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Old 21-09-2016, 12:16
Leicester_Hunk
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My girlfriend is setting up as a cat sitter. She advertised at £9 for a visit, and £16 for two visits a day.

She's had enquiries but it seems people are put off by the cost and don't want to pay. The owners provide the food but she will clean the litter tray out, feed them, wash the bowls, change water, groom, take in the post, leave the light on, take photos and communicate with the owners.

Do you think this is excessive? She has to take account of petrol, time etc. Other sitters have charged £10 for one visit a day.

The cost is the same regardless of how many cats they have.
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Old 21-09-2016, 13:41
wildpumpkin
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I think that's very reasonable.

Cattery charges are anything between £8-15 a day dependant on location and type of accommodation.

To me leaving your pet in its home environment is far better plus the home owners know that their property is being 'looked-after' whilst they're away.
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Old 21-09-2016, 14:18
Leicester_Hunk
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I thought so too. She had a woman contact her for 3 weeks in August and 5 weeks in April next year, then never got back to her. When she contacted her (by email) she said "We're sorted thanks" - probably getting a neighbour to feed them for free!
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Old 21-09-2016, 15:09
Shrike
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It seems a reasonable price, though maybe when people find out how much it really costs it is a bit of an impetus to ask neighbours/friends to look after kitty instead!
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Old 21-09-2016, 16:01
katt
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I think its a very reasonable price BUT most people have neighbours, friends, relatives who live nearby who will pop in for free..........

I am very fortunate and have a neighbour who loves my cat and is more than happy to look after her when I go away (which isnt often to be honest) but my parents dont have neighbours they feel they can ask and their cat goes into a cattery

how long has your girlfriend been up and running for?

word of mouth is usually the best way to drum up business but if she hasnt had anyone to cat sit for.........

could she make up some flyers and post them around where you live? like on notice boards or the suchlike?

perhaps ask local vets if she could put up a poster in their waiting rooms?

maybe create a facebook page

good luck and I hope it works out
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Old 22-09-2016, 13:08
wench
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Does she specify how long each visit is?

My dog walker also cat sits and he charges £8 for a 30 min visit and £12.50 for 2 visits.

Also does she have a website etc.
I specifically chose my dog walker because he has a brilliant website, he's fully insured, is trained in animal first aid and is a proper registered business which is what I needed as you have to trust the person with a set of your house keys.

Check out his site

http://www.theramblingdog.co.uk/
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Old 22-09-2016, 13:12
wench
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Also I found my dog walker using this site, which matches up cat/dog sitters with potential clients.

https://tailster.com/
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Old 22-09-2016, 17:45
Leicester_Hunk
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Thanks everyone. She's only just started, in July.
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Old 22-09-2016, 18:43
Absolutely
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If we go away for the day I have a woman come 3 times for 1/2 hr to let the dogs out and spend some time with them, plus feed them. She charges £6 for each 1/2 hr which I think is a good price for peace of mind. My dogs love her.
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Old 23-09-2016, 14:33
Kitty Cat
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Seems reasonable to me.
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Old 23-09-2016, 20:22
fredster
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My girlfriend is setting up as a cat sitter. She advertised at £9 for a visit, and £16 for two visits a day.

She's had enquiries but it seems people are put off by the cost and don't want to pay. The owners provide the food but she will clean the litter tray out, feed them, wash the bowls, change water, groom, take in the post, leave the light on, take photos and communicate with the owners.

Do you think this is excessive? She has to take account of petrol, time etc. Other sitters have charged £10 for one visit a day.

The cost is the same regardless of how many cats they have.
I wish she lived near me. I pay more than that.
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