4 Things to Consider When Starting a Pet Sitting Business

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If you love dogs, a pet sitting business may seem perfect for you. They don’t require much money to start. You may be able to grow the business from an existing dog-walking service. You can also scale it up as you have the time and resources. In this article, we’re going to give you four things to consider when starting a pet sitting business. Follow our tips and you’ll be able to avoid many of the problems that new pet sitting business owners make.

The Value of Experience

Before you start handing out business cards and flyers, get experience walking a variety of animals. You need to be able to handle dogs with little to no training. You will get animals that are very reactive and difficult to control. If you can handle these energetic animals, then you can handle anything. But what pets can you handle? 

Taking care of a dog isn’t the same as taking care of a cat, bird, fish, rabbit, lizard, you name it. Plus, how much knowledge do you have on the animal/ species you’d like to focus on? For example, can dogs eat blueberries? Do you know what they can safely eat? What can’t they eat? What about a dog with diabetes, can you handle that? Sure, people think pet sitting is easy, but it’s not nearly as easy as you might think.

You may want to sharpen your business skills, such as learning how to manage a separate business bank account. You’ll come to appreciate it at tax time. When you know how to do the math, you can set prices that cover your labor and business expenses.

The Upfront Costs

A dog sitting business mostly requires time and effort, but there are costs you need to bear as well. You’ll need a professional website to be taken seriously. This will go a long way in impressing potential clients. However, traditional marketing methods remain the most useful in this area. This means you’ll need a simple, professional business card to give to prospective clients. Give them to people you meet at the dog park or the vet.

You also need pet sitting insurance. Clients will recognize you as a professional when you have insurance to cover any damage that you cause to their property, any injuries to their pet, and the medical costs if the dog bites someone. Know that most pet sitting insurance policies do not cover injuries to you.

Legal Concerns

If you’re walking dogs, the dogs that are supposed to be under your control could bite someone. The dogs you’re taking care of may be bitten by other dogs. The dogs you’re taking care of may become spooked and bite you. Don’t underestimate the odds of this happening. About half of all attacks occur at the dog’s home. You need to know the laws in your jurisdiction and when people can hire a dog bite attorney to prosecute you.

You need standard business forms for each client to fill out. This should include information about the pet and the owner. You also need a liability contract stating that the dog owner will cover the medical bills if the dog bites you. This form is a good place to list other policies too, such as your vaccination policy and cancelation policy. If they sign the form, you have it in writing and written proof they agreed to it.

Your Personal Costs

Unless you’re riding a bike or walking to local clients, you may be driving all over the place to serve your clients. You may drive up to 250 miles a week. Plan how you’re going to get to all your clients, and factor in the travel costs and time commitment as you sign up clients. Don’t take on more clients than you can handle. Learn how to set boundaries so that you aren’t asked to work nonstop or on holidays.

Conclusion

Know what you need to do and acquire before you start your dog sitting business. This will prepare you and even protect you in a variety of ways.