If you are a pet lover, you’ve likely thought about how much more fun it would be to stay home with your dog (or cat) instead of going into the office for work each day. However, it may have never crossed your mind that for many, caring for dogs, cats, and other pets is their work each day—business-minded pet lovers around the globe are operating profitable professional pet-care companies.
With the majority of households owning at least one pet, the need for the services of professional pet-sitting and dog-walking businesses continues to grow. In fact, The U.S. Department of Labor anticipates employment of animal care and service workers will grow 22 percent during 2016-2026, much faster than the average for all occupations.
And, for those looking to enter the pet-sitting industry, startup costs are low and business support is more readily available than ever before.
Potential for profit
Those who start professional pet-sitting or dog-walking businesses often cite the opportunity to be one’s own boss and the desire to leave the corporate world as factors in choosing the industry, but the top reason cited is always a love of animals. With the demand for pet care, business-savvy pet lovers can turn their passion for pets into a profitable business.
According to Pet Sitters International’s 2020 State of the Industry Survey, the average gross revenue for pet sitters in the United States in 2019 was $75,869, with the average pet-sitting business serving 122 clients and completing 4,023 pet-sitting visits that year.
Low startup costs
According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, most micro-businesses cost around $3,000 to start, while most home-based franchises cost $2,000 to $5,000 to start. For those looking to start a pet-sitting business, the startup costs are often much lower and particularly less cost-prohibitive than other pet-related businesses such as grooming or pet supplies, which may require a physical space, quality grooming supplies, specialized equipment, or inventory.
Startup costs for pet-sitting and dog-walking businesses include business liability insurance customized for pet-care businesses. Membership in a professional association, such as Pet Sitters International, gives business owners access to insurance coverage at special group rates. In some states or cities, a business license is required, but these fees are typically nominal. While startup costs can vary, many pet sitters report starting their businesses with an investment of less than $1,000, which includes the association membership, insurance, business license, business forms, and miscellaneous expenses.
With the popularity of pet sitting, there are now many websites that connect pet sitters with pet owners in need of services for a fee (or a percentage of earnings), but most pet sitters find that they can avoid the middleman and keep their profits by promoting their services through word of mouth and other low-cost marketing.
Flexibility in schedule and services
Another perk of operating a professional pet-sitting or dog-walking business is flexibility in both scheduling and the services your business offers. For many pet-care businesses, particularly those focused on offering vacation care when pet owners are away, weekends and holidays are the busiest times, allowing for much more “off time” during the week. For other businesses, a focus on daily dog-walking services results in busy weekdays, but limited visits on weekends and holidays.
Both business models—a focus on vacation care for traveling pet owners or daily dog walks for pet owners at work (or a combination of the two)—can be profitable, so business owners can select the service offerings that work best for them.
This career choice also allows for flexibility in the services offered and types of pets cared for. While the majority of pet-sitting companies offer services for cats, dogs, fish, birds and cage pets, many businesses choose to focus on a specific niche—cats only, for example—and are still able to build large client bases and generate significant revenues.
New business training and support
Successful pet-care business owners have entered the industry from all walks of life—including former teachers, engineers, lawyers, executives, and veterinary professionals. Many—nearly 40 percent, according to Pet Sitters International’s most recent survey—actually started their pet-sitting businesses while still working another job.
Hard and soft skills from previous professions often transfer effectively to the pet-care industry, but specialized pet-care knowledge is also important. Fortunately, in-person and online training opportunities for pet sitters and dog walkers are more readily available than ever before.
While loving pets is a prerequisite to starting a pet-care business, much more is needed to start and grow a pet-sitting business. Take an inventory of your current pet-care knowledge and experience in operating a small business and identify any gaps in knowledge. For example, you may be a lifelong dog owner but feel you need more experience with cat or bird care, or you may need more experience with large-breed dogs before confidently offering dog-walking services.
Search for training workshops, online classes, and even volunteer opportunities (such as at your local animal shelter) to get virtual and hands-on training in specific pet-care topics. You can also work with local business support agencies or register for classes at a local community college or university to build your business acumen.
A quick Google search will also reveal pet-sitter specific training and business support from industry associations, Facebook groups, and other online platforms.
As with any home-based business, building a pet-care business takes time and determination. However, going to the dogs (and cats) can pay off big with a career that provides personal satisfaction and pays the bills!
