If you’d like to earn money and care for animals, consider becoming a pet sitter. The process involves caring for a pet during a temporary absence, usually at the owner’s home. However, pet sitting can also take place at a provider’s home or business. In either case, liability insurance is highly recommended.
Become a pet sitter
If you love animals and enjoy spending time with them, you might want to consider a career as a pet sitter. You may also find work through a third-party website that connects pet owners with pet sitters. These websites will often require a background check before you can begin working.
Before you begin working as a pet sitter, you should know what your clients are looking for. This way, you can make sure you are providing what they need. Keep track of your client’s information, including the pet’s food, feeding schedule, and medical history. Also, ensure that you communicate with your clients on a regular basis and make sure that they pay you on time.
Career outlook
The career outlook for pet sitting is poor, and it can be difficult to find steady work. It can also be physically demanding, as pet sitters move from house to house and walk dogs in neighborhoods. But aside from these physical hazards, pet sitting is a great option for those who want to set their own hours and have a flexible schedule. Those who are reliable and flexible will be able to land more gigs and get repeat customers.
While pet sitting is a good career choice for those who enjoy animals, the job requires very little education. You can begin at a young age, and you can work as a pet sitter for years without having to undergo any training. It can also be a great choice for those who enjoy working with their hands and are passionate about working with pets.
Job duties
Pet sitting requires a lot of responsibility and respect for your client’s home and pets. You may be asked to bring in the mail, switch on lights, and open and close blinds. You may even be expected to train a pet if you’re a more experienced pet sitter.
Pet sitting duties range from providing food and medication to cleaning up after the animals, grooming, and communicating with the client. You should be patient, have a calm demeanor, and be a good problem-solver. Those who are hired as pet sitters must also have excellent communication skills and be extremely attentive to detail.
Liability insurance for pet sitters
If you are a pet sitter, you should consider getting insurance for your business. This type of insurance will cover you and your customer’s pets for any damages they may cause. This coverage may even extend to damage done to your client’s property, including their home. For example, you might accidentally damage a client’s vase, or your pet could eat something poisonous in their home. It might also cover you if you lose your client’s house key and have to buy new ones. It can also cover your business’ contents, if your equipment breaks down or something happens to your pet.
Pet sitting insurance can also cover medical expenses for your customers. This type of insurance pays for these expenses regardless of fault or negligence. Additionally, pet sitters should consider getting “bonding” insurance, which protects customers against any losses caused by the company’s employees. However, if you do not employ any employees, this type of coverage is not necessary.
Associations of pet sitters
Associations of pet sitters provide members with tools and education to succeed in a fast-paced, ever-changing profession. Pet Sitters International (PSI) was founded in 1994 and now represents nearly 7,000 independent pet care professionals around the world. Membership in the association provides continuing education and access to information about legislation and best practices. Members can also share their challenges and ideas with fellow pet sitters.
Professional certification is also a valuable tool for pet sitters, because it shows commitment to the industry and upholds professional standards. Certification also provides access to other pet care professionals and discounted services, and can help promote a pet sitter’s business. Typically, certifications include a badge that can be displayed on a website or in advertising.