Charlie
Business ideas site Springwise has located this really interesting-looking service that helps you find someone nearby to look after your pet while you’re away.
It looks like the idea is to actually find fellow dog-owners who will look after your canine friend while you’re on holiday. You then return the favour when they go away. It’s a simple idea — so simple that I’m surprised nobody’s thought of it before!
The emphasis seems to be on building up a relationship with the person looking after your dog — so that you know your pet’s in good hands. It sounds a lot cheaper — and potentially more pleasant for the dog — than dog kennels. Of course the other alternative, taking your dog away with you, is also worth looking at, especially for UK holidays, as long as you can find a good dog-friendly cottage to stay in!
Tom
#1 by eve on August 3, 2009 - 2:51 pm
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Hi Tom,
I have just been to the website which tells me I could join today for free. But it isn’t free. It turns out you have to pay £17 to access their database of other dog owners. Now why would you do that if you are not even able to find out if there are any suitable people to contact near where you live?
The alternative is to join the scheme straight away at a cost of, I think, £25. Surely it’s not worth the risk?
#2 by steve on August 3, 2009 - 9:54 pm
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Hi Eve,
I checked the website and it is free to join. Once you are a member you can search for other members nearby without paying anything.
You only pay the membership fee if you wish to contact another member, although it is slightly cheaper if you pay for your membership up front when you join, but even the higher fee is still cheap imho.