How Do I Start Dog Sitting?
If you love animals and are looking for a way to make extra money, pet sitting may be the right business for you. However, there are a few things to keep in mind before you get started.
1. Be Prepared:
Leaving your pet with someone else can be an emotional and stressful experience, so you need to be ready to take the lead if something goes wrong. Besides, it’s not fair to the pet if you can’t be there when they need you!
2. Be Safe:
When you’re a dog sitter, it’s your responsibility to ensure the safety of your furry clients, both indoors and out. So, you’ll want to stay alert, keep a close eye on them at all times and be wary of anyone who might be acting suspiciously.
3. Be a Good Listener:
As a pet sitter, you’ll be responsible for interacting with your furry clients, so it’s important that you’re an attentive and empathetic person. You’ll want to spend time with your clients and give them plenty of attention, and you’ll also need to learn their routines. This includes things like when they usually eat, what medications they need, and whether they have any special needs.
4. Be a Positive Communicator:
When you first start pet sitting, it’s normal to feel nervous about being away from home and meeting new people, but don’t let that discourage you! It’s important to be confident in your abilities as a sitter, and it’s essential that you let the people you meet know how much you care about their pet.
5. Be Honest:
The first thing you need to do is tell your potential sitter everything about your dog, including its medical history and any special grooming or vaccination needs. This will help them provide the best care possible and make sure that they are aware of any problems with your dog’s health or behavior, so that they can be a proactive and helpful member of your pet’s care team.
6. Be Patient:
All pets will respond differently to a new sitter, so it’s crucial to be patient with them and treat them with respect. This will go a long way in ensuring that your pet is well-cared for and happy while you’re gone.
7. Don’t Overbook:
It can be difficult to say no to a new client, especially if they live in a nearby area, but this is not a good idea. Overbooking makes it harder for you to provide the highest level of care to each of your clients, and it can create an uncomfortable situation for everyone involved.
8. Be a Great Communicator:
You can’t be the most effective pet sitter if you can’t communicate well with your clients. So, be sure to ask for feedback and be willing to share pictures with them while they’re away. This will also help you build a relationship with them so that they can trust you with their most precious possession.
