? Have you ever thought about turning your love of animals into a flexible, income-generating business you can run from home with online booking?
Why a pet sitting or dog walking business is a great fit for you
If you enjoy animals and want a low-stress, flexible way to earn money, a pet sitting or dog walking business can match your lifestyle. You can set your own hours, choose the number of clients you accept, and do work that keeps you active and connected to your neighborhood. This business also scales easily: you can start solo with a few local clients and add online booking tools to make scheduling smooth and professional.
Who this business suits best
This business is especially good for seniors because it:
- Lets you work part-time or full-time according to your energy.
- Requires limited startup costs and simple tools.
- Encourages gentle physical activity and social interaction.
- Can be run from home with online scheduling and payments, minimizing in-person office work.
Types of services you can offer
You can combine one or more of these services depending on your preferences and physical ability.
Dog walking
You take dogs on regular walks—short potty visits to 30–60 minute walks. You can offer solo or group walks and set up recurring bookings.
Pet sitting (in-home visits)
You visit a pet at the owner’s home to feed, walk, provide companionship, and give medication. Visits usually last 20–60 minutes.
Overnight stays
You stay in the client’s home overnight or provide in-home boarding at your place if you have space and appropriate permissions.
Drop-in visits
Short visits for feeding and quick walks, typically 15–30 minutes. Good for clients who work long hours.
Pet taxi and appointments
Drive pets to vet visits or grooming appointments. This requires a reliable vehicle and careful scheduling.
Additional services
Offer basic grooming (brushing, nail checks), administering oral medication, plant care while owners are away, and photo updates for owners via text or email.
Legal, safety, and insurance basics
You’ll want to protect yourself, your clients, and the pets. Taking care of legal and safety items will help your business look professional and reduce risks.
Business structure and registration
Decide whether to operate as a sole proprietor or form a small LLC. An LLC can offer liability protection but has filing costs. Check local regulations for any business licenses or permits.
Insurance and bonding
Get pet-sitting insurance and a bond. Insurance covers accidents, veterinary issues, and property damage. Bonding protects clients if cash or valuables go missing. Companies such as Pet Sitters Associates, Business Insurers of the Carolinas, and Hiscox offer options tailored to pet sitters.
Vaccination and health requirements
Require proof of vaccinations for dogs you walk (rabies, DHPP, and Bordetella depending on your local rules). For pet-sitting clients, confirm any health issues and medication needs in writing.
Safety protocols
Create policies for aggressive animals, emergency vet access, key handling, and interactions with children. Keep a first-aid kit for pets and learn basic pet first aid.
Setting your rates and packages
Pricing depends on your area, level of service, and experience. Start by researching local competitors and consider your costs.
Sample pricing models
You can use hourly rates, per-visit rates, or package subscriptions.
| Service | Sample price (range) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 15–20 min drop-in visit | $12–$20 | Quick feed and potty break |
| 30 min visit | $18–$30 | Playtime + feeding + brief walk |
| 60 min visit | $30–$50 | Longer walks, extra attention |
| 30 min dog walk | $18–$30 | Solo or small-group rates |
| Overnight stay (per night) | $50–$150 | Depends on overnight presence and location |
| Pet taxi | $15–$40 + mileage | Add travel fees as needed |
You may offer discounts for recurring clients, multiple pets, or off-peak bookings. Add holiday surcharges for work on major holidays.
Calculate your break-even and profit
Account for:
- Insurance, license fees
- Marketing (printing flyers, website costs)
- App and software subscriptions
- Gas and travel time
- Supplies (leashes, poop bags, first-aid) Then set rates that cover costs and deliver a fair hourly equivalent.
Setting up online booking (simple, senior-friendly)
Online booking makes your business appear professional and saves time. You don’t need to be a tech expert to use these tools—choose user-friendly platforms that integrate scheduling and payments.
Booking and marketplace options
Here are common choices with pros and cons.
| Platform type | Examples | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marketplace | Rover, Wag! | Immediate client pool, easy onboarding | Platform fees, less control over pricing |
| Professional software | Time To Pet, Pet Sitter Plus, Gingr | Designed for pet pros, client management, invoicing | Monthly fees, learning curve |
| Scheduling apps | Calendly, Acuity Scheduling | Simple scheduling, integrates with your website | No pet-specific features |
| Payment processors | Square, Stripe, PayPal | Easy mobile payments, invoicing | Transaction fees |
For beginners, combine a simple scheduling app (Calendly or Acuity), Square for payments, and a basic website or Facebook business page listing your services.
How to set up online booking step-by-step
- Choose a scheduling platform that meets your needs (Calendly for simplicity; Time To Pet if you want pet-specific features).
- Set service types (30 min visit, 60 min walk, overnight) with durations and prices.
- Block off your personal unavailable times so clients can only book when you want to work.
- Connect payment processing to require a card at booking or invoice automatically after the visit.
- Add clear cancellation and holiday policies to your booking page.
- Link your booking page in emails, social media, and your website.
Website basics
You don’t need a fancy site. A clear, single-page site that lists services, rates, online booking link, and testimonials is enough. Use platforms like Wix, Squarespace, or WordPress with simple templates. Include:
- Your photo and short bio
- Services and rates
- Online booking button
- Contact information and service area
- Reviews and credentials
Marketing your business locally and online
Marketing is about getting noticed by pet owners in your community. Focus on trust-building and visibility.
Local marketing ideas
- Post flyers or business cards at vets, groomers, pet stores, libraries, and community centers.
- Join neighborhood social media groups and Nextdoor to post your services and booking link.
- Partner with local senior centers or community organizations to offer short talks or hand out leaflets.
- Offer referral incentives for clients who bring you new customers.
Online marketing tips
- Claim your Google Business profile so you show up in local searches.
- Use Facebook and Instagram for photo updates and local engagement; show photos (with permission) of happy pets.
- Ask satisfied clients for reviews on Google or Facebook and feature them on your website.
- Create a simple email newsletter with tips for pet care and booking reminders.
Building trust and reputation
Trust is essential. Offer:
- Meet-and-greet appointments before accepting a client.
- Clear contracts and a pet care plan.
- Photo updates during visits to reassure owners.
- Professional presentation: clean uniform, ID badge, printed materials.
Running your daily operations
Smooth operations keep clients happy and minimize surprises.
The meet-and-greet
Always start with an in-person meeting. Use this time to:
- Check the home environment.
- Meet the pet’s temperament.
- Discuss routines, feeding, medication.
- Confirm emergency contacts and veterinarian info.
- Get a signed contract and key-handling permission.
Pet profile checklist
Collect the following information for each pet:
| Item | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Pet name, breed, age | Identification and expected behavior |
| Feeding schedule & type of food | Prevents feeding mistakes |
| Medication & administration instructions | Health and safety |
| Vet contact & emergency consent | Quick action if needed |
| Behavioral notes (aggression, fear) | Safety planning |
| Emergency contact and key location | Access in emergencies |
| Preferred vet clinic | Where to go if sick |
| Photo of pet | Identification for walkers/sitters |
Daily visit routine
- Arrive on time and send the owner a message.
- Follow the owner’s routine exactly (food, walks, toys).
- Take photos and brief notes for the client.
- Secure the home on departure and note any changes.
Handling emergencies
- Have a written emergency plan that includes vet contact and owner authorization for care.
- Know the closest 24/7 emergency animal hospital in your service area.
- Keep a pet first-aid kit and learn basic pet first aid.
Managing multiple clients and routes
If you walk several dogs in one outing, plan efficient routes and time blocks.
Route planning tips
- Group clients by neighborhood to minimize travel time.
- Build buffer time between appointments for traffic and unexpected delays.
- Use a simple mapping app to plan routes and allow for multiple stops.
Scheduling best practices
- Limit the number of long walks per day to avoid fatigue.
- Hold select “walk days” for repeated walks and “visit days” for sit-ins to organize workload.
- Use scheduling software to avoid double-booking.
Technology that’s senior-friendly
You don’t need to be tech-savvy, but some basic tools make life easier.
Recommended simple tools
- Smartphone (for photos, communication, navigation).
- Calendly or Acuity for bookings.
- Square for mobile card payments.
- Google Forms for collecting pet information.
- WhatsApp or simple texting for client updates.
Learning resources
- Many platforms have step-by-step tutorials and customer support.
- Ask a friend or family member to help set up initial tools.
- Local community colleges or libraries often offer basic computer classes for seniors.
Customer service and client retention
Friendly, reliable service with good communication leads to long-term clients.
Communication standards
- Respond to inquiries within 24 hours.
- Confirm bookings and send reminders.
- Provide photo or text updates after each visit.
- Alert clients immediately if anything unusual occurs.
Client retention strategies
- Offer discounts for recurring clients or multi-pet households.
- Create loyalty programs (e.g., every 10th walk free).
- Personalize service with pet birthdays or small seasonal gestures.
Sample templates you can use
Below are short templates you can adapt.
Basic service agreement checklist
Include these items in a contract:
- Service description and rates
- Keys and access permission
- Emergency authorization and vet release
- Cancellation and holiday policy
- Liability limits and insurance statement
- Payment terms and collection policy
Sample pet profile form
Create a form using Google Forms or paper with:
- Owner name and contact details
- Emergency contact
- Pet information (name, age, breed)
- Feeding schedule and food brand
- Medical conditions and medication instructions
- Known behavioral issues
- Vet contact information
- Home access instructions
Financial management and taxes
Keep your finances simple and transparent. Track income and expenses for tax time.
Expense categories to track
- Insurance and bonding
- Marketing and printing
- Vehicle mileage and gas
- Supplies (leashes, treats, first-aid)
- Software subscriptions
- Website hosting
Tax basics
- Keep records of all income and receipts.
- Set aside money for self-employment taxes if you operate as a sole proprietor.
- Consider consulting a tax professional familiar with small business and retirement tax implications.
Example earnings scenario
Here is a sample monthly earnings estimate to guide you. Adjust numbers for your location and hours.
| Workload | Avg. price | Visits per week | Income per week | Income per month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30-min walks (10) | $20 | 10 | $200 | $800 |
| 30-min drop-ins (10) | $18 | 10 | $180 | $720 |
| Weekend overnight stays (4) | $80 | 4 | $320 | $1,280 |
| Total monthly gross | $2,800 |
From this gross, subtract insurance, travel costs, and software fees to estimate net income.
Common challenges and how to solve them
Running a pet care business has typical bumps—here’s how to handle them.
Time and energy management
- Don’t overbook; plan rest days.
- Use scheduling blocks to limit walks per day.
- Hire a helper or subcontractors if demand grows.
Handling difficult pets
- Do a thorough meet-and-greet.
- Have clear policies for aggression and require muzzles for unsafe dogs.
- Refer clients to trainers if needed.
Dealing with cancellations and no-shows
- Require cards on file for last-minute cancellations.
- Charge a cancellation fee within a set time window.
- Offer rescheduling options.
Growth ideas when you’re ready
If you want to expand, here are some gentle growth paths:
- Hire one part-time assistant and use scheduling software to assign jobs.
- Add specialty services like senior dog care, puppy training walks, or medication administration.
- Partner with local vets and groomers for referrals.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need special training?
Basic dog-handling experience and a safety course (pet first aid) are recommended. Formal certification isn’t required to start but helps credibility.
Is this work physically demanding?
Walking and caring for pets involve moderate activity. You should choose services that match your fitness level and build in rest.
How do I find my first clients?
Start with neighbors, local bulletin boards, social media groups, and referrals from friends. Offer a discounted introductory visit to build initial trust.
Can I use platforms like Rover?
Yes—Rover and similar marketplaces can help you find clients quickly, but be aware of fees and platform rules. Combining marketplace use with direct clients works well.
Next steps checklist (simple and actionable)
Use this checklist to get rolling:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Decide which services you’ll offer and set rates |
| 2 | Choose a scheduling tool and set up online booking |
| 3 | Create a simple website or Facebook page with booking link |
| 4 | Get insured and bonded |
| 5 | Make a pet profile form and service agreement |
| 6 | Do meet-and-greets with potential clients |
| 7 | Start with a small client list and collect reviews |
Final thoughts
You can build a pet sitting or dog walking business that fits your life and gives you purpose without heavy technical demands. With simple tools for online booking, clear safety protocols, and neighborly marketing, you’ll be providing a valuable service to pet owners while earning flexible income. Take it one step at a time: set clear boundaries, protect yourself with insurance, and let your love of animals guide your business decisions. If you want, I can help you draft a sample pet profile form, a service agreement, or set up a basic booking page tailored to your needs.