I have a client! Maybe!

In talks to watch over someone's macaw while they are in the hospital, in their home. The drive would be less then an hour there and another back. I gave up on my idea, but I forgot to take down my ad. I never figured out what I would/should charge. Any ideas?

Mileage seems like it would be a huge consideration if it's that far away and you're not taking it to your place. I know I could never make that drive if it were out of my way... and I don't even have kids!! How long do they expect their hospital stay to be?

Are you providing any other services while you are there? My pet sitter also brings in mail, turns lights on and off, takes out garbage if needed, waters houseplants and of course takes care of all the kitties and birdies. She used to charge $5 per pet per visit, but now I think she has gone to $25/visit with a surcharge for "large" households. Last time it was $28 per visit, 2 visits per day for 3 cats, 1 getting meds twice a day, and 2 birds. However, the birds get minimal "out time" as she is not a bird specialist. Don't know if that helps... she covers an area that is probably an hour from end to end and doesn't charge mileage, FWIW.

Of course, around here, an hour is a normal commute....

When I used a bird sitter, she charged $15 per visit. She brought in mail, turned lights on or off and did minor housekeeping. I just had Pigpen at the time and she didn't get any out of cage time.

Julsiebean wrote:

In talks to watch over someone's macaw while they are in the hospital, in their home. The drive would be less then an hour there and another back. I gave up on my idea, but I forgot to take down my ad. I never figured out what I would/should charge. Any ideas?

I'm so glad for you
The first one has to be lucky! I don't know how much for birds, but I got paid for dogs, the same prize, their charge in the boarding places. There was 2 large dogs and I had to sleep there. I don't do it anymore, but couple years ago those dog people recommend me to another dog people, to another dog people and sometimes I had to turn somebody down during vacation, because it was too much for me. References and trust are very important, if you plan doing that for a future.
Driving one hour to work is nothing new to me, I do it every day. To some places shorter, to some places longer
Good luck