Being a pet sitter is the most perfect job in the world. Or at least it is if you are an animal lover, which you are – or why would you be here? What could be more rewarding than going to visit furry creatures all day long? They will be overjoyed to see you, to get the love and attention they need, and importantly, to get fed!
It can be a fulfilling career choice, whether pursued full or part-time. As a part-time position, it can fit flexibly and comfortably around your other commitments, which can be really useful.
But is it really for you? Before you commit yourself, here are a few considerations that will help you along your journey.
What qualifications do I need?
There are no formal qualifications required for this in the US, but there are certain skills, knowledge, and qualities that can make you a more successful and reliable pet sitter.
Among them, you could include a love for animals. It almost goes without saying, but unless you are comfortable and confident around the kinds of animals that you will be visiting, then you are likely to come unstuck.
Previous experience
Generally speaking, you will have already had some experience of being around animals. This will help you to understand whether or not you have a love for them and hence whether the job is for you or not. This does not necessarily need to be a pet sitting experience, you could have owned your own pet, or you could have looked after a pet for a friend or family member. If you only have experience with one type of animal – cats for example, then it would be better to start your pet sitting position just focusing on cats. This will allow you to build up a reputation for being a good pet sitter before you experiment with more unfamiliar types of pets.
Knowledge of animal behavior and what you can do to influence it is quite important. This can be more difficult with dogs, as they may not be used to receiving commands from strangers and may not understand your commands. They may not be well trained by their owners which can make them more difficult to control. Also, it is important that you are able to recognize signs of stress, illness, or discomfort and know how to deal with this.
You may also want to consider basic pet first aid skills. If anything happens when you are responsible, then you will want to be able to deal with the problem as quickly and efficiently as possible. There are courses available that you can take for pet CPR and first aid.
Pet training courses
There are also pet behavior training courses, pet nutrition courses, and pet care certificates that you can obtain. If competition in your area for pet sitting is high, then this is definitely something to consider as it will give you a clear advantage over those who don’t have any training.
What steps should I take to research the industry?
Undertake some online research first of all. Look for local websites, blogs and forums relating to pet sitting. You could also look at some national websites such as Rover.com or the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS).
It’s also important to check out the pricing and fee structures of local competitors. This will allow you to set competitive rates for your services. Consider factors like the type of pet, duration of care, and any additional services (e.g., administering medication) that might affect pricing.
Stay updated on current trends and innovations in the pet-sitting industry. For example, trends in pet nutrition, technology for pet monitoring, or eco-friendly pet care products. Also, research any local or state regulations that might apply to pet-sitting businesses, such as licensing requirements or zoning laws.
You could consider surveying potential clients or conducting interviews with pet owners in your area to get ideas about their pet-sitting needs and expectations.
How do I go about setting up my brand?
Once you have established your business plan, considered how much you will charge for your services, and have more of a well-rounded idea of what to expect, the next step is to create branding for your services and begin marketing.
You will need to define your brand to begin with, which involves identifying your Unique Selling Proposition (USP), or what makes you stand out from other pet-sitters. This could be your experience, specialized services, or a unique approach to pet care.
Make sure you choose a memorable name for your brand. It should be easy to remember and should reflect your values and services. Make sure it is not already being used by someone and see if you can purchase a matching domain for your website before you settle on the name.
Your logo and visual identity are also important. Choose a color scheme and stick to it. Make sure all your brand colors and designs are consistent and easily recognizable. You can use a color scheme builder website such as Coolors.co to find pleasant matching color schemes.
You will need to build an online presence, such as a website showcasing your services and a blog. This helps build trust in your services. Include high-quality images of happy pets and satisfied clients.
Thank you to Seaq68 for this spectacular dog walking picture.
What do I need to include in my marketing plan?
Social media marketing is probably at the top of your list, for example, Instagram, Facebook etc. Regularly share engaging content including pet care tips, client stories, and updates about your services. Videos work extremely well for pet care services. If you can get to grips with slow-motion filming of happy dogs then you are well on your way to finding your audience.
Use online listings and directories. Rover.com is perfect for this, and there are other sites such as Wag! and Care.com. These platforms can help you reach a broader audience and establish credibility.
Networking is also a valuable tool. Everyone cringes at the word, but it’s the best way to get your name around the local area so that you can be at the top of the recommendations list when someone hears of an opening.
Paid advertising can be quite costly and difficult to manage, so be very careful if you go down this route. A referral program can be more effective for building business.
Finally, testimonials and reviews are essential when it comes to growing your business. Make sure you get client feedback wherever possible and add it to your website, social media sites etc. to build your positive profile.
What policies and contracts are required?
When you’re operating a pet-sitting business in the United States, it’s essential to have policies and contracts in place to protect both you and your clients. These documents outline the terms and conditions of your services and help establish clear expectations.
Documents you will need include a service agreement or contract. This is a legally binding document that outlines the terms and conditions of your pet-sitting services.
Set out your service details, pricing, cancellation policy, liability limits, and an acknowledgment that clients are responsible for their pet’s behavior and any damage or injury caused by their pet. Also, obtain emergency contact details, and include a clause that gives you permission to seek veterinary care for the pet in case of illness or injury, with the client agreeing to cover associated expenses. Key management, privacy and confidentiality, and termination can also be included in the contract.
You will need to seek liability insurance and provide copies to your clients. This protects you in case of accidents, injuries, or damages that occur while you’re providing pet-sitting services.
A separate privacy policy may be necessary if you collect personal information from clients (e.g., contact details), covering how this information will be used, stored, and protected.
If you are planning on taking photos and videos, you may need permission to use those on your social media accounts. Obtain consent through a release form.
A refund policy is also key.
Do I need to pay tax?
Yes, if you operate a pet-sitting business in the United States, you are generally required to pay taxes on your income.
Pet-sitting income is considered self-employment income, and you are required to report it on your federal income tax return. You will likely need to file a Schedule C (Profit or Loss from Business) as part of your individual tax return (Form 1040).
Self-employed individuals, including pet sitters, are also subject to self-employment tax, which covers Social Security and Medicare taxes. This tax is in addition to your regular income tax. You can calculate and report self-employment tax using Schedule SE.
Keep thorough records of your income and expenses. You can deduct various business-related expenses to reduce your taxable income. Common deductions for pet sitters may include vehicle expenses, pet supplies, advertising costs, insurance premiums, and home office expenses if you have a dedicated space for your business.
It is highly recommended to consult a tax professional to get a full breakdown of the requirements and assistance with setting up a good system for recording and paying your taxes.
Is that it?
This covers the basics that you will need to get started. However, you will learn as you go along that there is more to becoming a successful pet sitter. It requires dedication, a love for animals, and a commitment to providing excellent care. Building a strong reputation and client base may take time, but with patience and persistence, you can have a rewarding career as a pet sitter in the US.
