do you think it's okay to ask my neighborhood if i can babysit their dog?

Question

well it's the summer and i don't have much to do so i'm making a flier asking if i can babysit thier dog when it's lonly. do you think people will think. . . well somthing bad, like i'm dessperet or something. so do other normal poeple do this?

i am doing this for free

i love your answers, hard to chose for best answer but i gave almost everyone a thums up. and i just got finished making my flier.

Answer 1

let them know u love animals and any credentials or previous experience with dogs n pets. they will wanna know why u wanna do this, n tell em u r an animal lover. if they seem a little like they dont trust u, see if whoever does will put in a good word for u. just stay positive...good luck!

Answer 2

We often hire some of the twelve year olds from the middle school class at our church as the 'second' babysitter when we have church functions. So, we'd have an older teen and the 12 year old watch up to 12 kids. But the adults would be meeting in another area of the church and accessible. Our pay rate is set at $10 per sitter per hour. I have also personally hired one of the 12 year olds to watch my kids at the church while I was working there in another part of the building. That's the most likely way you'd get hired at your age - more as a mother's helper, while mom is there but occupied doing other things and she needs you to play with/keep kids occupied. So, I'd suggest talking to folks at your church (or the neighborhood church) about babysitting during meetings. It's unusual for a 12 year old to make $10 an hour babysitting - I've just set a higher standard at our church because fair compensation has been a big issue for us. So, I'd set a lower rate to start - perhaps $6 an hour.

Answer 3

babysitting dogs is always good as long as you know what you are doing! it is always good for dogs to get some fresh air and a little game of fetch or something! i do this for my street and it is a big hit people love it! that Way the know that there dog wont be sitting around all day and they will have some exercise! if you live in an area that is hot during the summer then don't forget that the dogs need water and that too much heat can be bad for both you and the dog!

Answer 4

It's a good idea, and there will be people who are interested in having someone walk or play with their dog during the day while they work, or feed their dogs while they are on vacation, but babysit is the wrong word. Make a flier offering pet sitting services or pet walking services. But make sure you understand the responsibility here--if the dog gets loose or gets in a fight with another dog, you, and your family, could be sued. People are as particular with their pets as they are their kids, so take the job seriously.

Answer 5

I think it's a brilliant idea. Go for it!! You might be surprised by the number of people who can't get out as often as they would like.......or have a young dog that chews, so really *does* need some watching! Or an older dog that they just don't like to leave on it's own. I used to chap on doors when I was a kid , asking if people wanted their dogs taking for a walk.......and people let me!!! (They might think in this day and age that I was trying to steal it.) It might help if you had references from some people? A letter from your parents saying it's okay? (Sorry, don't know your age.) Do some reading on dog training, and how to react to certain situations. I'd certainly give it a try......what do you have to lose? Good Luck!!!

Answer 6

Normal adults don't usually do that, but if you are still somewhere in grades 1 - 12, or even undergrad school in college... it's acceptable.

What I would recommend, though, is this: make some flyers for yourself, advertising your availability to "babysit" pets.

Mention your name, your number, your qualifications ("I love animals," for example) and that you are available to pet sit. Also, mention how much money you will charge ... or if you would like to offer it as a free service, say so.

Giving flyers to the neighbors (even just 2 or 3 neighbors) announces your availability without sounding like you are begging them to help you relieve your boredom. Also, when they do need a petsitter, they have all the info they need, to give you a call.

You should get lots of takers, since many people vacation in the summer.

Good luck!!

Answer 7

Kiddo, doing it for free will make them think something is wrong. Lots of people make money doing just what you are talking about. There are doggie day cares, people like to travel in the summer, and need someone to feed and care for their pets and plants. You could be an answer to their prayers! Don't do it for free though...it is an honest profession. Make some money girl!

Good luck to you. Great idea!

Answer 8

This is a great home business for you to start. Dog sitting or Dog Walking, are well established, successful business. Don't be scared of shy. If you do your homework and a little research in the area and about the animals you will do fine. Good Luck.

Answer 9

I think it's okay but be sure to tell them why you want to do this. Inform the owners what experience you have and what you will do with them(will you walk them,play in the yard with them etc). Always ask the owners if the dogs have medical problems and what to avoid,if they are on special diets,and the name and number to the vet. You are essentially babysitting so ask and get the normal information you would if it where a human child.

Answer 10

You don't say how old you are. That would be my only qualm about letting you babysit my dog. Are you old enough to remember to give the dog water if he's thirsty from playing? If they have a fenced yard, will you remember to shut the gate?
My neighbor girl (10), is good about remembering these things. My dogs LOVE her. She comes over to get them to take them to play dates at her house. I'm sure the people in your neighborhood would think it was a great idea for their pets to have someone to keep them from being bored and lonely.
Good luck!

Answer 11

No I think its great! I do it all the time in the summer, and that person actually recommended me to other pet owners so now I dogsit for 5 different owners. Parents are always proud to see you take responsibility too.....and you can get some money out of it. Make sure you show your neighbours you know how to take care of their dog properly and ask questions when you aren't sure of a detail. The best of luck to you!