How to Start a Pet-Sitting Business in 6 Steps

More pet owners than ever need reliable help in 2025. Between long workdays, last-minute business trips, and holidays, there’s a huge demand for trusted sitters who treat pets like family. The good news? Pet-sitting is one of the most affordable businesses to start. With some basic systems and a reputation for reliability, you can quickly build steady work.

Here’s how to start and grow a pet-sitting business from a side hustle into a full-time income.

One of the easiest mistakes to make is saying yes to everything: dog walking, boarding, grooming, and even exotic pets. That’s a recipe for stress. Successful sitters usually start small, with clear services they know they can deliver every time.

Here are the most common niches to pick from:

• Drop-in visits: Feeding, litter cleaning, quick playtime, or potty breaks. Simple and flexible.
• Dog walking: Daily or weekly walks, usually bundled into recurring packages.
• Overnight stays: Staying in the owner’s home to keep pets comfortable. High trust, higher pay.
• Specialized care: Giving medication, working with senior pets, or handling high-energy breeds.

👉 Practical tip: Write down exactly what’s included in each service (for example, “30-minute walk, water refill, photo update”). This avoids misunderstandings and makes you look professional.

Clients aren’t choosing you because of a slick logo. They’re choosing you because they feel safe handing over their keys and leaving their pets in your care. Trust is the foundation of every successful pet-sitting business.

Ways sitters build that trust:

• Start with your circle: Do a few sits for friends or neighbors at a discount in exchange for testimonials.
• Get pet first-aid certified: It’s affordable and shows you’re serious. Clients notice.
• Send updates every visit: A quick text with a photo of their pet goes further than any marketing campaign.

Once you’ve got a base of happy clients and reviews, then branding (logos, websites, uniforms) adds polish. But it should never come before reliability.

It’s tempting to undercut everyone else to win business, but cheap rates lead to burnout. Experienced sitters focus on value, not being the lowest price in town.

Here’s what works in practice:

• Research your area: Check Rover, Wag, or other local sitters to find the going rate.
• Don’t race to the bottom: Being the cheapest often makes clients question quality.
• Offer bundles: Weekly walk packages or multi-visit deals give stability and keep clients returning.

👉 Small detail that matters: Be clear on how you’ll handle last-minute cancellations. A simple “24-hour cancellation policy” saves awkward conversations later.

Many sitters start with texts and notebooks, and it works until it doesn’t. Double bookings and missed appointments are easy mistakes when you’re juggling pets, travel, and multiple clients.

A booking tool like YouCanBookMe (YCBM) removes that chaos. Clients can pick a service (dog walk, overnight sit, etc.), choose a time, and even pay deposits upfront. Automatic meeting confirmations and reminders mean fewer no-shows, and you don’t waste evenings replying to scheduling texts. It makes you look professional and saves hours each week.

Simplify your pet-sitting bookings

Stop juggling texts and sticky notes. With YouCanBookMe, clients can easily book walks or pet visits and pay deposits upfront—without needing to coordinate everything over a text message.

Most pet-sitting businesses grow through local visibility, not fancy ads. Owners want someone nearby and trusted. Here’s what consistently works:

• Google Business Profile: Pet owners often search “pet sitter near me.” A profile with photos and reviews gets calls. The trick isn’t just setting it up, it’s asking every client to leave a review.
• Community groups: On Facebook and Nextdoor, people regularly post “Does anyone know a reliable sitter?” Reply politely and be helpful, not salesy.
• Vets, groomers, and pet shops: Leave cards or flyers. Many long-term clients come from a trusted referral via their vet.
• Social proof online: Share clips of walks, cuddles, or updates (always with permission). It shows consistency and makes new clients feel comfortable.

A sitter’s income is built on repeat bookings. Winning a new client is good; keeping them for years is better.

Ways to build loyalty:

• Follow-up messages: A simple thank-you after each booking makes clients feel appreciated.
• Seasonal reminders: Around holidays and summer vacations, message clients early. “Holiday spots fill up fast” is usually all it takes.
• Referral rewards: Offering a small discount for client referrals keeps people talking about your services.

Consistency is what gets you rehired. Clients come back not just because of how much you love their pets, but because they know exactly what to expect from you every time.

A successful pet-sitting business comes down to three things: reliable care, clear communication, and systems that keep you organized. The admin side doesn’t have to eat up your time. 

With YouCanBookMe, pet owners can see your availability, reserve visits, and even send deposits upfront, so you spend less time on logistics and more time building trust with their furry family members.

👉 Create your free booking page today.

FAQ

What insurance do I need as a pet sitter?

Most sitters choose liability insurance, which protects you if a pet gets injured or damages property while under your care. Some policies also cover lost keys or vet bills. It’s a small cost that gives clients peace of mind and makes you look more professional.

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

Startup costs are low. Most sitters can get going with under $500. That covers basics like liability insurance, a few marketing materials, and maybe a simple website. Extras like pet first-aid training or branded clothing might push you closer to $1,000, but compared to other businesses, the barrier to entry is very small.

How do I find my first pet-sitting clients?

Most sitters land their first clients through personal networks: neighbors, friends, or coworkers. Once you have a couple of happy clients, ask for reviews and referrals. Pair that with a Google Business Profile and local Facebook group activity, and you’ll start building momentum. Offering a referral discount or a free first walk can also help you get early testimonials that snowball into steady bookings.