Written by
Australian Dog Lover
10:12:00
-
0
Comments
With borders now reopening and many Australians wanting to return to travel, pet minders are in hot demand. We caught up with Jenny Brearley from “Don’t Fret Pet!” to discuss the benefits of being a pet minder, with some hot tips on how to choose your pet minding service.
For many Australians, the thought of popping their beloved pooch into a boarding facility is scary, particularly for older pets, or those who have been known to fret in a boarding or kennel environment. Because of this, many pet owners now opt for the more personal approach of utilising a pet minding service that allows their pets to enjoy the comfort of someone else’s home, while their owners are away.
New research by global hiring platform, Indeed, has revealed the number of jobs posted for animal services and care has increased almost 60% in the past three years, including a 190% rise in non-veterinarian roles, owing to over a third of Australian households adopting a pet during the pandemic. It’s no surprise that pet minding facilities are also seeing a boom in the number of people wanting to find a quality pet minding service.
Jenny Brearley, Director of “Don’t Fret Pet!”, a dog minding business with 29 years of experience, understands that this service is paramount for many dog owners who don’t want to put their beloved dog’s into a kennel experience.
For many Australians, the thought of popping their beloved pooch into a boarding facility is scary, particularly for older pets, or those who have been known to fret in a boarding or kennel environment. Because of this, many pet owners now opt for the more personal approach of utilising a pet minding service that allows their pets to enjoy the comfort of someone else’s home, while their owners are away.
New research by global hiring platform, Indeed, has revealed the number of jobs posted for animal services and care has increased almost 60% in the past three years, including a 190% rise in non-veterinarian roles, owing to over a third of Australian households adopting a pet during the pandemic. It’s no surprise that pet minding facilities are also seeing a boom in the number of people wanting to find a quality pet minding service.
Jenny Brearley, Director of “Don’t Fret Pet!”, a dog minding business with 29 years of experience, understands that this service is paramount for many dog owners who don’t want to put their beloved dog’s into a kennel experience.
“I did a course where they said ‘pursue your passion and all else will follow,” she says.
“My passions were dogs, food, and travel. I researched these options and figured that food and travel would only cost me money. I then thought about what I needed for my own dog who slept on my bed and loved watching tele with me and was not suited to a kennel, which was the only alternative at the time.”
From here “Don’t Fret Pet!” was born, allowing many pet owners the flexibility to enjoy their travels, while knowing their pet was enjoying an ‘at home’ experience. As the business grew, so did the need for quality dog minders. This has only increased post-COVID, as the borders open and the world begins to travel again.
“So many people are now going away, we are turning away a lot of people who would dearly love to use our caring, professional service so we are desperately in need of more dog minders,” she says. “Being a dog minder is a wonderful experience, particularly for older couples and singles who are wanting to enjoy a dog in their home for a short period of time.”
While there are many quality younger generations taking up the reins of pet minding, Jenny points to the benefits of becoming a pet minder in the older years. The desire for companionship, while also keeping your body and mind active are major benefits for those considering becoming a pet minder in retirement. The advantages of owning a pet in the retirement years have been proven time and time again.
However, for many older pet lovers, owning a pet full-time is not practical or affordable. Deciding to become a pet minder could be the perfect solution for many retired or semi-retired Australians.
Benefits Of Becoming a Pet Minder in Retirement
✔️ Dogs help provide a routine – from their daily walks and feeding times to play sessions and those all-important cuddles.
✔️ Dogs keep us active and entertained – perfect for those who are feeling lonely or need some extra companionship.
✔️ Dogs allow for socialisation – people are more inclined to talk to one another while out on their daily walk alongside a canine companion.
✔️ Dogs provide unconditional love and companionship which is vital for our mental health.
✔️ Dogs can boost your mood and make you feel good.
✔️ Pet minding can offer an additional income.
“The feedback we receive from our older carers is just fabulous,” she says. “Not only are you able to generate some additional income, but becoming a pet minder can also allow older people the chance to enjoy the companionship of a dog without the vet bills and the overall costs owning a dog can incur.”
“The feedback we receive from our older carers is just fabulous,” she says. “Not only are you able to generate some additional income, but becoming a pet minder can also allow older people the chance to enjoy the companionship of a dog without the vet bills and the overall costs owning a dog can incur.”
It is also well proven the amount of joy dogs bring into our homes, and the medical benefits having a canine companionship can bring. From reducing blood pressure, getting us out and about, and also inspiring new relationships.
“Being a pet minder gets you out, talking and meeting people while you are walking the dog, and the appreciation you receive from their loving owners,” Jenny says. “The dogs are happy to be with you and they bring a lot of joy to our carers, while many of our carers enjoy a long-lasting relationship with those owners and the pets they care for.”
Many older carers are also present during peak season. While many younger generations dream of holidays during university and school breaks, older carers would rather beat the crowds and stay at home. Making them the perfect candidates for pet minders.
“We are certainly busier during school holidays, especially at Easter and Christmas, so it is essential to book weeks, or even months in advance for peak times,” Jenny suggests.
Top Tips to find a Pet Minder
✔️ Ensure you ask for testimonials
✔️ Check how long the pet minding service has been running
✔️ How do they vet their minders?
✔️ What type of support do the minders have?
✔️ Who is the veterinarian they use?
✔️ How much experience does your pet minder have?
✔️ Do they suit your specific needs – will they allow your pet on beds? Couches?
Choosing to become a pet minder in your retirement years has huge benefits for your health and wellbeing, while also offering a service that allows pet owners to travel with confidence that their beloved furry friend is being well taken care of.
“It really provides a huge benefit for the pet owner and the carer,” Jenny says. “We always hear wonderful feedback from our older carers on how the visiting dogs provide them with so much happiness while having the 24-hour seven days a week support they need from an experienced and trusted provider.”
To learn more, please visit www.DontFretPet.com.au
You can also follow them on Facebook page at www.facebook.com/dontfretpet and on Instagram @dontfretpetaustralia
No comments
Post a Comment