Question for cat sitters

[Medusa]

My pet sitting business, "Fur-Nanny 911" has been up and running for about a month and so far I've gotten 3 gigs. I don't have any insurance nor am I bonded.

Good luck in your new business venture!!!

Did any of your clients ask, Donna, if you are bonded and/or insured and, if so, did it raise objections when you said that you aren't? During all the years that I cleaned houses only one person asked me that question; I said 'no' w/no explanation and that was good enough for her, I guess, because she hired me on the spot. I think having a good resume and reliable references made an impression (and every single client did call and talk to my references because I asked them to). Of course, material possessions and our beloved furkids aren't in the same category but you get my drift.

[Randy_K]

I think forgoing liability insurance and bonding might be an expensive mistake. Administering routine meds is a pretty common activity, particularly in older cats, so you will most likely be asked to do so. (I took care of two cats for a friend and one had a daily dose of heart medication.) You definitely need an agreement indemnifying you from undisclosed or unknown health issues and instructions as what to do in the case of illnesses or injury (vet's name, if or if not a DNR is in place, billing responsibility, etc.) . Bonding would give your customers a better feeling about allowing you uncontrolled and unattended access to their homes and protect you from claims. A lot of things can go wrong through no fault of yours so, in running a commercial activity, it's better to protect yourself.

In the south bay area of Los Angeles (Redondo Beach) there is a "cat lady" who cares for the animals while their family is away. She does the pilling and other routine care but not the sub-Q fluids and other high-maintenance care. She spends time with the cats and gives them some of the "people time" they miss while their family is away.

[carole]

In all honestly Mary i would not do it, even if you have a disclaimer in there, if something goes wrong ,you are going to feel responsible and bad, i had considered doing a pet sitter service in my area too, and it was not something i had even thought about ,but now that you mention it, i would not go there, just my opinion for what it is worth, hey and good luck with it all, if anyone can make a go of it YOU can.

I love your chosen name Mary and also your's Donna, gosh i could only come up with Caroles cat sitting services Duh how creative of me lol.

[Medusa]

I think forgoing liability insurance and bonding might be an expensive mistake. Administering routine meds is a pretty common activity, particularly in older cats, so you will most likely be asked to do so. (I took care of two cats for a friend and one had a daily dose of heart medication.) You definitely need an agreement indemnifying you from undisclosed or unknown health issues and instructions as what to do in the case of illnesses or injury (vet's name, if or if not a DNR is in place, billing responsibility, etc.) . Bonding would give your customers a better feeling about allowing you uncontrolled and unattended access to their homes and protect you from claims. A lot of things can go wrong through no fault of yours so, in running a commercial activity, it's better to protect yourself.

In the south bay area of Los Angeles (Redondo Beach) there is a "cat lady" who cares for the animals while their family is away. She does the pilling and other routine care but not the sub-Q fluids and other high-maintenance care. She spends time with the cats and gives them some of the "people time" they miss while their family is away.

I'm still waiting to hear back from my ins. agent and, if it doesn't break me, I'll consider ins. but not bonding. I don't have employees so it's worthless. When I explained to my house cleaning clients why I wasn't bonded, they totally understood, even though only one ever asked me, so I stopped mentioning that I wasn't bonded. Also, I don't want to do anything to make my vet regret writing a letter of recommendation for me. He advised me to not dispense meds at all but that's a little unreasonable because so many pets are on meds nowadays, I think that it would be next to impossible to find a household where they weren't on meds unless they're kittens.

[moosmom]

No one has asked me if I'm insured or bonded. I have excellent references and a letter from my veterinarian. If anyone did ask me, I have enough references and veterinarian recommendation that it should ease their worries.

Good luck, Mary.