Do you need to get free lodging in your subsequent trip? Or are you in search of methods to make further money? Maybe you’re a digital nomad looking for methods to cut back housing prices. If that’s the case, it’s time to learn to grow to be a pet sitter.
Pet sitting permits you to receives a commission (in cash or lodging) in trade for caring for lovely animals. It’s actually a win-win state of affairs. With loads of gigs obtainable globally, pet sitting is an effective way to journey.
I’ve pet sat all over the world; 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 strategy to journey.
On this article, I’ll share the necessities to grow to be a pet sitter, how you could find work, how a lot pet sitters receives a commission, and extra.
What’s a Pet Sitter?
Firstly, earlier than we get into easy methods to grow to be 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 normally entails staying on the pet proprietor’s dwelling, however this isn’t all the time the case; it could additionally embrace dropping in to verify on the pets, taking part in with them, checking the cat litter, or strolling the canines.
Pet sitting can even embrace letting the animals keep at your individual dwelling, however this requires a safe and secure 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 dwelling whereas they’re away; this nearly all the time includes staying on the property. Their duties can embrace caring for a pet, nevertheless 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 more likely 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 into a Pet Sitter
For those who’re questioning easy methods to grow to be a pet sitter and not using a diploma, it’s possible you’ll be asking what certifications, programs, or abilities you want with a view to be up for the job.
Fortunately, most shoppers don’t require you to have any official pet sitting certifications or programs, nevertheless, there are some experiences and traits which are important for thriving as a pet sitter, together with:
Expertise with Animal Care: With the intention to safe pet sitting gigs, it’s essential 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 beneficial expertise by pet sitting in your pals or volunteering at a neighborhood veterinary clinic.
A Love for Animals: For those who’re right here to study 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 crucial essential 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 fully.
Versatile: With the intention to work as a pet sitter, you must be versatile. The pet proprietor could have a last-minute request or your in a single day pet sitting dates could 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 a fantastic communicator is crucial. 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 reveals that they’re having a good time and are comfortable. Being a great communicator can also be required if and when emergencies or issues come up.
(Non-obligatory) Pet Sitting Certification: Having a pet sitting certification undoubtedly isn’t a requirement. I’ve been pet sitting for years with out one. Nevertheless, it could actually improve 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 support 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 seek out shoppers.
I pet sat for 2 years earlier than I bought my pet first support certification, so don’t really feel pressured to get it straight away. That being stated, having the certification elevated my odds of securing new shoppers, and it made me extra snug with caring for pets with medical points.
How you can Turn into a Pet Sitter (5 Steps)
Now that we’ve gone over the necessities of changing into a pet sitter, let’s get into the 5 final steps on easy methods to get your first pet sitting place.
These steps will enable you to safe new shoppers no matter whether or not you’re a brand new or skilled pet sitter. The following pointers have helped me get pet sitting gigs all over the world, together with constant canine sitting jobs in Vancouver and home sitting gigs in Japan.
I’ve each confidence that these steps will enable you to discover constant pet sitting jobs as effectively.
1. Be a part of A number of Home Sitting and Pet Sitting Web sites
To begin with, with a view to discover pet sitting jobs domestically and all over the world, you must 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 hyperlink to get 20% off), Nomador, MindMyHouse, Home Sitters America, Home Sitters Canada, and Home Carers. Try the subsequent part to study extra about one of the best pet sitting web sites.
Alternatively, for those who’re questioning easy methods to grow to be a canine sitter in your individual metropolis, you’ll be able to search for native jobs on web sites reminiscent of Certainly, ZipRecruiter, and Rover.
Once I first began out as a pet sitter, I used to be primarily focused on discovering free lodging whereas touring. I solely used Trusted Housesitters to seek out pet sitting gigs, and due to it being the most important pet sitting platform on-line, it was straightforward for me to seek out alternatives.
Nevertheless, I discover that it’s simpler to seek out paid pet sitting jobs domestically. General, it’s greatest to make use of many alternative web sites to develop your choices. Click on right here to enroll with Trusted Housesitters and obtain 20% off the membership charge.
2. Create the Excellent Profile
When you’ve joined a pet sitting web site or two, it’s time to arrange the proper profile.
In the beginning, ensure your profile is well-written and error-free, as it will convey your professionalism. Nevertheless, don’t neglect to incorporate slightly persona.
Speak about your earlier pet care expertise, abilities, and why you’re focused on pet sitting. Embrace any testimonials or previous pet sitting evaluations (for those who’re a complete beginner, get some references from pals or co-workers; see step 3!). And don’t neglect to incorporate some pictures of you with some lovely animals.
Bear 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 support programs or certifications, be sure you spotlight them.
3. Safe Your References
Subsequent, it’s time to safe your references. That is a very powerful a part of getting began as a pet sitter, as having previous references, evaluations, and testimonials makes you appear extra reliable and reliable.
For those who’re questioning easy methods to grow to be a pet sitter with none expertise, you’ll be able to all the time search for some native alternatives. Pet sit in your pals or household, discover native job postings, or provide to stroll your neighbor’s canine and easily ask the homeowners to put in writing a evaluation afterward.
You may also ask for some character references from your mates, household, or employers. Once I first began pet sitting, I requested my outdated boss to put in writing me a reference to spotlight my reliability and duty.
General, no matter whether or not you’re a newbie or an skilled pet sitter, it’s important to incorporate references and evaluations to construct belief with potential shoppers.
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 high references. Now, it’s time to seek for your excellent pet sitting job.
Most home sitting web sites can help you specify your search to locations, dates, size of keep, and species of animals. Many pet sitting web sites may even allow you to specify the kind of job, reminiscent of home sitting with pets, drop-in visits, or canine strolling.
After you’ve discovered and skim by means 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 interesting and informative software message.
Introduce your self, discuss their pets, spotlight your previous related expertise, and clarify why you’re the perfect selection for them. Make certain to ask some questions concerning 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 wish to tailor my software message to the itemizing; I point out their pet’s identify typically, and I emphasize my earlier related pet care expertise. For instance, if the job itemizing is for a timid feline, I spotlight my expertise caring for nervous and shy rescue cats.
5. Put together in your Interview
After the pet homeowners have thought of all their purposes, and in the event that they really feel you could possibly be a great match, they’re more likely to attain out and ask for those who’re focused on an interview. You’re one step nearer to securing a pet sitting job. All you must do is ace the interview.
So, what’s one of the best ways to arrange for these pet sitting interviews? I wish to go over the job itemizing and be aware something essential that they may convey up.
Do the pets have any well being points or behavioral issues? If that’s the case, be ready to reply questions in your comfortability and expertise with a lot of these pets.
Whereas the questions and tone of the interview range per pet proprietor, some normal questions embrace:
- Why are you curious about pet sitting for us?
- What’s your earlier expertise with canines/cats/different animals?
- What are you planning on doing throughout 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 for those who don’t get the job ultimately. Pet sitting will be aggressive! Hold making use of, and also you’ll ultimately land the proper pet sitting gig.
Whether or not you’re questioning easy methods to grow to be a licensed pet sitter otherwise you’re hoping to safe some home sitting gigs in your subsequent prolonged trip, these 5 ideas are one of the best steps to get began.
How you can Discover Work as a Pet Sitter
Now that we’ve gone over easy methods to grow to be a canine sitter and easy methods to grow to be a cat sitter, let’s develop on the place to seek out work as a pet sitter.
These are the 5 greatest web sites to seek out pet sitting gigs:
1. Trusted Housesitters
For those who’re changing into a pet sitter within the hope you’ll get free lodging abroad, then you must use Trusted Housesitters. The largest pet sitting platform obtainable, Trusted Housesitters permits you to discover an abundance of home sitting alternatives all over the world.
With a 24/7 vet hotline, nice customer support, and an easy-to-navigate web site, Trusted Housesitters is likely one of the greatest pet sitting web sites on the market. Nevertheless, you do must pay an annual membership charge to entry Trusted Housesitters’ plethora of alternatives; it prices $129 per 12 months.
I personally wish to view this membership charge as a small funding; I pay $129 upfront, nevertheless it saves me 1000’s of {dollars} on lodging a 12 months. I’ve used Trusted Housesitters to journey to international locations like Japan, the UK, and Belgium on a funds, so it’s undoubtedly value it.
Goats On The Highway readers obtain an automated 20% off the price of the membership charge with Trusted Housesitters. Use this hyperlink for the low cost and particulars.
2. Rover
For those who’re focused on getting paid to pet sit domestically, then I like to recommend you try Rover. An internet 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 best ways to make cash as a pet sitter.
Rover helps you to get began without spending a dime, 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 value of vet charges), and offer you entry to an abundance of potential shoppers – it’s value having a look.
3. Nomador
For these nonetheless questioning easy methods to grow to be a pet sitter, Nomador is likely one of the greatest web sites to get began.
Crammed with worldwide home sitting alternatives, it’s the proper platform for vacationers and digital nomads. It does, nevertheless, has a membership charge of $85 per 12 months.
4. MindMyHouse
Just like Nomador and Trusted Housesitters, MindMyHouse is a world home sitting web site that’s excellent for these trying to grow to be a pet sitter.
With an easy-to-use web site and many pet sitting alternatives, MindMyHouse is an effective way to get began. It’s additionally one of many cheaper choices obtainable and prices simply $29 per 12 months.
5. Native Job Listings on Certainly or ZipRecruiter
Lastly, among the finest methods to seek out paid native pet sitting jobs is on job platforms reminiscent of Certainly or ZipRecruiter. By looking current job listings, you could find native corporations hiring pet sitters and canine walkers for affordable charges.
Nevertheless, the alternatives obtainable to you’ll range primarily based on the place you’re situated and the time of 12 months. Nonetheless, it’s one of the best 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 easy methods to grow to be a contract pet sitter, it’s possible you’ll be questioning what the typical wage seems like.
Sadly, most home sitting with pet jobs are unpaid as your pay comes within the type of free lodging and utilities. Sometimes, these jobs additionally include further perks, like free automobile entry, however, many of the listings discovered on web sites like Trusted Housesitters, Nomador, and MindMyHouse received’t pay.
Nevertheless, when you achieve extra abilities and expertise as a pet nanny and home sitter, you’ll have the ability to leverage your experience for cash. Skilled pet sitters can count on to make $25 to $80 per evening, relying on the realm, shoppers, duties requested, and your testimonials.
Moreover, jobs that contain drop-in visits and canine strolling are undoubtedly worthy of fee. You possibly can count on to make $10 to $25 per 30-60 minute go to. You possibly can record your providers and charges on web sites like Rover; simply be aware that the upper your charges, the more durable it’s to seek out new shoppers.
General, don’t count on to make an excessive amount of cash at first. I used to be home sitting with pets without spending a dime for 2 years earlier than I began requesting fee, and though I might’ve began charging a lot earlier, I used to be primarily looking for free journey lodging.
Execs and Cons of Being a Pet Sitter
To this point, we’ve gone over easy methods to grow to be knowledgeable pet sitter, the necessities of changing into a pet sitter, and one of the best pet sitting corporations to select from. However how will you make sure if pet sitting is the proper match for you? What are the benefits and downsides of being knowledgeable pet sitter?
Execs of Changing into a Pet Sitter
- Free lodging and utilities: One of many greatest perks of pet sitting is that you simply get a free place to remain. For those who’re pet sitting domestically, you’ll be able to deal with it as a staycation; you’ll lower your expenses on utilities, and also you may even get to reside some time in some luxurious properties. For those who’re touring, pet sitting can can help you 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 individual, pet sitting is one of the best 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 earnings off of pet sitting alone, it’s a fantastic, straightforward, and handy strategy to make some further money.
- It’s versatile: As knowledgeable pet sitter, you will be self-employed. This implies you’ll be able to select your jobs primarily based in your private preferences, and with an abundance of pet and home sitting gigs obtainable, there are a lot of choices to select from.
- It’s among the finest methods to journey: Pet sitting offers you with the chance to go to the much less touristy areas of a metropolis and uncover some hidden gems. That is one in every of my favourite elements of pet sitting; it allowed me to discover fully 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 regularly varies between shoppers and seasons.
- You may need to cope with some difficult shoppers: Whereas many of the pet homeowners I’ve met have been very welcoming and sort, you sometimes must cope with troublesome and fussy shoppers. It may be demanding and exhausting to cope with their generally limitless stream of calls for.
- You may need to cope with some misbehaved pets: Pet sitting a very mischievous or untrained animal will be fairly demanding. 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 power.
- Most pet and home sitting web sites cost a membership charge: For those who’re questioning easy methods to grow to be a pet sitter with none expertise, it’s greatest to affix a home sitting web site. Sadly, most of those web sites cost a membership charge. I wish to view it as a small funding for my private freelance pet sitting enterprise.
How you can Turn into a Pet Sitter: FAQs
Listed here are the solutions to some generally requested questions on easy methods to grow to be a pet sitter:
There aren’t any particular necessities to grow to be a pet sitter, however some fascinating traits embrace a love for animals, expertise with animal care, familiarity with animal conduct and customary coaching methods, stellar communication abilities, and pet first support certification.
One of the simplest ways to start out canine sitting or cat sitting as a beginner is to realize as a lot pet care expertise as you’ll be able to. This may embrace strolling your mates’ canines or volunteering at a neighborhood veterinary clinic. Don’t neglect to ask them for references.
Pet sitters are undoubtedly in demand, particularly in massive cities. Pet homeowners know that their beloved animals are far more snug staying at dwelling than at a pet boarding facility, and pet sitting corporations like Rover and Trusted Housesitters are persevering with to develop and develop to satisfy calls for.
Whereas pet sitting is mostly seen as a simple job, it undoubtedly comes with its challenges, particularly when deling with animals which have behavioral points or an extreme quantity of power. With the intention to grow to be a pet sitter, you’ll must be affected person, devoted, and accountable.
Sure, as knowledgeable pet sitter, you’ll be able to count on to receives a commission $25 to $80 per evening, relying on the placement, variety of pets, and particular pet providers requested. For drop-in visits, you’ll be able to count on to receives a commission $10 to $25 per 30-60 minute go to.
If you wish to canine sit in your individual dwelling, you’ll must have an acceptable set-up. This contains having a safe space only for the canine with all the necessities comprising a clear water dish, mattress, and enrichment (reminiscent of canine toys!).
Some duties pet sitters have embrace offering the pets with meals and water, taking part in with them, grooming them, giving them their medicines (if requested), strolling the canines, cleansing the cat litter, and retaining the homeowners up to date on their well-being.
In Conclusion
I hope this text on easy methods to get into petsitting has supplied you with the means and the arrogance to get began. Pet sitting is actually one in every of my favourite jobs on the 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 further money at dwelling, there’s nothing higher than getting paid to take care of a pet. So, open up your laptops and begin establishing your profiles, it’s time to get began.