Dog sitting can really be rewarding and fun. You get all of the advantages of owning a dog without the hassle and commitment required when owning one. I have been dog sitting for many friends and family members since 2021, so once found a great program that fit dog owners with the right dog sitting companion, had to give it a go! Here are my top dog sitting tips for success.
Firstly, if you don’t already have a regular schedule and only need the service once or twice a week, don’t become a full-time pet sitter. A full-time dog sitting or grooming pet can become extremely expensive in a short amount of time. If you’re planning on becoming a full-time pet sitting companion, make sure your home is prepared for this by tiling the floor and making other preparations such as using crate training, buying a pet carrier and getting a bed or dog house. Regular dog sitting customers often find it difficult to maintain these extra necessities.
Secondly, don’t forget to keep training sessions fresh. People often become bored with their dog sitting or pet sitting service. It may be helpful to start each sitting session at 10 minutes and increase gradually, depending on how quickly your dog responds. Also, never restrict a sitting customer to just one dog; always invite new customers to come along for a spot of pet care.
Thirdly, don’t try to take on too many clients at once. It’s best to concentrate on a few reliable clients rather than trying to build a dog sitting business up to being a full-time one. It’s much harder and less rewarding when you struggle day-in, day-out to maintain a steady and consistent rate. If you do manage to gain a steady client base, then you may want to add a bit of variety into your practice by providing an all-inclusive, customized pet sitting package. This will give you an edge on your competition.
Dog sitting tips also include not being afraid to mix up your dog sitting services. Some people prefer to work with one breed, whereas others like to work with a variety of breeds and ages. Others still love to sit on different types of dogs, such as toy and show dogs.
Finally, be creative when it comes to advertising your dog sitting service. Many sitters use the internet to advertise their services. Dog sitting groups and online forums are also a great place to network with other dog sitters. You can get some excellent tips on how to increase your client base through networking and referrals. The more clients you have the better.
It is also a good idea to join or create a networking group for dog groomers and dog walkers. Many local dog groomers and dog walkers will let their local clients know about their business. In addition, these individuals may also be able to provide you with leads as well as recommendations of local places where they have worked and know well. They will probably be happy to recommend some places that they have worked at in the past and won’t mind helping you out with finding their current clients.
When trying to find dog-sitting tips, always remember that the more you have on hand the better off you will be. Always keep your list of potential sitters handy so that you can always refer to it. Don’t be afraid to ask for references from your sitters and dog groomer friends. You never know who might be interested in hiring a sitter and you could win them over just by talking to them. Remember, word of mouth does take the place of advertising! Good luck!