Small animal boarding

[linford27]

Thinking of starting a little buisness from home, looking after guineas, hammys, gerbils, mice etc.

Im experienced with these animals, but wondering if my checklist is right. i've ordered some buisness cards, checked the laws (no licence required, all at owners risk) made some application forms which asks for the animals type, sex, breed/coat, vet details, medical details, and pet favourites, numbers, adresses, and the owner will provide feeding, cleaning and exercise requirements.

also made a quick T&C, with stuff like we cannot be held responsible if pet dies, we will pay for any supplies or vey fees needed but with payment on return, we will follow instructions.

wondering what else needs to be on form and terms/conditions?

[Demecat]

Insurance, because even though you have the T&C/Disclaimer, there is still a chance you could be found responsable for something.

The animals should be kept totally seperate from your own. You could end up with lots of substrates etc everywhere which can be very messy, so you could say bring your own shavings/bedding or pay extra £xxxx to use the boarding facility's.

All rabbits must have an up to date vaccination record and you must take a deposit because some people use these services to dump unwanted pets.

While with small pets like hamsters, bringing opwn cage is fesable, it often isn't for rabbits and g pigs, so you'll need to buy your own. Same with pet carriers... best to have some of your own.

While people will tell you which vet they're with, there may be a reason why that person's vet cannot see you (out of hours etc) so get to know your local vet and warn him that you may have to bring in pets that you don't own in emergencies etc.

Some animal colleges do part time courses/evening classes. It's good to get some of them under your belt so you can show that you have recieved expert training on animal care.

[lisab]

In theory it is a good idea.

However there are many buts

But you will need to have some kind of insurence even if you dont need a licence. If for what ever reason a animal does die in your care you can garentee someone will want to sue you because its just the world we live in.

If you are running a business of any sort you need to declare you are self employed to revenue and customs.

and also check with local council if you can run a business from your house.

Do you own or rent your house? if you rent it you will have to check with landlord.

You will need spare boarding for the bigger animals.

Do you have enough room?

if your providing a service that you would provide bedding substrate when needed? (If I was paying someone to look after my animals i would expect them to provide shavings if needed)

I dont think it is as simple as printing cards and doing it unfortunatly.


You need to cover yourself in every angle just putting a discmaimer is not enough these days