Every pet owner wants their pet to be in good hands while they’re on vacation. And some pet owners just don’t have time to walk or play with their pets as much as they should. That’s where you come in; skilled and caring pet sitter/walker extraordinaire.

Get Started

Pet sitting is a lot like babysitting; most people won’t let you in the door if you don’t have any experience. Make this your first priority. Volunteer at a pet shelter, ask a neighbor if you can play with their pet every week, or volunteer to teach a pet care lesson at a pre-school in your area.

Look it up

It’s also great if you know about certain types of dogs and cats and how they normally behave. This will impress people and you’ll know what to do in a sticky situation. This is especially important if you are walking many dogs at once. You don’t want any fights.

Spread The Word

Once you have some experience caring for animals (besides your own pet/s), start marketing yourself around town. You can make up a name for your service, like “Best Pet Care There” or advertise just by using your name. Whatever you decide, create some colorful posters and flyers for your service. Include:

• Your name and experience
• An email address and/or telephone number
• The rate you charge (this can be donated to a local shelter that needs help)
• Hours you’re available
• What area/s you serve
• Photos of animals (animal lovers always stop to look at things with animals on them)

Hand these flyers out on a busy street nearby and post some signs in parks, where people walk their dogs, and in local pet stores…just ask first.

Be Honest

If something happens to a pet while you are watching it, always tell the pet owner about it. Sometimes accidents can’t be prevented and most owners would want to know if little Fluffy ate a piece of chocolate you accidentally left out.

List of No-No Foods for Pets

You should know about these foods so you can make sure you give Sneaky the Puggle a treat that won’t hurt him. Do not feed your dog or cat the following:

• Alcoholic beverages
• Chocolate
• Coffee
• Grapes & raisins
• Moldy or spoiled food
• Onions, garlic & chives
• Poultry bones
• Salt & salty foods
• Tomato leaves, stems & unripe fruit
• Yeast dough

Rate my service

This is great for you and your customers. Create a rating card that pet owners can quickly fill out after you have done your job. This will help you perfect your skills and will show your customers how serious you are about the service you are providing.

Last but not least

If you are pet sitting, always make sure you clean up after yourself AND the pet. Leave the home exactly as you found it and if Sparky brings mud in after a walk, clean that up too. It shows that you are considerate and professional.