Ever Think of Starting a Work-From-Home Dog Sitting Business? Here’s What to Consider First

Are you one of those families that gets excited every time you see a dog? Who thinks all the dogs were meant to be your friends? Do you have lots of love and space to share? If so, starting a work-from-home dog sitting business might be the perfect side hustle for you!

But there’s a lot to think about before you take off like a greyhound at the dog park. From the basics like setup and making a business plan to keeping your guests and family members safe and feeling loved, we’ve got some tips for you.

1.   Is This A Practical Option for Your Family?

My family includes three humans, two dogs, and two cats. One of our dogs loves other dogs, but the other is afraid of every dog but the one she lives with. Our cats aren’t fans of dogs. That makes this idea infeasible for my family.

Starting a work-from home dog sitting business probably won’t work if:

• You live in an unsuitable home. You’ll need enough space for the guests and your family to feel safe. Also, expensive furniture or art aren’t the best fit for guest dogs.
• You don’t have access to a safe outdoor space for walks and exercise. It’s a fact of life that dogs need to go outside. Not only to take care of bodily functions, but also for a sunbath, a sniffing session and a good romp. Otherwise, you end up with toddler energy in a furry coat!
• Someone in your family is afraid of dogs or is allergic. If your child is terrified of dogs or even sudden loud noises, in-home dog sitting isn’t going to work. Remember to think of your own pets, too – your home is their home, and they need to feel safe there.
• You don’t have plenty of free time. Like young kids, dogs need lots of time and attention. And they need even more if they’re in unfamiliar places with people they don’t know.
• You have very small children. Small children and dogs are both unpredictable. Dogs also come with sharp teeth. This could be a recipe for disaster, no matter how careful you are. Note: small dogs are often faster to bite than larger ones, so limiting your business to small dogs isn’t an assurance that no one will get bitten.

2.   Can You Find Customers?

So you’ve made sure you’ve got the right circumstances to host guest dogs in your home. Great! Now it’s time to be sure there’s enough demand to make starting a dog sitting business in your home worth it.

A good idea is to check sites like Rover or online pet groups. You can chat with people at the dog park or pet supply stores, or put out feelers with local vets, shelters, and groomers, too. And don’t forget your neighbors who have dogs, especially if they travel.

3. What’s Your (Business) Plan?

Once you know there’s a demand, it’s time to set yourself up for success. You’ve got a lot of decisions to make and details to take care of.}

• Create short and long-term goals for your dog-sitting business, Will this be a full-time gig or a side hustle? How many dogs and days a week do you want to work?
• Check on zoning, licensing, and insurance requirements. If a dog is injured or injures someone it isn’t the time to find out you weren’t zoned to care for dogs in your home, or your insurance won’t cover the damages.
• Make dog-specific decisions. Do you want to provide only day care, or will you offer overnight boarding? Do you want small dogs, large dogs, or a mix? How about senior dogs or dogs with special needs? Knowing your limits before you start will make it easier to honor your boundaries.
• How much will you charge, and what services will you offer? If you’ve done research to be sure there’s a demand in your area, you’ll have an idea how much you can charge. You might also know what kinds of extras others are offering, like grooming, water play, or long walks.
• What will it cost to run your business? Factor in the costs of insurance, licensing, any food or supplies. Also count the time you’ll spend and any costs to your work-life balance.

For more detail on these topics, check out this video on boarding dogs in your home.

4. Is Your “Guest Room” Ready?

You’ve done a lot with checking on the practicalities. Now it’s time for the fun part of starting a work-from-home dog sitting business!

It’s time to get set up and ready for your new canine guests. Here are some things to think about:

• Make sure the room is safe. You’ll want to keep cords, chemicals, and breakables out of reach. Be sure there’s no parasites like fleas or ticks in the space, and make sure any outdoor plants aren’t toxic to dogs.
• Provide enough space for your guests’ personal items. If a dog sleeps in a crate at home, they’ll feel more comfortable using it at your. As a bonus, you’ll know they’re safe. Also be ready for their toys, beds, dishes, and food. Hooks for their leashes and harnesses are good ideas, too.
• Be prepared for emergencies. Know who your guests’ vets are, any medical concerns, and where your area’s emergency vet is. Have your guests authorize you to seek care if it’s needed. Make sure you know the signs a dog is in pain, and basic first aid for dogs.

5. Time to Spread the Word?

Okay, your paperwork and home are in order. But starting a dog-sitting business won’t work without dogs. Use neighborhood groups, social media, and word-of-mouth to let people know you’re ready to give their dogs a loving home away from home.

Here are a few ideas on how to get the word out without spending a lot of money.

• Try a service like Rover. They will take a commission, but it’s a good way to break into the business without huge initial investments.
• Offer a discount for first-time customers. Or you could do a seasonal promotion.
• Team up with others to offer more to your guests. Maybe a friend wants to start a dog treat business. You could offer their treats, and they could tuck a discount card for your business in their packaging.
• Create simple flyers or postcards. You can drop these off at local vet offices, coffee shops, dog parks, or groomers.

Conclusion: Be A Dog’s Best Friend (Away From Home)

Starting a work-from-home dog sitting business is a great way to combine a love for dogs with a flexible career. With the right circumstances, planning, and preparation, you might just build a business your whole family can love – one doggie guest at a time!