Getting started as a pet sitter could be very simple. Here are some steps:
- To start with, you’ll need to decide if this really is a enterprise that you want to pursue. Although starting the business is simple, keeping the business going is another matter altogether. The first question you need to ask yourself is, "Do I really love animals?" If you are contemplating pet sitting just because you assume it will likely be a straightforward job, then it isn't right for you. You should take pleasure in spending time with animals and have at the least some experience in being around them. Whereas most pet sitting jobs involve dogs and cats, you may sometimes be requested to care for rabbits, birds or reptiles. Do you feel comfortable with these pets?
- Get a legal name for your business. A business license doesn’t cost much and gives you an advantage when getting new clients. You’ll additionally have the ability to benefit from many tax write-offs, including business supplies and your costs for mileage to and from client' homes. You will also look more professional if you have a legal business name.
- Get the necessary business and marketing materials such as business cards and an appointment book to keep track of your assignments. Unlike other work from home businesses, the start up requirements for pet sitting are relatively not much.
- Decide what pet sitting services you will offer and how much you will charge. Spy on the competition and find out the going charge for pet sitting services in your area. Try to keep your prices in close range, specially if you're starting. Offering lower prices might appear to be a a good strategy to beat the competition, but it might make your service appear less valuable to potential clients. Put your price list on marketing materials that you send out.
Getting clients
Getting new clients to your pet sitting business could be the most difficult aspect of your startup business, just because of the fact that you are new and pet owners have not heard of you or your business. But with more effort, you could put your name out and start getting leads and interest. The best way to get clients and jobs is by word of mouth. You might have to start offering your services to neighbors and friends. If you give good service, they will tell their friends, neighbors and relatives about you, and you will start getting calls.
Promoting your start up pet sitting business
As with any startup, you might have to offer free and low-priced promotions to get your first few clients. The important thing is to make a connection with pet owners. At this stage, you are not thinking of making profits, but building relationships. You have to get the word out and introduce yourself. You can distribute your cards at local pet retailers, or put up a flyer on their bulletin boards. Offer coupons and discounts to their customers, so get a value from your promotions. Ask your vet if they would put a few of your business cards on their reception desk, or recommend you to other pet owners. In return, you can offer to refer new clients to them. Also consider paid advertising in local newspapers and magazines.
Great Customer Service: Keeping your clients and their pets satisfied
Just as important as getting new clients is keeping them clients for life. Once you have clients calling you for pet sitting appointments, make sure to give them the best customer service. Here are a few ways:
- Return calls and answer emails within the same day, if possible. You don't want to be seen as unresponsive and hard to reach
- Always arrive on time and ready to watch their pets.
- Respect their home and their property, and their privacy. Do not enter areas of their house that you're not supposed to. Treat their home with care as you would treat yours.
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