Acknowledgments.

Introduction.

Chapter 1: The Concept of Pet Sitting.

What Makes Pet Sitting a Great Career.

Alternatives to Pet Sitting.

The Advantages of Operating a Pet-Sitting Service.

The Need Is Everywhere.

How Much Can You Earn?

What You Need to Start.

Chapter 2: Getting Started.

Research and Resources.

Pet Sitters International.

A Market Survey.

Naming Your Business.

Your Business Logo.

Business License.

Your Office Location.

Basic Office Supplies and Furnishings.

Business Telephone.

Structuring Your Business.

Finding an Accountant.

Selecting a Bank.

Insurance.

Dishonesty Bond.

Chapter 3: Office Procedures.

Using a Computer.

Customer Card System.

Policies and Procedures.

Credit Cards.

Telephone Techniques.

Cell Phones.

Answering E-mail.

Determining Service Areas.

Setting Prices.

Compensating Sitters.

“Always Ready” Service.

Planning for Disasters.

Initial Client Interviews.

Handling Customer Complaints.

Handling Delinquent Accounts.

Chapter 4: Personnel Choices.

Finding Qualified Pet Sitters.

Applicant Interviews.

Sitter Orientation.

Survival Bag.

Sitter Safety.

Sitter Nutrition.

Managing and Motivating Sitters.

Staff Meetings.

Employees or Independent Contractors?

Chapter 5: Advertising: The Means to the Masses.

PSI’s Web Locator.

A Brochure and a Business Card.

A Word About “Licensing”.

Using Your Brochure and Business Cards.

Inexpensive Ways to Advertise.

Do You Need a Web Site?

Newspapers.

Yellow Pages.

Radio.

Television.

“Free” Advertising.

More Great Advertising Ideas from Readers.

Chapter 6: Public Relations.

A Newsletter or E-zine.

News Releases.

Public Speaking.

Exhibition Booths.

Special Events.

Business Etiquette.

Chapter 7: Examining the Negatives.

Just Say No.

Industry Challenges.

Don’t Do This!

How to Avoid or Handle Other Problems.

The Best from the Best: Tips from the Field.

Chapter 8: Useful Business Forms.

Designing a Service Contract.

Invoices.

Daily Log.

Evaluation Form.

Client Reservation Form.

Notification Forms.

Additional Forms.

Tips from Pet Sitters.

Chapter 9: Buying, Selling, or Closing a Business.

How a Business Broker Can Help.

The P’s and Q’s of Saying Good-Bye.

Thinking of Buying?

Chapter 10: Tracking Trends.

Analyzing Your Business Trends.

Crime Deterrence.

Overnight Pet and House Sitting.

Expanded Services.

Closing Thoughts.

Appendix.

Estimated Start-up Costs Checklist.

Helpful Products for Professional Pet Sitters.

Pet and Business-Related Organizations.

PSI Recommendations for Excellence in Pet Sitting.

Postscript.

Index.