How Pet Sitting Business is Profitable in the UK?

While being living in the UK for the last 2 decades, I have distinctly seen the obsession with keeping pets at home. However, what surprised me was the employment opportunities it brings for people. Yes, there are many paid pet sitting jobs not only in the UK but also in the US, Australia, and other parts of the world.

Do you know that, according to research, the dog pet sitting market might reach approximately 330 million dollars by 2030? This sounds crazy.

After reviewing all the attributes and key features, I found that this side hustle could be highly profitable if you are a pet lover and know the tactics it takes to pet sit. However, what about doing it as a business? Let’s cut to the chase and cover all the queries you might be interested in. Here we go.

Why Choose Pet Sitting as a Side Hustle?

The profitability ratio this side hustle offers, whether you reside in the UK or any city in the US or Australia, including Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, etc., you’re never going to regret it later. To make it more convincing, let’s highlight the key drivers of pet sitting services.

1. People being jammed with the crazy lifestyle require a trustworthy pet owner who takes charge with integrity. It is one of the main reasons the pet sitting business is booming.
2. In the holiday season, the business flourishes because the owners can’t take their pets everywhere. Hence, there should be someone back home who takes charge.
3. The root cause of sharing this side hustle is the pet sitting prices. Though the actual rate depends on many factors, I will break them down below as per my knowledge.
4. You do not need a private space or a hefty start-up cost to begin. Make a profile and start clicking with the owners on different pet sitting apps, including Rover, Pawshake, etc. One of my friends connected with carecom app for a dog sitter job and right away started getting clients.
5. You can earn in numerous ways, including daily sitting, dog walking packages, pet training basics, asking for premium rates during emergencies, and so on.

Those who are already into pet sitting, how about making this a side business? Below, I will share the personal journey of one of my friends, who earned a generous income by transforming her passion into a money-making skill. Are you pumped?

Step By Step Pet Sitting Business Plan

Pet sitting or dog walking might seem explicit to those unaware of its complexities. Every business demands full clarity. From the services you propose to the prices you anticipate, everything should be transparent so your clients are fully pleased.

1- Step 1: Be clear about the Services

Pet sitting is not limited to feeding or accompanying them for a day, It is beyond that. To know what services you can present as a pet sitter, check it out below.

1- Dog Walking

Wait, is it only about roaming with a dog in the park? You are mistaken. If a dog owner has hired you, they also urge reliability and safety for their pets. From picking them up and dropping them off to looking after their security, everything is included in this service.

However, the walk depends on the package you have signed up for. At the start, the solo walk would be definitive because you are not used to it. With time, you can enrich the dog walk services that include special care.

2- Daycare Services

As the name suggests, it revolves around all the daycare services, including walking, monitoring, supervision, feeding, comfort breaks, etc. However, the owner drops their pet off at your place. You won’t have to go anywhere. It is a pet sitting from home.

Moreover, the activities also depend on the package. The higher the prices, the more you will have to accommodate.

3- Stay-at-home Services

If the owner is away from home for a few days, you stay at their place to look after their pet. It comes with more accountability because the owner has shown full confidence in you. A little negligence can cost you a big time.

4- Transportation Service

Taking the pet to vet appointments or grooming sessions is part of this service. Additionally, if the pet needs to go in an emergency, you must be physically present. This service is not suited for beginners because handling the pet in random places requires professional training.

5- Pop-in Services

I would recommend this service if you have just started pet sitting. You only ought to make short visits to monitor the pet and feed it. You won’t need to stay for a long time.

6- Premium Service

My favourite service that lets pet sitters earn a hefty amount is surely this one. During holidays, when people travel to other destinations to celebrate New Year’s Eve or Christmas, they are ready to pay the required amount so their pets are safe at home. Besides that, weekend sittings also allow sitters to generate significant earnings.

Recommendation: If you are a newbie, I would advise you choose dog walking and overnight dog sitting. Once you master the skill, boost the services.

2- Step 2: Cover all the Legal Requirements

When stepping into a new business, never overlook the legalities involved. As a UK resident, you are aware of how momentous it is to get all the legal work done before proceeding with a new venture. In the UK, you must have:

1. You must be registered as a sole trader with HMRC (HM Revenue and Custom) or any limited company.
2. You should have a license in limited cases. For instance, if you are providing daycare, stay-at-home, or dog boarding services. However, get your hands on the license because you will need it sooner or later.
3. You also need a public liability insurance because a few clients ask for it.
4. One thing that might not be legally crucial, but that you must consider to build the client’s trust, is a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check.
5. Comply with all Animal welfare laws.

3- Step 3: Decide on Pet Sitting Prices

The starting prices lean on innumerable facets. However, I can give you a rough estimate of what you can expect as a beginner.

Below, I have listed a few elements that affect pricing, and every sitter should be well aware of them.

1. The foremost aspect is the location. If you are a London citizen planning to do pet sitting, you can expect more.
2. Your qualification plays a huge role.
3. It also depends on how many pets you will be accompanying.
4. The weekend and holiday prices are premium.
5. If you have signed up for special care services, you will be charged a higher fee.
6. Insurance and DBS check.

4- Step 4: Shape your Brand Identity

Once you have completed all the legalities and pricing scenarios, it is time to alter your business into a brand. Decide on an immaculate name for your brand along with a contact number. Create Gmail account and do not forget the logo. Moreover, keep the bio easily understandable.

5- Step 5: Start hunting clients

Not having any links in the UK might make things problematic for you, but by following the exemplary steps, you can find out a bunch of clients in no time. The steps incorporate:

1. Various platforms in the UK offer ready-made clients. Approach them, and you will surely succeed. To name a few, you can reach out to Rover, Tailster, Trusted Housesitters, Carecom, etc. Ensure you have a comprehensive profile with all possible information updated so clients know what they are getting.
2. Social media is a game-changer. Create accounts on different platforms and don’t forget to keep them up to date with the latest pictures and availability.
3. Google Business Profile would work like a cherry on top because whenever the locals search for ‘pet sitting near me,’ your profile will emerge.
4. Being associated with a local business can also help you find clients. You can partner with vets, dog trainers, groomers, etc., by offering referral fees or mutual promotions.
5. Design a website that includes pricing details and services you offer. Besides that, mention the insurance points and contact number.
6. You can begin with 50% discount offer that might attract numerous clients.

6- Step 6: Gradually Increase the Pay

Boosting the pricing is not about starting to get paid more. You have to enhance the work as well. Once you have successfully established a strong presence in the market and have acquired some clients, it’s time to gradually increase prices by taking on extra work.

Increase the dog-walk limit. Add value to the work and position yourself as a premium sitter. Start attending to senior pets or pets that are hard to handle. Additionally, encourage your satisfied clients to leave positive reviews to attract more people.

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Final Verdict

The pet sitting business is highly valued not only in the UK but also in the US, Australia, and other countries. Keeping pets, especially dogs is linked to emotions because they are the biggest mood booster. 5 years ago, when I decided to keep a dog, I had no idea what emotional attachment they would bring.

However, people’s busy schedules don’t allow them to give pets full-time care, so pet sitters always come to the rescue. I hope that through this guide, you have a better idea of why this business is flourishing with time and why it’s one of the most profitable ventures.