How to Become a Pet Sitter

To become a pet sitter, one has to have a love for animals. Pet sitting can be rewarding if the pets are happy. Pet sitters usually stay in the home or visit during assigned periods throughout the day. Some pets will be more demanding and learning more about different types of pets is important. Taking a few steps towards becoming a pet sitter is easy to do as long as one knows everything about the animal in their care.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Insurance
• Love of all animals
• Business cards

Becoming a Pet Sitter

1. Pet sitters need to have insurance that covers any mishaps that may happen while the animal is in their care. The insurance will require that the pet sitter is bonded if they do in house sitting. Some states and communities do require a license, but this is more for small businesses that have employees.

2. Spend time at an animal shelter to learn about the different pets that people might have to take care of. The more experience a person has with all different types of animals will help. Only pet sit for animals that are easy to care for and not ones that will require more of your attention than what you have available.

3. Hand out business cards to people at vet offices and dog parks to find business. Spread the word through postings at grocery stores and pet stores.

4. Becoming a pet sitter means having a love for all animals. Not all animals are going to be friendly and special precautions may be needed before taking care of the animals.

5. Talk to potential client while the pets are in the room. The more information about the pets a person has will allow the pet sitter to care for them properly. Make a checklist of everything the owner says about the pet and follow their directions.

Tips & Warnings

• Read up about the pet breed before taking a job.
• Always keep the pets at home where they belong and do not take to places that are not approved by the owner.

[petsittingology]

on 7/21/2009 Hi Grimsley,

To answer your question, my bonding certificate runs about $200 per year, and is supplied by the same company that provides my insurance. I cover all this on http://petsittingology.com

-Joshua

[grimsleygl]

on 3/13/2009 Thanks for the information. Still trying to get an idea of what it costs a single person to get bonded in order to begin pet sitting though. But, I needed your info. as well. 5*'s and a recommend.