I was thinking of trying to help elderly people in my area by offering free pet care/ dog walking?

I think that is really kind of you, could you move to my area please!!...lol...but I think your concerns maybe justified, I do believe you should really look into the pros and cons of it all, plus, if the elderly people in your area don't know you they probably wouldn't want a stranger to go off with their beloved pet, best wishes to you!!

It's a fine idea. Where we live, quite a few young persons actually make extra money by offering these services. Others do house-sitting and the like, also for a fee.

The fact that you're willing to kindly offer your services without charge is a tremendous plus. You'd be bombarded with calls in our town, that's for sure.

As for being sued, I've no idea what would prompt that sort of thing. Possibly ask a few questions in your own community, maybe at a free law clinic, and find out just to be sure.

All the best of luck to you!

...T

Additional info. We pay the woman who comes and sees to our two cats twice a day if we travel $15. a visit ($30. daily).

You would definitely have to be careful. Let the folks in your neighborhood meet you in person, that is a good gauge of what people are about. I pay an aquaintance from church to take care of my pets when I am gone out of town. But I got a reference from another aquaintance, And yes, there are always people who need help. It's just not as simple as it used to be, but you can certainly help someone when you are willing. That's such a good thought. And you will feel so good when you help somebody else....

What an awesome idea. But start slow with 1 or 2 dogs and see how it goes. I love dogs~they are such awesome companions. We have, on occasion taken dogs for walks for their owners who are sick. We had so much fun with them. They wanted to pay us and we said, no way. Just the company and fun of the dog was payment enough. But, a lot of people do this. Check it out. Maybe a notice in the beauty shop you go to, a grocery store bulletin board, notice in the paper. Word of mouth is also good. I hope that you get to do what your heart desires. I would love to do it in a heartbeat!!!

The one thing the elderly need is someone to talk to. To often they have stories to tell but no one to talk to.

As for the liability see a lawyer. But I would not give out your services for free if all the people are well to do. You can undercut your competition to help people out. But why sell yourself short when you likely know you will need insurance against the risk you are undertaking.

Talk to these people for free. Listen to their stories. But get paid for the work you do with their pets.

Sounds like a great idea. I don't have any pets. I need someone to take me for a walk!

I would certainly give it a try, people love their pooches more than people most of the time. You will have to gain their trust though their dogs are also their best friends xx

I think that's a great idea! As far as being sued, just write up a simple release/no liablility form for them to sign.

Sounds like an excellent idea for me [more for the pets than the oldsters]. Here's a star for you!

Seems a good idea, try age concern or the rspca shop for advice and liability insurance which is the pain.

good luck