If you’ve wondered about how to start a pet sitting business, now may be a good time to take a leap. The pet industry has grown significantly, and demand for reliable pet care continues to rise. Pet families value a professional they can trust with their furry family member. If you can provide a valuable service, you could make this into a genuinely viable small business.
A pet sitting business has a low barrier to entry compared to most other service businesses. That said, it still requires more than just a love for playing tug-of-war and fetch.
There’s a legal aspect to consider before getting started. Starting a pet sitting business with a solid foundation means considering the legal process, insurance protection, and profitability considerations.
How to start a pet sitting business: step by step
Explore how to start pet sitting with these steps. They’re meant to give you a strong starting point to building a successful business.
Step 1: Define your services
Before doing anything else, determine what you’re actually going to do before you start a pet sitting service:
- Drop-in visits
- Dog walking business
- Overnight stays at your home or their home
- Pet boarding
- A combination of services
Think about the space and time commitments of each method. Narrow down your focus to make it easier to market your business and manage your offerings. If you don’t have the space for boarding right now or don’t have the required permits, consider a strategy where you pet-sit in the owner’s home.
Step 2: Set your rates
Research what other pet sitting businesses are already charging. Websites like Rover, Wag, and Google can help you find competitors in your area. Look at what they are offering and what helps one stand out from the other. You’ll need to price your services competitively to build reviews and referrals. As you grow and build a reputation, your prices can rise.
Think about putting a package of services together. You may want to have per-service fees or a bundle that includes all you offer. Think about offering services that keep you working with the family, such as a bundled service of daily walks or overnight visits every week.
Step 3: Set up the business properly
How do I start a pet sitting business? To answer this question, you have to dive into the legal process. That’s going to differ a bit based on your state, but the following steps are a necessary part of the process.
Choose a business structure
Most small businesses benefit from an LLC. It provides personal liability protection. And it looks more professional to your clients. Starting an LLC is a layer of protection your new business may need.
Get an EIN
An employer identification number, or EIN, becomes necessary once you hire employees, elect corporate or partnership tax treatment, or if your bank requires one to open a business account. Many solo pet sitters without employees can operate using their Social Security number instead, though getting an EIN early is still worth considering since it’s the way the IRS will recognize your business going forward.
Set up financials
You’ll need to keep your personal and business transactions separate. To do that, set up a business bank account. Make sure all of your expenses and payments go through your bank account. Then, pay yourself through that account.
Get licenses and permits
Many pet sitting businesses need a license to operate, depending on your city’s business codes. You’ll need to inquire about business permits. Both business permits and licenses ensure your business is operating within the requirements of the law.
Secure insurance
Your business needs insurance to protect assets and minimize risks. Small business insurance safeguards you from claims made against your company for mistakes, oversights, or accidents.
Tailor Brands can help with LLC formation, EINs, and the foundational business setup, so pet sitters can get started quickly and focus on building a client base.
Step 4: Build a client base
Roll up your sleeves and get to work building your customer base. Here’s how to do so:
- Start with your personal network. Ask friends, neighbors, and family. Build a reputation but also skill.
- Create profiles on pet service apps. Consumers go there when they need this type of service.
- Set up your Google Business Profile. That helps people searching on Google find your pet business.
Once you start booking appointments, encourage customers to leave you a review or referral, including on your Google Business Profile and any services they use. And, ask them to recommend you to their own family and friends.
Step 5: Create a service agreement
One of the legal forms you’ll need for your business is a written agreement. It’s an outline of what is expected from both parties. Your service agreement must include:
- What specific services you are providing at the dates and times you plan to serve them
- All fees associated with the service and any “extras” you are charging
- Clear definition of liability, including when you are and are not liable
- Pet care instructions outlined in detail
- Emergency protocols for pets including contact and how to get care
As one of the potentially most profitable small business ideas, you’ll need to make sure you start off with the right legal agreement. You’ll find pet sitting service agreements online for your state. Make sure to customize them.
Can you pet sit without a license?
In most states, there is no specific pet sitting license required to operate. Typically, you will need:
- A business license from the city or county to operate in the city
- A home occupation permit, if you are working out of your home, depending on city requirements
- Zoning compliance, based on local laws that may limit the number of animals within a residential property
- Additional permits if your state or county considers in-home boarding a kennel
Note that requirements vary significantly by state and city, checking with the local government before launching is essential.
Professional certifications
Most pet sitting businesses do not require having a professional certification. But it’s worth getting one to establish credibility in your business. There are two organizations that offer them: PSI and NAPPS. Look at their certification options and membership plans.
It’s always a good idea to have a basic pet first aid and CPR certification. That’s going to show customers you’re serious about providing quality service.
Pet sitting business insurance
Protect yourself from any risks. Small business insurance isn’t optional for a legitimate pet sitting business. You’ll need insurance to cover:
- Liability for injury to a client’s pet
- Damage to a client’s property
- Incidents that happen during care
Most clients will ask if you have insurance before booking. It’s often a competitive advantage for a new business.
Types of coverage to consider
- General liability: covers injury to pets or property damage in a client’s home.
- Care, custody, and control coverage: specifically covers animals in the sitter’s care. It’s not always included in standard general liability.
- Bonding: protects clients against theft or dishonest acts, often required for business permits.
- Workers’ compensation: required in most states if hiring employees
Small business insurance for a solo operator typically runs somewhere between $250 and $650 a year for general liability coverage, though basic policies can start lower depending on your coverage limits and location.
Is a pet sitting business profitable?
It’s a valid question, and one that all depends on what you provide, your area, and other factors. Here are some figures that may help you make a decision:
- Solo pet sitters typically charge $15–$30 per 30-minute visit; overnight stays run $50–$100+ depending on location and services.
- Most full-time pet sitters earn $30,000–$60,000 annually; top earners in high-demand markets earn more.
- Most new businesses can launch for under $500 and recover startup costs quickly.
However, that’s dependent on numerous factors, including the services you offer. Boarding tends to have a higher rate than drop-in visits, but you also have more overhead to manage. If you’re working alone, you’ll earn more, but building a team helps you expand the company to ultimately provide more services.
Profitability takes consistent effort and brand building. It’s so much more than just loving animals. You need to love a business. If you run it like a business from the start, that makes a big difference in profitability.
What ongoing pet sitting costs should you expect?
Every business has some costs that factor into the process. This is often locally based but includes:
- Insurance renewal: $250-$650/year
- Business license renewal: varies by location
- Supplies: leashes, poop bags, treats, first aid kit
- Pet sitting software (useful as client count grows): typically, $25–$50/month
- Marketing: website hosting, occasional paid promotion
The good news is that overhead stays low compared to most businesses. That’s one reason pet sitting is an attractive business model.
How to start a pet sitting business with no money
Starting with truly zero money isn’t realistic, but the barrier in pet sitting is much lower than most service businesses. Minimal startup costs are still likely to include around $500 for business registration, insurance, and basic supplies. You don’t need a storefront or inventory, and you don’t have to start with a staff.
You can keep costs even lower by starting with friends and family to build a client base. Then use platforms like Rover and Wag to build a better client experience. There are no upfront costs. Instead, they take a commission. They save you money in marketing early on in the process.
You can put off some non-essentials to keep costs low, including a professional website, branded materials, and software. Don’t skip insurance to save money. It takes just one incident to create a costly, business-ending outcome.
Conclusion
Pet sitting can be a viable small business with low startup costs. There’s certainly demand for qualified professionals. With the right skills and knowledge, and a few foundational steps in place, a full-time income is possible.
Just remember, start with the foundation that makes a difference, including insurance, structuring your business, and creating a solid service agreement. That protects the business and builds client trust.