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  |  CountrynCrafty
Face Hugger
   USA
427 Posts
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May 15 2012 : 11:31:32 AM     |
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This is an expansion idea off of what someone else is doing whom idk whether or not they want to be mentioned...
I have thought about fostering sugar gliders for folks, not a rescue, but a place where glider owners can bring the gliders that they desperately want to keep but are having a "situation" at the moment such as they are going to have a new baby so they need __ amount of time without their beloved gliders.
Some things I or others have thought of so far include:
- Having a contract for the amount of time I would have the gliders, putting them in my care for vet purposes, etc
- Charging a small fee so that I can get their food items, cage liners, etc either paid monthly or upfront
- Following their chosen diet (as long as it's not pellets are something harmful like that) so if one person feeds BML and another HPW, then their gliders would get their respective diets.
- If I take in a breeding pair have something in the contract about what's to happen if a joey is rejected and I need to hand raise it
- Only take in what I know I can handle
- Require that they supply their own cage-and the cage needs to be size appropriate for the amount of gliders (ex: 2-3 cubic feet/glider)
- I know some of the gliders might need to be rehomed (upon owner consent). If they were needing to be rehomed and were a breeding pair I would get the male mate and any male joeys neutered and that would be in the contract as well.
The gliders would be in our extra building outside which has running water, heat and cooling, insulation, and would be given tent time etc but not have the added stress of being around my munchkins.
I wouldn't be able to do this right away, but it's something I am seriously considering. If you have any ideas or opinions please share them (or you can PM me) but please don't be rude.
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 | fox0r
Face Hugger
 USA
496 Posts
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May 15 2012 : 11:42:01 AM  |
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Honestly... it sounds like a lot of potential drama. You would need a very-well-written-lawyer-approved contract to do something like that... otherwise you could get yourself into a big mess.
What if someone's glider dies in your care, and they try to sue you over it?
What if someone's glider is not the same (personality, health, whatever) as when they dropped it off?
There's just a lot of things like that to think about. It also sounds like a lot of work. Are you going to have time with the kiddos to care for multiple cages of gliders? Including nail trims, dinner prep, and all of the other things they need on a regular basis?
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| TJones09
Fuzzy Wuzzy
1992 Posts
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May 15 2012 : 11:56:15 AM |
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I offer this advise, only because these particular points weren't clear to me in your op.
1. I believe a fair fee for care is reasonable, but I would include that if a vet visit is necessary owners would pay or re-imburse vet fees. You will be responsible for purchasing, mixing, and feeding their gliders, and should be compensated without having to spend "out of pocket" money for care that they would be spending themselves caring for their gliders, and a maybe even little extra for your time & commitment.
2. I think you should make sure that they had a vet check prior to taking them, so if there is a health problem you've all been aware of it up front. (This is not unreasonable, kennels require certain precautions in the form of vaccines)
3. Have a legal (contractual) disclaimer in the event that due to any non-neglegent or an unpreventable cause on your part (anything that would have happened in original owners care) whether injury, illness, or even death of a glider in your care is not to be held as your responsibility, and no action may be taken against you.
4. Have a written guaranty that you will follow every instruction (that's safe & healthy) for individual glider/s in your care temporarily and that you will accommodate every need to every glider.
You will be offering with a fair fee to take on the responsibility of other's gliders, even temporarily, you have to protect yourself.
Wish you luck with your foster project if you start one!
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| CountrynCrafty
Face Hugger
USA
427 Posts
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May 15 2012 : 12:25:03 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by fox0r
Honestly... it sounds like a lot of potential drama. You would need a very-well-written-lawyer-approved contract to do something like that... otherwise you could get yourself into a big mess.
What if someone's glider dies in your care, and they try to sue you over it?
What if someone's glider is not the same (personality, health, whatever) as when they dropped it off?
There's just a lot of things like that to think about. It also sounds like a lot of work. Are you going to have time with the kiddos to care for multiple cages of gliders? Including nail trims, dinner prep, and all of the other things they need on a regular basis?
I wouldn't be doing it right now...I'm talking about in the next few years when they are 5-7 or older; I know this is not something to jump into so I'm trying to think of things NOW and writing them down.
As for the contract and stuff, yes I would have a lawyer help me write them.
I don't mind work.
Thank you for pointing out things I didn't think about like the glider's personality possibly changing, that's why I posted ;).
quote:
Originally posted by TJones09
I offer this advise, only because these particular points weren't clear to me in your op.
1. I believe a fair fee for care is reasonable, but I would include that if a vet visit is necessary owners would pay or re-imburse vet fees. You will be responsible for purchasing, mixing, and feeding their gliders, and should be compensated without having to spend "out of pocket" money for care that they would be spending themselves caring for their gliders, and a maybe even little extra for your time & commitment.
2. I think you should make sure that they had a vet check prior to taking them, so if there is a health problem you've all been aware of it up front. (This is not unreasonable, kennels require certain precautions in the form of vaccines)
3. Have a legal (contractual) disclaimer in the event that due to any non-neglegent or an unpreventable cause on your part (anything that would have happened in original owners care) whether injury, illness, or even death of a glider in your care is not to be held as your responsibility, and no action may be taken against you.
4. Have a written guaranty that you will follow every instruction (that's safe & healthy) for individual glider/s in your care temporarily and that you will accommodate every need to every glider.
You will be offering with a fair fee to take on the responsibility of other's gliders, even temporarily, you have to protect yourself.
Wish you luck with your foster project if you start one!
Thank you TJones09 for all the ideas and clarifications I should have in the contract, and the idea on vet checks before they come to my home and guaranty :D!
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| CountrynCrafty
Face Hugger
USA
427 Posts
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May 15 2012 : 12:31:30 PM |
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*Something was brought up and I just wanted to clarify*
I wouldn't be taking in the gliders for a few days or even just a few weeks...I'm thinking the minimum contract would be 3 months...I'd rather 6 months or more.
There *might* be exceptions, but I'm not thinking-okay your going to Disney World for 2 weeks and need me to watch your gliders, I'm thinking along the lines of you're having a baby and need 6 months where you can concentrate on your baby or you're having medical issues and just need some time to heal.
Edited by - CountrynCrafty on May 15 2012 12:33:32 PM
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| KritterCare
Face Hugger
USA
633 Posts
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May 15 2012 : 03:26:00 PM |
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If you would like to foster, there is also the idea of talking to your local shelter and offering your services should they ever get gliders, as most shelter don't know what to do with them. That's what I want to when I get settled in my own place. =) I think it's great you want to help people out though!
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| shadow
Goofy Gorillatoes
MO, USA
2332 Posts
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May 15 2012 : 03:30:44 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by KritterCare
If you would like to foster, there is also the idea of talking to your local shelter and offering your services should they ever get gliders, as most shelter don't know what to do with them. That's what I want to when I get settled in my own place. =) I think it's great you want to help people out though!
i think she is more wanting to help people out who are in a temporary problem that is effecting them keeping their gliders. but if she can care for them for a few months and give the gliders back it will be one less cage of gliders who need to be rehomed.
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| KritterCare
Face Hugger
USA
633 Posts
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May 15 2012 : 03:37:07 PM |
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That's true I guess, assuming people actually decide to take the gliders back... I know alot of people in that situation are probably looking for more of a permanant home for their pet.
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| sierranevadaK
Face Hugger
USA
796 Posts
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May 15 2012 : 04:32:20 PM |
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It sounds like a good idea! It'd be great to have people help you out too. Do you have friends who have gliders? You guys could "go in business" together so all the stress isn't on you.
You're probably different than me, but I couldn't handle so many marsupials. xD
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| CountrynCrafty
Face Hugger
USA
427 Posts
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May 15 2012 : 04:36:20 PM |
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Here is some specific situations I am talking about (I have left out names)
A person with gliders had some family issues so she decided to move out but couldn't afford to have her gliders until she was able to get a job. The person ended up having to rehome her gliders. 2-3 months later she found a job, but can't get the gliders back.
Another person I read about a while back was pregnant and didn't know if she could handle the gliders AND a new baby; I'm not sure what ever happened but if she have the fostering option someone could have kept them x amount of time (say about the time babies start sleeping through the night-4-6 months) then she would have been able to get them back.
Also if we had had my sugar gliders when we found out my hubby had a tumor we might have looked into fostering them because of how much time we were at the hospital for treatments and such.
It's for these situations that I would like to foster gliders, if for some reason the family didn't want or couldn't get their gliders back then I would have a clause for them to become lawfully mine with my option to rehome them. Of course they could extend their contract as well ;)
I would consider maybe taking some if they were going on vacation for an extended period of time (as in I have a aquaintence whom is retired that takes 2-3 month cruises every few years) but someone with the situations above would have priority.; if they both contacted me on the same day needing me to foster their gliders, then the person with the medical situation etc would get the spot. However, once under contract I wouldn't renig ;)
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| TheHomermomma
Fuzzy Wuzzy
1328 Posts
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May 15 2012 : 04:55:31 PM |
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It sounds like a pretty good idea. When I owned my kennel we had a clause (written by me but approved by my dad the attorney) that any dog that came on the property (whether for training or boarding) had to have signed that said:
"Knowing that animals are unpredictable and it is impossible to cover every possible scenario while in our care, the owner shall hold ________________ eternally harmless and blameless for injury, illness, theft, running away, loss or death of the above contracted animal."
Pretty much covered our butt for 22 years.
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| CountrynCrafty
Face Hugger
USA
427 Posts
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May 15 2012 : 05:14:38 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by sierranevadaK
It sounds like a good idea! It'd be great to have people help you out too. Do you have friends who have gliders? You guys could "go in business" together so all the stress isn't on you.
You're probably different than me, but I couldn't handle so many marsupials. xD
There are some people that are close in proximity whom might be willing to do it with me, in fact in a way one of them already does ;) but I don't want to get that big. I would do a limited number of cages.
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| CountrynCrafty
Face Hugger
USA
427 Posts
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May 15 2012 : 05:54:34 PM |
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I like the clause idea TheHomermomma :)
It was asked if I had thought in detail yet as far as how it would be set up so here's the idea:
My building is 10ft wide and 20 ft long with double doors-but I can choose to only open one side. I would leave the middle of the floor open (no cages) so that I could have tent time in the middle, there would be a mini fridge & mini freezer in there. I'd also install a sink (even though it has running water to it there isn't a sink right now) that's around a 2ft by 2 ft shop type (aka deep) with a cabinet above it for storing non-fridgerated/freezable items, hand sanitizer, ekits, joey kits, cleaning supplies, etc. As stated earlier there is ac and heat and it is well insulated.
Each person would supply their own cage set(s)/toys for their gliders and the unused ones would be put in the loft in totes to be kept clean and dry until I need them. Cage covers that cover at least three sides (pref the top too) would be needed, if not supplied by the owners then I would supply one. Cage sets would be washed separately-from each cage/owners gliders, plus of course not with my personal gliders or my family’s laundry- using dreft (hypo allergenic and scent free) unless otherwise specified and supplied. Cages would be cleaned with a steamer as would unwashable in the clothes washer toys.
I’d require the owners to fill out a portion about the glider’s personality so that I know if they are reserved, more on the aggressive side, pouch protective, etc etc so that I can give them the best care. I’d rather they supply their own cage, but arrangements would be made if it was necessary. As far as distance I will accept, that’s something I haven’t decided on yet…
I would need all the gliders to be free and clear of anything with a vet signature saying that they are as the cages will be anywhere from 4-6 inches apart. Of course I would use hand sanitizer and wash up between each cage, but better to be safe than sorry. I am still working out some of the glitches but that’s why it’s an idea instead of me jumping in blindfolded ;)
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| JeremyLexie
Fuzzy Wuzzy
USA
1190 Posts
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May 15 2012 : 06:19:35 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by CountrynCrafty
Here is some specific situations I am talking about (I have left out names)
A person with gliders had some family issues so she decided to move out but couldn't afford to have her gliders until she was able to get a job. The person ended up having to rehome her gliders. 2-3 months later she found a job, but can't get the gliders back.
Another person I read about a while back was pregnant and didn't know if she could handle the gliders AND a new baby; I'm not sure what ever happened but if she have the fostering option someone could have kept them x amount of time (say about the time babies start sleeping through the night-4-6 months) then she would have been able to get them back.
Also if we had had my sugar gliders when we found out my hubby had a tumor we might have looked into fostering them because of how much time we were at the hospital for treatments and such.
It's for these situations that I would like to foster gliders, if for some reason the family didn't want or couldn't get their gliders back then I would have a clause for them to become lawfully mine with my option to rehome them. Of course they could extend their contract as well ;)
I would consider maybe taking some if they were going on vacation for an extended period of time (as in I have a aquaintence whom is retired that takes 2-3 month cruises every few years) but someone with the situations above would have priority.; if they both contacted me on the same day needing me to foster their gliders, then the person with the medical situation etc would get the spot. However, once under contract I wouldn't renig ;)
This has been done before. I do not think they are on this board. Her hubby got in a massive car accident and was in therapy/hospital for a long time. A friend who helped me with a railroad fostered them during this time. The gliders are now healthy and happy back with original owners.
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| CountrynCrafty
Face Hugger
USA
427 Posts
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May 15 2012 : 06:24:20 PM |
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Yes, something like that, but I'm thinking bigger (not just 1 family-unless only 1 family needs it or they have a lot of cages)and multiple times :P
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| TJones09
Fuzzy Wuzzy
1992 Posts
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May 15 2012 : 06:33:31 PM |
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I think it would be nice, if for some reason I couldn't care for my gliders, but knew I would be able to again at some point to have something like this to turn to. It's a great gesture on you and anyone offering such a thing. Just protect yourself, and have all t's crossed and i's dotted.
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| CountrynCrafty
Face Hugger
USA
427 Posts
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May 15 2012 : 06:39:42 PM |
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Thank you Tjones! :D
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| CountrynCrafty
Face Hugger
USA
427 Posts
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Jul 09 2012 : 04:45:49 PM |
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I wanted to bring this up again to let ya'll know that hubby and I are working on the "Hotel" right now. We had the building that I am going to use at a different location (we moved and the company was just recently able to send someone to move the building).
He and I also made more of a plan, I would like to kinda run this by ya'll to get a public opinion...
Unless for some reason you want to send you cage (I know this may be difficult) we would provide cages, [bottled] water, fresh fruits and veges would be available (or you can send already prepared fruits and veges (like in icecube shapes or something)), extra cage sets would be available, of course ac/heat etc. All food would be stored in the fridge/freezer or cabinets depending on how it needs to be stored.
The owner would need to provide the rest of the food (or supplies to make it) such as baby food for the BML diet, instructions on how YOU make it, and if you would prefer a cage set that smells like home and a cage if you don't want to use our available ones; and of course your gliders ;)
Each cage of gliders would be given tent time daily.
Contract:
We would have a contract saying you need us to take care of your gliders for x days, that we can take them to the veterinarian if needed-god forbid-and that you will pay those funds back, what happens if you don't come get your gliders within so many days of the "termination" of said contract, etc.
Cleaning:
We would have bleach wipes, a steam cleaner, natural cleaners, etc. and use them religiously.
Price:
If we provide the cage then $12/day/cage (whether 2 gliders or 10 gliders)-different cage sizes available for bigger colonies. If you provide the cage then $10/cage/day. Discounts for 3+ cages.
How long will you be gone:
Husband said he is ok (I asked) if we take in gliders for as little as a week and up to ??.
I know this is the "short" of it, but what is your opinions so far?
ETA: For long stays (a month or more) we will be willing to work with the glider's owners on a payment plan.
Edited by - CountrynCrafty on Jul 09 2012 05:04:31 PM
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| RunForrestRun
Starting Member
2 Posts
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Jul 09 2012 : 04:59:02 PM |
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I could have sure used this kind of service while I was out of town for 10 days...I had to leave my babies in the care of my neighbor who was also taking care of my dog and cat (no issues there)...they weren't loved or played with and it just broken my heart...it's just a shame you aren't closer
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| petluv15
Fuzzy Wuzzy
1500 Posts
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Jul 09 2012 : 05:20:09 PM |
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I think those prices are MORE than fair for pet-sitting, but I would not call it "fostering" if you charge that much...just my opinion but fostering is generally reserved for people who are really in need and generally they are not going to be able to afford that much - its a great deal if they have a colony of 10, but not so much for just a pair. Again, for pet sitting short term, those prices are great, but for people in need...even with a payment plan, it probably isn't affordable for those really in need.
I would also look into installing dividers within the building to separate/quarantine different cages from each other even i they're vet checked beforehand.
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| CountrynCrafty
Face Hugger
USA
427 Posts
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Jul 09 2012 : 05:42:12 PM |
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RunForrestRun- I would be willing to host gliders from anywhere if people can get them to me ;)
Petluv-I'm not trying to be rude, but if you look the OP was back in May. My new post says "hotel" not "fostering"; It is not possible for me to go back and change the title. If someone really needed help I *could* change my prices and as I said I can work up a payment plan, but I'm sure you understand of course I can't do this for free; I am NOT rescuing gliders, I am simply taking them in/hosting them while their "parents" do what they need to do-whether going on vacation or having medical issues and need a "break".
Ex: It's not always a money issue that someone cant keep their gliders, like if they are getting kicked out of their home and need somewhere to keep their gliders till they find somewhere they can live and keep their gliders or till things get settled or something
I feel that $10-$12 is fair as I will have to pay for the electricity, water, fruits and veges, and my initial cost of buying cages and cage sets or materials to make cage sets will need to be covered. I am not asking anyone to pay for a cage, but if I can get $2/day (after paying the bills needed and the supplies) that I can put back in the bank-after taking out the money for the cages I already purchased...I'm sure as a business woman (you make/sell the open cage sets) you can see this. I am NOT trying to jip anyone, in fact, I haven't put in my time-and I don't plan to. Minimum wage is 7.50 so if I was to charge for my time, plus the bills, food, and enough to (eventually) cover the cage I would ask for 17.50-20...
This is an ongoing idea with changes being made as needed, that's why I posted/updated here to see what I was missing, get opinions, etc.
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| petluv15
Fuzzy Wuzzy
1500 Posts
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Jul 09 2012 : 05:52:59 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by CountrynCrafty
RunForrestRun- I would be willing to host gliders from anywhere if people can get them to me ;)
Petluv-I'm not trying to be rude, but if you look the OP was back in May. My new post says "hotel" not "fostering"; It is not possible for me to go back and change the title. If someone really needed help I *could* change my prices and as I said I can work up a payment plan, but I'm sure you understand of course I can't do this for free; I am NOT rescuing gliders, I am simply taking them in/hosting them while their "parents" do what they need to do-whether going on vacation or having medical issues and need a "break".
Ex: It's not always a money issue that someone cant keep their gliders, like if they are getting kicked out of their home and need somewhere to keep their gliders till they find somewhere they can live and keep their gliders or till things get settled or something
I feel that $10-$12 is fair as I will have to pay for the electricity, water, fruits and veges, and my initial cost of buying cages and cage sets or materials to make cage sets will need to be covered. I am not asking anyone to pay for a cage, but if I can get $2/day (after paying the bills needed and the supplies) that I can put back in the bank-after taking out the money for the cages I already purchased...I'm sure as a business woman (you make/sell the open cage sets) you can see this. I am NOT trying to jip anyone, in fact, I haven't put in my time-and I don't plan to. Minimum wage is 7.50 so if I was to charge for my time, plus the bills, food, and enough to (eventually) cover the cage I would ask for 17.50-20...
This is an ongoing idea with changes being made as needed, that's why I posted/updated here to see what I was missing, get opinions, etc.
Good luck...I won't offer any more opinions, but if the whole situation has changed from fostering for people in need to a kennel-type business, you might be better off starting a new thread since the reasons/motivations have changed and I'm sure I'm not the only one who took it as though fostering would be the main reason for having this building. As I said that it is a great price for pet-sitting, but not fostering so my opinion stands there - if you are now doing it as pet-sitting, make sure you also factor in the cost of getting licensed and insured.
Edited by - petluv15 on Jul 09 2012 05:54:39 PM
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| CountrynCrafty
Face Hugger
USA
427 Posts
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Jul 09 2012 : 06:11:36 PM |
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Petluv it's for anyone in need, but if two people contacted me in the same day (I check my emails once a day) and one needed it for a vaca and the other for medical reasons then the medical reasons would take precedents. My motivations have not changed, I want to help gliders and their owners.
What is your opinion on a good price as from what I understand your saying $10-$12/cage/day with 3+ cages having a discount is too much?
I am looking into what I need to do as far as licensing and insurance.
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| baby.girl
Face Hugger
USA
538 Posts
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Jul 09 2012 : 06:15:50 PM |
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I think it would be great to do cause everyone needs help sometimes.i wish you the best in good luck
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| CountrynCrafty
Face Hugger
USA
427 Posts
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Jul 09 2012 : 11:07:00 PM |
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Maybe there's not as many people that are interested/need this as I thought...
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| MamaBird
Super Glider
USA
393 Posts
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Jul 09 2012 : 11:21:13 PM |
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I feel they're two separate things. 1 is a pet hotel, pet sitting for a fee at your home. 2 is a long term, (back to original post of long term due to medical or personal reasons) fostering type situation. In situation 2, I can't imagine someone being able to pay $10-12 a day for 4-6 months, like your example of having a baby. But, just because I cant imagine it doesn't mean someone else wouldn't!!
I think both things are good, just make sure you have a strong contract either way to protect yourself and your assets.
Edited by - MamaBird on Jul 09 2012 11:24:54 PM
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| fox0r
Face Hugger
USA
496 Posts
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Jul 09 2012 : 11:42:12 PM |
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I don't think the price is bad, and I bet kennels for dogs/cats charge WAY more. I think adjusting prices for long term over short term is something you'd want to look into. Like if someone needs to foster for several months.. that price will rack up QUICK.
However, I would never have my gliders housed in an area where there are other gliders that I'm not 110% sure are safe/clean. I would also never have them share a cage that other gliders have been in, nor would I allow them to play in a tent that other gliders have been in. There's just too much risk in spreading around sickness/parasites/whatever.
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| CountrynCrafty
Face Hugger
USA
427 Posts
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Jul 09 2012 : 11:53:16 PM |
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foxor, in a long term situation I of course wouldn't ask for $10-$12/day...I guess I wasn't wording that in a good way with my "payment plan" stuff thank you for helping me.
I can understand your concern. I would use bleach AND steam clean EVERYTHING-and for cage sets use the hotest water etc; wash my hands up to my shoulders, plus bleach wipes, plus sanitize religiously For those that DO still feel uncomfortable with it they could of course provide their own cage, tent, etc. P
ALL Gliders would have to have a recent "dr's note" if you will saying they have a clean bill of health before they came to my home.
They of course would also have cage covers (or need to have them provided with cage). I will consider the partitioning thing that was mentioned but my problem/thoughts with that is what if a cage that someone sends doesn't fit in the partition?
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| CountrynCrafty
Face Hugger
USA
427 Posts
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Jul 10 2012 : 12:02:16 AM |
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As for the $10-$12/day unless it's "long term"...how much does it cost for a dog to go to boarding where (at least around here) they are in a cage except for dedicated walk times...and cats are ALWAYS in a cage.
My vet told me (when I asked out of curiosity) that they would "board" my gliders for $150/week -but my gliders would be in a back room and while they would have feed and water they wouldn't get ANY out of cage time...and tbh I don't feel that I can trust my vet/her assistance to cut fresh fruits and veges and feed meal worms.
Gliders at MY place would get tent time EVERY night, plus I would feed them whatever you feed them, even if it means cutting up fresh fruits and veges to 1/4 inch by 1/4 inch pieces every night...
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| MamaBird
Super Glider
USA
393 Posts
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Jul 10 2012 : 12:25:32 AM |
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If I had to go out of town without my gliders, I'd happily pay $10-12 to know they were getting that kind of care.
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| CountrynCrafty
Face Hugger
USA
427 Posts
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Jul 10 2012 : 12:39:28 AM |
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Thank you to you and baby.girl....I was starting to feel that maybe it was a bad idea. :D
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Fostering..opinions please
