Do College Students Make Good Contract Pet Sitters?

Filed Under My Pet Business, Pet Business Tips |

This week I’ve interviewed two new prospective pet sitters that contacted me through my web site “Join Our Team” form.  The interviews went well and it took me less time than ever to get prepared as I now have a well defined hiring process. I’m going ot share this with you in the coming weeks.

Both applicants turned out to be college students that are available for the summer and Christmas holiday periods only. I enjoyed meeting both applicants - they were outgoing and positive and have plenty of great experience with pets - both have their own and have taken care of pets for family and friends and one has also worked with pet rescue organizations.

A few years ago I considered putting up flyers at local colleges to attract pet sitters but it’s one of the good ideas that I didn’t ever get around to putting into action. However, I had not considered students with families in my service area that travel to college in other cities. 

Now I’m beginning to think that taking on these students as high season contract sitters is a pretty good idea. I always struggle with the rush of clients in summer, and at Thanksgiving and Christmas. I don’t want to take on more sitters at these times and then disappoint them when I don’t have ongoing visits to keep them busy the rest of the year.

Having a contract sitter that is available just in those peak seasons could work out very well and allow me to have extra sitters available only when I need them.  

I’m going to give these gals a chance this year and see how this strategy works. I’ll let you know what happens!

Does anyone have experience working with college student seasonal sitters?  How has it worked for you? Did you have any customer resistance to younger sitters (between age of 18 and 21?)

If you haven’t used contractors in your pet sitting business you can read my article “Are Employess or Independent Contractors Right for Your Business?”



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Comments

2 Comments so far

  1. Danielle on June 19, 2008 3:37 am

    Hi there!
    Danielle with Bella’s House and Pet Sitting here. Seasonal help really depends on what your business goals are. My clients in particular like to have the same sitter all the time and we sell piece of mind. I look for long term help. However, if you are able to overcome this challenge, then sort term contract work is the way to go. It will be a hard sell though! :)

  2. Danielle Chonody on June 20, 2008 12:22 pm

    Hi Danielle - you’re right, there are some of my clients that do like the peace of mind of regular sitter. Some even insist on just me - but I’m trying to get away from that.

    However, I do have some clients that are just as happy having not met their sitter - or just meeting the sitter at the initial interview. These are the ones that are perfect to give to seasonal sitters.

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