hour or by the job. If the owner decides not to supply their own shampoos and such, remember to bill them extra for it.

Advertising for this business is quite easy. You may want to have some brochures and posters ready to place at the local veterinarian office and pet shops. You may also want to post them at a local grocery store. Introduce yourself to the owners of the store, and ask for referrals. Heck, you may want to also cut them a bit of the profit to start off! Distribute some fliers. Once you get a couple of customers, your business may take off just by word of mouth from pet owners to another pet owner.

Generally, as a pet caretaker, you should be able to earn an annual income of $5000 - $10 000 according to some who are already involved in the business. Of course, your business income range may vary according to the customers you have, and the hours you are willing to work. If you calculate it all out, you may find out an approximate amount you may earn.

Oh and last but not least, for some things like walking dogs, you can potentially earn more if you are walking more than one four-legged friend.