Being a pet sitter can be a fun job. Like all small work activities, it needs dedication, but if you love dogs and can't wait to start, these tips can help you!
Steps
Step 1. Decide what your service name should be
If you think you can expand the business in the future to add more pet services, don't put "dog walks" in your name. Make sure you include the services you offer in the name. For example, it can be "Dog Walks with Anna" for walks only or "Anna's Pet Care" for all kinds of pet care you might want to add.
Step 2. Legalize your business
Register your business in the Register of Companies. You don't need a license, but you still need to let the state know that you have a business.
Step 3. Get insurance
This is very important. You never know if you will be bitten or if the dog will bite someone or you could lose control of the leash causing the dog to run away. Insurance is not expensive, get a quote. They cover both pet sitters and dog walkers.
Step 4. Fix the bureaucracy
Make sure you sign an assignment letter and get information about the animal, so you know what the dog likes or dislikes and how to take care of it. You can find the typical letters of engagement on the internet.
Step 5. Work on finding customers
This is the hardest and most time-consuming part when starting this type of business. Here are some tips on how to do it:
- Make posters or flyers and leave them everywhere.
- Get business cards made and ask if you can leave them at pet stores or veterinarians.
- Ask a veterinarian to recommend you to his clients.
- Above all, make a website!
- There are pet sitter websites that do all this for you, even giving you insurance and putting you in touch with customers.
Step 6. Once you've done all of this, you should be ready to make money
Advice
- Stock up on poop bags, as you'll need to clean up.
- Start with a low price, and increase it as the business starts. Be sure to make additions, though.
- Before investing in your business, make sure you know how to walk dogs and be seen doing it and interacting with other animals.
- Buy some good clothes to walk around and put your business name on it.
- Get some great walking shoes. It is an excellent investment, as you will be walking several hours a day. It's best if you don't tire your feet.
- Get good leashes if the customer's doesn't fit.
- Above all, have fun!
- Carry other items such as brushes, toys, treats, extra plastic bags.
- Some breeds are difficult to carry around. Make sure you include any stingrays you don't walk around in your posters and business cards.
Warnings
- Make sure you know the behavior of the dog and the breed.
- If you walk several dogs together, be sure to test their compatibility.
- Also make sure you are not allergic to the animals you care for. You don't want to sneeze the entire time of the walk. So if you're allergic, don't walk that dog.
