How to Start a Pet Sitting Business
A Pet sitting business is perfect for people who love animals
and want to have their own business. It is one of the easiest
businesses to start and no training is required. All you need is
the time to play and exercise the animal, and since you will be
working from home, this will not be a problem.
Many more people are treating their beloved pets like one of the
family. Because of this, pet sitting services are taking the
place of boarding kennels. The client feels less guilty and/or
more relaxed knowing their pet is in a loving home. They know
the pet will receive individual attention and be free to roam
and not locked in a crate all day.
One of the best parts of starting a pet sitting service is that
there are very little upfront costs. If you will be checking on
the animal, several times a day, in its own home, there is even
less cost. This is one reason why this business is easy to start.
If you are providing in home pet sitting, you have to ensure
your yard is secure, you have plenty of toys and maybe a carpet
cleaner, and that is it. Although I would recommend something
for accounting purposes too, whether it is a computer or
notebook. Use what is comfortable to you.
Pricing is one of the main things that you will need to consider
before pet sitting for profit. You should contact the National
Pet Sitters Registry and several local competitors. Find out
what they offer and what they charge for their services. This
will also help you to decide exactly what pet sitting services
you will provide. Maybe you love dogs, but not cats. Now is the
time to determine the types of animals you are willing to
provide pet sitting services.
Some of the best ways to get your pet sitting business known is
to let local veterinarian offices, and pet stores know about
your services. Prepare flyers and/or posters for them to
display, or leave business cards for them to give to their
clients. Create a press release and submit it to local
newspapers and radio stations. Of course, you should always
remind your clients to refer their friends to your pet sitting
service.
You could also mail announcements to corporations and travel
agencies that are located close to your home. Many executives
have to travel and people go on vacations. They may not like to
think of their pet in a kennel. They want in home pet sitting.
Since that is what you offer, let them know more about you and
your services.
You should also check with your local, county, and State
governments regarding any zoning regulations to which you must
comply. Check with your insurance company about liability
insurance too. Although you may never need it, you should get it
to protect yourself, your family, friends, your home, your
clients and their pets.
To keep up with pet grooming industry trends, you should
subscribe to industry magazines, check out current books and web
sites. You also need to register with the National Pet Sitting
Registry. This lets your clients know that you have a
professional pet sitting business.
The person providing the pet sitting services should meet the
clients and their pet prior to the start of the service. Ask
questions about the pet and write the answers down. This puts
new clients at ease about using your pet sitting service. Always
try to remember returning animals. Make a file for each so that
you can have their information at your fingertips.
Now that you know how to start a pet sitting business, relax.
Have fun with your animal friends and enjoy the extra time you
get to spend with your family and friends. A pet sitting
business is one the few family-friendly careers left. What are
you waiting for? Get started now.
Books & Reference Material
Opportunities in Animal and Pet Care Careers (Paperback) by Mary Price
Lee, Richard Lee
How to Start a Home-Based Pet Care Business (Home-Based Business
Series) (Paperback) by Kathy Salzberg
The Professional Pet Sitter: Your Guide to Starting
and Operating a Successful Service Edition 2005 Newly-Revised
Includes Business Forms (Paperback) by Lori Mangold, Scott
Mangold
Pet Sitting for Profit: A Complete Manual for
Professional Success (Howell Reference Books) (Paperback) by
Patti J. Moran Start Your Own
Pet Sitting Business (The Startup Series)
(Paperback) by Cheryl Kimball Start Your Own
Professional Pet-Sitting Service + FORMS (CD-ROM) by David
A. Grass