Your Guide to Starting a Successful Pet Sitting Business

When launching your pet-sitting business, keep these essential aspects in mind:

1. Services — Decide on the range of services you will offer, such as daily visits, overnight stays, dog walking, pet transportation, and administering medications.
2. Specialization — Consider offering specialized services like pet grooming, training, and care for exotic pets to attract a wider range of clients.
3. Certification — While not mandatory, obtaining certifications from organizations like Pet Sitters International (PSI) or the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS) can enhance your credibility.
4. Equipment — Invest in necessary supplies for pet care, such as leashes, collars, waste bags, grooming tools, and pet toys.
5. Transportation — Have a reliable vehicle for transporting pets to and from appointments or for emergency situations.
6. Register your business — A limited liability company (LLC) is the best legal structure for new businesses because it is fast and simple. Form your business immediately using ZenBusiness LLC formation service or hire one of the best LLC services on the market.
7. Legal business aspects — Register for taxes, open a business bank account, and get an EIN.
8. Online presence — Create a professional website with detailed information about your services, pricing, client testimonials, and contact information. Get listed on Google Business and Yelp and encourage positive reviews.
9. Collaborations — Partner with local businesses, such as pet stores, veterinary clinics, and grooming salons, to offer joint promotions and cross-promote services.

You May Also Wonder:

Do I need to be certified to be a pet sitter?

You don’t have to be certified, but more and more customers are looking for certified pet sitters. It will add to your credibility and help you get more customers. You can get certified through the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters. 

How profitable can a pet sitting business be?

The profitability of a pet sitting business can vary depending on factors such as location, pricing, competition, and the number of clients. With proper planning and effective management, it can be a financially viable venture.

How do I make my pet sitting business stand out?

To make your pet sitting business stand out, consider offering unique services such as specialized care for specific breeds or special needs pets, flexible scheduling options, personalized attention, or additional services like grooming or training.

Is pet sitting stressful?

Pet sitting can be stressful at times, as it involves being responsible for the well-being and safety of animals. Dealing with different pet personalities, managing emergencies, and ensuring client satisfaction can contribute to the stress level. 

How do I grow my pet sitting business?

To grow your pet sitting business, consider expanding your client base through targeted marketing efforts, utilizing social media and online platforms to reach a wider audience, offering referral incentives to existing clients, networking with local pet-related businesses, and seeking partnerships with veterinarians or pet supply stores. 

How can I ensure the safety and well-being of pets under my care?

Ensuring the safety and well-being of pets under your care requires several measures. Conduct thorough initial consultations with clients to gather information about the pet’s health, behavior, and specific needs. Follow proper safety protocols, such as using secure leashes or harnesses, providing appropriate supervision, and adhering to dietary and medication instructions. 

Step 1: Decide if the Business Is Right for You

Pros and cons

A pet sitting business has pros and cons you should consider before deciding if it’s right for you.

Pet sitting industry trends

Americans spent nearly $110 billion on their pets in 2021, nearly double the total a decade ago.((https://www.statista.com/statistics/253976/pet-food-industry-expenditure-in-the-us/))  One of the fastest-growing segments of this market is pet sitting. 

Industry size and growth

• Industry size and past growth – The global pet sitting industry is worth over $2.5 billion, according to market analyst Grand View Research.((https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/pet-sitting-market)).  
• Growth forecast – The market is expected to grow strongly at 9% annually through 2027.
• Number of businesses – Pet Sitters International, the association for professional pet sitters and dog walkers, has more than 4,000 member businesses.((https://www.petsit.com/pet-sitters-international-releases-2022-state-of-the-industry-data)) 
• Number of people employed – The US pet sitting industry is expected to create more than 50,000 jobs over the 10 years through 2028.((https://www.zippia.com/pet-sitter-jobs/))

Trends and challenges

Trends in pet sitting include:

• Pet owners are increasingly looking for certified pet sitters. Pet sitting certification can be obtained through Pet Sitters International (PSI) or the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters.
• Pet sitters are increasingly using mobile apps to keep their clients updated and manage their scheduling. TimetoPet is an example, and is designed to make it easier to manage a pet sitting business by having everything you need, including a communication tool, all in one place.((https://www.timetopet.com/pet-sitting-software?mrid=71))

Some challenges to being a professional pet sitter include:

• As people work more from home, pet sitting demand may decrease.
• Pet sitters always face the risk of aggressive animals and need to communicate with pet owners about potential challenges. 

What kind of people work in pet sitting?

• Gender – 80% of pet sitters are female, while around 20% are male.((https://www.zippia.com/pet-sitter-jobs/demographics/#gender-statistics))
• Average level of education – 45% of pet sitters hold a bachelor’s degree and 22% have a high school diploma.((https://www.zippia.com/pet-sitter-jobs/education/))
• Average age – The average age of a pet sitter is 32 years old.((https://www.zippia.com/pet-sitter-jobs/demographics/#age-statistics))

How much does it cost to start a pet sitting business?

Startup costs for a pet sitting business range from about $1,700 to $4,000. The costs include a website, scheduling software, and insurance. You can also take courses and become a certified pet sitter through the NAPPS if you choose for an additional $250 to $400. Courses are self-study and must be completed within 6 months of purchase.

This budget assumes you will mostly be visiting pets in their own homes, and caring for them there.  

Start-up Costs	Ballpark Range	Average
Setting up a business name and corporation	$150 - $200	$175
Business licenses and permits	$100 - $300	$200
Insurance	$100-$300	$200
Business cards and brochures	$200 - $300	$250
Website setup	$1,000 - $3,000	$2,000
Scheduling and management software	$200 - $300	$250
Total	$1,750 - $4,400	$3,075

How much can you earn from a pet sitting business?

The average price for pet sitting is about $30 per day and $75 for overnight pet sitting, which generally includes one daytime visit and an 8-12 hour overnight stay at the customer’s home. Your only ongoing costs should be for fuel and marketing, so your profit margin will be around 90%.

In your first year or two, you could sit for 5 pets a day (day time pet sitting for $30), 5 days a week, bringing in $39,000 in annual revenue. This would mean a $35,000 in profit, assuming that 90% margin. As you build a reputation, you might want to hire an assistant so you could double bookings to 10 pets a day. But this would reduce your profit margin to 60%. With annual revenue of $78,000, you’d make around $47,000 in profit.

To make a bit more money, you might want to expand your pet business into a doggie daycare center, or dog grooming. 

What barriers to entry are there?

There are a few barriers to entry for a pet sitting business. Your biggest challenges will be:

• Having the skills and patience to handle various types of pets
• Competition from nearby pet sitters

Step 2: Hone Your Idea

Now that you know what’s involved in starting a pet sitting business, it’s a good idea to hone your concept in preparation to enter a competitive market. 

Market research will give you the upper hand, even if you’re already positive that you have a perfect product or service. Conducting market research is important, because it can help you understand your customers better, who your competitors are, and your business landscape.

Why? Identify an opportunity

Research pet sitting businesses in your area to examine their services, price points, and customer reviews. You’re looking for a market gap to fill. For instance, maybe the local market is missing an overnight pet sitting business.

This could jumpstart your word-of-mouth marketing and attract clients right away. 

What? Determine your services

You’ll need to determine what you’ll offer as part of your pet sitting services. You could offer things like basic grooming services, or pet food delivery as add-on services. 

How much should you charge for pet sitting?

Prices for pet sitting are about $30 per day or $75 a day for overnight pet sitting. Your ongoing costs will be low, so you should aim for a profit margin of about 90%.

Once you know your costs, you can use this Step By Step profit margin calculator to determine your mark-up and final price point. Remember, the price you use at launch should be subject to change if warranted by the market.

Who? Identify your target market

Your target market will be broad: anybody who owns a pet. However, the people willing to pay good money for pet sitting services is probably a more established group. Good places to find those people might be Facebook or LinkedIn. Don’t overlook Instagram, however, where you’ll find younger pet owners.

Where? Choose your business premises

You’ll likely start your pet sitting business at home to keep costs low, but as you expand you might want to rent a facility. Find commercial space to rent in your area on sites such as Craigslist, Crexi, and Instant Offices.

When choosing a commercial space, you may want to follow these rules of thumb:

• Central location accessible via public transport
• Ventilated and spacious, with good natural light
• Flexible lease that can be extended as your business grows
• Ready-to-use space with no major renovations or repairs needed

Step 3: Brainstorm a Pet Sitting Business Name

Here are some ideas for brainstorming your business name:

• Short, unique, and catchy names tend to stand out
• Names that are easy to say and spell tend to do better 
• Name should be relevant to your product or service offerings
• Ask around — family, friends, colleagues, social media — for suggestions
• Including keywords, such as “pet boarding” or “pet sitter”, boosts SEO
• Name should allow for expansion, for ex: “The Pet Nanny Services” over “Cat’s Meow Pet Sitting”
• A location-based name can help establish a strong connection with your local community and help with the SEO but might hinder future expansion

Once you’ve got a list of potential names, visit the website of the US Patent and Trademark Office to make sure they are available for registration and check the availability of related domain names using our Domain Name Search tool. Using “.com” or “.org” sharply increases credibility, so it’s best to focus on these. 

Finally, make your choice among the names that pass this screening and go ahead with domain registration and social media account creation. Your business name is one of the key differentiators that set your business apart. Once you pick your company name, and start with the branding, it is hard to change the business name. Therefore, it’s important to carefully consider your choice before you start a business entity.

Step 4: Create a Pet Sitting Business Plan

Here are the key components of a business plan:

• Executive Summary: A concise overview of your pet sitting business, highlighting key points such as mission, vision, and financial projections.
• Business Overview: Detailed information on the nature of your pet sitting business, including its mission, vision, location, and legal structure.
• Product and Services: Clearly outline the specific pet care services offered, such as dog walking, pet sitting, grooming, and any additional offerings.
• Market Analysis: Analyze the target market for your pet sitting business, including demographics, trends, and potential growth areas.
• Competitive Analysis: Identify and assess competitors in the pet care industry, highlighting your unique selling points and competitive advantages.
• Sales and Marketing: Outline your strategies for promoting and selling your pet sitting services, encompassing online marketing, partnerships, and promotional activities.
• Management Team: Introduce key members of your pet sitting business team, highlighting their roles and expertise in pet care or business management.
• Operations Plan: Detail the day-to-day operations of your pet sitting business, covering scheduling, customer interactions, and any technology or systems used.
• Financial Plan: Provide a comprehensive financial forecast, including startup costs, revenue projections, and a break-even analysis for your pet sitting business.
• Appendix: Include any additional documents or information, such as resumes of key team members, detailed market research data, or legal documents relevant to your pet sitting business plan.

If you’ve never created a business plan, it can be an intimidating task. You might consider hiring a business plan specialist to create a top-notch business plan for you.

Step 5: Register Your Business

Plus, registration is exciting because it makes the entire process official. Once it’s complete, you’ll have your own business! 

Choose where to register your company

Your business location is important because it can affect taxes, legal requirements, and revenue. Most people will register their business in the state where they live, but if you are planning to expand, you might consider looking elsewhere, as some states could offer real advantages when it comes to pet sitting businesses. 

If you’re willing to move, you could really maximize your business! Keep in mind, it’s relatively easy to transfer your business to another state. 

Choose your business structure

Business entities come in several varieties, each with its pros and cons. The legal structure you choose for your pet sitting business will shape your taxes, personal liability, and business registration requirements, so choose wisely. 

Here are the main options:

• Sole Proprietorship – The most common structure for small businesses makes no legal distinction between company and owner. All income goes to the owner, who’s also liable for any debts, losses, or liabilities incurred by the business. The owner pays taxes on business income on his or her personal tax return.
• General Partnership – Similar to a sole proprietorship, but for two or more people. Again, owners keep the profits and are liable for losses. The partners pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.
• Limited Liability Company (LLC) – Combines the characteristics of corporations with those of sole proprietorships or partnerships. Again, the owners are not personally liable for debts.
• C Corp – Under this structure, the business is a distinct legal entity and the owner or owners are not personally liable for its debts. Owners take profits through shareholder dividends, rather than directly. The corporation pays taxes, and owners pay taxes on their dividends, which is sometimes referred to as double taxation.
• S Corp – An S-Corporation refers to the tax classification of the business but is not a business entity. An S-Corp can be either a corporation or an LLC, which just needs to elect to be an S-Corp for tax status. In an S-Corp, income is passed through directly to shareholders, who pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.

We recommend that new business owners choose LLC as it offers liability protection and pass-through taxation while being simpler to form than a corporation. You can form an LLC in as little as five minutes using an online LLC formation service. They will check that your business name is available before filing, submit your articles of organization, and answer any questions you might have. 

Step 6: Register for Taxes

The final step before you’re able to pay taxes is getting an Employer Identification Number, or EIN. You can file for your EIN online or by mail or fax: visit the IRS website to learn more. Keep in mind, if you’ve chosen to be a sole proprietorship you can simply use your social security number as your EIN.

Once you have your EIN, you’ll need to choose your tax year. Financially speaking, your business will operate in a calendar year (January–December) or a fiscal year, a 12-month period that can start in any month. This will determine your tax cycle, while your business structure will determine which taxes you’ll pay.

It is important to consult an accountant or other professional to help you with your taxes to ensure you are completing them correctly.

Step 7: Fund your Business

Securing financing is your next step and there are plenty of ways to raise capital:

• Bank loans: This is the most common method but getting approved requires a rock-solid business plan and strong credit history.
• SBA-guaranteed loans: The Small Business Administration can act as guarantor, helping gain that elusive bank approval via an SBA-guaranteed loan.
• Government grants: A handful of financial assistance programs help fund entrepreneurs. Visit Grants.gov to learn which might work for you.
• Friends and Family: Reach out to friends and family to provide a business loan or investment in your concept. It’s a good idea to have legal advice when doing so because SEC regulations apply.
• Crowdfunding: Websites like Kickstarter and Indiegogo offer an increasingly popular low-risk option, in which donors fund your vision. Entrepreneurial crowdfunding sites like Fundable and WeFunder enable multiple investors to fund your business.
• Personal: Self-fund your business via your savings or the sale of property or other assets.

Bank and SBA loans are probably the best options, other than friends and family, for funding a pet sitting business. You might also try crowdfunding if you have an innovative concept. 

Step 8: Apply for Licenses and Permits

Starting a pet sitting business requires obtaining a number of licenses and permits from local, state, and federal governments.

Federal regulations, licenses, and permits associated with starting your business include doing business as, health license and permit from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), trademarks, copyrights, patents, and other intellectual properties, as well as industry-specific licenses and permits. 

You may also need state-level and local county or city-based licenses and permits. The license requirements and how to obtain them vary, so check the websites of your state, city, and county governments or contact the appropriate person to learn more. 

You could also check this SBA guide for your state’s requirements, but we recommend using MyCorporation’s Business License Compliance Package. They will research the exact forms you need for your business and state and provide them to ensure you’re fully compliant.

If you feel overwhelmed by this step or don’t know how to begin, it might be a good idea to hire a professional to help you check all the legal boxes.

Step 9: Open a Business Bank Account

Before you start making money, you’ll need a place to keep it, and that requires opening a bank account.

Keeping your business finances separate from your personal account makes it easy to file taxes and track your company’s income, so it’s worth doing even if you’re running your pet sitting business as a sole proprietorship. Opening a business bank account is quite simple, and similar to opening a personal one. Most major banks offer accounts tailored for businesses — just inquire at your preferred bank to learn about their rates and features.

Banks vary in terms of offerings, so it’s a good idea to examine your options and select the best plan for you. Once you choose your bank, bring in your EIN (or Social Security Number if you decide on a sole proprietorship), articles of incorporation, and other legal documents and open your new account.

Step 10: Get Business Insurance

Business insurance is an area that often gets overlooked yet it can be vital to your success as an entrepreneur, particularly when taking care of other people’s pets. Insurance protects you from unexpected events that can have a devastating impact on your business.

Here are some types of insurance to consider:

• General liability: The most comprehensive type of insurance, acting as a catch-all for many business elements that require coverage. If you get just one kind of insurance, this is it. It even protects against bodily injury and property damage.
• Business Property: Provides coverage for your equipment and supplies.
• Equipment Breakdown Insurance: Covers the cost of replacing or repairing equipment that has broken due to mechanical issues.
• Worker’s compensation: Provides compensation to employees injured on the job.
• Property: Covers your physical space, whether it is a cart, storefront, or office.
• Commercial auto: Protection for your company-owned vehicle.
• Professional liability: Protects against claims from a client who says they suffered a loss due to an error or omission in your work.
• Business owner’s policy (BOP): This is an insurance plan that acts as an all-in-one insurance policy, a combination of the above insurance types.

Step 11: Prepare to Launch

As opening day nears, prepare for launch by reviewing and improving some key elements of your business. 

Essential software and tools

Being an entrepreneur often means wearing many hats, from marketing to sales to accounting, which can be overwhelming. Fortunately, many websites and digital tools are available to help simplify many business tasks.  

You can use industry-specific software, such as TimeToPet, Pet Sitter Plus, or Scout, to manage invoicing, payments, communication, and branding. 

Accounting

• Popular web-based accounting programs for smaller businesses include Quickbooks, Freshbooks, and Xero. 
• If you’re unfamiliar with basic accounting, you may want to hire a professional, especially as you begin. The consequences for filing incorrect tax documents can be harsh, so accuracy is crucial. 

Develop your website

Website development is crucial because your site is your online presence and needs to convince prospective clients of your expertise and professionalism.

You can create your own website using services like WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace. This route is very affordable, but figuring out how to build a website can be time-consuming. If you lack tech-savvy, you can hire a web designer or developer to create a custom website for your business.

They are unlikely to find your website, however, unless you follow Search Engine Optimization (SEO) practices. These are steps that help pages rank higher in the results of top search engines like Google. 

Marketing

Here are some powerful marketing strategies for your future business:

• Social Media Engagement: Leverage platforms like Instagram and Facebook to share engaging content, such as cute pet photos, informative posts about pet care, and client testimonials to build a community around your brand.
• Partnerships with Veterinarians: Establish relationships with local veterinarians, offering them special rates for referring clients to your pet sitting services, creating a mutually beneficial partnership.
• Referral Programs: Implement a referral program that rewards existing clients for referring new customers, whether through discounts on future services or other incentives.
• Themed Promotions: Run seasonal promotions or themed events tied to holidays, like “Valentine’s Day Pet Pampering” or “Summer Vacation Specials,” to generate interest and attract new clients during peak seasons.
• Online Reviews and Testimonials: Encourage satisfied clients to leave positive reviews on platforms like Yelp, Google My Business, and other relevant review sites to build credibility and trust among potential customers.
• Mobile Advertising: Utilize targeted mobile advertising on platforms like Google Ads and social media to reach pet owners in your local area, focusing on demographics and interests related to pet ownership.
• Community Events and Sponsorships: Participate in or sponsor local pet-related events, such as dog shows, adoption fairs, or community gatherings, to increase visibility and connect with potential clients face-to-face.
• Professional Collateral: Invest in high-quality marketing materials, such as business cards, brochures, and flyers, and strategically place them at pet-related businesses, like groomers or pet supply stores, to reach a broader audience.
• Create Informative Content: Develop blog posts or video content that offers valuable information on pet care, training tips, and other relevant topics, positioning your business as an authority in the pet care industry.
• Loyalty Programs: Implement a loyalty program that rewards clients for repeat business, offering discounts or free services after a certain number of bookings, fostering customer loyalty and repeat business.

Focus on USPs

Unique selling propositions, or USPs, are the characteristics of a product or service that sets it apart from the competition. Customers today are inundated with buying options, so you’ll have a real advantage if they are able to quickly grasp how your pet sitting meets their needs or wishes. It’s wise to do all you can to ensure your USPs stand out on your website and in your marketing and promotional materials, stimulating buyer desire. 

Global pizza chain Domino’s is renowned for its USP: “Hot pizza in 30 minutes or less, guaranteed.” Signature USPs for your pet sitting business could be:

• No more kennels! Overnight pet sitting in your home
• Perfect pampering for your puppy 
• Pet companions for your baby’s comfort

Networking

You may not like to network or use personal connections for business gain. But your personal and professional networks likely offer considerable untapped business potential. Maybe that Facebook friend you met in college is now running a pet sitting business, or a LinkedIn contact of yours is connected to dozens of potential clients. Maybe your cousin or neighbor has been pet sitting for years and can offer invaluable insight and industry connections.

The possibilities are endless, so it’s a good idea to review your personal and professional networks and reach out to those with possible links to or interest in pet sitting. You’ll probably generate new customers or find companies with which you could establish a partnership. 

Step 12: Build Your Team

It’s unlikely that you will need employees for a pet sitting business unless you want to hire an assistant pet sitter if you get too many clients.

Free-of-charge methods to recruit employees include posting ads on popular platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, or Jobs.com. You might also consider a premium recruitment option, such as advertising on Indeed, Glassdoor, or ZipRecruiter. Further, if you have the resources, you could consider hiring a recruitment agency to help you find talent.

Step 13: Run a Pet Sitting Business – Start Making Money!

If you’re an animal lover, a pet sitting business can be rewarding and fun. It’s an easy business to start and manage, and it doesn’t cost much to get going. You can run your business from home, grab a piece of a growing market and make good money.

Eventually, you could even use your profits to start a pet daycare, and have an even more lucrative company. Now that you’ve studied what it takes, go ahead and put your plan together and get ready to launch your new pet sitting business and make some money!