Hello all!!

Ok, so I was reading someone else's post in one of the VA Forums.......I don't think it was this one.

However, they were asking about the possibility of "Virtual Assisting" within the Pet Industry? Well......it caught my attention! I absolutey love animals and I know I would enjoy this type of work.

I just wanted to ask you all if you knew of anyone else doing this? Or...if any of you knew how one would go about marketing themselves to local Pet related business's. Or.....maybe even the AKC?

Just thought I'd ask, because it really interests me greatly!

Thanks for any/all responses ladies and gents!

Jeanie

Hi Jeanie,
I know in my community there are a lot of privately owned dog groomers and pet shops. If it's similiar in your area, perhaps you could send an introductory letter or even go as far as going there in person to introduce yourself. The wonderful thing about our profession is even our target audience is not local, we could research online and find them in places where they are common.
What about humane societies? I would assume that virtual assistance would benefit the non-profits. Perhaps you could offer them a discount. I know I've stumbled across a VA's website that specialized in non-profit organizations but I haven't a clue where I saw it.
As we all know, so many people have no idea that our profession even exists. Focus your target audience on animal related industries, educate and entice them and there you go!
Good luck!

__________________
Dawn Lawson | At Your Service
http://freelanceadminsupport.com

Sound idea from Dawn!

I would also add the possibility of being in a more advanced pet service industry like veterinary services and transport. The former is definitely a needed service while the latter, I hear, is quickly becoming popular with travelers and relocating families. Tapping in to the opportunity of virtually assisting these types of companies and vets opens up a lot of possibilities.

Like for example, you can focus on the niche of advocating and connecting pet patients and their owners to specialized vets, either by species or type of ailment.

I agree with Dawn that focusing on a part of the pet industry is the key.

Hi Dawn,

You've given me some great ideas to think about. I like the idea of sending out an introductory letter, maybe with a flyer in it?

My biggest concern is what kind of service to offer exactly? I think I still have a bit of research to do, lol.

Brenn.....good input from you also. I'd been thinking about the local veterinary services, and you're right; if I can just get myself in front of these companies, well, who knows!

Thanks to you both for the great suggestions!

Jeanie

In my Chamber, we welcomed a new member, The Golden Retriever Rescue Association. There may be rescue type shelters or even specific breeds that have their own associations etc. I would check out the AKC to start. Hope that helps!

__________________
Doreen R. Patrick, MVA, ACS, CIVA
www.virtualbusinesspartners.net

Hi Jeanie,
I apologize for the delay in my response.
You're absolutely right, research is key. Just start researching groomers, vets, non-profits, or even pet shops. Match your skills and interests with the information you accumulate. Are there events you would like to organize? Do you create and maintain websites? Would you find enjoyment in doing the basic administrative portion (phone support, billing, scheduling appointments)? Would you like to provide Internet Research? Do you like marketing?
Maybe I could offer you a little more insight if I knew what type of skills you have to offer. All businesses require basic types of administration. If you want to do something a little more in depth, pick your niche. There are a ton of possiblities.
The more you familiarize yourself with the pet industry as well as the VA industry, the clearer you'll become on what you have to offer.
Another thought I had was what about reuniting pets with their owners after a disaster? I know it was a big thing after hurricane Katrina. The American Red Cross has a similar progam for people, not pets, called the Patient Connection program. Perhaps you could offer that as one of your services to Humane Societies. If there is an area hit with a disaster (which is unfortunately rather frequent), you would be available to contract, and assist them with getting the pets back to their owners resulting in saving them from being overwhelmed with an abundance of animals to care for. (This is my passion for disaster services coming out in me ).
Whatever you decide, pick something you love and find a way to make it work! All it takes is determination and committment!

__________________
Dawn Lawson | At Your Service
http://freelanceadminsupport.com

Hi! I'm not in business yet, but I'm going to offer discounts to any animal related companies. Animals, particularly dogs, are a great passion of mine, and I've often thought about working in that field (animal rescue, etc), but I know I couldn't handle the emotions on a daily basis...so I figure this will be a way I can help out!

Glad to hear others have the same interests!

Just a thought - in addition to rescue organizations, veterinarians, and pet sitting services, one local company that I'm going to present my services to is the company where I buy dog food and homemade treats (yes, my dog is spoiled! )

Hi Jeanie,
Any updates? How is everything coming along?

__________________
Dawn Lawson | At Your Service
http://freelanceadminsupport.com

Jeanie,

I wish I had seen your post sooner. I am not sure if anyone else mentioned this, but you can also approach dog training schools/individuals. I worked for a non-profit therapy dog organization for several years...from my experience dog trainers need A LOT of help with paperwork, phone calls, etc. Especially AKC evaluators (for the AKC Canine Good Citizen test), AKC Judges and so on. Take a quick look at ebay and you will find MANY ebay stores dedicated to selling pet supplies, clothes, etc. You can even approach them and assist with their ebay store maintenance or other individuals that have ecommerce pet sites.

Just some of the services you can provide to almost any person in the animal industry, just off the top of my head, are appointment setting (this would be a great service for busy groomers and dog trainers/schools), flyers for upcoming classes, events or specials, bookkeeping, and web site maintenance.

I was going to offer said services to animal shelters, but quickly realized they have some really good people willing to do the same tasks on a volunteer basis. However, there are many facets to the pet industry, so I think there are definitely opportunities there for you. I look forward to hearing what you have decided. Good Luck!

__________________
Darlene Victoria Gonzalez
The Voice & Vision Behind Your Business

This is an interesting thread. I've been thinking about this for past couple months whether to offer service for animal shelters and/or rescue groups with a nice fat discount.

I have been part of animal resuce group for many years therefore am familiar with what they need. Those non-profit groups normally don't have that much money as they use the funds for medical needs, food and more for the animals which is why I would offer a large discount for them.

I'd be more than happy to create a webiste for them and download pictures of their current foster dogs/cats that's available for adoption, etc. Create flyers for fund raising events, and such.

Best luck to you! Please let us know what you've decided.

__________________
Brenda A. Jones
www.brevos.com