Is it too late to wish you all a Happy New Year?

I know this is not social norm, being that it is 14 days into the New Year as I write this blog entry but Happy New Year! Has it been treating you well? What have you achieved? It can be simple or much grander but my own achievement is maintaining my busy schedule whilst resting in the pockets of time! Although, this isn't new, it is something that I have been trying to perfect for the past year to enable a 'work/life balance'.

Anyway, onto the first topic of the year and it is a blog focused on a message of understanding of how I, as the Business Owner have to account and factor in different things that make up the pricing of Animals For Life.

Firstly, this isn't just a hobby with hobby pricing. This is my livelihood, my life, and my passion. The pricing reflects my experience, training, knowledge, and qualifications. The pricing should be higher, but I keep it lower to ensure it does not become an impossible cost to many. Companion animals are priceless to many families and are a source of comfort, having a unique personality and character spicing up home life whilst doing what they do best; unconditionally loving their humans.

Lets take a few examples.

• I charge £50 per day for dog stays, which does not take into account the national living wage hourly rate otherwise the cost would be in the £1000s and not the £100s.

• I have limited the use of additional travelling mileage when you are further afield than my predominant area of Bournemouth.

• I understand I am using your utilities and cleaning products within your home and I am mindful of this (use within reason). (P.s. I can show you another way of reducing your bills, we all live in tough times and each penny counts. Pop me a message to find out more).

  
  

On the flip side;

• I run a business with overhead costs including, website, insurance, equipment and tools, petrol and mileage, essential items such as treats/poo bags, business cards, business branded clothing, additional training to improve skills/knowledge and much more.

• I have in comparison to other lower cost sitters, a higher amount of knowledge and can offer sound advice and suggest adjustments or ideas to try and help with situations that are a challenge or cause of anxiety for you and your pet(s).

• I have studied many Animal relevant Legislation, Laws and Treaty's that effect animal welfare. Including, Animal Welfare Act 2006, Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966, The Welfare of Animals (Transport) (England) Order 2006, Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, Zoonoses Order 1999 and The Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984 are just a few of the main ones I have studied as part of my BSc Degree in Animal Behaviour and Welfare.

• The life of your pet(s) is literally in my hands which in itself is priceless.

• Your home, I take care of with the greatest respect. Ensuring it is clean and tidy throughout the stay and upon your return and that it is fully secure at all times.

• My services are highly recommended and I have many long term customers who have been with Animals For Life since it first began just over 4 years ago, and for this I am truly thankful and appreciative.

  

You see, this isn't just a hobby with hobby pricing, this is my livelihood, my life, and my passion.

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