Running a business is hard, and professional pet sitters often struggle with detaching themselves from their work because they are constantly thinking about their business, even when they are not pet sitting or working. Self-care is a term you have likely heard a lot about, but most people do not know how to apply it to their life, and this is something very important that pet sitters and dog walkers need to think about because it is crucial to your physical and mental health.
Most small business owners fail to take care of themselves because they are so busy focusing on their business and do not make time for anything else. This approach is wrong because your well-being must be a priority, and you should never put yourself last. If you own a pet-sitting business or work as a dog walker, consider these self-care tips:
Establish Boundaries and Maintain Them
You need to have policies in place because this is not just essential for your business but for your own self-care as well. Set specific business hours and be clear about your cancellation policy and payment terms so that you and your clients are on the same page. Create guidelines for how and when clients can book services and stick to these procedures so that you do not burn out. Communicate with current and potential clients during business hours only so that you run your business and not the other way around.
Learn to Say No
You are not obligated to accept every client who contacts you, nor should you feel forced to take on every pet-sitting request, even if it is from an existing client. While it may be tempting to take on every request, you need to know your limitations so that you do not jeopardize your health. Taking on too many requests can also compromise the care you provide, so learn when and how to say no. Know when you are at capacity by planning ahead and figure out the types of assignments that make you feel uncomfortable or that you do not like so that you have a response ready. This will prevent you from being caught off guard, and you will not feel pressured into saying yes.
Take Time Off
A lot of small business owners will not take any time off because they fear it will jeopardize their business, but this is false. You need to take time for yourself to relax and recharge your batteries; otherwise, you and your business will burn out. Plan your time off in advance and notify your clients early on so that they are aware of these dates. You should never feel guilty about taking time off and must enjoy this time so that you can clear your mind. Rest is very important for your overall health, and you will be able to run your business more successfully as a result.
If you are looking for reputable dog walkers or pet sitters, Suburban Dog Inc can help. We take pet sitting duties very seriously, and with our team, your pet will always be in good hands. If you would like more information, contact us today!
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