How To Start A Pet Sitting Business

You might think pet sitting is a small industry, but it’s really a $60 billion business and growing.

Revenues are expected to jump 4% over the next two years.

Which makes now a great time to get involved and start your own pet sitting business.

This article, and the purpose of our Pet Sitting Mastery Guide, is to help you through the startup phase and ensure that you’re successful.

Domesticated pets are some of the friendliest, most comforting, and loyal creatures you could ever form a bond with.

People think of pets as their children, and they want to make sure they’re in the best care possible when they’re not around.

Are you an animal lover?

Do you enjoy taking care of any animal that needs help?

Have you already taken care of your neighbor’s cats and dogs for them and enjoyed doing it?

If you enjoy to be with and take care of animals — maybe more than people — then starting a pet sitting business would be perfect for you.

How Big is the Pet Sitting Business Industry?

Most people do not believe that the pet sitting business is one of the best recession proof industries you could join, but it is.

Over 60% of people in America own an animal.

It is a $60 billion business and the numbers are expected to steadily climb another 4% over the next two years.

While most hotels are steadily plummeting, dog hotels on the other hand, are rising and more people are hiring someone to care for their animals when they are out.

Why Starting a Pet Sitting Business Now is a Good Idea

Starting a pet sitting business now is a great idea because it’s one of the only industries out there where you can find quick success.

It’s completely acceptable to start a pet sitting business from the comfort of your own home if you cannot afford a facility right now.

If you are someone that is highly motivated, independent, and full of imagination, you will be able to find clients and make money in as short as a month.

There are not a lot of businesses that allow you to profit that quickly.

Knowing that it is in high demand and affordable to start, what reason do you have to wait?

Pet Sitting Business Facts

Pet Sitting Business Startup Costs

Start-up costs will vary tremendously here.

Some people have been successfully able to start their business with under $500, and there are others that realize they have to fork over a grand or two.

Nonetheless, startup costs are low, and you can earn the investment back quickly.

How Much Do Pet Sitters Make?

The average pet sitter will make $30,000 each year.

Of course, this will vary greatly depending on what kind of operation you plan on running.

Would you like to work out of your house or purchase a facility where you have multiple employees?

All of these decisions will impact your profits.

How Much Do Pet Sitters Charge?

You will want to base charges on what type of business you have (home based vs a brick and mortar location) as well as how many clients you have in a day.

Remember that you either want to charge your customers by the hour (especially if it is short), by the day, or by the week.

On average, you want to be making around $16 per hour.

Eight visits x $16 per hour = $128 Daily
$128 per Day x 5x per Week =$640 per Week
$640x 50 weeks (go ahead and take that two week vacation) = $32,000 annually

What Do I Need to Start a Pet Sitting Business?

Can I start from home?: Yes

Average startup cost: $300 – $5,000

How many people work in the industry (US): 2 Million

Average earnings: $25,000 – $60,000 annually

What skills are required?: No skills are required; all you need to have is patience and a love for animals.

How do pet sitters find customers?: You will get most of your customers from direct referrals, online, and acquaintances who know about your business.

Many clients will be parents, businessmen, students, and travelers. If you are targeting a specific demographic, make sure you appeal to them.

Detailed Startup Costs

Pet Sitter Insurance: $175 annually

Website/Business Cards: $300

Business Bank Account: $200

Pet First Aid Class: $150

Pet Supplies: $400

Legal/License: $200

Total: $1,425

Pet Sitting Business Ideas

As fun as the job can be, you must remember that people are paying you to take the utmost care of their pets.

You want to show that you are active when you are caring for their animals and take good care of them; not just watch them.

For example, if you are taking care of dogs, you will want to incorporate play time, petting time, take them out for walks, snuggle with them, and feed them.

Try to individualize the pets as much as you can and provide them all with different feeding plates to eat out of and create a schedule.