How To Develop into a Pet Sitter in 2023 (5 Easy Steps)

Do you wish to get free lodging in your subsequent trip? Or are you searching for methods to make additional money? Maybe you’re a digital nomad in search of methods to scale back housing prices. In that case, it’s time to learn to turn into a pet sitter.

Pet sitting permits you to receives a commission (in cash or lodging) in change for taking good care of lovely animals. It’s really a win-win state of affairs. With loads of gigs obtainable globally, pet sitting is a good way to journey.

I’ve pet sat around the globe; I spent every week taking care of a Husky combine in Glasgow, a month and a half with a Frenchie in Tokyo, just a few weeks with a rescue cat in Brussels, and weeks with a Saluki in Kobe. It’s by far my favourite option to journey.

On this article, I’ll share the necessities to turn into a pet sitter, how you will discover work, how a lot pet sitters receives a commission, and extra.

What’s a Pet Sitter?

Firstly, earlier than we get into the best way to turn into a pet sitter, you could be questioning what a pet sitter is, and what the distinction is between a pet sitter and a home sitter.

Pet sitters take care of somebody’s pet whereas they’re away. This normally entails staying on the pet proprietor’s house, however this isn’t at all times the case; it will possibly additionally embody dropping in to test on the pets, enjoying with them, checking the cat litter, or strolling the canine.

Pet sitting may also embody letting the animals keep at your personal house, however this requires a safe and secure set-up. Whatever the particulars, pet sitter duties usually contain offering the animals with security, meals, water, affection, and playtime.

In distinction, home sitters take care of somebody’s house whereas they’re away; this nearly at all times entails staying on the property. Their duties can embody taking good care of a pet, however it additionally consists of watering the vegetation, retaining issues clear, and taking care of the backyard.

I’ve expertise with each home sitting with a pet and pet sitting solely (the place I dropped in to test on an animal). Each sorts of jobs have execs and cons however the primary distinction is that though you get free lodging with home sitting, you’re extra more likely to receives a commission as a pet sitter.

Now that we’ve established what pet sitters and home sitters are, let’s get into how one can begin pet sitting.

Necessities to Develop into a Pet Sitter

In the event you’re questioning the best way to turn into a pet sitter with no diploma, you could be asking what certifications, programs, or expertise you want to be able to be up for the job.

Fortunately, most purchasers don’t require you to have any official pet sitting certifications or programs, nevertheless, there are some experiences and traits which can be important for thriving as a pet sitter, together with:

Expertise with Animal Care: To be able to safe pet sitting gigs, you could emphasize your previous experiences with pet care. This consists of feeding, strolling, cleansing, grooming, and enjoying with pets. In the event you’ve by no means owned any pets earlier than, you may achieve some worthwhile expertise by pet sitting on your pals or volunteering at a neighborhood veterinary clinic.

A Love for Animals: In the event you’re right here to be taught to be a pet sitter, I think about you have already got a powerful love for animals! Pet homeowners like to see their pet sitters have a transparent and apparent affection for his or her beloved animals.

Accountable and Reliable: One of the crucial necessary traits that pet homeowners are searching for of their pet sitters is duty. They’re leaving their treasured animals and residential within the care of a stranger, they usually want to have the ability to belief their pet sitters fully.

Versatile: To be able to work as a pet sitter, it’s a must to be versatile. The pet proprietor could have a last-minute request or your in a single day pet sitting dates could get modified and even canceled and so flexibility is vital to thriving as a pet sitter.

Nice at Speaking: Pet homeowners love receiving frequent updates on how their beloved pets are doing, so being a terrific communicator is crucial. From private expertise, I discovered that pet homeowners particularly love receiving photographs of their cats enjoying or canine out on walks, because it reveals that they’re having a good time and are completely satisfied. Being an excellent communicator can be required if and when emergencies or issues come up.

(Optionally available) Pet Sitting Certification: Having a pet sitting certification undoubtedly isn’t a requirement. I’ve been pet sitting for years with out one. Nevertheless, it will possibly definitely improve your credibility as an expert, so it’s nice for these severe a few profession in pet sitting. Some certifications embody the NAPPS and the CPPS.

(Optionally available) Pet First Support Course: Whereas taking and passing a pet first help course isn’t important if you wish to work as a pet sitter, it’s a good way to extend your credibility and reliability, which in return, could make it simpler to seek out purchasers.

I pet sat for 2 years earlier than I acquired my pet first help certification, so don’t really feel pressured to get it straight away. That being stated, having the certification elevated my odds of securing new purchasers, and it made me extra comfy with caring for pets with medical points.

Learn how to Develop into a Pet Sitter (5 Steps)

Now that we’ve gone over the necessities of changing into a pet sitter, let’s get into the 5 final steps on the best way to get your first pet sitting place.

These steps will assist you to safe new purchasers no matter whether or not you’re a brand new or skilled pet sitter. The following tips have helped me get pet sitting gigs around the globe, together with constant canine sitting jobs in Vancouver and home sitting gigs in Japan.

I’ve each confidence that these steps will assist you to discover constant pet sitting jobs as properly.

1. Be a part of A number of Home Sitting and Pet Sitting Web sites

To start with, to be able to discover pet sitting jobs regionally and around the globe, it’s a must to be part of a number of home/pet sitting web sites.

Fortunately, there are numerous web sites to select from. Some selections embody Trusted Housesitters (use this hyperlink to get 20% off), Nomador, MindMyHouse, Home Sitters America, Home Sitters Canada, and Home Carers. Try the subsequent part to be taught extra about the very best pet sitting web sites.

Alternatively, if you happen to’re questioning the best way to turn into a canine sitter in your personal metropolis, you may search for native jobs on web sites equivalent to Certainly, ZipRecruiter, and Rover.

Once I first began out as a pet sitter, I used to be primarily curious about discovering free lodging whereas touring. I solely used Trusted Housesitters to seek out pet sitting gigs, and because of it being the biggest pet sitting platform on-line, it was straightforward for me to seek out alternatives.

Nevertheless, I discover that it’s simpler to seek out paid pet sitting jobs regionally. General, it’s finest to make use of many various web sites to increase your choices. Click on right here to enroll with Trusted Housesitters and obtain 20% off the membership payment.

2. Create the Good Profile

When you’ve joined a pet sitting web site or two, it’s time to arrange the right profile.

At the beginning, be certain that your profile is well-written and error-free, as it will convey your professionalism. Nevertheless, don’t neglect to incorporate a bit of character.

Speak about your earlier pet care expertise, expertise, and why you’re curious about pet sitting. Embody any testimonials or previous pet sitting critiques (if you happen to’re a complete beginner, get some references from pals or co-workers; see step 3!). And don’t neglect to incorporate some photographs of you with some lovely animals.

Keep in mind to focus in your strengths. I at all times emphasize my expertise, duty, and love for animals in my profile. In the event you’ve taken any pet first help programs or certifications, make sure you spotlight them.

3. Safe Your References

Subsequent, it’s time to safe your references. That is an important a part of getting began as a pet sitter, as having previous references, critiques, and testimonials makes you appear extra reliable and reliable.

In the event you’re questioning the best way to turn into a pet sitter with none expertise, you may at all times search for some native alternatives. Pet sit on your pals or household, discover native job postings, or supply to stroll your neighbor’s canine and easily ask the homeowners to write down a overview afterward.

It’s also possible to ask for some character references from your mates, household, or employers. Once I first began pet sitting, I requested my outdated boss to write down me a reference to spotlight my reliability and duty.

General, no matter whether or not you’re a newbie or an skilled pet sitter, it’s important to incorporate references and critiques to construct belief with potential purchasers.

4. Discover and Apply for the Greatest Jobs

So, you’ve joined just a few pet sitting web sites, written a killer profile, and included your high references. Now, it’s time to seek for your excellent pet sitting job.

Most home sitting web sites permit you to specify your search to locations, dates, size of keep, and species of animals. Many pet sitting web sites may even allow you to specify the kind of job, equivalent to home sitting with pets, drop-in visits, or canine strolling.

After you’ve discovered and browse by means of some nice pet sitting job listings, it’s time to use to them. To take action, you’ll must ship the pet homeowners an enticing and informative utility message.

Introduce your self, discuss their pets, spotlight your previous related expertise, and clarify why you’re the perfect selection for them. Ensure that to ask some questions in regards to the job itemizing (and particularly, their furry member of the family), and finish the message by saying that you just’d love the chance to interview.

I at all times wish to tailor my utility message to the itemizing; I point out their pet’s identify typically, and I emphasize my earlier related pet care expertise. For instance, if the job itemizing is for a timid feline, I spotlight my expertise taking good care of nervous and shy rescue cats.

5. Put together on your Interview

After the pet homeowners have thought of all their purposes, and in the event that they really feel you might be an excellent match, they’re more likely to attain out and ask if you happen to’re curious about an interview. You’re one step nearer to securing a pet sitting job. All it’s a must to do is ace the interview.

So, what’s the easiest way to organize for these pet sitting interviews? I wish to go over the job itemizing and notice something necessary that they could convey up.

Do the pets have any well being points or behavioral issues? In that case, be ready to reply questions in your comfortability and expertise with a lot of these pets.

Whereas the questions and tone of the interview fluctuate per pet proprietor, some normal questions embody:

• Why are you interested by pet sitting for us?
• What’s your earlier expertise with canine/cats/different animals?
• What are you planning on doing in the course of the pet sit?
• In the event you’re touring from abroad, what are your journey plans like?

And bear in mind, don’t beat your self up if you happen to don’t get the job ultimately. Pet sitting will be aggressive! Hold making use of, and also you’ll finally land the right pet sitting gig.

Whether or not you’re questioning the best way to turn into a licensed pet sitter otherwise you’re hoping to safe some home sitting gigs on your subsequent prolonged trip, these 5 ideas are the very best steps to get began.

Learn how to Discover Work as a Pet Sitter

Now that we’ve gone over the best way to turn into a canine sitter and the best way to turn into a cat sitter, let’s increase on the place to seek out work as a pet sitter.

These are the 5 finest web sites to seek out pet sitting gigs:

1. Trusted Housesitters

In the event you’re changing into a pet sitter within the hope you’ll get free lodging abroad, then it’s a must to use Trusted Housesitters. The largest pet sitting platform obtainable, Trusted Housesitters permits you to discover an abundance of home sitting alternatives around the globe.

With a 24/7 vet hotline, nice customer support, and an easy-to-navigate web site, Trusted Housesitters is without doubt one of the finest pet sitting web sites on the market. Nevertheless, you do must pay an annual membership payment to entry Trusted Housesitters’ plethora of alternatives; it prices $129 per yr.

I personally wish to view this membership payment as a small funding; I pay $129 upfront, however it saves me 1000’s of {dollars} on lodging a yr. I’ve used Trusted Housesitters to journey to nations like Japan, the UK, and Belgium on a price range, so it’s undoubtedly value it.

Goats On The Highway readers obtain an computerized 20% off the price of the membership payment with Trusted Housesitters. Use this hyperlink for the low cost and particulars.

2. Rover

In the event you’re curious about getting paid to pet sit regionally, then I like to recommend you take a look at Rover. A web site the place you may listing your pet sitting providers like home sitting, pet boarding, canine strolling, doggy daycare, and drop-in visits; it’s the easiest way to generate income as a pet sitter.

Rover allows you to get began totally free, however they take a proportion of your wage out of your bookings. They provide 24/7 assist (which incorporates vet help), the Rover Assure (which incorporates reimbursement for up $25,000 value of vet charges), and offer you entry to an abundance of potential purchasers – it’s value having a look.

3. Nomador

For these nonetheless questioning the best way to turn into a pet sitter, Nomador is without doubt one of the finest web sites to get began.

Crammed with worldwide home sitting alternatives, it’s the right platform for vacationers and digital nomads. It does, nevertheless, has a membership payment of $85 per yr.

4. MindMyHouse

Much like Nomador and Trusted Housesitters, MindMyHouse is a world home sitting web site that’s excellent for these trying to turn into a pet sitter.

With an easy-to-use web site and plenty of pet sitting alternatives, MindMyHouse is a good way to get began. It’s additionally one of many cheaper choices obtainable and prices simply $29 per yr.

5. Native Job Listings on Certainly or ZipRecruiter

Lastly, among the best methods to seek out paid native pet sitting jobs is on job platforms equivalent to Certainly or ZipRecruiter. By looking latest job listings, you will discover native corporations hiring pet sitters and canine walkers for affordable charges.

Nevertheless, the alternatives obtainable to you’ll fluctuate based mostly on the place you’re situated and the time of yr. However, it’s the easiest way to constantly discover potential, paid pet sitting jobs. This was the case for me, although it took me some time to get employed.

How A lot Do Pet Sitters Make?

Now that we’ve gone over the best way to turn into a contract pet sitter, you could be questioning what the common wage appears to be like like.

Sadly, most home sitting with pet jobs are unpaid as your pay comes within the type of free lodging and utilities. Sometimes, these jobs additionally include extra perks, like free automobile entry, however, a lot of the listings discovered on web sites like Trusted Housesitters, Nomador, and MindMyHouse gained’t pay.

Nevertheless, when you achieve extra expertise and expertise as a pet nanny and home sitter, you’ll have the ability to leverage your experience for cash. Skilled pet sitters can count on to make $25 to $80 per evening, relying on the realm, purchasers, duties requested, and your testimonials.

Moreover, jobs that contain drop-in visits and canine strolling are undoubtedly worthy of fee. You may count on to make $10 to $25 per 30-60 minute go to. You may listing your providers and costs on web sites like Rover; simply notice that the upper your charges, the tougher it’s to seek out new purchasers.

General, don’t count on to make an excessive amount of cash at first. I used to be home sitting with pets totally free for 2 years earlier than I began requesting fee, and though I may’ve began charging a lot earlier, I used to be primarily in search of free journey lodging.

Professionals and Cons of Being a Pet Sitter

To this point, we’ve gone over the best way to turn into an expert pet sitter, the necessities of changing into a pet sitter, and the very best pet sitting corporations to select from. However how will you ensure if pet sitting is the fitting match for you? What are the benefits and downsides of being an expert pet sitter?

Professionals of Changing into a Pet Sitter

• Free lodging and utilities: One of many largest perks of pet sitting is that you just get a free place to remain. In the event you’re pet sitting regionally, you may deal with it as a staycation; you’ll get monetary savings on utilities, and also you would possibly even get to dwell some time in some luxurious properties. In the event you’re touring, pet sitting can permit you to go to new cities with out paying a dime for lodging.
• Spend high quality time with animals: In the event you crave the corporate of lovely animals however don’t personal pets of your personal, pet sitting is the easiest way to go. This was the best attract for me; after I first began out as an expert pet sitter, I couldn’t personal any of my very own pets as a result of I used to be dwelling nomadically in Japan.
• It’s a good way to make extra cash: Whereas it’s a bit of unlikely you’ll make a full-time revenue off of pet sitting alone, it’s a terrific, straightforward, and handy option to make some additional money.
• It’s versatile: As an expert pet sitter, you will be self-employed. This implies you may select your jobs based mostly in your private preferences, and with an abundance of pet and home sitting gigs obtainable, there are numerous choices to select from.
• It’s among the best methods to journey: Pet sitting offers you with the chance to go to the much less touristy areas of a metropolis and uncover some hidden gems. That is considered one of my favourite elements of pet sitting; it allowed me to discover fully new areas of London and Tokyo.

Cons of Changing into a Pet Sitter

• The wage isn’t excessive, constant, or dependable: Whereas it’s nice to receives a commission to cuddle and look after some animals, the wage isn’t nice. It additionally regularly varies between purchasers and seasons.
• You may need to take care of some tough purchasers: Whereas a lot of the pet homeowners I’ve met have been very welcoming and type, you sometimes must take care of troublesome and fussy purchasers. It may be demanding and exhausting to take care of their generally infinite stream of calls for.
• You may need to take care of some misbehaved pets: Pet sitting a very mischievous or untrained animal will be fairly demanding. Caring for a poorly-behaved animal will be tiring; from cleansing up their messes to offering them with a wholesome outlet for his or her extreme power.
• Most pet and home sitting web sites cost a membership payment: In the event you’re questioning the best way to turn into a pet sitter with none expertise, it’s finest to affix a home sitting web site. Sadly, most of those web sites cost a membership payment. I wish to view it as a small funding for my private freelance pet sitting enterprise.

Learn how to Develop into a Pet Sitter: FAQs

Listed below are the solutions to some generally requested questions on the best way to turn into a pet sitter:

In Conclusion

I hope this text on the best way to get into petsitting has offered you with the means and the boldness to get began. Pet sitting is really considered one of my favourite jobs on the planet; not solely do I get to economize whereas visiting costly locations, however I get to spend high quality time with lovely animals.

Whether or not you wish to begin pet sitting to avoid wasting on journey lodging or to make some additional money at house, there’s nothing higher than getting paid to look after a pet. So, open up your laptops and begin establishing your profiles, it’s time to get began.

Like This Article? Pin it!