A Pet sitting business is perfect for people who love animals and want to have their own business. It is one of the easiest businesses to start and no training is required. All you need is the time to play and exercise the animal, and since you will be working from home, this will not be a problem.

Many more people are treating their beloved pets like one of the family. Because of this, pet sitting services are taking the place of boarding kennels. The client feels less guilty and/or more relaxed knowing their pet is in a loving home. They know the pet will receive individual attention and be free to roam and not locked in a crate all day.

One of the best parts of starting a pet sitting service is that there are very little upfront costs. If you will be checking on the animal, several times a day, in its own home, there is even less cost. This is one reason why this business is easy to start.

If you are providing in home pet sitting, you have to ensure your yard is secure, you have plenty of toys and maybe a carpet cleaner, and that is it. Although I would recommend something for accounting purposes too, whether it is a computer or notebook. Use what is comfortable to you.

Pricing is one of the main things that you will need to consider before pet sitting for profit. You should contact the National Pet Sitters Registry and several local competitors. Find out what they offer and what they charge for their services. This will also help you to decide exactly what pet sitting services you will provide. Maybe you love dogs, but not cats. Now is the time to determine the types of animals you are willing to provide pet sitting services.

Some of the best ways to get your pet sitting business known is to let local veterinarian offices, and pet stores know about your services. Prepare flyers and/or posters for them to display, or leave business cards for them to give to their clients. Create a press release and submit it to local newspapers and radio stations. Of course, you should always remind your clients to refer their friends to your pet sitting service.

You could also mail announcements to corporations and travel agencies that are located close to your home. Many executives have to travel and people go on vacations. They may not like to think of their pet in a kennel. They want in home pet sitting. Since that is what you offer, let them know more about you and your services.

You should also check with your local, county, and State governments regarding any zoning regulations to which you must comply. Check with your insurance company about liability insurance too. Although you may never need it, you should get it to protect yourself, your family, friends, your home, your clients and their pets.

To keep up with pet grooming industry trends, you should subscribe to industry magazines, check out current books and web sites. You also need to register with the National Pet Sitting Registry. This lets your clients know that you have a professional pet sitting business.

The person providing the pet sitting services should meet the clients and their pet prior to the start of the service. Ask questions about the pet and write the answers down. This puts new clients at ease about using your pet sitting service. Always try to remember returning animals. Make a file for each so that you can have their information at your fingertips.

Now that you know how to start a pet sitting business, relax. Have fun with your animal friends and enjoy the extra time you get to spend with your family and friends. A pet sitting business is one the few family-friendly careers left. What are you waiting for? Get started now.

Books & Reference Material

Opportunities in Animal and Pet Care Careers (Paperback) by Mary Price Lee, Richard Lee

How to Start a Home-Based Pet Care Business (Home-Based Business Series) (Paperback) by Kathy Salzberg

The Professional Pet Sitter: Your Guide to Starting and Operating a Successful Service Edition 2005 Newly-Revised Includes Business Forms (Paperback) by Lori Mangold, Scott Mangold

Pet Sitting for Profit: A Complete Manual for Professional Success (Howell Reference Books) (Paperback) by Patti J. Moran

Start Your Own Pet Sitting Business (The Startup Series) (Paperback) by Cheryl Kimball

Start Your Own Professional Pet-Sitting Service + FORMS (CD-ROM) by David A. Grass

© Copyright Randy Wilson, All Rights Reserved.

About the Author
Randy has dozens of home based business articles such as Become a Mystery Shopper, Vitamin Business and Build a Medical Billing Business.