By The Editor
Animal loving entrepreneurs in the United States are turning pet sitting into a viable business opportunity, in another indication of the growth in the animal and pet care industry.
Jean Owens and Sherry Morgan have formed the mobile business Pet Stay Home in Michigan four years ago, and look after pets within their own homes when their owners are away for an extended period of time.
In that time they’ve continued to expand their client base, almost exclusively through word of mouth, as pet owners recommend their services to friends and family.
Professional pet sitting has rapidly grown as a business model, as an alternative to places like kennels, because pets can stay at their own homes, be fed and groomed daily and receive the personal care they’re accustomed to receiving from a devoted owner.
The Pet Stay Home team will also, for an hourly rate, pick up any mail, dispose of garbage and take the pooch for a walk.
Many similar businesses have sprung up around Australia over the past few years, to no real surprise. After all, the American pet industry was one of the few to buck the Global Financial Crisis and record an increase in spending – stats that were replicated at home.
Perhaps any budding entrepreneurs should be looking at their four legged friends for inspiration before deciding what industry to enter.
Are you involved in the pet care industry and, if so, have you experienced growth over the last few years? We’d love to hear your stories – just make a comment below.
I started up my own pet sitting business in South Australia last year and it’s been great! Best thing I ever did