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Conference misery::feline

Title:Meower Power - Where Differing Opinions are Respected
Notice:purrrrr...
Moderator:JULIET::CORDES_JA
Created:Wed Nov 13 1991
Last Modified:Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:1079
Total number of notes:28858

173.0. "NEED INFO ON NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF PET SITTERS" by VISUAL::FLMNGO::WHITCOMB () Mon Feb 03 1992 08:56

Hi Everyone:

I'm working on a project for my Small Business Management class where the 
assignment is to "open" a small business, and I've chosen to open a
hypothetical pet sitting service.  For my reseach, I need to know how to become
bonded and insured and I understand through reading Feline_V1, that you can do
this through the National Association of Pet Sitters.  Does anyone know where
I could get in touch with them or better yet, does anyone have any information
on this process?  I'd really appreciate any information you may have.  You can
either reply to this note or send me mail at VISUAL::WHITCOMB.

Thanks,

Meredith
T.RTitleUserPersonal
Name
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173.1Pet Sitting HandbookGRANPA::CCOLEMANMon Feb 03 1992 10:096
    I have the National Assoc. of Pet Sitters handbook at home. If I can
    find it tonight, I'll bring it in and give you the address (I used to
    be  member about 4 years ago -- never did anything with it, though).
    
    Cheryl
    
173.2Pet Sitting Franchises existMUTTON::BROWNTue Feb 04 1992 13:3210
    There are lots of Pet Sitting businesses that are franchised.  You
    could probably get some great info about this for your project.  When I
    did my business plan for my class, I "opened" a cat store called
    KitNkaboodle in Carmel.  We "sold" cats related gift items, as well as
    cat supplies (food, litter) and grooming items.  I had a blast working
    on that project and actually considered doing it for a while.  But,
    alas, I waited too long and someone has actually opened such a store
    in Carmel now.
    
    Jo
173.3what I went throughNQOAIC::MACDONALDListen to your HeartWed Feb 05 1992 09:3725
    One of the first things I did when I started pet-sitting was to "get
    bonded" and thne look for insurance.  It wasn't easy.  The first time
    I called about bonding, specifically calling agents in the phone book
    who offered it, I was repeatedly told I didn't need it, there was
    no such thing for that type of business etc.  Then I called the agent
    who handles our homeowners policy.  We discussed the facts and he did
    some research.  There was nothing available for pet-sitting or animal
    related businesses but I did end up with the same bond that a cleaning
    service would have.  We just changed the words on the policy and it 
    was accepted.  Cost was minimal, about $200 I think.
    
    Next I had to find insurance as not only did I go to peoples houses, I
    also had dogs and birds boarding at my house.  I knew someone who
    had also started this type of business and she gave me the name of 
    the company who had insured her.  They were willing to create a policy
    for me also but this was only their second attempt a such a policy.
    It was difficult at that time to find anyone willing to work with this
    type of business.  I had many refusals.  This policy too cost about
    $200.  I'd hope that by now there are more companies that are willing
    to work with this issue or even better that there may now be a standard
    type policy for pet sitters.  This all took place in NH.
    
    Hope this helps.  I'd be glad to provide more info if you need it.
    
    MaryAnne
173.4MUTTON::BROWNWed Feb 05 1992 11:407
    For anyone interested in opening a pet sitting franchise in the San
    Francisco Bay Area, I just heard an announcement on the radio that the
    Small Business Expo is being held this weekend at the San Mateo Expo
    Center.  They specifically mentioned Pet Stores and Pet Sitting
    businesses will be there.
    
    Jo