Hamster Boarding Service?

[Pygmypuff]

Hello!

I am wondering about starting a small animal boarding service, any tips, ideas, website or video recommendations etc.?

Obviously, I want to do some research first so that's why I've come here!!

I'd like to start this business because I just absolutely love spending time with small animals - looking after them, feeding them, watching them, everything about them, and I don't have the money to invest in owning a lot of animals. I have plenty of experience in the care of small animals, including hamsters, gerbils, rats, and guinea pigs. I also have enough space to house up to 4 large cages or about 8 small ones, and plenty of time on my hands, especially in the holiday season where I expect the business would be the busiest. As well as this, I also have experience working in a local book store, so I know a little about financing and such, although, I don't really know how much would be reasonable to charge! Does £8 per animal per 24 hours sound okay?

We also have cats and I wasn't sure if this would be an issue for people - how would you feel about leaving your furries in a house with cats in? They have no access whatsoever to the room where I'd be keeping the small animals and the door is never left open; we have a sign up reminding myself and others in the family to shut it behind them, however it is only myself who actually goes into the room.

Does anyone have any experience boarding small animals? It would be great to hear from you if so, feel free to message me!

Thank you,

Cas, Bubblesky and Honeyfur!

Oh, and, forgot to add, I presume I'd need pet boarding insurance and have looked into a few different websites, prices seem reasonable enough in all of them, does anyone recommend a particular insurance company?

[hamtarokid]

If you're really serious about this, I would recommend seeing if you can take some sort of business class. I don't know how many people on this site know about starting a business.

[Pygmypuff]

Okay, thanks hamtarokid!!

[hamtarokid]

Sorry if that sounded rude. :P
A small animal boarding service actually sounds like a really good idea and you seem to be in an ideal situation to do it. But with the kinds of questions you have, I think you could really benefit from some sort of business or entrepreneurship class. You might be able to take one at a local community college, or perhaps online.

[Pygmypuff]

Hamtarokid,

No, not at all! That completely makes sense, I'll look around, thank you!

[Gimleyand Meeko]

This sounds like a fab idea! Where are you based? Where I am we don't have Small Animal Borders and it would be great to have one It would be good to if you could start courses for new hamster owners and tell them what to do, if you are near me I would gladly help with your permission

The price sounds like a bargain If I came to you I would tip as I know it would be great! People would be a bit worried but everyone leaving their pet for a while would be but if they have no access to the room I am sure it will be fine, it may be a bit noisy with all the animals but I am sure you good fix that

The holiday season would be great though Because Hamsters are mainly a young kid/ adult pet and they are away on holiday then so sounds like great timing

PM me if you need help though

Sorry, sounds like I am taking over but it sounds like a really good idea

[Pygmypuff]

Gimley, I'll PM you!

[Gimleyand Meeko]

Great, thank you

[Fluffagrams]

It's a lovely idea, particularly as some people struggle to find a suitable sitter for their small animals when they go away.

I'd consider seating up something like a Facebook page or website introducing yourself, outlining the services you offer and prices, and as a means for people to get in touch with you.

Some colleges also offer animal care qualifications and courses which might be worth considering, particularly if you're interested in working with animals in the long term. I think the one that's the most well known is the Animal Management course but your local college will probably have a prospectus that you can look at online.

[Pygmypuff]

Fluffagrams, that's an excellent idea! I'm starting an animal care course in September!