How to Start a Pet Sitting Business: Services, Pricing, Insurance and Clients
How to start a pet sitting or dog sitting business
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To start a pet sitting business, choose your services (drop-in visits, overnights, dog walking, cat sitting), register the business, get pet sitting insurance and bonding, set clear prices and a contract, then find clients through Google, neighbourhood groups, vets and groomers, and pet sitting apps. Startup costs are low, often under $1,000.
Step 1: Choose your services
| Service | What it is |
|---|---|
| Drop-in visits | 20–60 minutes: feeding, potty, play, litter |
| Overnight sitting | Staying at the client's home |
| Dog walking | Daily walks while owners work |
| Cat sitting | Visits for cats, often longer trips |
| Boarding in your home | Check local zoning and rules first |
| Extras | Medication, plant watering, mail, pet taxi |
Step 2: Register the business
LLC or sole proprietorship, EIN, business bank account and a local business license if required.
Step 3: Get insured and bonded
Pet sitting insurance covers injury to pets and damage to client homes. Bonding protects clients against theft. Both build trust.
Step 4: Get some training
Pet first aid and CPR certification, plus experience with different breeds, cats and medications. Professional pet sitter associations offer courses.
Step 5: Set your prices
| Service | Common pricing |
|---|---|
| 30-minute drop-in | Per visit |
| Overnight | Per night |
| Extra pets | Small add-on per pet |
| Holidays | Surcharge |
| Last-minute bookings | Surcharge |
Check local competitors and app prices.
Step 6: Contracts and meet-and-greets
Always meet the pet and owner first. Use a service agreement, a pet info form (vet, food, meds, emergency contact) and a key handling policy.
Step 7: Find clients
- Google Business Profile and reviews
- A website with online booking
- Neighbourhood apps and local Facebook groups
- Vets, groomers, pet stores and dog trainers
- Pet sitting apps to start, then move clients to direct bookings
- Referrals from happy clients
Step 8: Use booking software
Pet sitting software handles schedules, visit reports with photos, invoices and payments.
Related: How to start a dog walking business, How much can a pet sitter make? and How to be a pet sitter.
Frequently asked questions
How do I start a pet sitting business?
Choose services, register, get insured and bonded, set prices, and market to local pet owners.
Do I need a license to pet sit?
Usually just a general business license; home boarding may need extra permits.
How much does it cost to start a pet sitting business?
Often under $1,000 for registration, insurance and a simple website.
Should I use pet sitting apps?
They're a good way to get first clients, but they take a cut, so build direct clients too.
How do I start a dog sitting business?
Same steps, focused on dogs: walks, drop-ins and overnights.
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Start a conversationWritten by Sachin Rawat
AI & automation engineer · websites, apps and motion design
I build AI agents, automations, websites, apps and motion design for businesses. These guides answer the questions people actually search, written from hands-on experience building them.
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