If you adore animals and want to make a difference in their lives, starting your own pet sitting business is an ideal option. But before you dive in, there are a few steps that must be taken for success.
1. Construct a Business Plan
Before beginning your venture, create a business plan to set objectives and identify any obstacles that might stand in the way. Doing this allows for informed decisions about how to proceed with the venture and guarantee its long-term success.
2. Select a Legal Business Structure
Once you have an idea for your pet sitting business, it is time to choose a legal structure that will protect assets and limit personal liability. Options include sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC or corporation – there are plenty of viable options!
Corporations are a tax-favored business structure that gives owners limited liability protection and allows them to pass on their business income to personal taxes. Unfortunately, corporations may be subject to double taxation, meaning you could end up paying more in taxes than what your business earns.
3. Decide on a Service Agreement
Before beginning to collaborate with clients, make sure you have an agreed-upon service agreement in place that outlines your services, pricing, cancellation policies, damages policy, payment methods and other vital details. Doing this will guarantee your clients are satisfied with the outcomes and help prevent future disputes.
4. Establish Your Prices
Before setting your prices, do some market research and discover what others charge for similar services in your area. You can do this by using online tools, visiting local pet stores, or talking to pet owners about their needs.
5. Nich Your Business
One way to increase the likelihood of gaining clients is by specializing in a particular niche within your industry. For instance, if you’re a dog sitter, perhaps targeting dogs with behavior issues like reactivity or separation anxiety would be beneficial.
Making your services stand out among other pet sitters in your area will give you the edge and help you secure the customers necessary to keep your business thriving.
6. Establish a Website and Social Media Accounts
A professional website gives your potential customers an overview of the services you offer, enabling them to book appointments online. Furthermore, pet sitting business websites allow for posting updates about special promotions, new services, and company news.
7. Implement a Client Management System
The most efficient way to run your business is by utilizing software that keeps track of appointments, customers and payments. Popular options include FreshBooks, Xero and QuickBooks Online.
8. Create a marketing plan and begin advertising
Once your business plan is in place, begin advertising your services locally in pet stores, leaving business cards at other pet sitters’ homes, or creating accounts on social media sites like Facebook or Twitter.
