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 scale 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 taking good care of lovely animals. It’s really a win-win scenario. With loads of gigs accessible globally, pet sitting is a good way to journey.
I’ve pet sat around the globe; I spent per week taking care of a Husky combine in Glasgow, a month and a half with a Frenchie in Tokyo, a number of weeks with a rescue cat in Brussels, and weeks with a Saluki in Kobe. It’s by far my favourite method to journey.
On this article, I’ll share the necessities to grow to be a pet sitter, how yow 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 you can grow to be a pet sitter, you might 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 residence, however this isn’t at all times the case; it could possibly additionally embrace dropping in to examine on the pets, taking part in with them, checking the cat litter, or strolling the canine.
Pet sitting also can embrace letting the animals keep at your personal residence, however this requires a safe and protected set-up. Whatever the particulars, pet sitter duties sometimes contain offering the animals with security, meals, water, affection, and playtime.
In distinction, home sitters take care of somebody’s residence whereas they’re away; this virtually at all times includes staying on the property. Their duties can embrace taking good care of a pet, however it additionally consists of watering the crops, holding 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 examine on an animal). Each kinds of jobs have professionals 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
Should you’re questioning how you can grow to be a pet sitter with no diploma, you might 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 might be important for thriving as a pet sitter, together with:
Expertise with Animal Care: In an effort to safe pet sitting gigs, you will need to emphasize your previous experiences with pet care. This consists of feeding, strolling, cleansing, grooming, and taking part in with pets. Should you’ve by no means owned any pets earlier than, you may acquire some useful expertise by pet sitting on your buddies or volunteering at an area veterinary clinic.
A Love for Animals: Should you’re right here to be taught to be a pet sitter, I think about you have already got a powerful 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: Some of the essential traits that pet homeowners are in search of of their pet sitters is accountability. They’re leaving their treasured animals and residential within the care of a stranger, they usually want to have the ability to belief their pet sitters utterly.
Versatile: In an effort to work as a pet sitter, you must 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 important communicator is crucial. From private expertise, I discovered that pet homeowners particularly love receiving images of their cats taking part in or canine out on walks, because it reveals that they’re having a good time and are comfortable. Being an excellent communicator can also be required if and when emergencies or issues come up.
(Optionally available) Pet Sitting Certification: Having a pet sitting certification undoubtedly isn’t a requirement. I’ve been pet sitting for years with out one. Nonetheless, it could possibly definitely improve your credibility as an expert, so it’s nice for these severe a couple of profession in pet sitting. Some certifications embrace the NAPPS and the CPPS.
(Optionally available) Pet First Assist Course: Whereas taking and passing a pet first help course isn’t important if you wish to work as a pet sitter, it’s a good 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 obtained my pet first help certification, so don’t really feel pressured to get it immediately. That being mentioned, having the certification elevated my odds of securing new shoppers, and it made me extra snug with caring for pets with medical points.
Easy methods to Turn into 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 you can get your first pet sitting place.
These steps will enable you 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 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 effectively.
1. Be 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 around the globe, 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. Take a look at the subsequent part to be taught extra about the most effective pet sitting web sites.
Alternatively, should you’re questioning how you can grow to be a canine sitter in your personal metropolis, you may search for native jobs on web sites corresponding to Certainly, ZipRecruiter, and Rover.
After I first began out as a pet sitter, I used to be primarily thinking about discovering free lodging whereas touring. I solely used Trusted Housesitters to seek out pet sitting gigs, and because of it being the biggest pet sitting platform on-line, it was simple for me to seek out alternatives.
Nonetheless, 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 increase your choices. Click on right here to enroll with Trusted Housesitters and obtain 20% off the membership price.
2. Create the Good 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 this can convey your professionalism. Nonetheless, don’t neglect to incorporate just a little persona.
Speak about your earlier pet care expertise, abilities, and why you’re thinking about pet sitting. Embody any testimonials or previous pet sitting evaluations (should you’re a complete beginner, get some references from buddies or co-workers; see step 3!). And don’t neglect to incorporate some images of you with some lovely animals.
Bear in mind to focus in your strengths. I at all times emphasize my expertise, accountability, and love for animals in my profile. Should you’ve taken any pet first help programs or certifications, make sure to 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.
Should you’re questioning how you can grow to be a pet sitter with none expertise, you may at all times 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 put in writing a evaluate afterward.
You may also ask for some character references from your folks, household, or employers. After I first began pet sitting, I requested my outdated boss to put in writing me a reference to focus on my reliability and accountability.
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 Greatest Jobs
So, you’ve joined a number of pet sitting web sites, written a killer profile, and included your high references. Now, it’s time to seek for your good pet sitting job.
Most home sitting web sites let you specify your search to locations, dates, size of keep, and species of animals. Many pet sitting web sites may also allow you to specify the kind of job, corresponding to home sitting with pets, drop-in visits, or canine strolling.
After you’ve discovered and browse via 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 best alternative 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 at all times prefer to tailor my software message to the itemizing; I point out their pet’s title 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 taking good care of nervous and shy rescue cats.
5. Put together on your Interview
After the pet homeowners have thought of all their functions, and in the event that they really feel you might be an excellent match, they’re more likely to attain out and ask should you’re thinking about 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 simplest ways to organize for these pet sitting interviews? I prefer to go over the job itemizing and be aware something essential that they may deliver 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 these kind of pets.
Whereas the questions and tone of the interview fluctuate per pet proprietor, some commonplace questions embrace:
- Why are you interested by pet sitting for us?
- What’s your earlier expertise with canine/cats/different animals?
- What are you planning on doing throughout the pet sit?
- Should you’re touring from abroad, what are your journey plans like?
And keep in mind, don’t beat your self up should you don’t get the job ultimately. Pet sitting might be aggressive! Maintain making use of, and also you’ll ultimately land the proper pet sitting gig.
Whether or not you’re questioning how you can grow to be an authorized pet sitter otherwise you’re hoping to safe some home sitting gigs on your subsequent prolonged trip, these 5 ideas are the most effective steps to get began.
Easy methods to Discover Work as a Pet Sitter
Now that we’ve gone over how you can grow to be a canine sitter and how you can grow to be a cat sitter, let’s increase 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
Should you’re turning into a pet sitter within the hope you’ll get free lodging abroad, then you must use Trusted Housesitters. The most important pet sitting platform accessible, Trusted Housesitters permits you to 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 greatest 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 1000’s of {dollars} on lodging a yr. I’ve used Trusted Housesitters to journey to international locations like Japan, the UK, and Belgium on a funds, so it’s undoubtedly price it.
Goats On The Highway readers obtain an automated 20% off the price of the membership price with Trusted Housesitters. Use this hyperlink for the low cost and particulars.
2. Rover
Should you’re thinking about getting paid to pet sit domestically, then I like to recommend you take a look at Rover. A web site the place you may listing your pet sitting companies like home sitting, pet boarding, canine strolling, doggy daycare, and drop-in visits; it’s one of the simplest ways to earn cash as a pet sitter.
Rover helps you to get began at no cost, however they take a share of your wage out of your bookings. They provide 24/7 help (which incorporates vet help), the Rover Assure (which incorporates reimbursement for up $25,000 price of vet charges), and offer you entry to an abundance of potential shoppers – it’s price having a look.
3. Nomador
For these nonetheless questioning how you can grow to be a pet sitter, Nomador is without doubt one of the greatest web sites to get began.
Full of worldwide home sitting alternatives, it’s the proper platform for vacationers and digital nomads. It does, nevertheless, has a membership price of $85 per yr.
4. MindMyHouse
Much like Nomador and Trusted Housesitters, MindMyHouse is a global home sitting web site that’s good for these seeking to grow to be a pet sitter.
With an easy-to-use web site and many pet sitting alternatives, MindMyHouse is a good way to get began. It’s additionally one of many cheaper choices accessible and prices simply $29 per yr.
5. Native Job Listings on Certainly or ZipRecruiter
Lastly, the most effective methods to seek out paid native pet sitting jobs is on job platforms corresponding to Certainly or ZipRecruiter. By looking current job listings, yow will discover native firms hiring pet sitters and canine walkers for cheap charges.
Nonetheless, the alternatives accessible to you’ll fluctuate primarily based on the place you’re positioned and the time of yr. Nonetheless, it’s one of the simplest ways to persistently discover potential, paid pet sitting jobs. This was the case for me, although it took me some time to get employed.
How A lot Do Pet Sitters Make?
Now that we’ve gone over how you can grow to be a contract pet sitter, you might 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. Often, these jobs additionally include extra perks, like free automobile entry, however, a lot of the listings discovered on web sites like Trusted Housesitters, Nomador, and MindMyHouse received’t pay.
Nonetheless, when you acquire extra abilities and expertise as a pet nanny and home sitter, you’ll be capable to leverage your experience for cash. Skilled pet sitters can anticipate to make $25 to $80 per night time, 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’ll be able to anticipate to make $10 to $25 per 30-60 minute go to. You’ll be able to listing your companies and costs 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 anticipate to make an excessive amount of cash at first. I used to be home sitting with pets at no cost 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 how you can grow to be an expert pet sitter, the necessities of turning into a pet sitter, and the most effective pet sitting firms to select from. However how are you going to make sure if pet sitting is the appropriate match for you? What are the benefits and drawbacks of being an expert 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. Should you’re pet sitting domestically, you may deal with it as a staycation; you’ll get monetary savings on utilities, and also you would possibly even get to reside some time in some luxurious properties. Should you’re touring, pet sitting can let you go to new cities with out paying a dime for lodging.
- Spend high quality time with animals: Should you 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 an expert pet sitter, I couldn’t personal any of my very own pets as a result of I used to be dwelling nomadically in Japan.
- It’s a good way to make extra cash: Whereas it’s just a little unlikely you’ll make a full-time revenue off of pet sitting alone, it’s an important, simple, and handy method to make some additional money.
- It’s versatile: As an expert pet sitter, you might be self-employed. This implies you may select your jobs primarily based in your private preferences, and with an abundance of pet and home sitting gigs accessible, there are a lot of choices to select from.
- It’s the most effective 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 certainly one of my favourite elements 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 look after some animals, the wage isn’t nice. It additionally steadily varies between shoppers and seasons.
- You may need to take care of some tough shoppers: Whereas a lot of the pet homeowners I’ve met have been very welcoming and type, you sometimes need to take care of tough and fussy shoppers. It may be aggravating and exhausting to take care of their generally infinite stream of calls for.
- You may need to take care of some misbehaved pets: Pet sitting a very mischievous or untrained animal might be fairly aggravating. Caring for a poorly-behaved animal might 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: Should you’re questioning how you can grow to be a pet sitter with none expertise, it’s greatest to hitch 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.
Easy methods to Turn into a Pet Sitter: FAQs
Listed below are the solutions to some generally requested questions on how you can 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 habits and customary coaching methods, stellar communication abilities, and pet first help certification.
One of the simplest ways to begin canine sitting or cat sitting as a beginner is to achieve as a lot pet care expertise as you may. This will embrace strolling your folks’ canine or volunteering at an area veterinary clinic. Don’t neglect to ask them for references.
Pet sitters are undoubtedly in demand, particularly in huge cities. Pet homeowners know that their beloved animals are way more snug staying at residence than at a pet boarding facility, and pet sitting firms like Rover and Trusted Housesitters are persevering with to develop and develop to satisfy calls for.
Whereas pet sitting is usually 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 vitality. In an effort to grow to be a pet sitter, you’ll have to be affected person, devoted, and accountable.
Sure, as an expert pet sitter, you may anticipate to receives a commission $25 to $80 per night time, relying on the situation, variety of pets, and particular pet companies requested. For drop-in visits, you may anticipate to receives a commission $10 to $25 per 30-60 minute go to.
If you wish to canine sit in your personal residence, you’ll need to have an appropriate set-up. This consists of having a safe space only for the canine with the entire necessities comprising a clear water dish, mattress, and enrichment (corresponding to 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 drugs (if requested), strolling the canine, cleansing the cat litter, and holding the homeowners up to date on their well-being.
In Conclusion
I hope this text on how you can get into petsitting has offered you with the means and the arrogance to get began. Pet sitting is actually certainly one of my favourite jobs on the earth; 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 avoid wasting on journey lodging or to make some additional money at residence, there’s nothing higher than getting paid to look after a pet. So, open up your laptops and begin establishing your profiles, it’s time to get began.
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