Keep in mind that as a pet sitter you will have irregular hours that include nights and weekends. Consider if you will offer to stay at the homes of clients, or just visit at scheduled hours to take care of their pets. Your clients may also want other basic services, such as bringing in the mail and watering plants at their homes while they are out of town. You must really love and care about animals if you want to be a successful pet sitter. It is not a business to start just for the money. You will be responsible for taking care of animals that some people consider as their children, so treat the responsibility with care!
You can do a quick online search to find local business licensing offices and their contact info. Start by searching for your local Chamber of Commerce; they usually take care of many business licensing needs. If you want to offer boarding services for pets at your home, the amount of paperwork you need to complete will be higher. You can enlist the help of a business attorney to assist you with all the legal parts of creating a business.
Search online or in a phonebook to find an insurance company that offers liability and bonding insurance for pet sitters in your area. [3] X Research source
Prices will vary based on the type of animal, the number of pets you sit, and the amount of time you have to spend with them. Also factor in the amount of time you will spend commuting to your clients’ homes. Check out the pricing structures of other pet sitting businesses in your area to get an idea of normal rates and pricing structures.
Clients will usually provide you with everything you need, along with instructions, to care for their pets. However, it is a good idea to have backup supplies just in case the leash breaks, or the food runs out.
Do a quick Internet search once you choose a name to make sure it is not already taken for another business, and see if you will be able to use it for a website URL and social media handles.
It’s important to have a professional-looking website for a pet sitting business so that potential clients trust that it is a legitimate and reliable business.
You can also use social media to look for potential clients by following pet-related pages or groups and interacting with other followers and members.
Make sure to use high-quality paper and printing services when you print out your flyers and business cards to make your business look credible.
You can also try advertising in local newspapers or publications, as well as online classifieds.
Client contracts are important so that both parties know what to expect. The contract is what you will both refer to in the event of any disagreement. You can enlist the help of an attorney who specializes in business contracts if you are not comfortable creating the contract on your own.
Ask the pet owner what their pet’s typical schedule is so you know when they’re used to getting fed, walked, and so on. Follow that schedule to create consistency and reduce anxiety for the pet. Also, find out which veterinarian the pet sees and if they’re taking any medications or have any medical conditions, allergies, or special needs. Inquire about the owner’s preferences in terms of things like giving treats and going to dog parks or other places. Find out what they and their pet prefer and are comfortable with. Keep a list of past and potential clients and stay in touch with them. You could consider sending out a monthly newsletter, or something as simple as a birthday card for their pet to help you build loyal clients. [11] X Research source
Consider setting up a home office dedicated to your business. Keep an organized filing system and all of your paperwork where you will be able to easily keep track of it. Create a detailed schedule to plan out all your pet sitting. Don’t forget to set aside time for the administrative staff. You can use a paper planner, calendar software, or apps. Use whatever suits your personal style best and helps you stay most organized.
Word of mouth is one of the best ways to grow your pet sitting business. When clients trust you and are happy with your services, they are much more likely to recommend you to friends or family.
Make sure to hold thorough interviews with potential employees to verify that they have sufficient experience caring for animals and will be reliable employees. Anyone you hire is another face representing your business. It’s important that they can all perform the job duties and meet the high standards of service that got your business this far!
