How much to home board a pet?

[CarolynRenee]

I normally do "in your home" pet sitting in my area. I just got a request from a man who wants me to do an "in MY home" pet sitting for his dog.

He's not sure, but it will be anywhere from a minimum of two weeks to up to six weeks. The full six weeks definately seems daunting, but I think I can handle it. Just have to make sure there are no pending vacations (HA, vacations! Not with chickens & dairy goats!!).

Normally, I charge $25 a day for me to go to their home twice a day (within a short driving distance).

Does $75 a week sound reasonable to you? Too high? Too low? The local kennel gets $12 per day.

We live in a pretty "modest" part of the country, so wages aren't that high, but there are a lot of very well off people here. Not that I want to stick it to anyone just because they have more money, but wanted to give you a bit more info.

Any thoughts & comments are appreciated!

[starjj]

I would say it depends on the hassle you will have to go through with the dog. Is it a large or small dog? Will it get along with the animals you have now? Are you prepared to take on the responsibilities of medical care in case one of your animal injures it. My vet charges $12.00 a day also but I know my dogs will not be at risk from other animals. I actually have never boarded one of them and only boarded the other one once. They are both small dogs and we mostly take the "babies" with us when we go on vacation.

[CarolynRenee]

It is a 20 lb. schnauzer looking dog, 3 years old. They said they are not sure if he likes cats or not.

I figured if we do decide to board it, I would have to insist on the following:

Having vets name / number & authority to take it to vet if anything happens, myself not being responsible for any vet bills.

Authority to take dog to a kennel (of their choice) if dog gets unruly (chewing stuff, not housebroken) or another place of their choice.

Not responsible for any accidents / injuries to the dog during it's stay. If anything, my dog would be the one I would be worried about, she's very timid.

A "test visit" to see how it reacts to my dog & cats.

Anything else I'm missing?

[Beaners]

$75 a week sounds very reasonable to me, especially since this is what we are paying for our dog to board at our vets while we are househunting.

Whatever you decide, be sure to get a deposit up front. The kennel we used to use had more than one person "forget" to come back for their dog, before they wised up and got payment first. They still had a couple people leave their dogs permanently after that, but at least they got a little compensation.

Kayleigh

[anniew]

I'd want to know (with proof) that the animal had the required shots.
I'd also want the contact information of a person (relative) who would take the dog if the owner was in an accident/killed!
They should supply the food, so that it is consistent.
If they stay away 6 weeks, will the dog need to be groomed/nails clipped, etc.

[Ross]

Presumably you don't want to become overwhelmed with home boarding so charge the same or slightly more than the kennel.

[frogmammy]

I pay $17 a visit for my dogs...and I have the person come here 3-4 times perday. I pay $75 per day for the person to come to my home and stay to watch the dogs. Maybe I better move to the Ozarks!

Mon

[CarolynRenee]

Thanks for all the info! Will mull it over tonight & get more information on the dog from the owner tomorrow.

Thanks again all!

[ChristyACB]

Your prices are very reasonable. I get a house-sitter at 35 a day to come here when my sister can't do it or I bring them to her house and I pay her 120 per week if they are there. Or they come live in my house when I deploy and I pay all bills. So 75 is pretty sweet. You shouldn't feel unreasonable at that.

I have an overpayment at the vet of several hundred dollars so that if anything happens, she doesn't have to worry about it. Check to see what your owner has going with his or her vet. The vet should also be given a letter spelling out what you are allowed to do in case of emergency. That is just so important. My cat got cancer when I was on my last deployment to the gulf and my sister had to get 8700 bucks worth of vet care but she never had a moment of trouble with just that little bit of precaution.

Ditto for others' suggestion of shot record and a test visit.

On the upside, her dog really enjoys the company. Maybe yours will too!

[Ruby]

The schnauzer I had liked my cat, but hated DD's cat. He was well behaved but didn't like strangers.

I'm with the others, make sure he has ALL his shots, and I would have a large kennel to put him in if he get's unruley.

And you better watch out, schnauzers can wrap you around their little paws in a hurry. They have so much personality.