Two-thirds of American households have pets, and a third have multiple furry friends. Pretty much everyone views their pets as a family member, which means we’re hesitant to leave them alone.
However, life calls for some circumstances where we must travel solo, such as when we go on business trips or vacations. When this happens, we want to leave them in the best hands possible, so fantastic pet sitters are definitely in demand.
Do you have an affinity towards animals and would love to care for others’ pets? Then learn here how to start a pet-sitting business. We’ll get you set up for success!
Research the Industry
We’ve just said that pet sitters are in demand, but that’s not enough information for you to build a business off of. To really succeed, you have to understand the local market.
Looking into the demand for pet-sitting services in your area. See if there’s a niche you can fill, such as caring for specific types of pets, overnight stays, or pet transport.
It can be helpful to check out other pet-sitting businesses around you. This can help you understand their services, pricing, and customer feedback.
Develop a Business Plan
Unfortunately, running a pet sitter business isn’t as easy as receiving the pets and then sitting around with them. There are many small moving parts that you need to get right to avoid failure. So take some time at the start to develop a thorough business plan, as this can give you a goal to aim for.
First, define your services. Some you can consider include:
- In-home visits
- Dog walking
- Pet transportation
- Overnight stays
- Specialized care for certain animals
Now that you have an idea of what services you’ll offer, you can move on to the pricing structure. You can base yours on the research you did earlier; decide whether you’ll charge by the hour, visit, or service package.
Lastly, you’ll identify your ideal customer base. Some people will serve busy professionals, while others will target frequent travelers or senior citizens.
Register Your Business
Have you already come up with a business name? Good!
Then the next step is to check if it’s available, and then register it. To do that, you’ll want to pick a business structure too, such as sole proprietorship, limited liability company (LLC), or corporation. You’ll see lots of entrepreneurs choose an LLC structure since it has several benefits, so you might want to follow in their footsteps.
You don’t have to do this on your own though. Not only can you consult with our professionals, but you can also use our handy and free business registration service. You’ll only have to pay the state fee.
Get the Necessary Licenses and Permits
Depending on the state you live in, you may need to get a license as a pet sitter. In any case, it’s beneficial to get a pet-sitter certification since it proves that you’re someone who’s qualified and knowledgeable.
In general, you’ll probably need a general business license. If you’re running the business from your home, then you might need a home occupation permit too.
In some cases, you’ll also have zoning restrictions or neighborhood restrictions that might affect your ability to run a home-based pet-sitting business. So check with the local government to clarify everything before proceeding.
In addition, are you planning on boarding animals on your property? Then you may have to get a kennel license. Be aware that there are often certain requirements regarding the number of animals you can house and the conditions for their care.
Some locations may also require a health department inspection or approval if you’re running a pet care business.
Get Insured and Bonded
Anything can happen while people’s pets are under your care, even if you’re the most responsible person around. While you might not be required to have pet care insurance, it’s a smart decision to get it.
Liability insurance will cover any accidents or injuries that may happen while animals are in your care. This can protect your company from lawsuits if a pet gets injured or causes damage.
Being bonded gives you an extra layer of protection. If there’s theft or property damage while you’re in their home, then this covers you. Many clients prefer working with bonded professionals for peace of mind, so it’s worth paying extra for.
Take Care of Tax Registration
Those working on their own won’t need an employer identification number (EIN). However, if you’re planning on opening a business bank account, you’ll need one then. This is like a business Social Security Number you’ll use for tax purposes.
In some states, you might need a sales tax permit. Check with your state’s tax office for specific requirements.
Set Up Your Operations
To make it easy for potential clients to find you, create a website and have a social media presence. On your site, you should highlight your services, rates, and client testimonials if you have any.
Also, try to choose a simple system to manage bookings and payments. There are many pet-sitting apps and platforms that can help streamline this process, so feel free to explore them and choose the one best for you.
Market Your Pet-Sitting Company
After branding your company, you should get the word out. Partner with local veterinarians, groomers, and pet stores to do so.
Plus, you should distribute flyers and brochures with the above, as well as dog parks. You can also join local online communities to promote your services.
To encourage people to try your services out, offer an introductory discount. You’d be surprised at how many clients this can attract!
That’s How to Start a Pet-Sitting Business
If you’ve always loved animals and were wondering how to start a pet-sitting business, you now know the basics.
It’s not too much work, especially if you’re already passionate about pets. With a little research and planning, you’ll be able to create a company where you’ll get paid to spend time with adorable creatures.
Sign up with Business Anywhere now to utilize our free business registration service. We can also provide you with a virtual mailbox and registered agent services.
