How to Start a Pet Sitting Business
in 2026
📅 Last updated: March 07, 2026
Pet sitting is one of the most flexible and enjoyable businesses to run. Pet owners treat their animals like family and pay well for trustworthy sitters. Low startup costs, high demand, and loyal recurring clients make this an excellent first business.
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Bizzby gives you a full AI team - marketing, sales, bookings, invoicing, client management - for $199/mo. One human VA costs $3,000-$4,000/mo and does a fraction of the work.
Here is the complete playbook to get from idea to first paying client.
Define Your Services
Pet sitting businesses can offer a range of services beyond basic pet care visits.
- In-home visits - 30-60 minute visits at the client's home. Feeding, playtime, potty breaks. $20-$35 per visit.
- Overnight house sitting - You sleep at the client's home. Premium service for anxious pets. $60-$100/night.
- Board and care (your home) - Pet stays at your home. $40-$80/night. High demand during holidays.
- Drop-in visits - Quick 15-minute check-ins. $15-$20. Great for cat owners and lower-demand pets.
- Dog walking add-on - Add walks to sitting visits for extra revenue. $20-$30 per walk.
- Pet taxi - Transport pets to vet, groomer, or daycare. $20-$40 per trip.
Get Insured and Set Up Legally
Pet care insurance is the most important step before your first paid visit.
- Pet care liability insurance - Covers you if a pet is injured, escapes, or causes property damage. $150-$400/year.
- LLC registration - Protects personal assets. Fees vary by state.
- Business license - Check local requirements.
- Pet first aid certification - Not required, but clients appreciate it. Online courses available.
- Client service agreement - Covers emergency vet authorization, cancellation policy, and your liability limitations.
Set Your Pricing
Research local market rates before setting prices. Urban areas command higher rates than suburban markets.
- 30-minute in-home visit: $20-$35.
- 60-minute visit: $30-$50.
- Overnight house sitting: $60-$100/night.
- Board and care (your home): $40-$80/night per pet.
- Holiday surcharge: 25-50% extra for Thanksgiving, Christmas, July 4th. You deserve it.
Build Your Client Base
Pet owners are intensely loyal to sitters they trust. Land great first clients and referrals take over.
- Pet care platforms - Create profiles on pet booking sites. Fast way to get first clients. Transition to independent over time.
- Local Facebook pet groups - Introduce yourself. Post when you have availability. Respond to every "need a sitter" post.
- Vet offices - Leave business cards. Vets are the most trusted referral source for pet owners.
- Nextdoor - Introduce yourself as a local pet sitter. Pet owners in your neighborhood are ideal clients.
- Photos of happy pets - Send owners photos and updates during every visit. This single habit generates more referrals than any marketing.
Scale Your Business
Solo pet sitting has limits. Here is how to grow income without burning out.
- Add dog walking services - Natural complement. More revenue from existing clients.
- Board and care - Multiple pets at your home during holidays can earn $200-$400/night.
- Hire additional sitters - Carefully vet and train independent sitters under your brand.
- Subscription packages - Monthly visit packages create predictable recurring revenue.
Peak holiday periods (Thanksgiving, Christmas, July 4th) can earn 3-5x your normal weekly income. Plan capacity carefully and charge holiday rates without guilt.
Bizzby scales your marketing and manages client communication as you growHere is what you need to budget to get started professionally.
| Item | Budget Start | Professional Setup |
|---|---|---|
| Pet care liability insurance | $150 | $400 |
| Business registration | varies by state | varies by state |
| Pet first aid certification | $0 | $100 |
| Pet supplies (leashes, treats, poop bags) | $30 | $100 |
| Website or platform profile | $0 | $200 |
| Marketing (cards, flyers) | $50 | $200 |
| Business operations (Bizzby) | $199/mo (Starter) | $499/mo (Scale) |
| Total | ~$500 | ~$2,000 |
Income grows with experience, reputation, and smart scaling decisions.
Research your local market and price competitively for your skill level and experience.
Execute this plan and you will have paying clients within your first month.
Week 1-2: Foundation
- Get pet care liability insurance
- Register LLC and get EIN
- Create client service agreement and waiver
- Set your services menu and pricing
- Create platform profiles
- Get pet first aid certification (optional)
- Stock basic pet supplies
Week 3-4: Launch
- Offer 3-5 free or discounted visits to neighbors
- Post intro on Nextdoor and Facebook pet groups
- Leave cards at 3 local vet offices
- Send photo updates during every visit
- Ask first clients for Google reviews
- Set up referral program
- Book your first 5 regular clients 🎉
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