How much does it cost to start a pet sitting business?

Starting a pet sitting business costs $300–$600 for the first year of insurance. A general business license (if required) costs $20–$50. Square Appointments and Google Business Profile are both free. Total startup cost is typically under $650 — one of the lowest barriers to entry of any service business.

Do you need a license to pet sit?

In most US states, no. Pet sitting is not a licensed profession. You may need a general business license from your city or county. If you offer boarding at your home, check local ordinances for kennel permit requirements. Drop-in visits and overnight stays at the client's home typically require no permit.

How do I get my first pet sitting client?

The fastest channels are Nextdoor, Facebook local groups, and your personal network. Post a professional introduction mentioning you are insured, use a signed contract, and are accepting new clients. Set up your Google Business Profile the same day. Most new pet sitters book their first client within 7–14 days of actively posting on these channels.

Should I start pet sitting on Rover?

No. Rover takes roughly 20% of every booking and owns the client relationship — if you leave the platform, you cannot take your clients with you. Build your own client base through Google Business Profile, Nextdoor, and referrals from day one. You keep 100% of your rate and own every client relationship.

How long does it take to build a full pet sitting client base?

Most operators who actively market through Google Business Profile, Nextdoor, and their personal network build a consistent schedule of 8–12 active clients within 3–4 months. Overnight stay clients accumulate more slowly than drop-in clients because the trust threshold is higher, but they generate significantly more recurring income per client.

How to Start a Pet Sitting Business in 2026 (Step-by-Step)

What you need to start

Starting a pet sitting business requires less than most people think. The foundation is three things: insurance, a contract, and a way for clients to find you. Everything else — a website, scheduling software, business cards — can come after revenue exists.

The goal in your first 30 days is straightforward: one paying client. Build from there.

Insurance and legal requirements

In most US states, pet sitting is not a licensed profession. You may need a general business license from your city or county — check your local government website, typically under $50.

If you offer boarding at your home (pets stay with you overnight), some cities require a kennel permit. Check local ordinances before offering in-home boarding. Drop-in visits and overnight stays at the client's home generally require no permit.

Insurance is non-negotiable. You need two coverages:

General liability insurance — covers third-party bodily injury and property damage
Care, custody and control (CCC) coverage — covers the pet itself while in your care. Standard liability policies often exclude animals — confirm CCC is included before purchasing.

Cost: $300–$600 per year. Pet Sitters Associates and Business Insurers of the Carolinas both offer same-day coverage purpose-built for pet sitters. Get insured before your first client.

Bonding adds a trust signal — especially important for pet sitters who enter client homes and hold keys. "Insured and bonded" reads significantly more professionally to potential clients.

Choosing your service model

Decide which services you will offer before you set rates:

Drop-in visits — you go to the client's home for 30–60 minutes. Best starting point for most operators: lowest barrier, fastest client acquisition, no permit required.
Overnight stays — you stay at the client's home while they travel. Higher income per booking, stronger client relationships, requires home access.
Boarding — pets come to your home. Check local regulations first.

Start with drop-in visits. Add overnight stays as trust builds with existing clients. Most clients who start with drop-ins become overnight clients naturally as they travel more and their trust in you grows.

Setting your rates

Set rates before your first inquiry. Never quote on the spot without a number ready.

30-minute drop-in visit: $25–$40
60-minute drop-in visit: $35–$55
Overnight stay: $65–$100
Additional pet from same household: +$10–$20
Holiday surcharge: +$15–$30

Check your local market — search pet sitters in your city on Google. Set your rate at the top of the local range, not the bottom. The clients most focused on price are the most difficult to work with and the most likely to cancel.

Getting your first client

The four fastest channels:

Google Business Profile — set up and complete every field. Free, permanent, and generates inbound inquiries when pet owners search locally.
Nextdoor — post a brief professional introduction in your neighborhood. High-trust channel.
Facebook local groups — post in 2–3 neighborhood groups. Often generates replies within hours.
Personal network — tell 20 people you have started a pet sitting business and ask if they know anyone who needs a sitter.

Do not start on Rover or Care.com. They take 20–25% of every booking and own the client relationship. Build your own client list from the start — it is an asset that grows in value over time.

The meet-and-greet

Every new client requires an in-person meet-and-greet at their home before the first paid visit. Bring your contract and intake form. Meet the pet, collect all information, get the key, sign the contract, and confirm the first booking before you leave.

The meet-and-greet is where clients decide whether to trust you with their home while they travel. Arrive on time, be calm and confident with their pet, go through the contract professionally, and leave with a confirmed first visit booked. Do not leave without a confirmed booking date.

How to Start a Pet Sitting Business in 2026