My new venture in specializing in travel with dogs.... :-)

[Denise & Hunter!!!]

So, for a few years I have been toying with the idea of joining a host travel agency and basically having my own travel business. I have been a corporate international agent for 20+ years now and I always have a lot of people ask me for vacations, etc. and I refer them to a friend of mine.  I really don't like doing any and all travel people ask for (ok could I be a little pickier?) and I got this idea from a friend who is an independent agent that specializes and only does Disney bookings.  That made me think I could be somewhat selective or at least focus on something I love, PETS & DOGS!!  I have been doing a ton of research on specializing in travel where people want to take their pets.  Not shipping for breeders anything like that, just fun or necessary travel where people don't want to leave their fur-babies behind.  I don't want to replace my current job but I would like to do this in addition to it.

I am very much in the beginning planning stages, I need to find a host agency but I know of quite a few that are reputable.  The large corporate company I work for has an affiliate program, which I would have loved to be part of BUT you cannot be an employee and an independant contractor for the same company according to the govt. :-( 

 

Does anyone know anyone else that does this?  Any ideas? Suggestions?  I am open to any thoughts you might have.

 

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

This is a service I would definitely use....great idea and good luck!

[Denise & Hunter!!!]

That is interesting Suzann!  I am going to check it out, the other thing I thought about doing was having my husband sign up as the affiliate under the company I work for and then I would be doing the work. I don't know if that is "legal" but I am going to ask my HR dept.  

Nicky, great idea on the TripAdvisor, I will add that to my list.  I didn't want to put an actual "booking engine" on because I want to give the personalized travel agent style service.  

Lucy, I am hurrying!!  Did you sign up for the doodle cruise? A good friend of mine is the agent booking it.  I probably also have the option of working as an independent contractor through his agency but if I go with another host agency there are better website options and supplier discounts that I think might be better.  

[Suzann, Rosey & Bandit]

Can you go 1099 at your current job? And talk to a tax person, depending on the way the affiliate is claimed by corporate there could be loopholes.

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

I wish you all the luck in the world! Sounds like a great plan!

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

This sounds like a great idea, you would have to do a lot of research and maybe set up a tripadvisor sort of site for this specific area where people could review their holidays with pets and pass on tips.  You could use it to sell holidays.

[F, Calla & Luca]

No suggestions but good luck.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

My only suggestion would be .... Hurry Up, I'd like to be a client!   lol.   :o)   good luck in this new venture!