boarding

[Cassiedog]

I'm thinking of starting guinea pig boarding. I have quite a few friends with guinea pigs and has made me think about who looks after them all during holidays. One of my friend's actually asked me if i offer it.

I'd be interested to hear from those of you who already offer boarding and any information regarding setting it up, pitfalls, insurance etc would be welcome.

Thanks in advance

 

[Teejay]

Hi there, we've been offering boarding for just over a year now, and it's probably the biggest adventure I've ever embarked on!

We started off with 3 cages, and, as demand grew, we expanded slowly until today, we have 28 boarding cages (as well as a few more in reserve in case of emergencies!).

Although we've found it incredibly rewarding, and we've made some amazing new friends, it's very hard work. I can't remember the last time we had a lie-in, our nights are often disturbed by thumping rabbits, and maintaining the high standards our customers expect is physically quite demanding. Some days, we literally don't sit down all day @) and sometimes, I just don't have time to grab a bite to eat.

However, we're very blessed that we're trusted to look after such wonderful animals, and we take great pride and pleasure in what we do.

This week has been particularly difficult for us though, as we seem to have had a run of sick animals staying with us, so I've actually visited the vets 7 times this week.....but that's never happened before, and (hopefully) it'll not happen again for a very long time! But, of course, having to nurse sick animals takes time.....do you have the time to spend all day and night nursing?

We have a PetPlan Sanctuary policy, which covers us for public liability and 'custody and care'. The 'custody and care' element of the policy is superb, it covers our boarders for emergency vet treatment whilst they're in our care (up to £350 with no excess). It also covers for death, straying, loss of boarding fees, etc, but so far we've only ever claimed for vet fees.

We also have a website (www.vipiggies.co.uk) which has been great for marketing purposes. We also list on www.findpetboarding.com which has been the best money we've ever spent!

We sent our posters, leaflets and business cards to all local vets and we put up posters in local pet shops. All of these have led to new customers.

If you want to know any more, then feel free to message me. I'll be happy to share any info and answer any questions you might have.

Tracey x

 

[Doeylicious]

Tracey has answered this brilliantly we have run a boarding business for the past two years but are closing down now as I am buying my own horse and know there is no way I will have the time to do even the admin work and look after the new pony, and my own 19 piggies, and the other pony I will still help care for...it's already looking a bit stretched isn't it?!?!

findpetboarding.com is the best place ever to advertise, you can also get a free google place page which means if you search 'guinea pig boarding location' you will be listed right there on google - I had one and got some calls from it, considering it is free it is great!

Just bear in mind you have to be good with piggies AND people - and put up with people saying 'oh we know they fight but they love their 3ft x 1ft cage' and know you can do diddly squat about it this is another reason we are closing!

 

[Teejay]

Just bear in mind you have to be good with piggies AND people - and put up with people saying 'oh we know they fight but they love their 3ft x 1ft cage' and know you can do diddly squat about it this is another reason we are closing!

LOL....so very true!

PS - good luck with the horse - I had two horses for about 6 years, and loved every minute of it. x

 

[Cassiedog]

thank you to you both for your valuable input. you have made me think long and hard about it. I already have 10 pigs myself but it was when my friend asked if i offer it, i thought about it.

I have another business venture in the pipeline at the minute so will think about both!

 

[Iceprincessx]

Just adding in my 2 pennies worth it's very hard work but I love it! You need the legal stuff our Local council require us to be checked, we have insurance, are CRB checked and have completed a pet sitting qualification! Most of our customers come from word of mouth you can't beat it! Good look with your ventures!

 

[ChrisU]

I do boarding just as a favour to friends. Then they have my piggies when we go on holiday. It seems to work well.
We have 3 rabbits staying at the moment.