Become a Pet Sitter

Become a pet sitter and enjoy a fun and rewarding job. Pet sitters take care of pets while their owners are at work all day, away on vaction or business or for any other reason. They visit the pet owner's home and offer services such as playing with the pet, feeding the pet, cleaning up after the pet, and taking the dog for a walk. Starting a pet sitting business is fairly simple and inexpensive. Use these guidelines to help you start a successful pet sitter business.

• What do you need to become a pet sitter? What skills do you need? What must you purchase when setting up a pet sitting business? What are your basic start-up costs? Find out the answers to these questions at About a Pet Sitting Business.
• How do I plan my pet sitter business? What sort of pets are you willing to take care of? What pet sitting services will you include? How long will your visits be, where are you prepared to travel and how many can you realistically complete in one day? What documentation and licenses should be in place? Go to How to Start a Pet Sitter Business
• Where will I find pet sitter jobs? This is the challenge when you become a pet sitter. Finding pet sitting jobs requires commitment, hard work, perseverance and a procative approach. There are a number of cost effective ways to market and advertise your pet sitting business. Find them listed at Finding Pet Sitting Jobs
• What can I charge for my services? You need to make your pet sitting prices competitive but not too low that you don't make sufficient profit. There are good guidelines to follow at Pet Sitting Fees

What else do I need to know to become a pet sitter?

Here are some valuable tips for a successful pet sitting business.

• Meet the pet owners first Before you commit to a client make sure you meet them and their pets first. Remember they are interviewing you as well so be on time, dress properly and bring any information they may need about you such as references and a copy of your pet sitting insurance policy. Take a pen and notebook to jot down any necessary details about your pet visit. Complete your pet information form so that you have all the relevant information on the pets in the home. Listen carefully so that you don't miss any important details. Take a copy of your pet sitting contract with you so it can be signed there and then if both parties agree.
• Dont' be afraid to turn down a pet sitter job. There are some pet sitter jobs that are not worth taking. Never feel you have to take a job if you are not comfortable with the requirements. You may feel the client is too far away, the animals appear too aggressive and difficult to handle or the pet owners seem too demanding. There are other pet sitting jobs out there.
• Go the extra mile. Little gestures make a big difference to your business. Pet owners love their animals and want you to treat them accordingly. The extra gesture such as leaving a little note for the pet owner detailing what you did during your visit is both reassuring and professional. Print out your own letterheads to use for leaving notes - these can become a good marketing tool. Bringing the pet a small treat (with the owners permission) is another small thing that creates a big impression.
• Ask for feedback Once a month or so you can ask the pet owner to complete a brief feedback form about your services. You will probably not see the pet owner much so checking in with them on a regular basis is professional and can alert you to any potential problem areas.

About a Pet Sitting Business

Start a Pet Sitter Business

How to Find Pet Sitting Jobs

Pet Sitting Insurance

Pet Sitter Fees

Turn your passion for pets into a thriving home business

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