How to Start a Pet Sitting Business

Pet sitting is a natural business for anyone who loves animals and is dependable. It overlaps a lot with dog walking — and many sitters offer both. Here's how to get started the right way.

1. Choose your services

Common options are drop-in visits (feeding, litter, a quick play), overnight stays in the client's home, and dog walks. Decide which animals you'll care for — dogs and cats only, or small pets too — and stick to what you're confident handling.

2. Set your rates

Research what local sitters charge for each service. Price overnights and holiday visits higher — they cost you more time. Add a fee for extra pets rather than doing it for free.

3. Protect yourself

• Insurance — liability insurance for pet care, and bonding if you'll hold keys.
• A service agreement — cancellations, payment terms, emergencies, and key handling.
• Registration — check what your city or state requires.

4. Meet before you sit

Always do a meet-and-greet first. Collect feeding instructions, medications, vet contact, an emergency contact, and house details like alarm codes. Keep it all in one place you can pull up on your phone.

5. Find your first clients

Start with people who know you: neighbors, friends, coworkers, local social media groups, and your vet. Holidays and summer are peak season — reach out a few weeks early.

6. Send updates every visit

A photo and a short note ("Ate everything, played fetch, all good!") reassures owners who are away and is the main reason they'll book you again and tell their friends.

7. Stay organized as you grow

Track every visit, client, pet, and payment from day one. PawRoute handles scheduling, pet profiles, photo updates, and invoicing in one app — built for walkers and works just as well for drop-in visits.