Your pet sitting business

Getting started, one tick at a time

Everything you need to go from "I'd like to do this" to your first paying client. Go in any order, at your own pace. Ticks and notes save by themselves, so you can come back any time, on any device.

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1 · What you'll offer

Start small, grow from there

Short visits are the easiest way in. You can add overnight stays once you know a few pets and owners well.

Drop-in visits (about 30 minutes: food, water, cuddles, litter tray)
Dog walks (30 to 60 minutes)
Overnight stays in the owner's home (maybe later)Always look after pets in their own home. Having them to stay at yours needs a council licence.
Decide how far you'll travelFor example, walking distance or a short bus ride from home.

2 · Trust basics

The things owners look for first

You're asking people for their door keys and their best friend. These show them they can say yes.

Basic DBS check, £18Apply on gov.uk. It takes about two weeks.
Pet first aid courseShort and often online. Keep the certificate to show owners.
Pet sitter insurance, from about £6 a monthCheck the policy has all three: public liability (£1m or more), care, custody and control (pays vet bills), and key cover (pays for new locks if keys go missing).
Think about joining NarpsUK (optional)The pet sitters' association. It includes ready-made forms and cheaper insurance.

3 · Your prices

What others charge, and what you'll charge

Service	Usual UK price	Good starting price
Drop-in visit, 30 min	£12 to £20	£12
Dog walk, 1 hour	£12 to £15	£12 to £13
Overnight stay	£40 to £70	£35 to £40

Start a little under the usual price, not a lot under. Very cheap makes people wonder why. Put your prices up after 5 to 10 good reviews.

Look up five local pet sitters and note what they charge
Choose my prices

My drop-in price My walk price My overnight price

4 · Paperwork

Simple, and it protects you

A client form for every bookingOwner's contact details, an emergency contact, the vet's details, food, medicines, habits and anything the pet is scared of.
Always do a free "meet and greet" firstMeet the pet, learn the house and collect the keys.
A safe system for keysPut a code or tag on them, never the owner's address.
Keep a note of money in and money outA notebook or a spreadsheet is fine.
Register with HMRC as self-employed once I earn over £1,000 in a tax yearThe first £1,000 each year is tax-free and needs no registration.
Check with Mum whether earnings affect any benefits

5 · First clients

Start with people who already know you

Tell family, friends and neighbours I'm starting
Post on Nextdoor and local Facebook groups
Set up a Rover profile (optional)Rover keeps 15% of one-off bookings and 5% of regular weekly ones. It still needs your own insurance.
Send owners a photo and a short update at every visitThis is what gets you glowing reviews.
Ask each happy client for a review

6 · Looking after you

So it stays enjoyable

Have a backup person who can cover if I'm ill
Decide the most bookings I'm happy with each week
It's fine to say no to a pet or a job that doesn't feel right

Paid animal care is great experience for any future animal or conservation course, if you decide to go that way.

My notes

Ideas, questions, names of possible clients