How to Land Pet Sitting Jobs

Even in a tough economy, pet lovers do not skimp on getting quality care for their beloved furry or feathered family member. If you love animals and have a flexible schedule, you can earn a good income in the growing pet services industry. Follow these simple steps and enjoy your new clients.

Things You'll Need

• Great references from family and friends who can talk about your love of animals.
• Cell phone and email address to keep in touch with pet parents (a nervous bunch).
• Toys and treats to endear you to the canines and felines who will be entrusted in your care.

Instructions

1. Prepare a resume or at least a summary of your pet care philosophy. List all the animal behavior classes you took, pets you cared for during your life and training you received -- either volunteer or paid. Take photos with you and some pets to present to prospective clients.

2. Advertise your skills by posting your credentials on popular pet sitting web site, such as sittercity.com or care.com, and in your local community center, parks and vet offices. Talk to pet owners in your area to spread the word that you are available for pet services.

3. Once a client contacts you, plan an initial meeting and be very clear about your skills. This meeting will give you a sense of the animal's personality and traits, as well as the owner's expectations for walking, feeding and overnight care

4. Lastly, determine an emergency plan and discuss it with the client to protect yourself if the unexpected happens when the pet is in your care.

Tips & Warnings

• Be flexible with your rates, but do not short change yourself. Sometimes the job is tougher than expected.

• Bring an extra pair of gloves (for pet wrangling) and wear comfortable clothing.

• Always be on your guard. Even the most pleasant pet can grow agitated and fearful and bite.

• Never take a pet off leash unless you are absolutely sure they will respond to your voice commands.