How to Become a Pet Sitter: A Guide

Who Can Start Pet Sitting?

Pet sitting is one of the most rewarding side hustles—or full-time gigs—you can have if you love animals. It’s flexible, fulfilling, and in high demand. The concept is simple: you get paid to take care of someone’s pet, either in your home or in theirs, while they’re away.

But before you jump in paws-first, there are a few important factors to consider to ensure that both you and the animals in your care have a safe and stress-free experience.

Let’s break it all down: who can start pet sitting, where to offer your services, and how to prepare for success.

Where Will You Pet Sit?

One of the first big decisions to make is where you’ll provide your services:

• In the pet owner’s home

• In your own home

Each option has pros and cons, and the right choice depends on your comfort level, your lifestyle, and of course, the needs of the pets.

Pet Sitting in the Client’s Home

Many pets thrive in familiar surroundings. Staying in their own home helps reduce anxiety, maintain routines, and minimize disruption. For that reason, pet sitting at the owner's home is my go-to option.

However, there are a few things to think about before agreeing:

Questions to Ask the Owner:

• Are there nanny cams or security devices in the home?

• How long can the pets be left alone?

• Are you allowed to have guests or visitors?

• Where will you be sleeping? Is it comfortable and safe?

• Are there any house rules (appliances, TV, fridge use, etc.)?

💡 Pro Tip: Always do a meet-and-greet in the home before the booking to spot any red flags or confirm it's a good fit.

Pet Sitting in Your Own Home

If you're offering to host pets at your place, there are even more logistics to consider.

Ask yourself:

• Do I have pets of my own? Are they friendly and well-socialized?

• Is my space pet-safe (e.g., no chewable hazards, secure fences)?

• Do I have enough room to accommodate more than one pet?

• Am I open to hosting animals from multiple households (if yes, plan carefully!)

• Can I comfortably manage my own animals plus clients’ pets?

If you're unsure about any of these, start small. Host one dog at a time until you find your rhythm.

The Animals' Needs and Your Ability to Meet Them

Not all pets are created equal. Some may be laid-back lap cats, others energetic puppies who need constant supervision. Before accepting a job, be honest about your ability to meet the pets’ needs—both emotionally and physically.

Consider:

• How much supervision or stimulation does the pet need?

• Are they on a strict schedule for meds, meals, or potty breaks?

• Can you commit to the level of care required?

• Are you comfortable administering medication or dealing with emergencies?

💬 From my own experience: I adjust my pricing for high-need pets—like puppies or seniors—because I often have to give them my full, undivided attention. It’s only fair to price for the extra care and time!

What Animals are You Comfortable Pet Sitting?

Another key decision: what kinds of pets will you care for?

Most people think of dogs and cats—but pet sitting also includes:

• Rabbits

• Guinea pigs

• Ferrets

• Birds

• Reptiles

• Fish

And each of these animals comes with its own unique needs and quirks.

Ask yourself:

• Have I cared for this species before?

• Am I confident in handling them safely and calmly?

• Can I recognize signs of stress or illness in this animal?

If you’re unfamiliar with a species or breed, don’t be afraid to ask the owner for a detailed rundown—or even a written care guide. Never agree to a booking you're unsure about. Saying "no" is far more professional than delivering subpar care.

Conclusion

Pet sitting is an amazing opportunity, but preparation is key. Here's a quick checklist to help you decide if you're ready to get started:

If you're pet sitting in the owner's home:

• ✅ Can you leave the house as needed?

• ✅ Are you comfortable sleeping there?

• ✅ Do you know the house rules?

• ✅ Are you aware of any cameras?

• ✅ Do you have permission to have guests?

If you're hosting in your home:

• ✅ Are your pets friendly and well-behaved?

• ✅ Is your home animal-safe?

• ✅ Do you have enough space for one or more pets?

• ✅ Can you handle pets from different households?

• ✅ Will you need help managing the workload?

Final Thoughts: Pet Sitting is Fun, Fulfilling—and Serious Business

If you love animals and are thoughtful about your setup, pet sitting can be one of the most rewarding ways to earn income and build long-term client relationships. The key is to set clear boundaries, communicate openly with pet owners, and be realistic about what you can (and can’t) handle.

Be honest, be prepared, and above all—put the pets’ well-being first. The joy of caring for animals while helping pet parents travel with peace of mind? Totally worth it. 🐕🐾

Thank you so much for reading!

Do you want to start your dog walking and pet sitting business but want some additional guidance? Contact us today to learn about our mentorship opportunities <3