Easy Steps on Becoming a Pet Sitter

Is Pet Sitting for You?

It can be daunting to start a new career or a business but also exciting. Spending time with dogs is both fun and rewarding. Becoming a pet sitter is similar to the path to dog walking. One major difference is deciding to pet sit in your home or the client’s home or offering the option of either.

Who should become a pet sitter

• Anyone who loves dogs should consider this career or side hustle. The level of commitment will be up you.

• This would be perfect for someone retired looking to make extra money or just wanting to be around dogs.

• What a perfect gig for someone who may be going to school and needs to supplement their income. I recently went back to school online studied with my pup by my side.

• A vet tech may offer pet-sitting services on the side. Those are some serious credentials to bring to clients.

How to get clients

• There are websites such as www.wag.com and www.rover.com. These allow you to sign up to start getting pups in your area and your human clients can leave reviews.

• Announce your services through local Facebook groups or the Nextdoor app.

• Network at dog parks. Even the most introverted person loves talking about their pup.

• Ask to leave fliers with veterinarian offices or dog stores.

• Once you start getting clients ask them about any neighbors with dogs. Having multiple clients in one apartment building or in the same neighborhood will be a bonus.

How to set yourself apart

• While these are not necessary, there are certifications you can obtain to put your clients at ease.

• The Red Cross has a Cat and Dog first aid online training certification. If you prefer in-person, check your local pet stores.  A dog boarding and daycare facility near me offers in-person CPR certification classes.

• There are dog behavior certifications, or you can take a course on dog behavior to give yourself an advantage. Let your clients know you care about being prepared.

• Do you have experience with senior dogs or special needs dogs? It can make a difference.

• Volunteer your dog walking services at a rescue or animal shelter. You can then use the rescue as a reference. You could also offer pet waste removal to clients with yards.

  
  

The financial stuff you need to know

• Insurance can be fairly reasonable. This is something you will want to obtain for your own safety and benefit. As well as keep your client’s mind at ease.

• According to NextInsurance.com general liability insurance costs 82% of our customers $11 on average per month.

• With pet sitting you may want to be both bonded and insured. Being bonded protects against theft while insurance protects against accidents. Do your research and compare prices.

Taxes

• Speak to a tax professional.  You may want to sit down with a tax preparer prior to start dog walking so you know what to expect and are setting aside the right tax amount either quarterly or yearly.

• There are also some items you may write off. Discuss with your tax preparer what purchases to keep track off such as poop bags, business-related mileage, shoes, and much more. They can help you be ahead of the game for when you file your taxes.

Go the extra mile

• Schedule a meet and greet for first-time clients to put the potential clients at ease and make sure it will be a good fit for you and any new dogs.

• Send videos and pics to the client once you’ve started. Let the client know about the interaction and any cute stories. When my sometimes-fearful dog had her first day at doggy day care I was so happy I was sent a video of her playing with her new friends. It put me at ease and was fun to watch!

Working with dogs can be a great joy to your life. You just have to start one client at a time!