Handbook / Business ideas, examined closely

How to start a pet sitting business: services, rules and insurance

Pet sitting means caring for animals while their owners are away, usually in the client's home. It suits animal lovers with flexible schedules, needs little equipment and builds loyal repeat clients. Because you hold keys and care for much-loved animals, trust and preparation are the core of the business.

Choose your services

Common services include:

• drop-in visits for feeding, water, litter and companionship
• dog walks during visits
• overnight stays in the client's home
• medication for pets that need it, if you are confident and trained
• care for cats, small animals, birds or fish
• plant watering and mail collection as add-ons

Decide which animals you will care for and set a service area that keeps travel manageable. Caring for animals in your own home is boarding, which may need extra permits; check local rules before offering it.

Meet-and-greets

Before the first booking, visit the client and pet. Use the meeting to:

• see how the pet behaves with you
• learn routines, feeding amounts and quirks
• note the vet's details and any medical needs
• walk through the home, alarm, and where supplies are kept
• test keys or entry codes

If a pet seems aggressive or needs care you cannot provide, it is fine to decline.

Paperwork

Have every client sign a service agreement and complete a pet information form. Include:

• services, dates and fees
• cancellation and late booking terms
• emergency contacts and vet authorisation, including who pays for treatment
• key handling and return
• what happens if the client's travel is delayed

The guide to client onboarding shows how to make this a smooth routine.

Keys and home security

Label keys with a code, not the client's address. Store them securely, keep a log of who holds which key, and return or securely store them when service ends. Follow the client's instructions for alarms and locks exactly.

Emergency plan

Know the nearest emergency vet for each client's home. Keep a basic pet first aid kit, and consider a pet first aid course. Arrange a trusted backup sitter in case you are ill.

Licensing and registration

Register your business and get any required local business license; see do I need a business license?.

Insurance and bonding

Ask an agent about:

• Liability insurance that covers injury to pets or people and damage in clients' homes. Check whether animals in your care are covered, as some general policies exclude them. See general liability insurance.
• Bonding: some pet sitters carry a bond issued by a surety company as an extra assurance to clients. Ask exactly what a bond covers and how claims work before you advertise it.
• Commercial auto if you transport pets.

Pricing

Price per visit, per overnight stay and per additional pet. Consider charges for:

• holidays and peak periods
• last-minute bookings
• medication or special care
• longer travel distances

Make sure each visit price covers travel time and costs, not just time with the pet.

Finding clients

• create a Google Business Profile
• leave cards with vets, groomers and pet shops
• post in local community groups
• ask happy clients for reviews and referrals
• send photo updates during visits, which clients often share

Busy seasons

Holidays and summer bring the most bookings. Open your calendar early, set booking deadlines and avoid overcommitting; quality care matters more than volume.

Communication during bookings

Clients who are away want reassurance. Send a short update after each visit, with a photo and a note on feeding, walks and anything unusual. Agree in advance how quickly you will contact them if there is a problem and who to call if they cannot be reached. Consistent updates turn first-time clients into regulars.

Look after yourself

Pet sitting can mean long days, early starts and busy holidays. Build in rest days, keep a reliable backup and avoid booking more visits than you can do without rushing. Tired sitters make mistakes.

Records

Keep a simple log of each visit, with times, notes and any medication given. It helps clients, protects you if questions arise and supports your bookkeeping.

Review the log at the end of each booking and send any notes the owner will need.

Choose your services and area, meet every pet first, use signed agreements and pet forms, secure keys, plan for emergencies, get insurance that covers animals in your care, price for travel and peaks, and grow through trust and reviews.