Q&A for How to Start a Pet Sitting Business

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Question

What information do I need to include on a pet sitting ad?

Community Answer

List your experience with animals, specific services you are offering, your name and phone number, and the city/neighborhoods where you are willing to work.

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Question

Do I need a license to set up a pet sitting business?

Community Answer

You only need a license if you intend on making it an official, public, large-scale business. If you just want to start a small pet sitting service in your neighborhood, you don't need a license.

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Question

Do I need liability insurance for a pet sitting business?

Community Answer

Yes, it is very important to have liability insurance. There are many different companies you can choose from for your pet sitting insurance so you can compare them and see which one is right for you.

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Question

How much should I charge per day for cat sitting two cats?

Community Answer

Probably around $10-$20, but it depends on what you do in the day with the cats. Most cats are fairly independent, but if the cat requires particularly involved care, you could charge more. I would recommend having discounts on certain days to draw in business.

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Question

What should I do if the dog needs injections and I have never done injections?

Community Answer

Ask the owner to show you how, and if you are uncomfortable, don't take the job.

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Question

How much do pet sitters charge for dogs, cats, and birds?

Community Answer

It's your preference! It can also depend on the size of an animal. If you take care of a bigger dog, it will cost more that a small animal like a bird.

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Question

How do I pick what to charge for a pet sitting business?

Joni Oldfield

Community Answer

Shop around your area for prices and go just a little above what others are charging. Be confident, when you run a good business and are reliable, you will find a thriving business.

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Question

How can I build a website for my business?

Community Answer

There are some good tips in this article about making a website on wikiHow.

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Question

Do you have a suggestion for software to run the business? Something to track sitters, pets, and handle accounts receivable and payable?

Joni Oldfield

Community Answer

Once you are up and running I suggest Quickbooks. There are others you can purchase, but they are not cost effective (in my opinion). Cozi.com is a great calendar to share with your pet sitters that work for you, or just you alone.

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Question

Should prices include gst/pst and if so, how does the taxing process work?

Joni Oldfield

Community Answer

Take into account driving time, your time at the visit, etc. Taxes work differently depending on if you are a "sole proprietor" or "S Corp'.

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Question

How can I find a locally available place to rent for a pet business?

Community Answer

Reach out to a local real estate company to let them know what exactly you are looking for. You could also drive around and scout potential areas you may be interested in. Often vacant commercial buildings/spaces will have a big sign with contact information.

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Question

How do I start a pet sitting business specializing in specific breeds?

Community Answer

You can follow the same basic steps in the article, but you'll want to make sure to emphasize the breed restrictions. To make it even more obvious, you could even incorporate the breed name(s) into the name of your business.

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Question

Can I have a pet sitting business when I'm a teenager? If so, how do I start it?

Community Answer

You are not old enough, but you can do it with an adult. Start by offering to walk dogs for friends, family, or neighbors. Or just offer to spend time playing with their pets. This will help you gain experience and referrals.

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Question

How do I start the business sitting at the customer's home, not my own?

Community Answer

Advertise as an in-home pet sitter.

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Question

How do I advertise pet sitting for just around my neighborhood?

Community Answer

Facebook? Maybe join a local yardsale page/group. Also patch.com has local community stuff for each area. You can print flyers and post in the local area bulletin boards like grocery stores, horse feed stores, pet stores or any retail business that has a board for posting your business cards. Several restaurants in my area have a community bulletin board.

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Question

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

Community Answer

It really depends. Think out your business plan and compile a list of things you need, plus advertising expenses.

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Question

Can I run a business from home without permission from my neighbors?

Community Answer

Yes, you can.

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Question

How can I start a pet sitting business if I have no experience with animals at all?

Community Answer

Research about all different kinds of animals, like guinea pigs, hamsters, dogs and cats. To gain some experience and references, ask friends and family if you can take care of their pets for short periods of time.

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Question

Can I start a pet sitting business without insurance or a license if I am a child?

Community Answer

Yes. Be more careful and only do it in your neighborhood just to be safe.

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Question

Do I need insurance if I will be a traveling pet sitter?

Community Answer

You might want to because if you hurt a pet, the owner might try to sue you. Having insurance would be the safe way to go.

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Question

If I am visiting pets in the client's home, how do I protect myself from anyone falsely accusing me of taking anything from home?

Community Answer

All you can do is make sure you don't do anything besides take care of the pet. If someone accuses you of theft, state very firmly that you haven't taken anything, and don't work for that person anymore.

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Question

Do you need a license if you are 12?

Community Answer

You can't get a license if you are 12. If you wanted to create a legitimate business, you could have your parents take out the license. Otherwise, you can't really start a business at your age, but you can still do petsitting for people on a casual basis.

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Question

How old do I have to be?

Community Answer

Legally, 16 years old. .

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Question

I'm dog sitting a big dog for two weeks, how much should I charge?

Community Answer

In my opinion, you should charge somewhere around $15-$25 per day.

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Question

Can I start pet sitting as a teenager with an adult?

Community Answer

Yes. That is the best place to start, since you are getting more information and help from the adult. After learning with someone guiding you, you'll find that when you get older and pet sit by yourself, it will be easier.

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Question

What is the best way to accept payment for a pet sitting business? Should it be through a bank or should I just be paid cash?

Community Answer

It would would be easier for just paid cash because you would have to set up a bank and fill out the contracts, plus with paid cash you can be more organized with your money and, how much you have because you can just look but not with a bank .

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