How to become an independent cat sitter after Cat in a Flat

I will go through each of these in detail in the coming weeks, but if you would like more information or guidance please email me at info@vickieharrispcsc.co.uk.

1. Website, although this isn’t always essential the vast majority of people will start with google when searching for a cat sitter, and we want you to be seen.  It doesn’t have to be anything fancy just one page with a description of your services a little about you and a way to contact you is a great start
2. Google business page, essential for customers who are searching for services locally, and reasonably easy to set up
3. Terms and conditions and a way to store them.  T&C’s can be hard to write but I am happy to offer advice, or I can recommend someone who sells the pre written templates, I’ve found these really helpful and can be added to somewhere like Zoho forms, so customers can fill them out online which is much easier for you, although there is nothing wrong with pen and paper as long as you have a good and secure filing system.
4. A booking system, again there is nothing wrong with a good old fashioned paper diary especially when you first start, but there are lots of well established booking systems available, I use calendly for some of my appointments, many customers do prefer to book online.A clear way to book, whether you choose an online system, e-mail, telephone, text, whatsapp etc, have one clear way customers for customers can contact you
5. Insurance, I currently use Protectivity but shop around for the best cover for the best price
6. Feline specific first aid training, this can be an online course but will be of great benefit when promoting your services
7. A DBS check, this gives customers confidence that you have no criminal record and can be applied for at www.gov.uk/request-copy-criminal-record
8. Facebook page, this will give customers another way to find you, a way for customers to review you and for you to make contact with local groups to promote your services
9. Forms – there are several forms that will help you, that are available to download from my website www.vickieharrispcsc.co.uk/shop
   1. A Pet & Home information form, this can be used during the meet and greet to help guide you and remember what questions to askA vet release form, this is important in case of illness or injury while your customer is away
   2. An email template to send to customers prior to the cat sit to remind them what to leave out
10. A Coach, someone who knows what you are going through and can help you  move your business to the next level at your own pace, in your own time.  I am here to help you so please get in touch info@vickieharrispcsc.co.uk