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What started out as a way to make some extra pocket money has turned into a blossoming business for Cerena from Bendigo. VIC! Like many of our sitters, she only offers House Sitting and House Visits and here she tells us all about how she became so successful!
What made you become a Mad Paws sitter?
Honestly, I started because I thought that the occasional dog feeding or cat sitting would bring in some extra pocket money to spend on my Jigsaw collection! I have over 1000 puzzles at the moment. It’s turned into more than just extra pocket money now!
What is your favourite thing about being a Mad Paws sitter?
Definitely spending time with animals rather than people! I find that animals are easier to make happy and they return the love unconditionally. Another bonus is being able to leave Hubby and the Children at home and have the night/s off in someone else’s home. Cable, a comfortable chair and a hot water bottle or 2 that never goes cold goes a long way!
How does Mad Paws fit into your life? Is it something you do on the weekends or is it your full time job?
It started as an occasional sit, with a few visits thrown in. Once I had my business cards made up and started putting them in the local pet shops (including PETstock, a partner of MadPaws) and Vet Clinics, I suddenly became inundated with bookings. I then had the bright idea to get car magnets made up, and the business tripled in a week. Most of my bookings are House Sitting and House Visits, as I don’t take in dogs or cats in to my own home yet. Very rarely do I have more than a few days of no bookings. There are times when I don’t see my own bed for 2 to 3 weeks in a row.
Why do you think owners should use Mad Paws?
The website is user friendly and the staff are awesome to interact with. Having the free insurance is a huge bonus for sitters and owners too. Being able to check out different profiles and read the reviews the sitters get is a bonus for owners as well – they can choose a sitter who is perfect for their pet.
What would be your top tip for a new Mad Paws sitter?
Present yourself professionally and promote according to your desire for how many bookings you wish to receive. Use a booking sheet for all your bookings, and record as much info as you can about the pet, the owner and their home – you can never ask too many questions. Give constant updates, particularly pictures of the pets you are looking after.
How do you keep owners coming back time and time again?
Now, if I told you that I wouldn’t have any customers, the other sitters would have them all! Be friendly, listen to the customer and respond in a timely manner to your bookings that come in, even if you can’t accept them – let them know that. It boosts your ranking in the search results if you respond quickly, whether it’s to say yes or no doesn’t matter. With my regular sits, I send out emails with availability updates after I approve bookings, that way they know my up-to-date availability and won’t be left with out a sitter. I do a few other things, but I will keep them a secret! I think being an older, experienced animal handler also helps people to trust that their pets are in safe hands.
Can you sum up your Mad Paws experience in a few words?
I will give it a go! I have met some awesome pets that I love to spend time with. I don’t always really remember the owners as I only meet them once! Even the 6 or 7 regulars I have, I can tell you everything about their pets, but not a thing about the owners! I love what I am doing now, and wouldn’t change a thing…except buy a large block of land so I can host as many pets as I can in my own home.
Max and Marley relaxing
Do you have any particularly memorable furry clients?
One of my regular sits consists of 2 corgis (Max & Marley) and 2 cats (Pat the Cat and Boof) and 2 chooks.
I say “lets feed the chooks” and both the cats and the dogs bolt down the back yard ahead of me down to the chook pen, same when I say “Lets get the Mail” we ALL check the mail! In the winter you have to fight for the heater ducts in the lounge room, which is lots of fun. That is just one, I could name them all!
Think Cerena sounds great? Go to her profile now!
