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\nAs more people are going back to work, traveling for work or going on vacations again, someone needs to watch their dogs so they aren’t alone\u2014and lonely. If you love animals and are looking for a way to earn some extra moolah, dog sitting could be your calling.<\/p>\n
But most pet owners won\u2019t let just anyone care for their four-legged children. Here\u2019s how to become an \u201cofficial\u201d dog sitter.<\/p>\n
The first step in your new business venture should be a pet-sitting course. By adding this certification to your resume, you add an extra layer of credibility and trust to your business. Courses typically walk you through a pet\u2019s dietary needs, first aid and sometimes even disaster planning, so you\u2019re prepared for anything that comes your way. Udemy<\/a>, Pet Sitters International<\/a>, and the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters<\/a> are just a few organizations with courses to explore.<\/p>\n Next, you\u2019ll want to map out your business game plan. Here\u2019s a checklist to keep you moving in the right direction!<\/p>\n 1. Create a list of services you provide.<\/strong><\/p>\n The basics include:<\/p>\n 2. Jot down qualifications and past pet-sitting experiences. <\/strong>Whether you\u2019ve been watching friends\u2019 pets for years or you have experience with special-needs animals, it\u2019s relevant to your potential customers.<\/p>\n 3. Map out how much you want to charge. <\/strong>The average rate for a pet sitter is between $12.50 and $17.25 an hour<\/a>. When outlining your prices, be sure to factor in the number of animals you\u2019ll be caring for and if you offer overnight care as an option.<\/p>\n 4. Market your professional dog-sitting business. <\/strong>After completing steps 1\u20133, you\u2019re ready to create a website for marketing your critter care. A website provides potential customers with an outline of your business, your contact information and a way to book everything with ease. You can create your own website for free or for a small monthly fee on sites like WordPress,<\/a> Blogger<\/a>, Wix<\/a> or Squarespace<\/a>.<\/p>\n 5. Make reviews prominent. <\/strong>When creating your website, leave an area where customers can leave reviews. Also, engaging with those who leave reviews is a great way to continue building relationships. Even if it\u2019s a simple, \u201cThank you!\u201d<\/p>\n 6. Create a profile on pet sitting websites. <\/strong>By uploading your information, these dog sitter seeking individuals will know how to reach out and request your care. Rover<\/a>, Sittercity<\/a> and Petsitter<\/a> are popular choices to get you started.<\/p>\n 7. Stand out with your own business cards. <\/strong>You never know who you\u2019ll run into out and about. When someone says they could use a dog sitter, provide them with a business card to check out your services and book a pet sitting session.<\/p>\n 8. Be prepared to pencil in those upcoming pet-sitting adventures. <\/strong>Purchase a planner or calendar to keep all your appointments straight. It\u2019s key to any successful business to stay organized and on top of things.<\/p>\n 9. Schedule a visit with the owner and their pet. <\/strong>You\u2019ll want to meet with the owner to make sure you gather all the dog\u2019s info, such as feeding schedule, medicine, special instructions, and so forth. In the process, this will help the pet get to know you alongside someone they already trust.<\/p>\n 10. Bonus tip!<\/strong> Consider joining a pet sitting organization to boost your reliability and add to your networking opportunities. Two well-known organizations are Pet Sitters International<\/a> and the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters<\/a>.<\/p>\n Finished with the list? It\u2019s time for your #DogSitterSummer!<\/p>\n\n
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