Business Team for Pet Sitting

Jax and Nola

On LinkedIn.com  pet sitting businesses owners support each other on line forming a business team. Questions are posted between pet sitting business owners and we each share our knowledge.  Tonight I responded to a question posted about setting up accounts in Quickbooks and business tax deductions. 

My Response:

I use Quickbooks for my company House Calls Pet Sitting Services and Home Care Services. My CPA set up the accounts for me when Quickbook hit the market.  A few important task I do are: balancing my bank statements, make payments, run reports and export to Turbo tax for business with swift ease.  If you do not have a CPA or accountant you can contact your local SCORE office.  They offer free mentors and services to small businesses by retired business owners.  I am sure they can help you set up your accounts.  

For tax deductions: If you imported all your transactions into Quickbooks than you can import your Quickbook account into Turbotax for business. Here you will be asked many questions that will help you double check deductions that apply to how you run and operate your business. Without knowing what deductions you may have already taken it is hard to know what ones you may have missed or are qualified for. 

House Calls, Incorporated is a S Corporation in the state of California.  Having  my insurance agent, CPA and small business attorney collectively review my contracts, insurance and the type of business I would become was a must for me.  

Communication between all your business associates creates a stronger foundation giving each the tools to have a clear understanding each others advise and duties for your pet sitting business.   

Example I use Independent Contractors and all three played a role in insuring I was following the letter of the law which paid for itself when I was audited 

PS: You can try Quickbooks for 30 days FREE. 

Pet Disaster Prepardness

This is not about going to veterinary hospitals for pet emergencies.  This is about your pets being prepared for a natural disaster. Did you include your pets needs? Do you let your Pet Sitting Service know where your pets kit is at?

You may have a weeks worth of food for every member of your family, but did you include your pooch in that calculation?

Do you have water? An extra bowl and leash? What about blankets or first aid supplies?

In light of the recent events abroad, it is important to remember to plan for your pet in the case of a natural disaster or an emergency.

Here are some things that you should have or might want to include in your emergency kit for you dog:

1. One weeks worth of food (remember that dog food does go bad, so rotate the food out of the disaster kit and into your pup’s food dish a few times a year)

2. Water--your dog is going to be thirsty as well

3. Dish--1 dish can be used for both food and water. I prefer a small metal bowl because I think it has many uses, but a folding bowl will save space

4. Leash/collar--you don’t know if you will have time to grab one if you leave your house in a hurry

5. Small blanket

6. First Aid Kit
     a. Gauze Pads (3 or 4” squares)
     b. Gauze Rolls (2” roll for small dogs, 3” roll for big dogs)
     c. Adhesive Tape (1” roll)
     d. Individually-Wrapped Sanitary Napkins (for bleeding control)
     e. Triangular Bandage
     f. Tweezers
     g. Blunt End Scissors
     h. Neosporin (never use the pain reliever form)
     i. Rubbing Alcohol
     j. Hydrogen Peroxide
     k. Saline Solution
     l. Vinegar or Baking Soda (a mild alkali for neutralizing burns caused by acids)
     m. Chemical Ice Pack
     n. Q-tips
     o. gloves
     p. plastic bags (ziploc, grocery sized, and at least 1 garbage bag)

7. Muzzle--you never know how your pup will react if injured, this is for your pup’s and your own safety (be sure to try it on at least once to ensure proper fit before putting it in the kit)

8. Photo of You and Your Pet--if your pup goes missing, you need to have a picture of it in order to show the proper officials. Make sure you have both of you in the picture, just in case you need to prove ownership and don’t have your documentation.

9. Vaccination certification--update yearly and ask your veterinarian for a copy at your pup’s yearly check up.

10. Folding crate--this is optional, but several cheap options are available at stores like Walmart or Target. I prefer the type that fold up into a dinner plate shape.


IFAW and other animal rescue organizations are committed to helping wild and domestic
animals at risk from disasters, but you are your companion animal’s most important
lifeline. Be prepared!


Now that you have your emergency kit, what should you do with it?

Keep it next to your human emergency kit and if you are feeling very proactive, make a scaled down version for each car. You never know when you might need a crate or an extra leash or the first aid kit and when you update or exchange items out of your human emergency kit, be sure to check the content’s of your pet’s kit as well.

Before heading out of town be sure that you have contacted your veterinary hospital and notify your pet sitting company of the location of your pet emergency kit.

Happy preparing!
http://on.fb.me/yAj3hf

Pets Prefer Pet Sitting

Pet sitting is a substitute to the kennel, with the bonus services offered that go beyond those of a kennel. A skilled pet sitter attends to your pets in the comfort of their home. Your pet sitter will make you feel comfortable knowing someone reliable is taking care of your pet and house.

Pet sitting is the best alternative to boarding or kenneling a wide variety of pets who are now members of your families. Pet sitting services are set up so that one phone call provides your solution for your pet care when you are working long hours, taking vacations, long weekend or business trips. We all know pets do not care for change, some are nervous at the veterinarians and others feel abandoned at the kennel. There is no place like home for pets where they love their familiar surroundings and smells knowing that you will return to them. Your pets are safe and cozy at home when you leave and at home well-loved and care for when you return. Hiring the services of professional pet sitter safeguards that your beloved pet(s) are happy and safe while you are away from home. Below you will find how you can go about finding the ideal pet sitting company to hire for you and your pet(s).

1) Go to your favorite search engine to do an internet search looking for services that have reviews. Ask friends and or co-workers for recommendations.

2) Look for a professional pet sitting service:

• a) Experience in handling all kinds of pets
• b) Insured with a business license
• c) References 
• d) Back up sitter in case of they have an emergency 

3) Make phone calls and or email your top choices.

4) When you speak with the candidates set up a one on one meeting in your home with your pet(s) to ensure that the pet sitter is the right match to can care your pet.

5) If you feel you will still worry have your pet sitter(s) text, call and or send photos to you as often as you like while you are away.

Pet sitting prices will fluctuate determined by which company you select, as well as the services which you require. Some dog walking and pet sitting business will charge extra if they have to travel further to get to the client’s house. Pet Sitting fees typically include walks, feedings, giving meds, yard pickup, litter scooping, playtime and of course lots of love. Most pet sitting companies also offer home services bringing in your mail, pick up your newspapers, set out and bring back in the garbage cans, turn lights on and off plus stage drapes, giving your home the at home look. Pet sitting services deliver their services to you and their prices are extremely reasonable for the peace of mind while you are away that your pets and your home are in good hands.

Pet sitting is the stress-free way to make sure your pet(s) and home are looked after, while you are not there, and is the outstanding alternative to kenneling or boarding. Professional Pet Sitting gives you freedom from worry while you are away your pet(s) and home will be in the hands of a trustworthy capable care taker.

Business Start Up Checklist - Essential Steps For Business Success

Starting a new business? Whether you're looking to start your own business in retail, business services, or any other industries, follow the checklist below to ensure your business is off on a flying start for long term success and profitability.
Setting up Your Business

* Register business name and company: Depending on the country you're in, it's generally essential to register your newly formed business name and company. This is particularly important to ensure your business name doesn't already exist.

* Register your domain name: Whether your new business is a retail shop or offer business services, a website is key to acquiring new clients/customers online. Whilst developing a website can take at least 3 weeks, you can register a relevant domain name as quickly as possible. The key for an effective domain name is to keep it short and relevant.

* Register for taxation purposes

* Business identity: Logo, business cards, letterhead/fax/invoice templates - Personally, I believe it's extremely essential to get this right from the start. Your company/business logo should be unique, easy to recognize and relevant. It's the single important element that your clients and future clients will recognize your business. Outsource a freelance graphic designer to design a custom logo for your business (a freelance graphic designer is much quicker and cheaper than using a graphic design agency). Once you're happy with the logo, get your graphic designer to design matching business cards, letterhead/fax/invoice templates, and a website. Consistency with all these elements is key. Some freelance graphic designers actually offer "Business Start up Kits". With these design packages offered for new businesses, this will be a cost effective way to develop your business identity.

* Register your trademark (i.e. company logo): Once your graphic designer has finalized your new company logo, trademark it! With your logo trademarked, future competitors are not permitted to copy your business name/logo.

* Develop a website:. With the use of internet (and in particular, Google) continuing to be the fastest growing channel used by consumers and businesses, any new business should develop a website that showcases their products/services, with an aim to acquire new clients/customers online. Your website design should also be consistent with your branding, so try and use the same graphic designer to design your website for you.

* Open a business bank account: Having a separate bank account for your business transactions can ensure you can manage your business cash flow effectively as well as making it easier for taxation and accounting purposes.

* Location of Office/Store/Warehouse: If your new business is a retail store, it's essential to locate the best location that has a good balance of foot traffic but at an affordable rent. For a service business, you can start off with working virtually from home to save costs related to office space, or share a business office with another new business (so you can leverage their utilities, such as internet, phone, and even reception/secretary).

Business Identity
Your business identity is critical to business success and also essential to get this right as soon as you start your business.
* Unique logo for your business: Get a custom designed logo! It may cost a little more than a template logo, but the idea of a company logo should be unique and differentiate yourself from your competitors, so invest the time and cost upfront to have a unique logo designed.
* Business Cards: This can be the smallest - but most powerful - marketing tool to use. Ensure your business cards are consistent with your company's brand, and also try and include the products and/or services you offer (rather than just your company name and contact details). Having a unique design will also increase the chances of the potential client/s to keep your business card, so make sure you tell your graphic designer this!
* Letterhead, Fax, and Invoice Templates: Keep it simple but consistent.
* Website: As discussed above, this is essential in today's technologically savvy market.
* Corporate Profile / Brochure: to showcase your company's experience, products or services, and unique selling point. Ensure your brochure design is on brand with the rest of your brand identity.
Grace Chau is the Owner and Head Graphic Designer of Attractivo Design.

Choosing the Legal Form for your Business

One of the most important decisions that organizers of a small business enterprise must make is whether to set up the business as a

• Sole Proprietorship
• Partnership
• Corporation.

A comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of these three major forms of business organization follows:

Start-up Costs

Some basic costs such as rent and the cost of acquiring inventory will vary whether you are a sole proprietorship, a partnership or a corporation. Other costs will also vary especially legal fees involved in setting up your business.

Sole Proprietorship: This is the least costly way to start a business. You can form a sole proprietorship by finding a location and opening the door for business. There are the usual fees for registering your business name and for legal work in changing zoning restrictions and obtaining necessary licenses. Attorney’s fees for starting your business will be less than for the other forms because there is less preparation of documents required.

Partnership: You can form a partnership simply by an oral agreement between two or more persons, but this is not recommended. Legal fees for drawing a partnership agreement are higher than those for a sole proprietorship, but may be lower than for incorporating. However, you would be wise to consult an attorney to have a partnership agreement drawn up, to help resolve future disputes.

A partnership agreement should include the following:

• The type of business
• Amount invested by each partner
• Divisions of profit or loss
• Compensations to each partner  
• Provisions for drawing salaries by partners
• Distribution of assets in event of dissolution
• Duration of partnership
• Provisions for dissolving the business
• Provisions for withdrawals or admissions of additional partners
• Procedure for dispute-settlement
• Restrictions on individual authority, especially regarding expenditures
• Settlements in event of death or incapacity of one partner

Corporation: You can incorporate without the help of an attorney, but you would be unwise to do so. You may think a small family corporation does not need an attorney, but an attorney can save the members of a family corporation from hard feelings and family squabbles down the road. Attorney’s fees may run high, if organization problems are complex. The corporate form is usually the most costly to organize.

Control of the Business

Sole Proprietorship You have absolute authority over all business decisions.

Partnership Control of the business is shared with your partners, which may lead to disputes. A partnership agreement could be helpful in solving possible disputes. However, you still are responsible for your partner’s business actions, as well as your own.

Corporation Control depends on stock ownership. If you have majority stock ownership, you are able to make policy decisions. Control is exercised through regular board of directors meetings and annual stockholders’ meetings. Records must be kept in order to document decisions made by the board of directors. Small, closely held corporations can operate more informally, but record keeping cannot be eliminated. Officers of a corporation can be liable to stockholders for improper actions.

Tax Considerations

Sole Proprietorship and Partnership: All net income is taxable to the sole proprietorship or to the partnership according to each partner’s share of ownership. Your tax rate depends on your income bracket. You may be able to deduct from your gross income some personal expenses that are directly related to your business. Some examples are:

• Personal car expenses to the extent used in the business
• A share of expenses if your business is located in your home

Corporation: There are two ways to tax a corporation: (1) as a straight corporation and (2) as a Subchapter S corporation.

As a straight corporation, profits are taxed at corporate rates that are graduated from 22% on the first $25,000 of income to 48% of income over $25,000. Salaries of officers are deductible expenses and therefore reduce corporate profit subject to income tax. However, salaries of officers are subject to individual income tax. If salaries appear too high, the IRS may treat the excess as a dividend. This means double taxation because the same money is taxed as a part of the corporate profit and as income to individuals.

If you are a Subchapter S corporation, you are taxed in the same way as a sole proprietorship or partnership. In order to qualify as a Subchapter S corporation, you must meet the following requirements:

• Have individual shareholders
• Have not more than 10 shareholders
• Have no shareholders who are nonresident aliens
• Have only one class of stock
• Have not more than 80 percent of gross receipts from outside the United States
• Have not more than 20 percent of corporation gross receipts from royalties, rents, dividends, interest, annuities, and gains on sales or exchange of stock or securities.

Ability to Raise Capital

Sole Proprietorship and Partnership: The source of capital is usually limited to personal assets of the proprietor or partner. The ability to get credit depends on personal reputation of the proprietor or partners. Third parties cannot invest in the business without incurring responsibilities for business debts.

Corporation: A corporation can theoretically sell stock to raise capital. Practically speaking, there is no market for stock in small corporations, except through friends or relatives. You may be limited to the personal resources and credit of the owners.

Continuity of the Business

Sole Proprietorship: If you are disabled, the business will falter unless family, friends, or employees are willing and able to substitute for you. Death of a sole proprietor means the end of the business, but your heirs can inherit the assets of the business. Your heirs can start a new business using the same assets and locations, providing your creditors are paid.

Partnership: If one partner is disabled, the other may be able to fill in until the disabled partner recovers. One partner cannot sell his share in a partnership without getting the consent of his partners. Death dissolves a partnership automatically. Heirs of a partner inherit his share of the Partnership assets. Without a partnership agreement, the heirs often have to sue to enforce their legal rights.

Corporation: A corporation is a separate legal entity. Its existence is not affected by death or disability of shareholders. Shares of stock can be sold if one owner wants to leave the business. On the death of a shareholder, his stock goes to his heirs.

Personal Liability of Owners

If you are borrowing from a bank, SBA or other lending institutions, personal guarantees of all principals and their spouses will be required. Certain types of liability can be insured against, such as liability for accidents to customers on your premises. The following is concerned with personal liability for trade debts.

Sole Proprietorship: All personal assets are available to creditors to satisfy claims against you. This does not generally mean creditors can sell your home. If you and your spouse jointly own your home, your spouse is not liable for your business debts, and his or her interest in the house is not divisible. A creditor can obtain a judgment, which is good for 20 years. In that period, your spouse may die, leaving you sole owner. You and your spouse may divorce, or more commonly, you may wish to sell and move elsewhere. If any of the above happens, you would have to come to terms with your creditors.

Partnership: The general rule is that all personal assets are on the line for business debts incurred by you or your partner. This may include your home, in which case the personal liability is the same as for a sole proprietorship unless your spouse is a partner. If you have more money than your partner, you may have to bear the brunt of business debts, even though the partnership agreement says you will split debts fifty-fifty. A partnership agreement does not bind third parties who are not aware of it.

Corporation: If you invest an amount of money in a corporation, you can lose only that amount plus the time and effort you put into the business. Creditors of corporations cannot reach your personal assets for corporation debts. 

More information in 101 Pet Sitting Business

Home Based Business Pre Start Up List

DJ Laughlin Art

The following items will give you an idea of the issues you will need to consider, and the steps to take in order to start your own home based business.

• Attend Business Start up classes and workshops
• Identify market
• Check for availability of your chosen company name
• Research market
• Research your industry and the competition
• Research potential vendors and suppliers
• Inventory control
•  Research and analyze the location and space for the business
• Pricing
• Ability to raise capital
• Determine start-up and operating costs
• Assess the ability to make the business profitable
• Assess financial position and resources
• Determine potential sources of financing (self, friends, family, equity, debt)
• Calculate and prepare revenue and cash flow projections
• Find an attorney, an accountant, and an insurance professional
• Personal liability of owner
• Control of the business
• Marketing plan
• Service plan
• Continuity of the business
• Tax considerations
• Choose the legal form of your home based business.

Choosing the Legal Form for your Business

One of the most important decisions that organizers of a small business enterprise must make is whether to set up the business as a

• Sole Proprietorship
• Partnership
• Corporation.

A comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of these three major forms of business organization follows: 

Read on: Amazon 101-A-Pet-Sitting-ebook

The Home Based Business Plan

 Complete your home based business plan before you get too involved in your new business. Many entrepreneurs take business plans too lightly.

• A business plan should be a living document that you both use and learn from.
• A business plan is a promise to yourself; if you don’t know where you’re going you might not get there.
• A business plan forces you to evaluate if your product or service will satisfy a need. It provides a roadmap to operate your company.

DJ Laughlin Art
Research is an essential part of the planning process. While it may seem time-consuming, it is a wise investment of time and will prevent problems down the road. To help gain experience you could volunteer at a local veterinarian’s office. You will see how pet owners react to leaving their pet in someone else’s care, and you will also learn first aid procedures. Work for another pet-sitting company and learn the strengths and weaknesses of that company’s system. Experience is of the utmost.

The following pages will walk you through preparing the professional pet-sitting business plan.

Start up Resources

Small Business Administration program is designed to help small businesses succeed and offers many resources. Please contact the Small Business Administration “S.B.A.”, Answer Desk at 800-U ASK SBA or
www.sba.gov.

SCORE helps small businesses succeed. SCORE “Counselors to America's Small Business” is the best source of free and confidential small business advice to help you build your business—from idea to start-up to success. SCORE’s extensive, national network of 10,500 retired and working volunteers are experienced entrepreneurs and corporate managers/executives. These volunteers provide free business counseling and advice as a public service to all types of businesses, in all stages of development. SCORE is a resource partner with the Small Business Administration.
www.score.org

Internal Revenue Service offers small business and self-employed online classes on a variety of topics for small businesses. Employment Taxes, Employer ID Numbers, links to broad range of resources across federal and state agencies.
www.irs.gov/businesses/small/index.html

Your state web site may offer everything you need to know about starting, and operating, a business in your state.

Not understanding the law does not exempt you from penalties and interest charged by federal and state agencies if you do not follow the rules. Save time and money by understanding employment taxes both Federal and State for your business.

Create a monthly, quarterly and yearly check list or reminders system for federal and state due dates. All forms to Federal and State agencies being sent by US Mail should be sent certified to avoid receiving late fees years later. Always place your Employer ID or Federal ID number, with the form number and due date on all payments made by check even if sent with a form!

Additional Resources:

Nolo-Law for All
For over 30 years, N.O.L.O. has published the most reliable do-it-yourself legal and business tools available. N.O.L.O.’s more than 300 books, software and eProducts are clearly written and regularly updated. These products help you understand and tackle your affairs without hiring a pricey professional.

www.nolo.com

www.uslegalforms.com

www.uslegalchecks.com

Entrepreneur.com A tool designed to save you the time and expense of creating business documents from scratch. You can download and customize each form according to your needs, and immediately put them to work in your business.
www.entrepreneur.com

CPA Directory. Nationwide directory of Accountants, Bookkeepers & CPAs. CPA license verification, Information on Tax & Accounting issues.
www.cpadirectory.com

Legal form of your  Home Based Business