Do I Need to Be Licensed to Be a Pet Sitter?
If you love animals, pet sitting may be the business opportunity you've been looking for. Getting started requires determination and creativity, but the only up front expenses are insurance, business cards, brochures and a web site. Full-time pet sitters who are trustworthy, reliable, take excellent care of their clients' animals and offer stellar customer service can earn about $60,000 a year.
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Permit/Business License
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Many jurisdictions require pet-sitting services to have a permit or business license, like they would for any other business. Your local and state governments can tell you whether you need a business permit and how much it costs.
Special License Not Required
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Anyone with an interest in animals can become a pet sitter. No courses are required, and there is no competency-based license for pet sitters.
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Accreditation/Certification
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The National Association of Professional Pet Sitters, Pet Sitters International and the Association of Pet Sitting Excellence all offer home study programs that lead to certification for pet sitters. Although certification is not required, it demonstrates that you're a professional committed to providing excellent service and sets you apart from people who pet sit just as a hobby.
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References
- Pet Sitter Boot Camp: Frequently Asked Questions
- Petsit USA: "Licensed, Insured, and Bonded" Pet Sitters
- The World of Professional Pet Sitting: Licensed--What Does it Mean?
- National Association of Professional Pet Sitters: NAPPS Online Certification Program
- Pet Sitters International: Accreditation - Certification Program for Pet Sitters
Resources
- Photo Credit young girl with a cat image by Frenk_Danielle Kaufmann from Fotolia.com
