Are you looking to take your pet-sitting career to the next level?
How to find your Next Pet Sitting Gig
Finding pet sitting opportunities can feel overwhelming, especially when you are just starting out or trying to grow your client base. Whether you love dogs, cats, or all creatures great and small, these seven strategies will help you attract more pet parents and build a thriving pet sitting business.
1. Create a Standout Profile on Pet Sitting Platforms
Your online presence is often the first impression potential clients will have of you. Sign up for popular platforms like Rover, Wag, or Care.com and invest time in building a compelling profile. Use a friendly, professional photo of yourself (bonus points if you are with a pet). Write a warm, detailed bio that highlights your experience, what types of pets you work with, and what makes you special. Be specific about your skills, like administering medication, handling anxious pets, or working with senior animals. The more complete and personable your profile, the more trust you will build with pet owners.
Check out Trusted Housesitters – use our code for a discount
2. Gather and Showcase Glowing Reviews
Social proof is everything in the pet care world. Pet parents want reassurance that their furry family members will be in good hands. After every sitting job, politely ask clients to leave a review on your profile or platform. If you are just starting out, offer discounted or even free services to friends, family, or neighbors in exchange for honest testimonials. Screenshot positive feedback and share it on your social media or personal website. These reviews become your most powerful marketing tool.
3. Network Within Your Community
Some of the best opportunities come from word of mouth. Let everyone in your network know you are available for pet sitting. Post on neighborhood apps like Nextdoor, join local Facebook groups dedicated to pet owners, and attend community events where pet lovers gather (think dog parks, pet expos, or adoption fairs). Strike up conversations with other pet owners and hand out business cards or flyers. People are more likely to hire someone they have met or who comes recommended by a trusted friend.
4. Offer Flexible and Specialized Services
Stand out by being the pet sitter who can handle unique situations. Offer overnight stays, last minute bookings, or care for exotic pets that other sitters might avoid. If you have experience with special needs animals, puppies, or senior pets, make that clear in your marketing. The more flexible and accommodating you can be, the more appealing you become to busy pet parents with specific needs. Consider creating service packages that bundle daily visits, walks, and playtime at different price points.
5. Build a Professional Online Presence
Beyond pet sitting platforms, establish your own digital footprint. Create a simple website or landing page with your services, rates, and contact information. Start an Instagram or TikTok account where you share adorable photos and videos of the pets you care for (always with owner permission). Post helpful tips about pet care, share behind-the-scenes moments, and engage with the pet-loving community online. A strong social media presence not only attracts clients but also demonstrates your genuine passion for animals.
6. Get Certified and Insured
Investing in pet first aid certification or completing courses through organizations like Pet Sitters International shows you are serious and professional. Many pet owners feel more comfortable hiring sitters who have formal training, especially for emergency situations. Additionally, consider getting bonded and insured. This protects both you and your clients and gives pet parents peace of mind knowing their home and pets are covered if anything unexpected happens.
7. Follow Up and Stay Connected
After completing a job, send a thoughtful follow-up message thanking the client and including a few photos or updates about their pet. This personal touch goes a long way. Stay in touch with past clients through occasional check-in messages or holiday greetings. When pet parents know you genuinely care about their animals and not just the paycheck, they are more likely to rebook with you and recommend you to others. Building lasting relationships turns one-time clients into repeat customers and brand ambassadors.
Check out Trusted Housesitters – use our code for a discount
Master the Meet and Greet
You can have the perfect profile and glowing reviews, but most pet-sitting gigs are actually won or lost during the initial meet and greet. This face-to-face meeting is your opportunity to build trust, demonstrate competence, and show pet owners why you are the right choice for their beloved animal. Many new sitters treat this as a casual introduction, but approaching it strategically can dramatically increase your booking rate.
Start by arriving on time and prepared. Bring a small notebook to take notes, which signals professionalism and shows you care about getting the details right. Let the pet approach you first rather than rushing in with affection. Some animals are nervous around strangers, and respecting their space demonstrates that you understand animal behavior. Once the pet seems comfortable, get down to their level and interact calmly. This is your chance to show, not just tell, that you know how to handle their specific pet.
Ask detailed questions that go beyond the basics. Sure, you need to know feeding schedules and where the leash is kept. But also ask about the pet’s personality quirks, favorite toys, typical daily routine, any fears or triggers, and what comforts them when they are anxious. Does the dog have a favorite walking route? Does the cat hide when strangers visit? Taking the time to understand these nuances shows you are thinking about their pet as an individual, not just another animal on your roster. Pet parents remember sitters who ask thoughtful questions.
Address the elephant in the room directly. Pet owners are letting a stranger into their home and trusting them with a family member. Acknowledge this by explaining your approach to safety and communication. Let them know you will send photo updates, how you handle emergencies, and that you have their vet information saved. If you are insured and certified, mention it naturally in conversation. Walking through your emergency protocol, even briefly, provides enormous peace of mind.
Before you leave, confirm all the details out loud. Repeat the dates, times, feeding instructions, and any special care requirements. This prevents misunderstandings and shows you were paying attention. Then ask directly if they would like to book the pet sitting gig with you. Many sitters lose opportunities simply because they wait passively for the client to make the next move. A gentle, confident close like “I would love to care for Max while you are away. Should we finalize the booking?” moves the conversation forward and often seals the deal.
The follow-up matters too. Send a thank you message within 24 hours, even if they haven’t committed yet. Reference something specific from your meeting, like “I can tell how much Bella loves her afternoon naps by the window.” This personal touch keeps you top of mind. If they are interviewing multiple sitters, this might be what tips the scales in your favor. Every pet sitting gig you land starts with that crucial first impression, so make it count.
Your Next Steps
Landing pet sitting gigs takes a combination of professionalism, personality, and persistence. Start by implementing one or two of these strategies today. Update your profile, reach out to your network, or invest in a certification. Each small step brings you closer to a full calendar of happy pets and satisfied clients. Remember, people are not just hiring someone to feed their cat or walk their dog. They are looking for someone they trust to love and care for their family member. Show them that person is you.
Related: MA – Best Employers of 2025
Related: Break into Artificial Intelligence this Year – Get the Roadmap
pet sitting gig pet sitting gig pet sitting gig pet sitting gig pet sitting gig pet sitting gig pet sitting gig pet sitting gig pet sitting gig pet sitting gig pet sitting gig
