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How pets can have retirement pension boosting potential.
If you're reasonably active, or would like to be, then here's a
Retirement Revenue boosting idea that could make your waistline a
little slimmer and your wallet (or rather your retirement fund) a lot
fatter. Better yet, you don't need any particular skills or
qualifications just a stout pair of shoes! |
Dog walking.
According to research, there are over 24 million households in the UK, 4.8 million of those own dogs and at least 21% have more than one dog. That means that, with roughly one in five households owning a dog, the potential for dog walkers is huge. So as a retirement income opportunity it must be worthy of consideration, especially if you’re an animal lover
With long working hours and hectic schedules, most dog owners simply don't have the time to exercise their animals and that's where you can cash-in and supplement your retirement fund
In cities, particularly, where dogs are confined in smaller properties and their owners work all day, there is a lot of work for dog-walkers, and it’s well-paid too. In fact, befriending man's best friend definitely has its rewards. If you fancy factoring fresh air and long walks into your retirement pension plans then follow our lead (pardon the pun).
What’s involved?
Being a dog-walker is as simple as it sounds. You arrange to pick up the animals, take them for a walk and then return them home. You might need to do it twice a day for each dog and a good walk means a minimum of half an hour – ideally an hour.
Dog-walkers charge per dog, per hour. Rates range from about £5 to £15 per dog, per hour (or half hour in some cases). Of course, if you can walk your dogs on a group basis, you'll obviously earn more.
Currently there's no legislation regarding how many dogs you can walk at once but it would sensible not to take out more animals than you can cope with. Depending on their size, speed and obedience, you should be able to manage 3 or 4 dogs together.
Getting started (or rather, taking the lead).
Like most small businesses, you’re main costs are likely to be advertising and marketing. Still, that shouldn’t eat up too much of your retirement fund. Post flyers door-to-door, put a poster up in local libraries, shops and post offices and don't forget to contact any local kennels, they might need reliable cover for their own dog walkers too.
Things to consider
Public Liability Insurance is an absolute must, otherwise, should the worst happen and a dog injure another person while in your care you could face legal bills amounting to thousands of pounds. Public Liability Insurance costs upwards of £80 a year, approximately.
It's worth bearing in mind that, under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, if you lose control of a dog in your care it is your legal responsibility, not the responsibility of the owner.
Under the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953 or the Animals Act 1971, a dog mustn’t worry livestock on agricultural land. Here again, the person in charge of the dog at the time will be charged with the offence, not the owner.
If a dog fouls, the law demands that you clean it up and dispose of it properly or you may be fined up to £1000.
You may also want the vet details for each dog in your care, in case of illness or accidents. It's also worth checking whether each owner's pet insurance covers the dog whilst it's in your care, if not, then pet insurance is something you'll need to invest in too.
If you’re going to pursue this seriously as a retirement investment opportunity then you need to have everything in place before you begin.
Pet sitting
Again, with people working increasingly longer hours animal care is really going to the dogs. Pet sitting services are becoming an increasingly more attractive option for over-worked owners. As a retiree with time on your hands it’s a money-making retirement option worth looking at. Essentially, it involves going to someone’s house to feed a pet, clear litter trays and generally make sure the pet is happy and healthy in the owner’s absence.
Most pet sitters go in once or twice a day to feed and water the animals. Pet minders charge different rates for cats and small animals, often upwards of £10 for two visits a day. Not an insignificant amount to top up your retirement fund with.
Remember though that this is a position of responsibility, you're being trusted with access to someone else's home, so clients may insist on a CRB check for reassurance.
If you're pet sitting whilst the owners are away on holiday then you'll be doubling as a form of security to some extent too. You can offer to move the post, empty bins and generally give the impression that the house is occupied while the owners are away. It all makes time away stressless for the pets and their owners too.
Pet hotel
Many pet owners get concerned about leaving their animals in conventional boarding kennels or catteries. So, if you are a pet lover, welcoming someone else's pet or pets into your home could be another retirement income booster.
Average charges start at around £20 per night. You'll need to make sure the owner brings everything their animal is likely to need with them: food, bowls, any medicine, bedding, clothes and cages.
You could also offer a pet B&B for small pets like hamsters, guinea pigs and rabbits. A home from home with you, for a few days offering full-time company to pining pooches, restless rabbits or maudlin moggies...
If you're an animal lover or an avid walker then doggy daycare, pet minding and dog walking is an idea worth consideration or rather, paws for thought!
You'll find insurance and tips on websites like the National Association of Registered Petsitters.
Retirement Revenue Action Plan
1. Do some research, find out what local dog walkers/sitters are charging and price yourself accordingly.
2. Remember to market yourself. Use flyers door to door, posters in the local vet surgery and contact the local kennels too.
3. Organise your public liability or pet insurance depending on whether you’re walking or housing the animals.
4. Take the lead and make some extra retirement money!