One of the most rewarding business ideas for animal lovers is to start a pet sitting business.It is relatively inexpensive to start a business and you just need to make sure to get all the necessary licenses and permits for your area.Sell your services to get your first clients.Soon, you will be able to own a successful pet sitting business.
Step 1: Do you want to provide services for pets or sit them?
Most of the revenue from your pet sitting business will come from dogs and cats.Do you want to pet sit at the homes of your clients or at your home?As a pet sitter, you will have irregular hours that include nights and weekends.If you will offer to stay at the homes of clients or just visit at scheduled hours to take care of their pets, think about it.Bringing in the mail and watering plants is one of the basic services your clients may want.If you want to be a successful pet sitter, you have to love and care for animals.It isn't a business to start just for money.Some people consider taking care of animals to be their children, so treat the responsibility with care.
Step 2: Get any necessary permits if you check licensing requirements in your area.
You can inquire about permits and licenses for a pet sitting business at your local business licensing office.To make your business legal, complete all the paperwork and pay the fees.You can use the internet to find local business licensing offices.Many business licensing needs are taken care of by the local Chamber of Commerce.The amount of paperwork you need to complete will be higher if you want to offer boarding services for pets at your home.A business attorney can help you with the legal aspects of starting a business.
If anything happens to animals while you are in your care, you should have liability insurance for yourself.If an accident happens, or if a client's home gets damaged due to an incident, look for an insurance that covers animals' medical costs.You can find liability and bonding insurance for pet sitters in your area by searching online or in a phonebook.
Step 4: A payment structure can be created if you decide what payment methods you will accept.
You have to decide if you will charge by hour, day or job.Depending on the type of animal, the number of pets you sit, and the amount of time you spend with them, prices can vary.The amount of time you commute to your clients homes should be taken into account.You can check out the pricing structures of other pet sitting businesses in your area.
Step 5: Get everything you need to start.
If you are going to visit the homes of clients, you will need a reliable car or another form of transportation.If you will be boarding animals at your home, you should buy things like extra leashes, toys, and emergency medical supplies.You will usually get everything you need, along with instructions, from clients.If the food runs out or the leash breaks, it is a good idea to have backup supplies.
Step 6: You should name your business.
Something unique that describes your business is what you should choose.Pick a name that will be easy to remember, but avoid cliche names like "Pampered Pets" because there are already tons of pet related businesses with similar names.When people search for your company online, you want a unique name that stands out.If you want to use the name for a website URL and social media handles, you need to do a quick Internet search to make sure it isn't already taken for another business.
Step 7: A basic website will list your services, rates and contact information.
Simple site templates are offered by a lot of free or inexpensive website building and hosting sites.Choose a template, add all the info about your business, and personalize it with some images to start.It is important to have a professional looking website for a pet sitting business so that potential clients can trust it.
Step 8: It is possible to create a presence on the most popular social media channels.
If you want your Internet presence to be consistent and easy to find, you need to create pages for your pet sitting business.Share photos and information on these pages.You can use social media to find potential clients by following pet-related pages and interacting with other followers and members.
Step 9: Business cards and flyers should be made.
Business cards and flyers can be used to advertise your business.You should design some flyers and business cards that you can keep with you at all times.If you want to make your business look credible, make sure to use high-quality paper and printing services.
Step 10: Pet shops and vets are in your area.
Do you know if other pet-related businesses will allow you to leave flyers and cards?To spread the word about your pet sitting business, make friends with business owners.You can advertise in local newspapers and online.
Step 11: State services, prices, and other agreements in client contracts.
You can find a sample contract online or create one of your own.The contract will be signed by both you and your clients.Both parties know what to expect from a client contract.In the event of a disagreement, you will refer to the contract.If you don't want to create the contract on your own, you can get the help of an attorney who specializes in business contracts.
Step 12: Interview potential clients and their pets.
It is important to meet both the owners and their pets before you agree to a job to make sure that it is a good fit.Make a list of questions that will help you care for their pet.Remember that you will be caring for animals, so they need to feel comfortable and have confidence in you as well.Stay in touch with past and potential clients by keeping a list.Sending out a monthly newsletter or birthday card for their pet would be great ways to build loyal clients.
Step 13: Keep up with the administrative work and stay organized.
The least exciting part of running a pet sitting business is scheduling.As your business grows, you will need to devote more time to this.Establish a home office for your business.You will be able to easily keep track of your paperwork if you keep an organized filing system.To plan out all your pet sitting, create a detailed schedule.Set aside time for the administrative staff.Paper planners, calendar software, and apps are available.Whatever suits your style will help you stay organized.
Step 14: Prepare and be reliable with backup plans.
Make sure you always show up for your scheduled pet sitting duties on time, and that you have a stand-in person available if you can't make it.Before making any changes to scheduled services, check with your clients.Word of mouth is a great way to grow your pet sitting business.Clients are more likely to recommend you to friends and family if you are happy with your services.
Step 15: If you can't take on more clients, you should hire employees.
If you have a full schedule of pet sitting, you will be able to grow your business.You can find other animal lovers who are willing to work at least part-time.Make sure to conduct thorough interviews with potential employees to make sure they have the experience to care for animals.Someone you hire is representing your business.It is important that they are able to perform the job duties and meet the high standards of service that got your business this far.