Pet Sitting 101: How to Start Your Own Pet Sitting Business

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So I imagine you have come here as you are seeking answers for creating your Pet Sitting business, well you’ve come to the right place! Here is our step-by-step guide on how to start your own pet sitting business to help you on your way, let’s dive in..

Step-by-Step: How to Start a Pet Sitting Business

Firstly - Research the Market

• Identify your local demand (urban areas usually have higher pet-sitting needs).

• Check out competitors – what services and prices do they offer?

• Find your niche: in-home visits, overnight stays, dog walking, exotic pet care?
  

Secondly - Get Experience

• Volunteer at shelters or offer to watch friends’ pets.

• Get comfortable with different breeds, behaviours, and routines.

• Look at testing the market by signing up to established businesses, think Rover, Wag!, Cat in the Flat, etc.
  

Thirdly - Build Your Skills & Knowledge

• Learn pet first aid and CPR - choose face to face or online to get started.

• Understand basic animal behaviour and emergency protocols whilst you begin to test the waters.
  

Fourly - Legal & Business Setup

• Choose a name and register your business, you will mostly like start up as a Sole Trader if you are UK based.

• Ensure your DBS is up to date, although it’s not essential legally, it’s favoured with clients.

• Sort out insurance for credibility and protection.

• Draft service contracts for clients and get in mind where you’d like to keep physical copies or digital confirmations and ensure you are complying with GDPR regulations.
  

Fifthly - Set Your Services & Rates

• Common services:

  • Daily check-ins

  • Overnight stays

  • Dog walking

  • Administering medications

• Research local rates and decide: per visit? per hour? flat daily fee?
  

Sixthly - Market Yourself

• Build a simple website with your services, pricing, and contact info.

• Get on social media – share pet tips, happy client stories, cute photos.

• Ask for reviews whilst you gain experience - word of mouth will be your biggest friend.
  

Lastly - General management

• How are you going to accept bookings?

• How do you plan to take payment?

• How will you get track of everything from bookings to preparing your tax return?
  

Pro Tips from us!

• Meet & Greet: Always do a free intro visit to meet pets and owners.

• Stay Organized: Track schedules, feeding instructions, meds, and client notes.

• Communicate Often: Send daily updates, photos, or videos to build trust.

• Be Reliable & Honest: Pet sitting is built on trust – be on time and transparent.

• Know Your Limits: Don't overbook yourself or take on pets you’re not comfortable with.