Can I start a pet sitting business in the UK? If so, what steps do I need to follow to get started?
You can start this business for under £500 if you want to keep things simple. Pet sitting includes services such as dog walking, boarding cats and dogs, House sitting, transporting pets, etc. Social media has made it easy to find clients for your new business. Create accounts on different platforms, and you are good to go with a little hassle.
You can also do it as a side hustle to gain experience first. The article covers the key attributes and features of starting this business in the UK. If you love pets and have the skills to pet sit, this guide is for you.
Why Choose Pet Sitting as a Side Hustle?
Let’s highlight the services it offers for those who want to do it as a side hustle.
- People with a crazy lifestyle need a trustworthy pet owner who takes charge with integrity. That is one of the main reasons the pet sitting business is booming.
- In the holiday season, the business flourishes because the owners can’t take their pets everywhere. So someone needs to stay home and take care of them.
- The main reason I’m sharing this side hustle is the pet sitting prices. Although the actual rate depends on many factors, I will break them down below based on my knowledge.
- You don’t need a private space or a hefty start-up cost to get started. Create a profile and start connecting with owners on pet sitting apps like Rover, Pawshake, etc.
- You can earn in many ways, including daily sitting, dog-walking packages, basic pet training, charging premium rates during emergencies, and more.
If you are already into pet sitting, how about turning it into a business?
How to Start a Pet Sitting Business in the UK
Pet sitting or dog walking might seem simple to those unaware of its complexities. Every business demands full clarity. From the services you offer to the prices you charge, everything should be transparent so your clients are fully satisfied.
Follow the steps below to start the business conveniently.
Step 1: Be clear about the Services
Pet sitting isn’t limited to feeding or accompanying pets for a day; it goes beyond that. To learn what services you can offer as a pet sitter, check it out below.
- 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 expect reliability and safety for their pets. From picking them up and dropping them off to keeping them safe, this service includes everything.
The walk depends on the package the client has signed up for. At first, a solo walk is preferred because people aren’t used to it.
2- Daycare Services
As the name suggests, it covers all 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 pet sitting from home.
Moreover, the activities also depend on the package. The higher the price, the more you will need 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 lot.
4- Transportation Service
This service includes taking the pet to vet appointments or grooming sessions. Additionally, if the pet needs to go in an emergency, you must be physically present. This service isn’t suited for beginners because handling the pet in different places requires professional training.
5- Pop-in Services
This service is highly recommended for those just starting pet sitting. You only need to make short visits to check on 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 to keep their pets safe at home. Weekend sittings allow sitters to earn significant income.
Step 2: Cover all the Legal Requirements
When starting a new business, never overlook the legalities. As a UK resident, you know how important it is to get all the legal work done before starting a new venture. In the UK, you must have:
- GOV.UK says you register as a sole trader by registering for Self Assessment, and the requirement depends on your circumstances. For example, current guidance says you must register if your self-employment income is more than £1,000 in a tax year.
- The current GOV.UK guidance says businesses that provide dog day care commercially need a licence, while businesses that care for pets in their owner’s home, such as dog sitters and dog walkers, are exempt from that specific licensing requirement.
Let’s talk in detail about the pet sitting licence requirement in the UK.
| Pet Sitting Services | Licence Requirement |
| Dog Walking | No boarding licence required |
| Pet visit at client’s home | No boarding licence required |
| Boarding cats | Licence applied |
| Dog daycare at your home | Animal activity licence required in England |
| Transporting pets | Verify from welfare requirements |
| Boarding dogs at your home | Licence required in England |
| House sitting at client’s home | No licence require |
The rules can differ by UK nation and local authority, depending on the activity. Check with the local authority before starting a pet sitting business in whatever city you live in, be it Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, etc.
Step 3: Pet Sitting Prices in the UK
Starting prices depend on many factors. Pet sitting prices vary by city. London is significantly more expensive than other cities, while rural areas are the least expensive. Hence, how much you charge depends on the city you live in. However, I can give you a rough estimate of what you can expect as a beginner.
| UK Region | Daily Visit (30-60 minutes) | Overnight | Dog Walking |
| London | £18–£28 | £50–£85 | £20–£36 per hour |
| Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Bristol | £13–£20 | £38–£60 | £15–£24 per hour |
| Nottingham, Leicester, Cambridge, Brighton | £11–£16 | £32–£48 | £13–£20 per hour |
| Rural Areas | £10–£14 | £28–£40 | £11–£16 per hour |
The above-mentioned prices are taken from a UK website, traderstreet.uk.
Step 4: Shape your Brand Identity
Once you have completed all the legalities and pricing scenarios, it is time to turn your business into a brand. Choose a brand name and a contact number. Create a Gmail account, and don’t forget the logo. Also, keep the bio easy to understand.
Step 5: Look for the Clients
Not having any links in the UK might make things problematic for you, but by following the right steps, you can find a bunch of clients in no time. The steps incorporate:
- Various UK platforms offer ready-made clients. Approach them, and you will surely succeed. For example, you can reach out to Rover, Tailster, TrustedHousesitters, Carecom, etc. Make sure your profile is complete and up to date so clients know what they are getting.
- Social media is a game-changer. Create accounts on different platforms and keep them updated with the latest pictures and availability.
- Google Business Profile would work best for you because whenever locals search for ‘pet sitting near me,’ your profile will emerge.
- 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.
- Design a website that includes pricing details and services you offer. Also, include your insurance details and contact number.
Step 6: Gradually Increase the Pay
Raising your prices isn’t just about getting paid more. You also have to improve your work. Once you’ve established a strong market presence and gained clients, it is time to put on premium work. Additionally, encourage your satisfied clients to leave positive reviews to attract more people.
How much does it cost to start a Pet Sitting Business in the UK?
Start-up costs depend on how you want to start it. If you look after pets at the client’s home, it is cheap. However, if you rent premises, buy pet equipment, or invest in advertising, the cost will go up. Let’s check in detail.
| Pet Sitting Business Expense Type | Total Cost | Why Needed |
| DBS check | The basic DBS fee is £21.50, and the UK government reviews it every year. | It is not compulsory, but it builds client trust, so it’s better to have it. |
| Pet sitting Insurance | £6.81/monthly according to petbusinessinsurance.uk | You need this insurance as it protects you from any mishap. For example, if your pet suffers an injury while in your care. However, if you are Pet sitting at a client’s house, you do not need it. |
| First-aid course for Pet sitting | It costs approximately £80 to £150 as mentioned on a website ‘startupcosts.co.uk’ | Not compulsory, but it boosts your value |
| Pet care Equipment | The rough estimate would be £50 to £100, as it depends on the equipment you have bought | It is important to have all the necessary equipment for pet safety. |
| Business Registration | £12 to £40 | If you are a sole trader, you can register your company free of charge via HMRC self-assessment. |
| Business Cards Printing | Prices start from £4.95 if you want to keep it simple. | It is good for marketing. |
| Website Expense | £0 to £300 approximately | You need hosting and a domain for your business’s online presence. |
Since you’ve just started your business, I suggest you keep startup costs as low as possible. You can start for under £500 if you offer only basic services, including dog walking, house sitting, and pet visits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much can a pet sitter earn in the UK?
A: A standard earning for a pet sitter is £10–£25/hour. Prices vary depending on the services and platforms you choose.
Q: Do I need a licence for pet sitting work in the UK?
A: You need a home boarding licence if you care for pets at home. If you operate a daycare facility, you also need a licence. For normal services, no licence is required.
Q: How can I become a pet sitter in the UK?
A: Be sure about the service you want to provide, whether it’s dog walking, home visits, or overnight pet sitting. Gain practical experience and get pet sitting insurance. Later, set your prices and start advertising to find clients. Keep the rates low at the start.
Q: Can I start a pet-sitting business with no experience?
A: You can start this business on a small scale if you have no experience. However, it takes a special kind of love for animals to handle them appropriately. Furthermore, keep learning basic skills to build clients’ trust.
Q: How can I find my first client as a Pet sitter?
A: Nothing beats advertising your business on social media. Create your website and accounts on different social media platforms. Head over to websites like Rover and find your first client.
Final Verdict
I hope your confusion about how to start a pet sitting business in the UK has cleared up. It is one of the most highly valued businesses in the UK. Keeping pets, especially dogs, is linked to emotions because they are a major mood booster. However, people’s busy schedules don’t allow them to give pets full-time care, so pet sitters always come to the rescue.
This guide gives you a clearer idea of why this business keeps growing and why it’s one of the most profitable ventures. Build a strong social media presence so clients can easily find you.
