Whether a family is taking off on a week-long vacation or a couple needs to leave their dog for a weekend wedding event, pet sitters are an in-demand commodity. But not just any sitter will do, of course.
Pets of all shapes, sizes, and species are part of the family, and their owners want to work with someone who’ll look after their pet as if it were their own. Pet sitting is a pet care business built around trust, a love for animals, and a carefully considered business plan.
If you’re considering becoming a professional pet setter but aren’t sure how to start your own business, read on.
When it comes to starting any pet care service, money matters. To get going, you'll need to have a clear idea of what it will cost. Pet sitting may not be as risky of a financial investment as say opening your own restaurant, but it will come with its fair share of expenses.
First, there are the standard supplies that you’ll need in order for your business to run. In this case, reliable transportation to and from your pet care locations will be one of your primary financial considerations. Other supplies such as dog leashes, toys, pet food, or basic grooming tools will likely be supplied by the pet owner of the pet you’re taking care of.
On the business side of things, you’ll need to factor in the initial costs for things like:
Prepare a document that lists each of your anticipated expenses up front. From there, you assess how much capital you’ll need to get started.
When starting a pet care business, it’s essential to understand the legal requirements to protect both your business and your clients. As a professional pet sitter, you should consider creating pet-sitting contracts that clearly outline the terms of service, responsibilities, and liabilities. Contracts not only provide legal protection but also help build trust with potential clients.
Pet care insurance is another critical component. While general liability insurance can cover basic incidents, specialized pet care insurance is designed to protect against risks unique to the pet sitting industry. This coverage can include incidents like pet injuries, lost pets, or damage to a client’s property. Researching and securing the right coverage is a must to safeguard your business.
Once you’ve laid the financial framework for your pet care business, you can focus on who your services will benefit and how. Although it may change over time, start off by clearly defining your target market. This will help guide your marketing efforts in a more intentional direction.
To do this, start by identifying what types of pets you’re willing and able to care for. Some pet owners may require sitting for more traditional pets, like dogs or cats, while others may need specialized care for animals such as horses, turtles, or saltwater fish.
After determining the range of pet sitting services you’ll provide, next decide on location. Where are your potential clients located? How far outside of your city or town are you willing to travel? By widening your service radius, you’ll gain access to more clients but it will also come with a few more added expenses depending on how far outside your area you’re open to traveling to.
This third step is all about branding your business. Think about the personal touches you can bring to, your pet sitting business to make it stand out. This is the time to clearly define things like:
The best way to get started in this phase? By perusing the market for inspiration and to find out what you do and don’t love about what other brands are doing.
But keep in mind, what works for some small pet sitting businesses may not work for you. Decide what’s important for you to showcase when it comes to your brand identity and public image. Work with a branding expert, if possible and your budget allows, to help you tie all the pieces together.
From rate-setting to savvy marketing techniques, there’s still a bit more to cover as you work to build the foundation for your pet sitting business. Keep reading to get the answers to questions other “petpreneurs” just like you are asking as they move forward with their business endeavors.
After you’ve set up a business plan outlining your services, rates, and budget, the next step is connecting you to the right people in your community. With the right marketing hacks, you’ll get your business in front of people who are already searching for services you provide.
Some marketing campaigns may come at a cost for a pet business owner, but there are a number of low-cost (and free) marketing tools to take advantage of while you’re business is still in its primary stages of development:
When it comes to setting rates for your pet sitting service, there isn’t just one right answer. To find out how much you should be charging as a pet business owner, you’ll need to set aside time to do some market research. Nationwide averages are good but you’ll really want to narrow your search to your specific region.
How much are pet sitters charging in your city or town? How did they arrive at those numbers and how might you need to adjust your pet sitting service in order to accommodate your specific business expenses? Initiate your search based on these questions and set your rates in accordance with the data you find. Some of the main averages for pet sitting are as follows:
Pricing your services is a crucial step in establishing your pet care business. Start by researching competitors in your area to understand the market rates for similar services. For example, if there are several dog walkers in your neighborhood, knowing their rates will help you set a competitive price.
Consider offering different service packages to cater to various pet owner needs. You might have a basic package that includes standard visits and feeding, and a premium package that offers additional services like pet grooming or extended dog walking services. This approach not only helps attract a broader client base but also increases your revenue potential.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to add more clients to fill up your schedule, there are plenty of ways to go about investing your time. Here are a few ideas to help get you started:
Once your business is established, it’s essential to think about growth and scalability. As demand for your services increases, you might consider hiring additional pet care professionals to expand your service area or accommodate more clients. Start by training a team of pet sitters or dog walkers who share your passion for animal care and ensure they understand your business’s values and standards.
Additionally, think about expanding your service offerings. For instance, you could introduce pet boarding services, pet grooming, or even pet first aid classes for pet owners. Using pet sitting software can streamline your operations, making it easier to manage bookings, communicate with clients, and track your business’s performance.
By focusing on these areas, you can ensure your pet care business remains competitive and continues to grow in the ever-expanding pet industry.
It’s nearly time to get off and running on your way to a successful career in pet sitting. You’re now equipped with the tools, business savvy, and animal-loving spirit to build your business upon solid ground.
The final step? Connecting with your community on Nextdoor.
Nextdoor is an online hub where neighbors meet to exchange recommendations and discover small businesses in their local area. Nextdoor is here to help your business grow.
With more than 55 million business recommendations made to date, it’s no wonder, small business owners, just like you are using Nextdoor to make a splash in their neighborhoods. Claim your free Business Page to start connecting with nearby clients today.
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