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 in search of methods to make additional money? Maybe you’re a digital nomad looking for methods to cut back housing prices. In that case, it’s time to learn to change into a pet sitter.

Pet sitting lets you receives a commission (in cash or lodging) in trade for taking good care of lovely animals. It’s really a win-win state of affairs. With loads of gigs out there globally, pet sitting is an effective way to journey.

I’ve pet sat around the globe; I spent every 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 solution to journey.

On this article, I’ll share the necessities to change 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 how one can change into a pet sitter, it’s possible 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 often entails staying on the pet proprietor’s house, however this isn’t all the time the case; it may additionally embrace dropping in to verify on the pets, taking part in with them, checking the cat litter, or strolling the canines.

Pet sitting may also embrace letting the animals keep at your personal house, 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 house whereas they’re away; this nearly all the time entails staying on the property. Their duties can embrace taking good care of a pet, however it additionally contains watering the vegetation, retaining 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 primary 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

For those who’re questioning how one can change into a pet sitter with no diploma, it’s possible you’ll be asking what certifications, programs, or abilities you want as a way to be up for the job.

Fortunately, most purchasers don’t require you to have any official pet sitting certifications or programs, nonetheless, there are some experiences and traits which can be important for thriving as a pet sitter, together with:

Expertise with Animal Care: So as to safe pet sitting gigs, you have to emphasize your previous experiences with pet care. This contains feeding, strolling, cleansing, grooming, and taking part in with pets. For those who’ve by no means owned any pets earlier than, you’ll be able to achieve some worthwhile expertise by pet sitting on your buddies or volunteering at a neighborhood veterinary clinic.

A Love for Animals: For those who’re right here to be taught to be a pet sitter, I think about you have already got a robust love for animals! Pet homeowners like to see their pet sitters have a transparent and apparent affection for his or her beloved animals.

Accountable and Reliable: One of the necessary traits that pet homeowners are in search of of their pet sitters is duty. They’re leaving their valuable animals and residential within the care of a stranger, and so they want to have the ability to belief their pet sitters utterly.

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 homeowners love receiving frequent updates on how their beloved pets are doing, so being an amazing communicator is important. From private expertise, I discovered that pet homeowners particularly love receiving pictures of their cats taking part in or canines out on walks, because it exhibits that they’re having a good time and are pleased. Being a great communicator can be required if and when emergencies or issues come up.

(Non-obligatory) Pet Sitting Certification: Having a pet sitting certification positively isn’t a requirement. I’ve been pet sitting for years with out one. Nonetheless, it may actually enhance your credibility as knowledgeable, so it’s nice for these severe a couple of profession in pet sitting. Some certifications embrace the NAPPS and the CPPS.

(Non-obligatory) Pet First Support Course: Whereas taking and passing a pet first help course isn’t important if you wish to work as a pet sitter, it’s an effective way to extend your credibility and reliability, which in return, could make it simpler to search out purchasers.

I pet sat for 2 years earlier than I acquired my pet first help certification, so don’t really feel pressured to get it straight away. That being stated, having the certification elevated my odds of securing new purchasers, and it made me extra comfy 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 how one can get your first pet sitting place.

These steps will enable you safe new purchasers no matter whether or not you’re a brand new or skilled pet sitter. The following tips have helped me get pet sitting gigs around the globe, together with constant canine sitting jobs in Vancouver and home sitting gigs in Japan.

I’ve each confidence that these steps will enable you discover constant pet sitting jobs as properly.

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

Initially, as a way to discover pet sitting jobs regionally and around the globe, you need to be part of a number of home/pet sitting web sites.

Fortunately, there are a lot of web sites to select from. Some selections embrace Trusted Housesitters (use this link to get 20% off), Nomador, MindMyHouse, House Sitters America, House Sitters Canada, and House Carers. Try the following part to be taught extra about the most effective pet sitting web sites.

Alternatively, should you’re questioning how one can change into a canine sitter in your personal metropolis, you’ll be able to search for native jobs on web sites comparable to Indeed, ZipRecruiter, and Rover.

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

Nonetheless, I discover that it’s simpler to search out paid pet sitting jobs regionally. Total, it’s finest to make use of many various web sites to increase your choices. Click here to sign up with Trusted Housesitters and obtain 20% off the membership price.

2. Create the Excellent Profile

When you’ve joined a pet sitting web site or two, it’s time to arrange the right profile.

Firstly, be certain your profile is well-written and error-free, as this can convey your professionalism. Nonetheless, don’t overlook to incorporate slightly character.

Discuss your earlier pet care expertise, abilities, and why you’re fascinated about pet sitting. Embody any testimonials or previous pet sitting critiques (should you’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 lovely animals.

Keep in mind to focus in your strengths. I all the time emphasize my expertise, duty, and love for animals in my profile. For those who’ve taken any pet first help programs or certifications, you should definitely spotlight them.

3. Safe Your References

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

For those who’re questioning how one can change into a pet sitter with none expertise, you’ll be able to all the time search for some native alternatives. Pet sit on your buddies or household, discover native job postings, or supply to stroll your neighbor’s canine and easily ask the homeowners to write down a evaluate afterward.

You can even ask for some character references from your pals, household, or employers. After I first began pet sitting, I requested my outdated boss to write down me a reference to spotlight my reliability and duty.

Total, no matter whether or not you’re a newbie or an skilled pet sitter, it’s important to incorporate references and critiques to construct belief with potential purchasers.

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 prime references. Now, it’s time to seek for your good pet sitting job.

Most home sitting web sites mean you can specify your search to locations, dates, size of keep, and species of animals. Many pet sitting web sites will even allow you to specify the kind of job, comparable to home sitting with pets, drop-in visits, or canine strolling.

After you’ve discovered and browse by way of some nice pet sitting job listings, it’s time to use to them. To take action, you’ll must ship the pet homeowners an enticing and informative software message.

Introduce your self, speak about their pets, spotlight your previous related expertise, and clarify why you’re the perfect selection for them. Ensure 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 simply’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 identify usually, 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 on your Interview

After the pet homeowners have thought-about all their purposes, and in the event that they really feel you may be a great match, they’re prone to attain out and ask should you’re fascinated 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 one of the simplest ways to arrange for these pet sitting interviews? I prefer to go over the job itemizing and notice something necessary that they may convey up.

Do the pets have any well being points or behavioral issues? In that case, be ready to reply questions in your comfortability and expertise with these kind 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 through the pet sit?
• For those who’re touring from abroad, what are your journey plans like?

And bear in mind, don’t beat your self up should you don’t get the job in the long run. Pet sitting will be aggressive! Hold making use of, and also you’ll ultimately land the right pet sitting gig.

Whether or not you’re questioning how one can change into an authorized pet sitter otherwise you’re hoping to safe some home sitting gigs on your subsequent prolonged trip, these 5 suggestions are the most effective steps to get began.

Find out how to Discover Work as a Pet Sitter

Now that we’ve gone over how one can change into a canine sitter and how one can change into a cat sitter, let’s increase on the place to search out work as a pet sitter.

These are the 5 finest web sites to search out pet sitting gigs:

1. Trusted Housesitters

For those who’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 out there, Trusted Housesitters lets you discover an abundance of home sitting alternatives around the globe.

With a 24/7 vet hotline, nice customer support, and an easy-to-navigate web site, Trusted Housesitters is without doubt one of the finest pet sitting web sites on the market. Nonetheless, you do need to pay an annual membership price to entry Trusted Housesitters’ plethora of alternatives; it prices $129 per yr.

I personally prefer to view this membership price as a small funding; I pay $129 upfront, however it saves me hundreds of {dollars} on lodging a yr. I’ve used Trusted Housesitters to journey to international locations like Japan, the UK, and Belgium on a price range, so it’s positively price it.

Goats On The Highway readers obtain an automated 20% off the price of the membership price with Trusted Housesitters. Use this link for the discount and details.

2. Rover

For those who’re fascinated about getting paid to pet sit regionally, then I like to recommend you take a look at Rover. A web site the place you’ll be able to record your pet sitting providers like home sitting, pet boarding, canine strolling, doggy daycare, and drop-in visits; it’s one of the simplest ways to earn a living as a pet sitter.

Rover permits you to get began without cost, 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 price of vet charges), and give you entry to an abundance of potential purchasers – it’s price looking.

3. Nomador

For these nonetheless questioning how one can change into a pet sitter, Nomador is without doubt one of the finest web sites to get began.

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

4. MindMyHouse

Just like Nomador and Trusted Housesitters, MindMyHouse is a world home sitting web site that’s good for these seeking to change into a pet sitter.

With an easy-to-use web site and plenty of pet sitting alternatives, MindMyHouse is an effective way to get began. It’s additionally one of many cheaper choices out there and prices simply $29 per yr.

5. Native Job Listings on Certainly or ZipRecruiter

Lastly, top-of-the-line methods to search out paid native pet sitting jobs is on job platforms comparable to Indeed or ZipRecruiter. By looking out current job listings, you will discover native corporations hiring pet sitters and canine walkers for affordable charges.

Nonetheless, the alternatives out there to you’ll range based mostly on the place you’re situated and the time of yr. However, it’s one of the simplest ways to constantly discover potential, paid pet sitting jobs. This was the case for me, regardless that it took me some time to get employed.

How A lot Do Pet Sitters Make?

Now that we’ve gone over how one can change into a contract pet sitter, it’s possible you’ll be questioning what the common wage seems to be like.

Sadly, most home sitting with pet jobs are unpaid as your pay comes within the type of free lodging and utilities. Often, these jobs additionally include further perks, like free car entry, however, a lot of the listings discovered on web sites like Trusted Housesitters, Nomador, and MindMyHouse received’t pay.

Nonetheless, when you achieve extra abilities and expertise as a pet nanny and home sitter, you’ll be capable of leverage your experience for cash. Skilled pet sitters can anticipate to make $25 to $80 per night time, relying on the realm, purchasers, duties requested, and your testimonials.

Moreover, jobs that contain drop-in visits and canine strolling are undoubtedly worthy of cost. You’ll be able to anticipate to make $10 to $25 per 30-60 minute go to. You’ll be able to record your providers and costs on web sites like Rover; simply notice that the upper your charges, the tougher it’s to search out new purchasers.

Total, don’t anticipate to make an excessive amount of cash at first. I used to be home sitting with pets without cost for 2 years earlier than I began requesting cost, and though I might’ve began charging a lot earlier, I used to be primarily looking for free journey lodging.

Professionals and Cons of Being a Pet Sitter

To date, we’ve gone over how one can change into knowledgeable pet sitter, the necessities of turning into a pet sitter, and the most effective pet sitting corporations to select from. However how are you going to ensure if pet sitting is the precise match for you? What are the benefits and downsides of being knowledgeable pet sitter?

Professionals of Changing into a Pet Sitter

• Free lodging and utilities: One of many largest perks of pet sitting is that you simply get a free place to remain. For those who’re pet sitting regionally, you’ll be able to deal with it as a staycation; you’ll lower your expenses on utilities, and also you would possibly even get to stay some time in some luxurious properties. For those who’re touring, pet sitting can mean you can go to new cities with out paying a dime for lodging.
• Spend high quality time with animals: For those who crave the corporate of lovely animals however don’t personal pets of your personal, pet sitting is one of the simplest ways to go. This was the best attract for me; once 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 residing nomadically in Japan.
• It’s an effective way to make more money: Whereas it’s slightly unlikely you’ll make a full-time revenue off of pet sitting alone, it’s an amazing, straightforward, and handy solution to make some additional money.
• It’s versatile: As knowledgeable pet sitter, you will be self-employed. This implies you’ll be able to select your jobs based mostly in your private preferences, and with an abundance of pet and home sitting gigs out there, there are a lot of choices to select from.
• It’s top-of-the-line methods to journey: Pet sitting supplies you with the chance to go to the much less touristy areas of a metropolis and uncover some hidden gems. That is considered one of my favourite components of pet sitting; it allowed me to discover utterly new areas of London and Tokyo.

Cons of Changing into a Pet Sitter

• The wage isn’t excessive, constant, or dependable: Whereas it’s nice to receives a commission to cuddle and take care of some animals, the wage isn’t nice. It additionally ceaselessly varies between purchasers and seasons.
• You might need to take care of some difficult purchasers: Whereas a lot of the pet homeowners I’ve met have been very welcoming and sort, you sometimes need to take care of tough and fussy purchasers. It may be nerve-racking and exhausting to take care of their generally limitless stream of calls for.
• You might need to take care of some misbehaved pets: Pet sitting a very mischievous or untrained animal will be fairly nerve-racking. 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 vitality.
• Most pet and home sitting web sites cost a membership price: For those who’re questioning how one can change into a pet sitter with none expertise, it’s finest to affix a home sitting web site. Sadly, most of those web sites cost a membership price. 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 how one can change into a pet sitter:

In Conclusion

I hope this text on how one can get into petsitting has supplied you with the means and the boldness to get began. Pet sitting is actually considered one of my favourite jobs on this planet; not solely do I get to economize whereas visiting costly locations, however I get to spend high quality time with lovely animals.

Whether or not you need to begin pet sitting to save lots of on journey lodging or to make some additional money at house, there’s nothing higher than getting paid to take care of a pet. So, open up your laptops and begin organising your profiles, it’s time to get began.

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