Bay Area (California USA) parrot people wanted!

[Squawk and Howl]

below is a parrot-y job description!

Squawk and Howl is a boutique pet sitting service catering to people with companion parrots. We care for all animals in the home, yet specialize in the needs of parrots & their people. Parrots are very different than other types of pets, and have special needs. Can you meet them?

We are looking for part-time sitters who meet stringent criteria:

1. Extensive parrot handling experience. This could be with your own flock, at a bird store, a breeder’s, rescue or sanctuary, or some other place (such as a zoo or exhibit). Ability to handle small birds without stress and people unafraid of the big beaks (Macaws) are needed.

2. Gentle, respectful, and empathetic demeanor towards birds. We believe in positive reinforcement. We give cage free time to companion parrots as part of our service- and you must be able to do this in order to succeed at this job. Bites can and will happen, and we want experienced bird people who know how to avoid situations where their flesh is in danger of mangling.

3. Ability to pass a “Parrot Care 101” test, administered by Squawk and Howl. Sanitation, diet, body language, habitat/caging, and other basics are covered.

4. Ability to follow specific directions, both from the “owner” and from Squawk and Howl HQ.

5. No prior criminal record. Honesty and trustworthiness. Ability to be bonded. Dependability!!! (Animals lives depend on you in this job- and we take that seriously.)

6. Love of animals- all animals.

7. Excellent references attesting to your experience with parrots, other animals & your honesty & dependability.

We need people who are looking for a flexible, part-time position. This position may grow over time if you wish, as our client base is rapidly expanding.

We especially need people to cover the Peninsula, South Bay, & North Bay but may also have jobs to cover in SF and the East Bay.

Must have the ability to do some overnight visits, not be allergic to cats, dogs, or birds with dander (Cockatiels, Cockatoos, African Greys), and have your own car (travel to Bay Area-wide client homes).

Commitment to avian rescue, vet tech experience, PIJAC Avian Specialist Certification, and languages in addition to English are always a plus.

Competitive Bay Area hourly rate + bridge tolls. Email resume to dani@*************.com for more information or to set up an interview. No calls, please.

[Margaret Madison]

I wish I was closer to you, Dani. I'd be happy to be paid minimum wage for what I do for free. <grin> I'm all the way over in Michigan though. Remember me if you have takers or customers out this way. <grin>

[notredamebird]

Aye...stuck in the midwest here, too! Curses!

I might try to start pet sitting here though... :-)

[Squawk and Howl]

anyone who wants to start a similar business, i highly encourage it! the need is great for parrot people, word of mouth spreads quickly, and hey- you get paid to hang out with parrots! dream come true!

i love my job! i'd be happy to give pointers to newbies starting a new pet sitting business...

[oihane]

Aw man..I wish!! I'm still thinking about volunteering at that parrot rescue..I sort of want to know if I'm going to be going to school this fall (if they send the **** letter someday!) and what my schedule would be like before I make a commitment. They require a one year commitment, so I want to be sure I can make it. If I lived in that area of CA, I'd TOTALLY go for that kind of job!

[notredamebird]

I might ask you some questions, Dani, because I'm becoming more & more serious about it! My last trip (the wedding & honeymoon) convinced me that it's needed. ...I was completely unable to find a sitting service.....

[wetheril]

I will be spending some of my time in the Bay Area this summer (have family there, and it's a 1.5 hour drive from Davis), but I'm really not experienced enough. *cries* If this offer continues to hold true, I'd really love to do it some day.

Edit: If forgot to add: since you're in the Bay Area, are there any breeders you would recommend? I'm looking to get myself another bird this summer (preferably another American parakeet), so any recommendations are more than welcome!

[Mysticalwings]

i live here, but not old enough. i wish.

[Squawk and Howl]

are there any breeders you would recommend? I'm looking to get myself another bird this summer (preferably another American parakeet), so any recommendations are more than welcome!

i don't personally know any budgie breeders ( i do know breeders of many other species- includiong small birds like parrotlets), but there is a fabulous store called feathered follies that you should visit while you are here. PM me when you'll be in town & we can go together! (i have a crazy schedule- so be sure & give me a week's notice!)

i will be teaching a class there on july 30, as a benefit for CHRP, a rescue i work with. there will also be a BBQ- $10 for BBQ & class, including a book!

[Oh Mowsie]

Wow Dani! There's going to be some lucky job candidates out in the SF area! Wish I could stumble on a job offer like that here!