Welcome! My name is Randi and I’ve been a pet sitter for over 20+ years. I’m going to kick things off by painting a picture of the pet sitting industry. It’s not just about loving pets it’s about catering to a growing demand for pet care services. People are treating their pets like family members more than ever before, which is why they’re turning to services that can offer tender, loving care when they’re not around.
The surge in pet ownership has led to an increased need for pet sitters, making it a ripe opportunity for you if you’re considering a home-based business that combines passion and profit. Let’s be clear: starting a pet sitting business from your home doesn’t mean you’re in for an easy ride, but it does mean that you’re looking at a business model with low overhead costs and the comfort of your own space.
Who are you going to be serving? Your target market is likely made up of busy pet owners who don’t want to leave their furry friends alone for long stretches, travelers who need someone to look after their pets while they’re away, or even elderly pet owners who need assistance with pet care. There are so many different reasons while someone needs a pet sitter. It’s a diverse bunch, each with unique needs and preferences.
Pet sitting is a commitment that involves more than playing with pets it’s about creating a trusted space for pets and peace of mind for owners. It’s about being a professional that people can rely on. And I’m here to help you understand how to lay the foundation for a successful and responsible pet sitting business.
I’m going to walk you through what you need to focus on when planning your pet sitting business. It’s not just about loving pets – you need a plan of attack to turn your passion into profit.
Research is your starting point. Who else is offering pet sitting in your area? What are they charging? What unique services do they offer? Understanding your competition can help you find your niche.
A rock-solid business plan is your blueprint for success. This should outline your business goals, services, pricing, and marketing strategies. It’s a bit of paperwork, but trust me, it’s crucial for clarity.
Setting goals is also vital. These could range from the number of clients you aim to serve each month to the income you want to generate. Make sure your goals are SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
You can’t overlook legal considerations either. Is a license required in your area? What about insurance to protect against accidents or injuries? This stuff might be tedious, but it’s essential for safeguarding your business and your clients’ trust.
You’re going to decide on services next. Will you offer dog walking, overnight stays, or perhaps pet grooming? And let’s talk about setting your pricing. It’s a balance – you want to be competitive, but also ensure you’re paid fairly for your time and effort.
Crafting a clear contract is another key step. It’s going to protect both you and your clients by outlining services, payments, and responsibilities. It’s your safety net should anything unexpected happen.
Lastly, organize your administrative tasks. Keep records of your assignments and where you’re storing clients’ keys. Daily planners are nice or you can set your schedule through your smart phone. Being disorganized is a quick way to lose trust – and customers.
Pet Sitting From Home
Creating a space that’s welcoming for pets isn’t just about comfort; it’s a business essential when you’re starting a pet sitting service from home. I’m here to help you set this up right from the get-go.
First things first, you’ll want to designate a specific area in your home that is pet-friendly. This could be a spare room or a sectioned area in your living room. It’s crucial to ensure this space is free from potential hazards like toxic plants, small objects that can be swallowed, or loose wires pets might chew.
Animal-proofing is next on the list: make sure your space is secure with gates or closed doors to prevent adventurous pets from wandering into unsafe areas. Also, consider the flooring – carpets might be cozy, but they’re also harder to clean. Opt for tiled or hardwood floors if possible to make cleanup after your furry guests easier.
Having the right supplies is just as important. Stock up on essential items like food and water bowls, leashes, toys, and a first-aid kit for pets. You don’t have to break the bank, but choose items that are durable and easy to clean.
When it comes to managing multiple pets, organization is key. I’d recommend creating a detailed schedule outlining each pet’s feeding times, medication needs (if any), and exercise routines.
Once you have your space ready, the transition into marketing can begin seamlessly. With the perfect setup, you’re not just selling a service; you’re showcasing a little slice of home for your clients’ pets.
We only just touched on Pet Sitting In Your Home here. Check out my detailed article with more ideas for LINK Pet Sitting In Your Home.
Pet Sitting in Your Client’s Home
Not all client’s want their furry friend to leave home. They would prefer them to stay where they are more comfortable and familiar and where their owner’s scents are. Just smelling their owner’s scent will be enough for many pets to relax when their owners are away.
It’s much different pet sitting in someone else’s home rather than your own. You will want to meet the client and their pet(s) before your first visit. This is called a Meet-N-Greet. This will give the pet a chance to see and smell you. You will also be able to determine if this is a pet sit that you want to tackle. If you see an aggressive dog you may want to change your mind.
You are under no obligation to go through with a pet sit if you feel uncomfortable with the animal. Politely tell them you don’t feel comfortable with the animal and they need to find someone who is more experienced with that type of pet. You will need to do this before you sign the contract. You don’t want to cancel the assignment at the last minute and leave the client hanging. This is a fast way to get a bad reputation. Remember, you want the client to love you so they will tell their animal-loving friends all about you and will send you referrals.
Check out my page where I go into more detail about Pet Sitting In Your Client’s House also known as LINK In Home Pet Sitting.
Doggy Day Care
While some pet sitters may only want to take one or two pets into their home some pet sitters are all for owning a Doggy Day Care. The more the merrier!
Boarding Animals
Boarding is when a client leaves their pet for more than 24 hours. The pets stay at the pet sitter’s home and the pet sitter takes care of them, feeds and gives their medications to them. The basically keep them company while their owners are away.
People choose to board their pets at a professional facility for all kinds of reasons. They may need to travel for a period of time. They may be doing home renovations and they can’t have Fido running around all the contractors. Some may be sick and feeble and can not be around active pets until they get well. This one I can attest to. I was walking a large dog on a leash and he took off on me causing me to fall and break my leg and hip. I had about 5 dogs at the time and they couldn’t stay with me until I was steady on my feet.
Client’s look for boarding homes and facilities that they feel are professional, clean, well-maintained and organized. They will be coming by your business to check out what you have to offer. They will want to see the inside as well as the outside of your home. It’s imperative that you keep a well organized and clean home for those that drop by unexpectedly. I ran across a few boarding places who only allowed visitors at certain hours and they wouldn’t show the home without an appointment. I do not recommend this as it makes people think you are hiding something and you need time to either clean up or get organized. I never left my dogs at these places. Transparency is the key!
Read more about LINK Boarding.
A few things that I have learned over the last 20+ years:
- Always keep the keys in your pocket or on your body. Never leave them on the table or counter. You don’t want to get locked out of the house.
- Learn how to arm and disarm their security system. They are all different.
- Never leave the house without seeing the pet at least once. Cats like to hide when strangers are present so it might take you a while to find them.
- Familiarize yourself with the pet’s medication. If you are unsure ASK! Never skip a pet’s medication. You may want to research different ways you can give a cat medication such as by burrito wrapping them. There are also treats that you can hide pills in. Make sure you give the right medication to the right pet!
- Don’t let the sneaky critters run past you when you are coming and going. This is really important!
- If you see that an animal is not well, take notes of the symptoms, behavior and any other relevant information and phone the client immediately. One of the forms in your contract should be a Veterinarian Release Form signed by the client that allows you to take their pet into the veterinarian’s office and they will be responsible for the bill. Normally the client leaves a credit card on file at the vet’s office while they are away.
- If you tell your client you are going to be there at a certain time, then be there at that time. Many people these days have cameras set up inside their homes and you may not see them. Just because you don’t see them doesn’t mean they are not there. I always assumed I was being watched. I didn’t care. I still baby-talked with the animals and ran around and played with them!
Marketing Your Pet Sitting Services
I’m going to kick things off by emphasizing the importance of your business’s brand identity. Strong branding can distinguish your pet sitting service from the competition and provide a memorable image for your clients. Think logos, catchy slogans, and a consistent color scheme across all materials.
Now, social media isn’t just for cute pet photos; it’s a vital tool for your business. Utilizing platforms like Facebook and Instagram can help you reach a wider audience. Regular updates, engaging content, and a glimpse into your daily activities as a pet sitter can really resonate with potential customers.
Building your reputation is crucial, and word-of-mouth can be golden. Satisfied clients are likely to recommend your services. Delight your clients and their pets, and don’t hesitate to ask for testimonials or referrals.
The essence of pet sitting is trust and care, so your customer service skills should be top-notch. Remember, transparent communication and reliability are the cornerstones of building trust. Show genuine affection for the animals, consistently provide updates to their owners, and always be professional.
Finally, never stop learning. Stay abreast of pet care trends and continuously upgrade your skills by attending workshops or training sessions. Showing your clients that you’re invested in your education can bolster your credibility. One way I did this was to get certified by the American Red Cross in Pet CPR. I highly recommend every pet sitter do this.
In today’s digital era, having an online presence is indispensable. A user-friendly website that outlines your services, prices, and rave reviews can draw in clients. SEO can come into play here, helping your business appear when potential clients search for pet sitters in your area.
You will also need business cards and brochures that you hand out to everyone. I put my business cards in every veterinary clinic that would let me. Business cards are an inexpensive way to get you name out there. Be sure and put on the cards what services you are available for. For instance, you may only do in-home pet sitting at the client’s home or you may do doggy daycare and boarding services. The more duties you are up for the more money you will make.
You will find more in-depth information in my article on LINK Marketing.
We have only just brushed the surface on starting a pet sitting business. My linked articles go into more detail and depth in preparing for your business success. I have taken my 20+ years of trials and tribulations and have given advice here so that you don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Most of my experience came from trial and error. You don’t need to experience all the heartache that I did. There is so much valuable information in the links above. Please read and incorporate those into your pet sitting business! Good luck in your business endeavor!