I've had an idea

ruthyb · Jan 30, 2011

Originally Posted by strange_wings

That sounds extremely lacking. And no offense, but I wouldn't someone near my pets with clippers or scissors that is just learning and has no professional overlooking and there to help.
I don't think you would get the best training from this, either. You'd get short changed without someone right there at hand to help you.

tillymoo has some wonderful advice, and I suggest that maybe you two should further PM back and forth if you want to go her route. The tax and financial advice is very important.

Good luck getting the scooter tillymoo, post a picture of it if get one you're proud of.

True and I get your point, that's why I'm going to phone the job centre and see if they can help me at all get into a college, there may be one near me? We have got an adult learning centre up the road but I don't know what courses they do.And with my mum being a qualified accountant I will be fine tax/books wise.x

strange_wings · Jan 30, 2011

I hope they can help. If not with this, maybe you can find something else you would like to do? I wish I had all the assistance around here that you do - I want to go back to school and will have to pay my own way completely (not wanting more debt makes me hesitant ). So take advantage of it and do your best. Good luck.

Maybe you could look into walking and sitting in the meantime to help make some extra money for this?

tillymoo · Jan 30, 2011

Originally Posted by Ruthyb

True and I get your point, that's why I'm going to phone the job centre and see if they can help me at all get into a college, there may be one near me? We have got an adult learning centre up the road but I don't know what courses they do.And with my mum being a qualified accountant I will be fine tax/books wise.x

Ruthy you have to be EXTEMELY pushy with the job centre and really sell your idea that will lead you to full-time employment. They do pay for things like a months bus fares (so i see no reason why they would not pay for a CBT course) an enhanced disclosure, provisonal licence costs etc etc you just have to be pushy in asking for it and really sell your idea.

Another sneaky way to bypass the college waiting list which is what i found out and very nearly accepted it if the dog walking didn't take off (thankfully it did) the college often hold very short courses like back to work training they are generally only 6 weeks long 2 afternoons a week, they help you with interview techniques, brush up on your cv etc now at some point during the 6 weeks you have a few tutor one to ones i explained i wanted to go to college to do dog grooming but i couldn't get a place and voila she got me a place to start that spring (which at the time was only 8weeks away) so that was very handy to know

Make sure you do your research and look into every pet grooming business in your area to see what they are lacking and what you could provide better, check their prices monthly you have to stay competitive and have special offers. Check local papers as often smaller pet groomers advertise through there and email them for a price list.

If i can help just msg me.

Sarah

ruthyb · Jan 30, 2011

Originally Posted by strange_wings

I hope they can help. If not with this, maybe you can find something else you would like to do? I wish I had all the assistance around here that you do - I want to go back to school and will have to pay my own way completely (not wanting more debt makes me hesitant ). So take advantage of it and do your best. Good luck.

Maybe you could look into walking and sitting in the meantime to help make some extra money for this?

That may be an idea dog walking, I will have to look and see if there are many in my area, my hubby wouldn't let me sit pets at my own home but maybe I could do a pet sittin in their own home idea? not sure how that would work thouh and if people like other people going in their houses, don't know if I would, the more I look the more ideas there is. I have got to do something I am 28, had Melissa when I was 18 and I worked in elderly people care since I was 16, I have 9 GCSE's but nothing else, I really , really want to do something for me. I ahve always wanted to be a midwife but that is just impossible with the children and animals are what I love and I can't think of any job I'd rather do than working with something I love.x

ruthyb · Jan 30, 2011

Originally Posted by tillymoo

Ruthy you have to be EXTEMELY pushy with the job centre and really sell your idea that will lead you to full-time employment. They do pay for things like a months bus fares (so i see no reason why they would not pay for a CBT course) an enhanced disclosure, provisonal licence costs etc etc you just have to be pushy in asking for it and really sell your idea.

Another sneaky way to bypass the college waiting list which is what i found out and very nearly accepted it if the dog walking didn't take off (thankfully it did) the college often hold very short courses like back to work training they are generally only 6 weeks long 2 afternoons a week, they help you with interview techniques, brush up on your cv etc now at some point during the 6 weeks you have a few tutor one to ones i explained i wanted to go to college to do dog grooming but i couldn't get a place and voila she got me a place to start that spring (which at the time was only 8weeks away) so that was very handy to know

Make sure you do your research and look into every pet grooming business in your area to see what they are lacking and what you could provide better, check their prices monthly you have to stay competitive and have special offers. Check local papers as often smaller pet groomers advertise through there and email them for a price list.

If i can help just msg me.

Sarah

Thanks again hun, my mil gets her dog groomed at a house accross the road from her, she runs it from home and is very successful, as far as I know she is more homely than professional and has a fold up table and no harnesses or anything for the dogs, she tends to be more hands on and personal. My dh said I couldn't do it frome home if we have to change alot or pod out on professional things like tables/baths. It may be a very. very long way off but I can have a good dig around in the mean time.x

strange_wings · Jan 30, 2011

Hmm, what sort of skills do you have with paper work and computer skills? I would think your past experience would lend itself to you being to do some sort of receptionist job in that field. (At least to pay bills for a bit) There's various jobs that you could do with or to help children, but would require more schooling.

Sitting would be more for in their homes. Think of it from your point of view, if you and your family needed to leave for the weekend the cats would be at home. Cats tend to dislike being boarded at a vet or kennel so cat owners have to find someone who knows cats and will tend the litter box. Again, you need a ride, though.
You've cared for the elderly for years - Use references from that to sell you as a trustworthy caring individual.

ruthyb · Jan 30, 2011

Originally Posted by strange_wings

Hmm, what sort of skills do you have with paper work and computer skills? I would think your past experience would lend itself to you being to do some sort of receptionist job in that field. (At least to pay bills for a bit) There's various jobs that you could do with or to help children, but would require more schooling.

Sitting would be more for in their homes. Think of it from your point of view, if you and your family needed to leave for the weekend the cats would be at home. Cats tend to dislike being boarded at a vet or kennel so cat owners have to find someone who knows cats and will tend the litter box. Again, you need a ride, though.
You've cared for the elderly for years - Use references from that to sell you as a trustworthy caring individual.

Thanks for that, I like to think I am good on a computer and I love paperwork (ok officially mad

) I am definetely going to see what the job centre can offer me as for further adult education and if I can get any financial help out of them then bonus. If I can get my bike test paid for then wow I will do that aswell, I had no idea they offered all this.x

strange_wings · Jan 30, 2011

Good luck with it all.

You should have plenty of skills and a decent work history to aid you in both starting up a small business of your own and moving further career wise.

bastetservant · Jan 30, 2011

I'm in the U.S., so I realize things are different. I'm in the Chicago area, and there is a need for cat groomers. People with long haired cats, some people, use them regularly. I know a "master cat groomer" because she volunteers at my shelter, when she can, to help with the long haired cats there. She told me there are only 5 of them with her qualifications in Illinois (a very populated state). I googled "master cat groomers" and found the certification organization. It does look very involved and expensive to get that qualification.

That being said, this woman is very accomplished, and very busy with her own business. She goes to people's homes, always, to do the service. She drives a station wagon or small van to carry her equipment. I don't know what she charges.

Personally, I would be very skeptical of learning this kind of skill on line. I think you need a hands on, in person, teacher - with lots of experience.

Doggy day care centers are all the rage these days in the U.S. and are popping up all over. The pet sitter business I use is building one now. They will also do cat boarding.

Recently, when one of my cats had to go in for teeth surgery, and the vet's would only do it on Friday, I was thinking that there needs to be people willing to take one's animals in to the vet when the owners are too busy with work to do it.

Also, there is pet sitting/dog walking, of course. I know someone who pays $40 a day for her dogs to be "walked!" All they actually do is let them out into the owners dog run for about 20 minutes. If this seems steep, it is. This is happening in one of the most affluent suburbs of Chicago (Wilmette).

Hope you figure it out. I'm retiring in a couple years, I think, and am trying myself to figure out some part-time work that will be worth my while, and I'd enjoy. So I am brainstorming ideas for myself. I may consider pet sitting. Only thing is, I'm too timid about strange dogs to care for them, and that may disqualify myself for that line of work.

Robin

ruthyb · Jan 30, 2011

Originally Posted by bastetservant

I'm in the U.S., so I realize things are different. I'm in the Chicago area, and there is a need for cat groomers. People with long haired cats, some people, use them regularly. I know a "master cat groomer" because she volunteers at my shelter, when she can, to help with the long haired cats there. She told me there are only 5 of them with her qualifications in Illinois (a very populated state). I googled "master cat groomers" and found the certification organization. It does look very involved and expensive to get that qualification.

That being said, this woman is very accomplished, and very busy with her own business. She goes to people's homes, always, to do the service. She drives a station wagon or small van to carry her equipment. I don't know what she charges.

Personally, I would be very skeptical of learning this kind of skill on line. I think you need a hands on, in person, teacher - with lots of experience.

Doggy day care centers are all the rage these days in the U.S. and are popping up all over. The pet sitter business I use is building one now. They will also do cat boarding.

Recently, when one of my cats had to go in for teeth surgery, and the vet's would only do it on Friday, I was thinking that there needs to be people willing to take one's animals in to the vet when the owners are too busy with work to do it.

Also, there is pet sitting/dog walking, of course. I know someone who pays $40 a day for her dogs to be "walked!" All they actually do is let them out into the owners dog run for about 20 minutes. If this seems steep, it is. This is happening in one of the most affluent suburbs of Chicago (Wilmette).

Hope you figure it out. I'm retiring in a couple years, I think, and am trying myself to figure out some part-time work that will be worth my while, and I'd enjoy. So I am brainstorming ideas for myself. I may consider pet sitting. Only thing is, I'm too timid about strange dogs to care for them, and that may disqualify myself for that line of work.

Robin

Thankyou, I tto am sceptical about this online learning, this is why I am going to phone the job centre tomorrow and see what they can offer me. I think dog walking/pet sitting may be a good idea in the meantime and could help me build up some funds for if I decide to do a groomer course. I know what you mean about strange dogs though but I suppose you make your own mind up when you meet the person and the dog, I definetely would prefer to work with cats than dogs. I wish you the best of luck in finding something to do aswell.x

strange_wings · Jan 30, 2011

Originally Posted by bastetservant

Recently, when one of my cats had to go in for teeth surgery, and the vet's would only do it on Friday, I was thinking that there needs to be people willing to take one's animals in to the vet when the owners are too busy with work to do it.

Pet taxi. It falls into a different category and one must thoroughly discuss this with their insurance agent. At least in the US, this requires some changes to that vehicle's policy to cover more. If you have a good vehicle for it (space for a large dog carrier, etc) it's an option.

I understand what the two of you are saying about dogs. But yes, you spend at least a couple hours with the owner and their pets getting to know them. If you feel the dog will be too difficult you tell the owner this, likely it won't come as a surprise to them.
... make sure to ask about possible food aggression and any dog to dog aggression. Both can be managed if you know how.

ruthyb · Jan 30, 2011

This is the home study course that I found. This company is registered, recognised and also is in link with the jobcentre.

http://www.icslearn.co.uk/creative-i...e/pet-groomer/

x

strange_wings · Jan 30, 2011

Looks ok for some basic starter information, but would be something that would better be served with part of the course being class work.

As for "shampoo". Not all pet shampoos are equal or safe for all dogs and cats. Dog shampoos can kill cats (if containing essential oils) and there are plenty of dogs and cats with very sensitive skin. I wonder if that's covered at all even in regular groomer classes?

ruthyb · Jan 30, 2011

Originally Posted by strange_wings

Looks ok for some basic starter information, but would be something that would better be served with part of the course being class work.

As for "shampoo". Not all pet shampoos are equal or safe for all dogs and cats. Dog shampoos can kill cats (if containing essential oils) and there are plenty of dogs and cats with very sensitive skin. I wonder if that's covered at all even in regular groomer classes?

That's a very ood point and in readin up you need different shampoos, brushes e.t.c for different breeds, maybe if it was cheaper I would do this as a starter but its alot of money for not much help. x

ruthyb · Jan 30, 2011

Originally Posted by Ruthyb

That's a very ood point and in readin up you need different shampoos, brushes e.t.c for different breeds, maybe if it was cheaper I would do this as a starter but its alot of money for not much help. x

I think the class work is a must aswell. x

strange_wings · Jan 30, 2011

Exactly. Talk to that groomer. You said she's down the road? - within walking distance?

If she's a decent person she'll talk to you about the business, difficulties/rewards, and getting started. Maybe even if you could start with her or another groomer to teach you.
Being a mobile groomer would be neat if you got your license and to driving, but fuel costs would always factor into the grooming fee so you might have to charge a little more than someone does with a shop/dedicated work area.

tillymoo · Jan 30, 2011

Ruthy put in ics reviews on google they are not favourable i came across them awhile ago. I would be wary of paying that amount of cash out to them.

ruthyb · Jan 30, 2011

Originally Posted by strange_wings

Exactly. Talk to that groomer. You said she's down the road? - within walking distance?

If she's a decent person she'll talk to you about the business, difficulties/rewards, and getting started. Maybe even if you could start with her or another groomer to teach you.
Being a mobile groomer would be neat if you got your license and to driving, but fuel costs would always factor into the grooming fee so you might have to charge a little more than someone does with a shop/dedicated work area.

She's just a 5 minute bus ride away, will get in contact with her, thankyou for your help.xx

I've had an idea

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