Frequently asked Pet Sitting Questions

Is there a need for pet sitters?

wYes! Pets are everywhere, in every city, town and country area. I have had so many pet owners tell me that they do not go away as they do not want to leave their pet in a kennel. Pet sitting is the ideal alternative.

w Pet owners that use a pet sitting service enjoy many benefits. Beloved pets are cared for in the comfort and safety of their own home. This is especially important for older and very young pets, as well as those that tend to be nervous and do not tolerate kennels.

wSome pets require special handling or medications to be given or have illnesses such as arthritis or heart disease for example. Pet sitters provide the type of individual and professional attention required for these animals.

wPet sitters are often called upon to care for exotic and unusual animals or even just the family rabbit that is closely becoming the second most common pet in the UK. There are 1.6 million pet rabbits in the UK now!

wIn addition to having pets lovingly cared for, pet owners enjoy the benefit of having their home visited, plants watered, security checks performed and newspapers and mail brought in. Professional pet sitters relieve the pet owner from relying on neighbours, friends and family that may not appreciate the burden of responsibility.

How much can I earn as a pet sitter?

How much you can earn as a pet sitter will depend on several factors. A pet sitting service business can be as large or as small as you wish it to be. Here are some factors that affect income:

w How much time you have and how many clients can be accommodated by that time.

wWill you require the help of family or hired help as your business grows, or will you perform all the pet sits personally?

wThere are additional services that provide sources of income as your pet sitting business grows. These include dog walking services, pet taxi service to and from the vet for example, pet food supplier/delivery, grooming etc. Simply change your car insurance to business insurance (about £40 extra a year).

wYou will need to put aside funds for advertising to improve your exposure and promote your service. There are also insurance and petrol/car maintenance costs to consider.

wIt also depends on the area you are in as to how much you can charge. A good estimate is to find out what the rates are at a local kennel for example.

wThere are pet sitters that provide only limited services and earn only a few hundred pounds per month. Others have developed businesses that can earn in excess of £2000 per month, all for doing something you really enjoy!

Is it necessary to join the National Association of Registered Pet Sitters (NARP)?

wNo, it is not necessary for you to join NARP. You must take out your own insurance however as I advise under getting started.

wIt is useful as an extra advertising feature to say that you are registered with a recognised body but it is an extra start up expense. Be aware as well that any prospective clients who go into the dogsit or NARP website to find a suitable pet sitter, have to pay a fee for this service. My websites provide you with many free visitors who will hopefully become happy clients.

What do I feel about registering with a pet sitting franchise?

wMy advice here is BEWARE and do not be tempted to buy a franchise. You are doing all the work, so must reap all the rewards. I have seen pet sitting franchise companies selling for £6000! Your start up fees should be kept as low as possible and I can provide you with a website and advice that is a fraction of this fee. You just have to be brave enough and have the drive to go it alone.

Do I need an accountant to work out my tax or should I attempt to do it myself?

wYou will obviously need to be meticulous with your book-keeping and keep accurate notes of all your in and out goings.

wPersonally, I use an accountant to work out my yearly tax. He is semi-retired and very reasonable (about £74/year) which takes a huge load off my mind.