Love Pets? Here’s How to Turn That Passion into a Pet Sitting Business!
Pets are family. In fact, 7 out of 10 U.S. households have a furry, feathered, or scaly friend they adore. But as much as pet owners would love to be with their pets 24/7 (and let’s be honest, many pets would love that too—looking at you, dogs), life gets in the way. Work, vacations, and daily errands often mean pets need someone else to care for them. That’s where pet sitters come in!
Pet sitting is a booming industry, and there’s never been a better time to start your own business. Whether you want to walk dogs, stay overnight with pets, or offer drop-in visits, there are plenty of opportunities to build a thriving pet care service.
If you’ve ever thought about making money while spending time with animals, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to start your own pet sitting business. Let’s dive in!
How to Start a Pet Sitting Business in 10 Steps
If you love animals and want to turn that passion into a business, pet sitting is a great way to do it! More and more pet owners need reliable sitters to care for their furry friends while they’re at work or traveling.
Whether you’re thinking about offering dog walking, overnight stays, or daily check-ins, starting a pet sitting business can be both fun and rewarding.
1. Learn About the Pet Sitting Industry
Before starting your pet sitting business, you need to understand how the industry works and what pet owners are looking for. Pet sitting is more than just watching someone’s dog or cat—it’s about providing trustworthy, reliable, and loving care while pet parents are away.
Taking the time to research your local market will help you figure out what services are in demand, how to price your offerings, and how to stand out from the competition.
✅ Research the Demand in Your Area
Not all locations have the same need for pet sitting services. Some cities have a high demand for dog walkers, while others may have more clients looking for overnight care or in-home pet sitting.
Here’s how you can assess the demand in your area:
✔ Talk to pet owners – Ask friends, neighbors, and coworkers if they use pet sitters or dog walkers. What services do they need most?
✔ Look at online pet sitter directories – Check platforms like Rover, Wag, and Care.com to see how many sitters are in your area and what they offer.
✔ Join local pet groups on social media – Facebook groups or Nextdoor communities often have pet owners discussing their needs for pet care.
✔ Visit pet-friendly businesses – Talk to local veterinarians, pet stores, and groomers to see if they get frequent requests for pet sitter recommendations.
By gathering this information, you’ll get a clearer idea of which services are in high demand and where the biggest opportunities are.
2. Decide What Pet Sitting Services You’ll Offer
Once you understand the industry, it’s time to decide what services you’ll offer.
Here are some options to consider:
✔ In-home pet sitting – Staying at the owner’s home while they’re away.
✔ Pet boarding – Keeping pets at your home.
✔ Dog walking – Short or long walks, depending on the dog’s needs.
✔ Drop-in visits – Checking in on pets during the day for feeding, potty breaks, and playtime.
✔ Additional services – Medication administration, basic grooming, training reinforcement, or even pet taxi services.
Make a list of what you’ll offer and set clear pricing. Look at what other sitters in your area charge and price competitively while making sure your time and effort are valued.
3. Plan Your Pet Sitting Business
You don’t need a complicated pet business plan to start a pet sitting business, but having a basic roadmap will help you stay on track, avoid unexpected problems, and grow your business efficiently.
Think of your business plan as a guide—it doesn’t have to be long or formal, but it should cover the essentials:
Here are a few key things to think about:
✔ What are your goals? – Do you want this to be a full-time job or a side hustle? How many clients do you want per week?
✔ What are your startup costs? – Consider things like pet sitting insurance, a business website, marketing, and supplies (leashes, treats, cleaning products, etc.).
✔ How will you find clients? – Will you advertise on social media, pass out flyers, or list your services on platforms like Rover or Care.com?
A little planning now will save you a lot of stress later!
4. Register Your Pet Business and Get Insurance
Before you start accepting clients, you need to make sure your pet sitting business is legally set up. While pet sitting might seem like a casual job, treating it as a real business will help you gain credibility, protect yourself from legal issues, and make it easier to grow in the future.
Here’s what you need to do:
✔ Pick a Business Name
Your business name is the first thing potential clients will see, so choose something catchy, memorable, and professional.
💡 Tips for Choosing a Great Name:
✔ Keep it simple and easy to remember.
✔ Include words related to pets, sitting, or care.
✔ Check if the domain name (website URL) is available in case you want to create a website later.
✔ Register Your Business
Depending on your location, you may need to register your business legally before offering pet sitting services. This protects you from liability and makes your business more legitimate.
Here are the most common business structures for pet sitters:
📌 Sole Proprietorship – The easiest and cheapest option. No legal separation between you and your business, so you’re personally responsible for any issues.
📌 Limited Liability Company (LLC) – Provides legal protection if anything goes wrong (such as a pet injury or damage to a client’s property). Many pet sitters choose an LLC to separate their personal assets from their business.
📌 DBA (Doing Business As) – If you’re using a business name that’s different from your own, you may need to file a DBA.
📌 Business License – Some cities or states require a pet sitting license or business permit. Check with your local small business office to find out if you need one.
💡 Tip: You can register your business online through your state’s official website or use a service like LegalZoom or IncFile to handle the paperwork.
5. Set Up a Pet Sitting Website
A professional pet sitting website helps potential clients trust you and makes it easier for them to book your services.
✔ Include key pages – About Me, Services, Pricing, Testimonials, and Contact Info.
✔ Use SEO strategies – Add keywords like “pet sitter in [your city]” to help people find you on Google.
✔ Stay active on social media – Post cute pet pictures, client testimonials, and helpful pet care tips on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
If you’re on a budget, you can start with a simple website using Wix, Squarespace, or WordPress.
6. Promote Your Pet Sitting Business Online
Now that your pet sitting business is set up, it’s time to start finding clients! Even if you offer the best pet care in town, you won’t get customers unless people know about you.
Marketing doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. The key is to put yourself out there and make it easy for pet owners to find and trust you.
Here are some simple but effective ways to promote your pet sitting business:
✔ Join Pet-Sitting Platforms
One of the quickest ways to start getting clients is by listing your services on popular pet-sitting websites. These platforms already have thousands of pet owners looking for sitters, so you can connect with potential customers right away.
Best Pet-Sitting Websites to Join:
🐾 Rover – One of the largest platforms for pet sitters and dog walkers.
🐾 Wag! – Great for dog walking and drop-in visits.
🐾 Care.com – Connects pet sitters with pet owners looking for reliable care.
💡 Pro Tip: Create a professional, detailed profile with clear pricing, high-quality photos, and customer reviews to stand out from the competition!
7. Get Certified as a Pet Sitter
While not required, pet sitting certifications show clients you’re serious about your business and know how to properly care for their pets.
Best Pet Sitting Certifications:
📌 Pet Sitters International (PSI) Certified Professional Pet Sitter (CPPS)
📌 National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS) Certification
📌 Fear Free Pet Sitter Certification (Great for handling anxious or nervous pets!)
💡 What You’ll Learn in a Pet Sitting Course:
✔ Animal behavior and handling techniques.
✔ Pet nutrition and exercise needs.
✔ How to deal with emergencies and pet health issues.
✔ Business and customer service skills for pet sitters.
Getting certified adds credibility to your business and makes you more appealing to pet owners who want a trained professional caring for their pets.
Clients are more likely to trust you if they know you’re trained in pet care and safety.
Pet parents want to feel 100% confident that their furry family members are in good hands. Being trained in pet care, CPR, and animal behavior makes you more professional, reliable, and trustworthy.
🚀 Bonus: Many pet owners actively search for “certified pet sitters” when choosing someone to care for their pets—so adding certifications to your profile can help you get more clients!
8. Spread the Word and Find Clients
If you plan to offer pet training as part of your services, you need the right tools to capture leads, nurture clients, and close bookings.
📌 Pepper The App is the #1 software for dog trainers and pet professionals who want to streamline their business. It helps you:
✔ Automate follow-ups with potential clients.
✔ Manage client communication in one place.
✔ Organize leads and appointments effortlessly.
✔ Increase conversions with automated booking and payment options.
If you’re a pet sitter who also offers training services, Pepper The App is a must-have to boost efficiency and grow your business.
As your business grows, keeping track of your income, expenses, and taxes is important. Even if you start small, organized finances will make tax season easier and help you plan for business growth.
✔ Keep Track of Your Earnings 📊
How to Track Your Business Finances:
📌 Use a Simple Spreadsheet – Track your earnings, expenses, and client payments manually.
📌 Use Accounting Software – QuickBooks, Wave, or FreshBooks can automate tracking and generate financial reports.
📌 Save for Taxes – Set aside a percentage of each payment for self-employment taxes so you’re not caught off guard.
💡 Pro Tip: If your business starts growing quickly, consider hiring a bookkeeper or using a professional accounting service to stay on top of your finances.
9. Use Scheduling and Payment Tools
One of the best ways to grow your pet sitting business is through word-of-mouth referrals. When pet owners trust you and love your service, they’ll tell their friends and family, leading to more bookings and repeat clients.
But to earn those glowing reviews and recommendations, you need to be reliable, professional, and go the extra mile for both pets and their owners. Using the right scheduling and payment tools will help keep everything organized so you can focus on delivering amazing service.
✔ Be Punctual and Follow Pet Owners’ Instructions ⏰🐾
Pet parents are trusting you with their beloved furry family members, so always show up on time and follow their care instructions closely.
How to Stay Reliable and Professional:
✔ Arrive on time for every appointment.
✔ Follow feeding, walking, and medication schedules exactly.
✔ Read and confirm any special care requests (e.g., favorite toys, preferred walking routes, etc.).
✔ Keep a checklist for each pet so you don’t miss anything.
✔ Send Daily Updates and Photos 📸🐶
Pet parents worry about their pets when they’re away, so keeping them updated helps them feel at ease.
How to Keep Clients Updated:
✔ Send a quick message after each visit to let them know how their pet is doing.
✔ Share photos or short videos of playtime, walks, or cuddle sessions.
✔ Let them know if their pet had any issues (e.g., not eating, acting anxious).
💡 Example Message to a Client:
📩 “Hi [Client’s Name]! Just checked in on Bella. We had a fun walk around the block, and she’s now snuggled up on the couch. Here’s a cute pic of her from today! 🐶💕 Let me know if you need anything else!”
Why This Helps: Clients will appreciate the updates, making them more likely to book you again and recommend you to others!
10. Give Great Service and Keep Clients Coming Back
Getting your first few clients is exciting, but the real secret to growing a successful pet sitting business is keeping those clients coming back! Repeat customers mean steady income and fewer hours spent trying to find new clients.
So, how do you turn first-time customers into loyal, long-term clients? By going the extra mile, showing appreciation, and keeping in touch! Here are some simple and effective ways to keep pet parents booking with you again and again.
✔ Offer Discounts for Repeat Customers 🏷️
A loyalty program is a great way to reward clients who book with you regularly and encourage them to keep coming back.
Loyalty Discount Ideas:
🐾 “Book 5 visits, get 1 free!” – Clients love freebies! Offering a free walk or pet visit after multiple bookings makes them more likely to choose you every time.
🐾 “10% off for returning customers.” – A simple discount on their next booking makes pet owners feel appreciated.
🐾 Subscription-style discounts. – If a client books weekly services (like daily dog walks), offer a lower rate for committing to a set number of visits per month.
💡 Example Message:
📩 “Hi [Client’s Name]! As a thank you for choosing me to care for [Pet’s Name], I’d love to offer you a free visit after your 5th booking! Let me know if you’d like to schedule your next session.”
✔ Why it works: Customers love rewards, and a discount can be the small push they need to book your services again!
Conclusion
If you’re serious about taking your pet sitting business to the next level, Unleashed Consulting can help!
At Unleashed Consulting, we specialize in helping pet businesses, like dog trainers, pet sitters, and pet service providers to get more leads, attract more clients, and scale their businesses with expert marketing strategies.
💡 Want to see how Unleashed Consulting can help you grow?
Book a free consultation today and let’s build your profitable pet business together! 🐶🐾