How To Turn out to be a Pet Sitter in 2023 (5 Easy Steps)

Do you need to get free lodging in your subsequent trip? Or are you searching for methods to make further money? Maybe you’re a digital nomad searching for methods to scale back housing prices. If that’s the 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 trade 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 a good way to journey.

I’ve pet sat all over the world; I spent per 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 method 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 methods 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 normally entails staying on the pet proprietor’s residence, however this isn’t all the time the case; it will probably additionally embrace dropping in to verify on the pets, taking part in with them, checking the cat litter, or strolling the canines.

Pet sitting also can embrace letting the animals keep at your personal residence, however this requires a safe and protected 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 all the time includes staying on the property. Their duties can embrace taking good care of a pet, however it additionally consists of watering the crops, preserving 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 forms of jobs have execs and cons however the principle 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 Turn out to be a Pet Sitter

Should you’re questioning methods to turn into a pet sitter and not using a diploma, chances are you’ll be asking what certifications, programs, or expertise you want to be able 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:

Expertise with Animal Care: So as to safe pet sitting gigs, you could emphasize your previous experiences with pet care. This consists of feeding, strolling, cleansing, grooming, and taking part in with pets. Should you’ve by no means owned any pets earlier than, you may achieve some invaluable expertise by pet sitting to your buddies or volunteering at an area veterinary clinic.

A Love for Animals: Should you’re right here to study to be a pet sitter, I think about you have already got a powerful 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: One of the essential traits that pet house owners are searching for of their pet sitters is duty. They’re leaving their valuable animals and residential within the care of a stranger, they usually want to have the ability to belief their pet sitters fully.

Versatile: So as to work as a pet sitter, you need to be versatile. The pet proprietor might have a last-minute request or your in a single day pet sitting dates might get modified and even canceled and so flexibility is essential 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 a terrific communicator is important. From private expertise, I discovered that pet house owners particularly love receiving pictures of their cats taking part in or canines out on walks, because it reveals that they’re having a good time and are completely happy. Being a great 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 probably definitely enhance your credibility as knowledgeable, so it’s nice for these severe a few profession in pet sitting. Some certifications embrace the NAPPS and the CPPS.

(Optionally available) Pet First Support Course: Whereas taking and passing a pet first assist 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 shoppers.

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

Find out how to Turn out to be 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 methods to get your first pet sitting place.

These steps will allow 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 all over the world, together with constant canine sitting jobs in Vancouver and home sitting gigs in Japan.

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

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

To begin with, to be able to discover pet sitting jobs regionally and all over the world, you need to be a part of a number of home/pet sitting web sites.

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

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

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

Nevertheless, I discover that it’s simpler to seek out paid pet sitting jobs regionally. General, it’s greatest to make use of many various web sites to develop 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 proper profile.

At the start, be certain your profile is well-written and error-free, as this may convey your professionalism. Nevertheless, don’t overlook to incorporate a bit of character.

Discuss your earlier pet care expertise, expertise, and why you’re serious about pet sitting. Embrace any testimonials or previous pet sitting opinions (if you happen to’re a complete beginner, get some references from buddies or co-workers; see step 3!). And don’t overlook to incorporate some pictures of you with some cute animals.

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

3. Safe Your References

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

Should you’re questioning methods to turn into a pet sitter with none expertise, you may all the time 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 put in writing 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 put in writing 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 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 high references. Now, it’s time to seek for your excellent pet sitting job.

Most home sitting web sites can help you 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, similar to home sitting with pets, drop-in visits, or canine strolling.

After you’ve discovered and browse by some nice pet sitting job listings, it’s time to use to them. To take action, you’ll have to ship the pet house owners a fascinating and informative software message.

Introduce your self, discuss their pets, spotlight your previous related expertise, and clarify why you’re the best selection for them. Be certain 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 all the time prefer to tailor my software message to the itemizing; I point out their pet’s title 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 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 great match, they’re prone to attain out and ask if you happen to’re serious about an interview. You’re one step nearer to securing a pet sitting job. All you need to do is ace the interview.

So, what’s the easiest way to organize for these pet sitting interviews? I prefer to go over the job itemizing and be aware something essential that they could convey 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 kinds of pets.

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

• Why are you interested by pet sitting for us?
• What’s your earlier expertise with canines/cats/different animals?
• What are you planning on doing in the course of the pet sit?
• Should 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! Maintain making use of, and also you’ll finally land the proper pet sitting gig.

Whether or not you’re questioning methods to turn into a licensed 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.

Find out how to Discover Work as a Pet Sitter

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

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

1. Trusted Housesitters

Should you’re turning into a pet sitter within the hope you’ll get free lodging abroad, then you need to use Trusted Housesitters. The largest pet sitting platform accessible, Trusted Housesitters permits you to discover an abundance of home sitting alternatives all over the world.

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 payment to entry Trusted Housesitters’ plethora of alternatives; it prices $129 per 12 months.

I personally prefer to view this membership payment 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 undoubtedly value it.

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

2. Rover

Should you’re serious about getting paid to pet sit regionally, 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 the easiest way to generate profits as a pet sitter.

Rover permits you to get began free of charge, 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 shoppers – it’s value looking.

3. Nomador

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

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

4. MindMyHouse

Just like Nomador and Trusted Housesitters, MindMyHouse is a world home sitting web site that’s excellent for these seeking 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 accessible and prices simply $29 per 12 months.

5. Native Job Listings on Certainly or ZipRecruiter

Lastly, top-of-the-line methods to seek out paid native pet sitting jobs is on job platforms similar to Certainly or ZipRecruiter. By looking latest job listings, you will discover native firms hiring pet sitters and canine walkers for cheap charges.

Nevertheless, the alternatives accessible to you’ll range primarily based on the place you’re situated and the time of 12 months. However, it’s the easiest way to constantly discover potential, paid pet sitting jobs. This was the case for me, despite the fact that it took me some time to get employed.

How A lot Do Pet Sitters Make?

Now that we’ve gone over methods to turn into a contract pet sitter, chances are you’ll be questioning what the typical wage seems 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 car 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 be capable to leverage your experience for cash. Skilled pet sitters can anticipate to make $25 to $80 per evening, relying on the realm, shoppers, duties requested, and your testimonials.

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

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

Execs and Cons of Being a Pet Sitter

To date, we’ve gone over methods to turn into knowledgeable 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 ensure if pet sitting is the appropriate match for you? What are the benefits and downsides of being knowledgeable pet sitter?

Execs of Turning 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. Should 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 reside some time in some luxurious properties. Should you’re touring, pet sitting can can help you go to new cities with out paying a dime for lodging.
• Spend high quality time with animals: Should you crave the corporate of cute 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 knowledgeable 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 earnings off of pet sitting alone, it’s a terrific, simple, and handy method to make some further money.
• It’s versatile: As knowledgeable pet sitter, you will 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 top-of-the-line 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 one in all my favourite elements of pet sitting; it allowed me to discover fully new areas of London and Tokyo.

Cons of Turning 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 ceaselessly varies between shoppers and seasons.
• You might 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 disturbing and exhausting to cope with their typically limitless stream of calls for.
• You might need to cope with some misbehaved pets: Pet sitting a very mischievous or untrained animal will be fairly disturbing. 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: Should you’re questioning methods 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 payment. I prefer to view it as a small funding for my private freelance pet sitting enterprise.

Find out how to Turn out to be a Pet Sitter: FAQs

Listed here are the solutions to some generally requested questions on methods to turn into a pet sitter:

In Conclusion

I hope this text on methods to get into petsitting has offered you with the means and the boldness to get began. Pet sitting is actually one in all my favourite jobs on the earth; not solely do I get to save cash whereas visiting costly locations, however I get to spend high quality time with cute animals.

Whether or not you need to begin pet sitting to avoid wasting on journey lodging or to make some further money at residence, 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.

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