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

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Do you wish to get free lodging in your subsequent trip? Or are you searching for methods to make further money? Maybe you’re a digital nomad looking for methods to cut back housing prices. If that’s the case, it’s time to discover ways to turn into a pet sitter.

Pet sitting means that you can receives a commission (in cash or lodging) in alternate for taking good care of cute animals. It’s actually a win-win state of affairs. With loads of gigs accessible globally, pet sitting is an effective 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, a couple of weeks with a rescue cat in Brussels, and weeks with a Saluki in Kobe. It’s by far my favourite technique 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 right way to turn into a pet sitter, chances are you’ll 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 often entails staying on the pet proprietor’s residence, however this isn’t at all times the case; it could possibly additionally embrace dropping in to verify on the pets, enjoying with them, checking the cat litter, or strolling the canines.

how to become a pet sitter

Pet sitting may also embrace letting the animals keep at your individual residence, 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 residence whereas they’re away; this nearly at all times includes staying on the property. Their duties can embrace taking good care of a pet, however it additionally contains watering the vegetation, maintaining 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 verify on an animal). Each sorts of jobs have professionals and cons however the primary distinction is that though you get free lodging with home sitting, you’re extra prone 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 Change into a Pet Sitter

In the event you’re questioning the right way to turn into a pet sitter with no diploma, chances are you’ll be asking what certifications, programs, or abilities you want with the intention to be up for the job.

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

pet sitter and dogs are ready to walk

Expertise with Animal Care: With the intention to safe pet sitting gigs, you should emphasize your previous experiences with pet care. This contains 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 precious expertise by pet sitting to your buddies 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 robust love for animals! Pet house owners like to see their pet sitters have a transparent and apparent affection for his or her beloved animals.

Accountable and Reliable: Probably the most essential traits that pet house owners are searching for of their pet sitters is accountability. They’re leaving their treasured animals and residential within the care of a stranger, and so they want to have the ability to belief their pet sitters fully.

Versatile: With the intention 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 house owners love receiving frequent updates on how their beloved pets are doing, so being an important communicator is crucial. From private expertise, I discovered that pet house owners particularly love receiving photographs of their cats enjoying or canines out on walks, because it exhibits that they’re having a good time and are joyful. Being a very good communicator can be required if and when emergencies or issues come up.

(Optionally available) Pet Sitting Certification: Having a pet sitting certification positively isn’t a requirement. I’ve been pet sitting for years with out one. Nevertheless, it could possibly actually improve your credibility as an expert, so it’s nice for these critical a couple of profession in pet sitting. Some certifications embrace the NAPPS and the CPPS.

(Optionally available) Pet First Help Course: Whereas taking and passing a pet first support course isn’t important if you wish to work as a pet sitter, it’s an effective way to extend your credibility and reliability, which in return, could make it simpler to search out shoppers.

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

Methods to Change into a Pet Sitter (5 Steps)

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

These steps will assist you to safe new shoppers 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.

A woman is petting an adorable cat.

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

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

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

Fortunately, there are various web sites to select from. Some decisions embrace Trusted Housesitters (use this hyperlink to get 20% off), Nomador, MindMyHouse, Home Sitters America, Home Sitters Canada, and Home Carers. Take a look at the subsequent part to be taught extra about the very best pet sitting web sites.

Alternatively, should you’re questioning the right way to turn into a canine sitter in your individual 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 excited by discovering free lodging whereas touring. I solely used Trusted Housesitters to search out pet sitting gigs, and because of it being the biggest pet sitting platform on-line, it was simple for me to search out alternatives.

Nevertheless, I discover that it’s simpler to search out paid pet sitting jobs domestically. Total, it’s greatest to make use of many alternative web sites to increase your choices. Click on right here to enroll with Trusted Housesitters and obtain 20% off the membership charge.

2. Create the Excellent Profile

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

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

Discuss your earlier pet care expertise, abilities, and why you’re excited by pet sitting. Embody any testimonials or previous pet sitting opinions (should you’re a complete beginner, get some references from buddies or co-workers; see step 3!). And don’t neglect to incorporate some photographs of you with some cute animals.

Keep in mind to focus in your strengths. I at all times emphasize my expertise, accountability, and love for animals in my profile. In the event you’ve taken any pet first support programs or certifications, you’ll want to 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, opinions, and testimonials makes you appear extra reliable and reliable.

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

You can even ask for some character references from your mates, household, or employers. Once I first began pet sitting, I requested my previous boss to write down me a reference to focus on my reliability and accountability.

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

4. Discover and Apply for the Finest Jobs

So, you’ve joined a couple of pet sitting web sites, written a killer profile, and included your prime references. Now, it’s time to seek for your good pet sitting job.

Most home sitting web sites assist 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 skim 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 house owners an attractive and informative software message.

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

I at all times wish to tailor my software message to the itemizing; I point out their pet’s title usually, 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 to your Interview

After the pet house owners have thought-about all their purposes, and in the event that they really feel you possibly can be a very good match, they’re prone to attain out and ask should you’re excited by 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 one of the simplest ways to arrange for these pet sitting interviews? I wish to go over the job itemizing and be aware something essential that they may deliver up.

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

Whereas the questions and tone of the interview range per pet proprietor, some normal questions embrace:

  • Why are you curious about pet sitting for us?
  • What’s your earlier expertise with canines/cats/different animals?
  • What are you planning on doing through the pet sit?
  • In the event you’re touring from abroad, what are your journey plans like?

And keep in mind, don’t beat your self up should you don’t get the job ultimately. Pet sitting may be aggressive! Preserve making use of, and also you’ll finally land the right pet sitting gig.

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

Methods to Discover Work as a Pet Sitter

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

The golden retriever dog works with the pet sitter.

These are the 5 greatest web sites to search out pet sitting gigs:

1. Trusted Housesitters

In the event you’re turning into a pet sitter within the hope you’ll get free lodging abroad, then it’s a must to use Trusted Housesitters. The most important pet sitting platform accessible, Trusted Housesitters means that you can 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 greatest pet sitting web sites on the market. Nevertheless, you do must pay an annual membership charge to entry Trusted Housesitters’ plethora of alternatives; it prices $129 per 12 months.

I personally wish to view this membership charge as a small funding; I pay $129 upfront, however it saves me hundreds of {dollars} on lodging a 12 months. I’ve used Trusted Housesitters to journey to nations like Japan, the UK, and Belgium on a funds, so it’s positively price it.

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

2. Rover

In the event you’re excited by getting paid to pet sit domestically, then I like to recommend you try Rover. A web site the place you may listing your pet sitting companies like home sitting, pet boarding, canine strolling, doggy daycare, and drop-in visits; it’s one of the simplest ways to earn cash as a pet sitter.

Rover helps you to get began at no cost, however they take a share of your wage out of your bookings. They provide 24/7 help (which incorporates vet help), the Rover Assure (which incorporates reimbursement for up $25,000 price of vet charges), and offer you entry to an abundance of potential shoppers – it’s price having a look.

3. Nomador

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

Stuffed with worldwide home sitting alternatives, it’s the right platform for vacationers and digital nomads. It does, nonetheless, has a membership charge of $85 per 12 months.

4. MindMyHouse

Just like Nomador and Trusted Housesitters, MindMyHouse is a global home sitting web site that’s good for these seeking to turn into a pet sitter.

With an easy-to-use web site and many pet sitting alternatives, MindMyHouse is an effective way to get began. It’s additionally one of many cheaper choices accessible and prices simply $29 per 12 months.

5. Native Job Listings on Certainly or ZipRecruiter

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

Nevertheless, the alternatives accessible to you’ll range primarily based on the place you’re situated and the time of 12 months. Nonetheless, it’s one of the simplest ways to persistently discover potential, paid pet sitting jobs. This was the case for me, though it took me some time to get employed.

How A lot Do Pet Sitters Make?

Now that we’ve gone over the right way to turn into a contract pet sitter, chances are you’ll be questioning what the common wage seems to be 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 further perks, like free car entry, however, a lot of the listings discovered on web sites like Trusted Housesitters, Nomador, and MindMyHouse received’t pay.

Man handling out a salary to a pet sitter.

Nevertheless, when you achieve extra abilities and expertise as a pet nanny and home sitter, you’ll be capable of leverage your experience for cash. Skilled pet sitters can anticipate to make $25 to $80 per night time, relying on the world, shoppers, duties requested, and your testimonials.

Moreover, jobs that contain drop-in visits and canine strolling are undoubtedly worthy of fee. You’ll be able to anticipate to make $10 to $25 per 30-60 minute go to. You’ll be able to listing your companies and costs on web sites like Rover; simply be aware that the upper your charges, the more durable it’s to search out new shoppers.

Total, don’t anticipate to make an excessive amount of cash at first. I used to be home sitting with pets at no cost for 2 years earlier than I began requesting fee, and though I may’ve began charging a lot earlier, I used to be primarily looking for free journey lodging.

Execs and Cons of Being a Pet Sitter

To this point, we’ve gone over the right way to turn into an expert pet sitter, the necessities of turning into a pet sitter, and the very best pet sitting firms to select from. However how are you going to be certain if pet sitting is the appropriate match for you? What are the benefits and drawbacks of being an expert pet sitter?

pros and cons of being a pet sitter

Execs of Changing into a Pet Sitter

  • Free lodging and utilities: One of many largest perks of pet sitting is that you simply get a free place to remain. In the event you’re pet sitting domestically, you may deal with it as a staycation; you’ll lower your expenses 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 assist 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 cute animals however don’t personal pets of your individual, pet sitting is one of the simplest ways to go. This was the best attract for me; once 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 an effective way to make more money: Whereas it’s a bit unlikely you’ll make a full-time earnings off of pet sitting alone, it’s an important, simple, and handy technique to make some further money.
  • It’s versatile: As an expert pet sitter, you may be self-employed. This implies you may select your jobs primarily based in your private preferences, and with an abundance of pet and home sitting gigs accessible, there are various choices to select from.
  • It’s among the finest methods to journey: Pet sitting gives you with the chance to go to the much less touristy areas of a metropolis and uncover some hidden gems. That is certainly one of my favourite components 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 take care of some animals, the wage isn’t nice. It additionally incessantly varies between shoppers and seasons.
  • You may need to cope with some difficult shoppers: Whereas a lot of the pet house owners I’ve met have been very welcoming and type, you sometimes must cope with tough and fussy shoppers. It may be irritating and exhausting to cope with their typically limitless stream of calls for.
  • You may need to cope with some misbehaved pets: Pet sitting a very mischievous or untrained animal may be fairly irritating. Caring for a poorly-behaved animal may 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 charge: In the event you’re questioning the right way to turn into a pet sitter with none expertise, it’s greatest to hitch a home sitting web site. Sadly, most of those web sites cost a membership charge. I wish to view it as a small funding for my private freelance pet sitting enterprise.

Methods to Change into a Pet Sitter: FAQs

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

What {qualifications} do I should be a pet sitter?

There aren’t any particular necessities to turn into a pet sitter, however some fascinating traits embrace a love for animals, expertise with animal care, familiarity with animal conduct and customary coaching methods, stellar communication abilities, and pet first support certification.

How do I turn into a pet sitter with none expertise?

One of the simplest ways to start out canine sitting or cat sitting as a beginner is to realize as a lot pet care expertise as you may. This could embrace strolling your mates’ canines or volunteering at a neighborhood veterinary clinic. Don’t neglect to ask them for references.

Are pet sitters in demand?

Pet sitters are positively in demand, particularly in massive cities. Pet house owners know that their beloved animals are far more comfy staying at residence than at a pet boarding facility, and pet sitting firms like Rover and Trusted Housesitters are persevering with to develop and develop to fulfill calls for.

Is pet sitting laborious?

Whereas pet sitting is usually seen as a simple job, it positively comes with its challenges, particularly when deling with animals which have behavioral points or an extreme quantity of power. With the intention to turn into a pet sitter, you’ll should be affected person, devoted, and accountable.

Do pet sitters receives a commission?

Sure, as an expert pet sitter, you may anticipate to receives a commission $25 to $80 per night time, relying on the placement, variety of pets, and particular pet companies requested. For drop-in visits, you may anticipate to receives a commission $10 to $25 per 30-60 minute go to.

Methods to turn into a canine sitter in your individual residence?

If you wish to canine sit in your individual residence, you’ll must have an appropriate set-up. This contains having a safe space only for the canine with all the necessities comprising a clear water dish, mattress, and enrichment (equivalent to canine toys!).

What duties do pet sitters have?

Some duties pet sitters have embrace offering the pets with meals and water, enjoying with them, grooming them, giving them their drugs (if requested), strolling the canines, cleansing the cat litter, and maintaining the house owners up to date on their well-being.

In Conclusion

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

Whether or not you wish to begin pet sitting to save lots of on journey lodging or to make some further money at residence, there’s nothing higher than getting paid to take care of a pet. So, open up your laptops and begin establishing your profiles, it’s time to get began.

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