Man in black shorts sitting on brown wooden chair

Resources to Start Your Pet Sitting Business

Have you ever wondered exactly how to start a pet sitting business?

Step 1. Develop your business plan

Making a business plan for your pet sitting business is not as grueling as it sounds so don’t let it scare you off. It could be something as simple as your idea’s jotted down in a paper notebook to something more detailed with several forms and files. Remember there is a lot of help here so don’t shy away from one of the biggest parts of developing your business.

You want the right resources to start a pet sitting business. The first step in your pet sitting job to is make up a business plan. This will get you started on the right foot. It is crutial and will be your roadmap to your success. It will give you a vision. Your business plan should include your business summary, your business overview, operations plan, products and services and marketing strategies. 

Step 2. Determine your legal structure of your business

When beginning your pet sitting business, you must decide what form of business entity to establish. Your form of business determines which income tax return form you have to file. The most common forms of business are the sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, and S corporation. The easiest form of business to set up is the sole proprietorship. If necessary, acquire licenses and permits and register a fictitious name and then obtain a taxpayer identification. 

Step 3. Choosing your business name and domain

Now you can move on to the exciting and fun area of creating your pet sitting business name and domain. 

Creating a great name for your pet sitting business takes some thought but it is one of the most important things you will do during the process of starting a pet sitting business. There are a lot of resources out there to help guide you along. Ultimately your site should be memorable and create a certain feeling when heard. 

A successful business name should be:

A domain name that relates to your business name or core business

  • Easy to spell
  • Is relatively short
  • Unique
  • Informative 

Step 4. Register your business

Every city, county and state differentiates in their laws regarding registering a new business. Use your resources and contact your local city offices to find their policies and fees. I know in Florida you have to file within your city and county. 

Step 5. Obtaining your tax identification number, also called an Employer Identification Number, or EIN

Whether Home-Based, Online, or at a commercial location every new small business is required to have its own tax ID number depending on the particular facts of your business and there are several different ones. 

A state tax id can be an employer number or a wholesale tax ID number. Then there is a business license number that you get and it is essentially another city tax ID number. 

You can apply on line at the IRS website. The online application asks the questions, you provide the answers and, just like that, you get your EIN immediately. You can then download, save, and print your EIN confirmation notice.

Step 6. Marketing

Advertise, advertise, and advertise!

When I first became a pet sitter I knew I didn’t have a lot of money to put into advertising, but I knew the importance of getting my name out there so people could find me. Below are some resources to use to put your business cards and brochures for free, get that phone ringing and draw in customers for your pet sitting business. 

  • Veterinarian’s Office 
  • Grooming Business 
  • Pet Stores
  • Feed Stores 
  • Local Restaurants and Diners
  • You can send out a mass number of post cards 
  • Put fliers on automobiles in parking lots 
  • Make cold calls 
  • Lay out business cards at every establishment you visit 
  • Remember, Word of Mouth is GREAT! 

Step 7. Contracts and Forms

Your pet sitting business contract is a written service agreement that outlines what services you will provide to the client and what fees you will charge for those service. This agreement finalizes the client/sitter relationship and ensures you have a understanding of the services you will be providing. 

Another vital form is the veterinary release form – This form serves as written permission for you to seek medical care for a pet in your custody when a client cannot be reached during a medical emergency. 

Step 8. Pricing the job

Your fees are entirely up to you. Keep up with what your local competitors charge and go from there. You can charge by the day or by the visit. Remember there are surcharges. Holiday surcharge, gas surcharge, pet taxi, bathing and any addtional service that you may perform that may be out of the norm. Clients don’t expect you to do any of these services without being charged extra so don’t be affraid to put it in the agreement. 

Step 9. Your first call

Now that you know how to establish your business you need to know what to do when your first call comes in. Don’t be nervous. If it helps you, keep an agreement in front of you so that you ask the right questions and alway’s ask “how did you hear about us?” You want to know how this customer got your name. 

Allow the client to ask questions, this will allow them to become comfortable with you and therefore lead to you scheduling your first appointment for a meet and greet.

Keep in mind. People treat their pets like children. They want to know that their furry family member’s will be in the best care and get lot’s of love and attention in their absence. 

Step 10. Meet and Greet

We are all familiar with first impressions and this is a biggie. You want your client to trust you from the instant you said hello. Bring with you a file folder with your agreement, a pen and some business cards with you. 

Go over the pets names, breeds, conditions if any, feeding schedule, medications, any habits they may have i.e., scooting, eating grass, accidents in the house, how often they want them visited and any other questions you have to help you feel comfortable in their home. Take this time to get to know the client/pets. Go over your veterinarian form and sign and seal the deal! You’ve got the job! You’re on your way with your new pet sitting business.