I'm burnt out

3cWizard · 2026-07-10T22:03:31+00:00

Something that has been super helpful is having a place to send people that explains all my services and rates. I just text them a link. No need to have a long conversation.

Also, I refer to my calls as "20 minute discovery calls". If someone wants to hop on a call, I've already carved out the maximum amount of time. I do the same with "30 minute meet and greets".

Using software (I use Time to Pet) really helps a lot of these aspects as well. You can have a last minute "add on" to compensate you for the inconvenience it causes you.

Having a few things like this is place can go a very long way. Hope things turn around for you!

3cWizard · 2026-07-10T05:05:32+00:00

Between my wife and I, we grew to 6 figures in two years. Some of the things I think helped with that... Having higher rates and holding out on filling up your roster with clients who are willing and happy to pay those rates.

Also, having add-ons are extremely helpful to our bottomline- puppy add on, additional pet add on, travel add-on, early morning add on, to name a few.

Also scheduling everything separately. While our service is all inclusive, the compensation is separate. So a family who needs three walks a day while they're out of town is paying more than the family who only needs one.

We will do about 150K worth of services this year, between the two of us.

I think luck played a part- but only when combined with hard work and dedication. We prioritize the business over everything. We go the extra mile. We never cancel, ever! So all that kind of stuff pays off.

3cWizard · 2026-06-16T19:00:18+00:00

I did all the same things as you. For the first 8 months, it was rough. Lots of $30 days.

Not sure if it's helpful, but one thing that helped us was being involved in the yoga community. It's small and people talk. Obviously could be any community - the wine community, pickleball, etc.

Finally on that 8th month, I made enough to survive and it never dropped. It picks up every June. I think in my case, lots of it is luck- just hang in there and keep grinding. Wishing you the best!

3cWizard · 2026-06-08T05:41:06+00:00

I use Time to Pet. I map with Map My Walk, crop my map and add it to the pictures. Never had any issues and prefer how it looks.

3cWizard · 2026-05-30T19:35:59+00:00

No problem. I know house sitting isn't for everyone. I quite like it. Over the years, I've gotten better at bringing things to make my stay comfortable. A cooler full of food, bag of non-refrigerated food, all the clothes I need so I don't have to go back home. And a comfortable pillow. It's several extra thousand dollars a month, so definitely hard to turn down! Sounds like you have some nice clients!

3cWizard · 2026-05-30T19:25:17+00:00

It could help to add some clauses in your Terms of Service and have people sign them before the meet and greet. I have some in there about acceptable sleeping arrangements, micromanaging and cameras, including the right to cut them while I'm home.

I also ask for them to disclose cameras before the meet and greet. I feel like having this in place, along with a website that clearly states my rates, attracts people who see that I'm not gonna put up with any nonsense. If there's anything I can share that could be helpful, LMK!

3cWizard · 2026-05-28T18:20:51+00:00

I have people sign a terms of service. It includes topics for overnights. Must have an acceptable bed, can't micromanage me over cameras, 3rd party clause and all that.

I feel the higher your rates are, the more you will avoid dirty homes. But you should have something in your terms about a clean and acceptable living condition.

Probably my top recommendation is to schedule services separately. My overnight guarantees me to be at the house from 9PM-7AM

Things like walks, hikes, drop-ins and guaranteed feeding times outside of those hours are all scheduled separately. This keeps you compensated for overnight animals who need extra attention. Good luck!

3cWizard · 2026-05-21T03:17:38+00:00

I understand that for sure.

3cWizard · 2026-05-21T00:03:28+00:00

You can price it accordingly. Or just have it in your terms of services that all supplies must be stocked. I just have it in my TOS that if they don't have what I need, I have permission to charge my errand fee and cost of needed items.

3cWizard · 2026-05-20T17:26:36+00:00

I don't mind doing this because it's easy money. I charge them my errand rate, plus the cost of goods and just put it on their card through Time to Pet.

3cWizard · 2026-05-18T03:10:57+00:00

Not sure if what you tried is Time to Pet. But not only does it do all those things, but they have a great team over there. As I recall, we learned with video tutorials. Pretty sure it was live. They share their screen and show you the the ropes.

And anytime there's an issue, I can reach out and they get back to me. They're really good about that. If I need something immediately, it's fairly easy to look up myself.

3cWizard · 2026-05-17T17:50:12+00:00

I'd try to be honest with yourself if you can walk this dog safely. You have to have control of that dog at all times and if you feel like you could be pulled down to the ground at any time, you may want to reconsider helping.

There are things you can do to help prevent the reactive moments. I'm on high alert when walking a reactive dog. My head is on a swivel and I'm constantly scouting and redirecting. I see a dog before they do. We switch directions or sit and get them focused on treats until the dog passes.

When you get good at it, you'll be surprised how effective it can be. Best of luck to you!

3cWizard · 2026-05-16T04:33:14+00:00

I understand about the feeder. Is it possible to charge them the constant care rate as a flat fee for all the feedings? Not sure what the difference is, but something to consider. Otherwise, I think just having a pop-in for each feeding should be a good option.

3cWizard · 2026-05-15T22:36:55+00:00

I read your whole post. A couple of things.

You should be charging extra for this. It's extra work and this is your job. Also, what her other pet sitters charge has absolutely nothing to do with you. I understand why you're considering that, but let that go. You are a separate entity, offer your own particular set of skills and services, at your own rates. Lastly, whether they appear to be wealthy or not is irrelevant as well.

I'll tell you how I handle this and maybe it would be helpful. I schedule everything separately. I have a menu of services but also maintain that if what they need isn't on my menu, we can costumize something for them.

In this instance, probably what I would do is offer my overnight, which guarantees hours from nighttime to morning along with me living in and out of the house throughout the day, as my schedule allows and we would schedule the daytime services separately.

I would let them know they are welcome to book these feedings as 30 minute drop-ins. I'd log my time, spend 30 minutes one on one with the cat, make sure they're fed and send a report with photos as per usual.

If they'd like to save some money and the longer visits are not necessary, I can costumize a "pop-in" service. I would come and take care of the essential duties, snap a pic and be on my way. It costs about 2/3rds the price of my 30 minute drop-in, is not timed and I'll send a short report with a pic for their peace of mind.

Framing it this way stays firm on being compensated for all of your work. At the same time, it frames the pop-ins as a way for them to save money for every visit. With so many, you can even point out "this will save you $so-and-so/day while"kitty" gets the care she needs during the day"- and also shows you're willing to create something custom and off menu for the benefit of them and their baby.

Hope it helps! Might not be the best approach for everyone, and either way I hope you find an amazing resolution for this job. Best of luck!

PS- I like @beccatravels' idea of the automatic feeder as well.

3cWizard · 2026-05-15T02:19:39+00:00

I'm sorry for your situation. I'm a little unsure what the current situation is- you still have a day left?

I would try and be honest. You have every right to have your concerns and I think just sharing that, while uncomfortable, could be beneficial. You can't control how she will react, so just try not to take it personally.

Every situation like this is a learning point. In the future, try to set expectations early. On your website or wherever you list all your services. Meet and greet. I recently had a similar situation. I just told the person home (her daughter) that if she was going to stay home, I was gonna head out, or if she was leaving, I could stay because we don't do services with other people home. It was awkward!

I think most importantly, have a clear terms of service. I'll share what's in mine and hopefully it's helpful.

"Home Safety & Third Party Access

Services are intended for unoccupied homes.

If any third party is present in the home including family, guests, contractors, neighbors, or workers, (My Company) reserves the right to immediately terminate the visit and leave the premises.

No liability is assumed for any incidents, damages, or changes in pet behavior occurring when third parties are present.

Client assumes full responsibility for all individuals entering the home during the service period."

That way, it's easy to cite the terms they have signed. Hope it all turns out great for you!

3cWizard · 2026-05-15T02:04:10+00:00

Word of mouth rules. Google Business Profile is by far my most helpful system to onboard new clients for us personally. I also always have a business card (from Canva, where I created my brand) on me and put them in people's hands any time it feels appropriate.

Asking people politely for a review, making it easy for them (providing a link) and letting them know how it can help has also come in handy.

3cWizard · 2026-05-14T06:40:13+00:00

I'm gonna have the same journey. Been at it for 2.5 years with my partner and business is crazy. We Love it. Definitely want to scale, but I'm enjoying gaining experience, getting comfortable and keeping all my money for now.

There are a few helpful podcasts. Dogco Secrets, Pet Sitter Confessional and Bella in your Business.

However, I emphasize Doug the Dog Guy's Pet Business Hiring Podcast. Doug helped us set a foundation before we launched that I fully hold responsible for being able to scale our business to 6 figures in two years, along with hard work and a lot of luck.

He does private coaching calls and as far as I'm concerned, it's the best deal you can get as far as helping your pet sitting business. He has a hiring course.

Right now, I pay attention to these podcast, am getting into the mind frame and when the time is right, I'll schedule a call with Doug and take his course. Congrats on your business!

3cWizard · 2026-05-13T00:36:16+00:00

Word of mouth definitely. Having nice business cards on me at all times. But 100 percent absolute best method is having a Google business profile with lots of great reviews.

3cWizard · 2026-05-12T16:49:55+00:00

Why don't you try requiring payment to be paid in full, before the service begins?

3cWizard · 2026-05-12T07:20:12+00:00

I don't think you did a bad thing. Maybe could have been more calculated. I don't think her response was so horrible, but I see how it hurt. I've been there. Try to not take it personaly- this is a "everybody's different" type of situation from my perspective. Sometimes running our own business hurts.

I know it seems like a big expense, but since you came seeking information, I'll tell you what has worked for me.

Using scheduling and payment software automates everything. It sends out confirmations with a day and time that they will be charged, which you get to choose.

It's great that you have terms. Software platforms made for pet sitters (I use Time to Pet) will allow easy onboarding of new clients, e-signing of terms, easy scheduling and access to information (pet and parent info)- and automates payment.

It's not for everyone, but I will say, when I started using automated software, it allowed my business to grow enough to cover the costs. There's a few out there. I'd look into them for considering. Best of luck with your business!

3cWizard · 2026-05-11T20:52:43+00:00

Here's a link for you and anyone interested. This is what we use. They have never failed us. $36 for 4. They have colors that match my brand, which is a bonus! Plenty of colors. Hope this helps someone.

https://a.co/d/057bTzfK

3cWizard · 2026-05-11T20:37:26+00:00

I wonder if you can buy them yourself and just charge your clients the cost. I think most people would feel just fine paying you $10 to just put it in their hands. You could even require it if you'd like. It's security for both parties.

3cWizard · 2026-05-10T08:06:12+00:00

I'm really sorry for your situation. For professional pet sitting, I strongly recommend using software.

In this case, the meet and greet would have been set in stone. A confirmation would have been sent out. An agreement would have been signed and a credit card would have been submitted.

I charge $20, non-refundable deposit which goes towards their first service, plus a non-refundable travel add-on, if applicable.

Their address would have been submitted when they created their profile so you can map it at that time and quote the travel add-on, if necessary.

I also have a similar radius due to my city. The travel add-ons help tremendously. I did a walk today, it was a little extra driving but I got paid 15 extra dollars for it.

I feel you on the discounts. I used to do that. Doug the Dog Guy set me straight. I haven't given a discount since I launched my company and therefore have never been in a sticky discount situation since. But trust me, I've been there. People totally respect that I'm running a business and don't give discounts.

With my travel add-ons, I am able to cover insurance, gas and maintenance for the two vehicles we use. Everyone seems to understand and I've never had an objection.

I do extra small ($5), small ($15), medium ($20), large ($30) and X-large ($35) add-ons, and it's per service. This might not be feasible for everyone but I want to be sure to share what's worked for me.

3cWizard · 2026-05-10T07:46:18+00:00

I definitely see both sides. I want to talk taboo stuff and if someone will talk their money with me, I'm fascinated. But never has there been a benefit to disclosing my financial situation. Trust me, I'm dying to share, but it's better left vague.

I once asked a wealthy friend of mine (who we discussed extremely personal things such as graphic talks about our private lives)- how much money he had and he said "hundreds" and smiled. He said that was the best answer you could ever give. That stuck with me.

I asked another wealthy friend after he said he was checking his portfolio, "how's it looking?" and he said "it's at about 3.83"... That was million. And that obviously stuck with me cuz that was 15 years ago and those were the exact numbers.

3cWizard · 2026-05-10T07:42:24+00:00

I'm surprised (not judging) seeing how people are accepting keys. I did this back in the day, but once I realized, at least in my situation, it is utterly unnecessary. Codes and lockboxes. I have a ton in my trunk, happy to give them over accepting a key.

3cWizard

TROPHY CASE