How To Start A Pet Sitting Service Business In 12 Easy Steps

Welcome to taking the first step toward becoming self-employed with your own pet sitting service.There's an increasing demand for pet sitting services that continue to grow each year as people are owning more pets and taking better care of them than ever before.

A pet sitting service not only applies to Dogs and Cats but people have ... Birds ... Fish ... Turtles ... Ferrets ...Rabbits ...Gerbils ... Hamsters ... Guinea Pigs ... Iguanas ...Snakes ... and other pets that require care. You will need to familiarize yourself with the care and needs of each of these animals.

Maybe you've not yet quite made up your mind about starting your own business or you are not sure how to go about getting started.

Here are 12 steps that will get you on your way to becoming your own boss with your very own pet sitting service.

Step 1: Selecting a name for your pet sitting business. You can get creative and come up with a unique name or go with a simple name. Whichever you choose make sure it shows a positive image of your pet sitting service and a name with which you will be proud to be associated with. Write down a few names you can come up with or ask family members and friends for ideas. Here are a few examples of names for a Pet Setting Service: Critter Sitters, Top Dog At Your Bark and Call, Pet Check, Top Dog, Dog Gone Keepers, K-9 Care, Pet Keeping, etc.

Step 2: After you have picked out a name you will need to register it. Go to or call your County Clerk's office and find out it's requirements and fees. Each county may have different procedures for registering a name. Registering a business is fairly easy. First you will need to check with the county clerk or search the County or State name database to make sure the name isn't already registered to another business. If the name is available you will then fill out a registration form and submit it along with the registration fee (usually $10 to $50). You will also need to obtain a Business Privilege License. This is a general license that allows you the privilege of legally operating a business within a certain city or county. You can also get these at the county clerk's office for a nominal fee. If you plan on operating your pet sitting service from your home you may need a Home Occupation permit. Make sure you check with Local and State governments for all the necessary licenses and permits.

Step 3: Finding an office location. At the start you can operate your pet sitting business from your home in a spare bedroom, den or basement. There may be some tax advantages in operating from your home. A tax accountant can advise you on this. Later on as business picks up and you may consider hiring more help you can start looking at other more accommodating locations. Remember you don't have to have the plushest surroundings for office space. An area large enough for a desk and filing cabinet is all you need to start with. Your clients usually don't visit your office so it doesn't need to be fancy. Look for something that is reasonable and convenient for you to rent.

Step 4: An important decision is planning how you want to set up your pet sitting service from a legal standpoint. There are 3 ways you can choose. As a sole proprietorship, with a partner or as a corporation. The simplest plan is the sole proprietorship. Tax and legal liabilities vary with each of these plans so seek advice from an attorney or tax professional. Note; To assist you in obtaining and registering your business you can have an attorney to do this, however you can save money on attorney fees if you can do it yourself.

Step 5: Insuring your business. It is recommended and wise to purchase liability insurance and be bonded. Not only will being insured cover liabilities against you, but being bonded is often a selling point with a potential customer who might otherwise be reluctant to let someone in their home. This also speaks well for the professionalism and honesty of your business. It would be well worth your time to check around for insurance rates because they do vary and could save you quite a bit of money.

Step 6: Choosing a bank. For your pet sitting business it is necessary to open a business checking account. You may want to use the bank where you do your personal banking or you might want to check other banks on cheaper service charges.