Professional pet sitters and dog walkers have never been more in demand. That’s because many of America’s 63 million pet owners aren’t always content to leave their animals in the care of the 12-year-old next door. A pet sitter’s duties can range from feeding pets once a day to providing around-the-clock board and care. Dog walkers take dogs for walks once a day or more, but busy dog owners often ask them to also feed their pooch and take on other responsibilities. Among the key steps to building a steady clientele:

1. Learn the practice of pet care inside out.
2. Focus on your clients’ needs. That means being prompt, and listening carefully when a new client describes his pet’s personality and preferences.
3. Make sure that you have a natural affinity for the type of animals that you offer to care for.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Set up the business basics

Establish procedures for bookkeeping and other back-office tasks that keep a business running.

I recommend: Use a simple program such as Microsoft Home and Business or Quicken Home & Business to issue invoices and record your income and expenses. Your accountant will thank you at tax time. If your business grows to the point where you’re hiring employees and juggling scores of clients, you might benefit from Pet Professional, a Web-based program for scheduling clients and communicating with employees and others who work with you. If your pet-sitting business hits a snag or you need goal-setting advice, Kristin Morrison, who heads up Woof Pet Sitting, provides business coaching for pet sitters.

Get it in writing

Ask clients to sign a contract that spells out the services you’ll perform and your fee. Also, take out a liability insurance policy to protect you in the event that a pet gets injured or property is damaged on your watch.

I recommend: Pet sitters can purchase a set of business forms that include a service contract from DagBooks, while Woof Pet Sitting sells contract forms for dog walkers as well as pet sitters. Members of Pet Sitters International can get liability insurance through the organization. Pet sitters can also contact Business Insurers of the Carolinas. Dog walkers can purchase liability insurance when they join the International Association of Canine Professionals.

Promote your services

Let your town’s pet owners know that you’re in business.

I recommend: You never know when you’ll encounter someone who could use your services, so keep a stash of business cards with you at all times. Vista Print will print 250 full-color business cards for free. Create a flyer that briefly explains what you do and how to contact you. Ask for permission to post the flyers in pet stores, obedience schools, community centers and other spots where pet owners might see them. For help producing and printing the flyers, visit your local FedEx Kinkos. Get listed on Web sites where pet owners search for services in their area. Pet Sitters.Biz and Pet Piazza list pet sitters and dog walkers. Don’t forget Craigs List, where you can advertise your business for free.

Let your vehicle do the advertising

If you plan to take several dogs on a group walk (a great way to add to your income), you’ll need a van that’s large enough to transport the pups. It can do double-duty as an advertising vehicle.

I recommend: Research your van and minivan options on Autobytel.com. Make your mobile advertising visible at night as well as during the day by using reflective vinyl lettering. Check out your options at StreetGlo, where you can also order advertising decals for your windows. If want to be able to remove and reapply your signage, purchase magnetic signs from MagneticSignsOnTime.com.

Equip yourself

Your client may provide some of the supplies you need, but you should keep the essentials on hand.

I recommend: Check out a pet product mega-site such as PetSmart.com. You’ll also find a wide array of products, from pooper scoopers to flea and tick remedies for cats, at Pet Business Central.

Expand your know-how

You can’t know too much about your profession. Find ways to keep learning about animal care.

I recommend: Get certified by The International Association of Canine Professionals or the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters. Learn to administer first aid to cats and dogs. Many local Red Cross facilities offer classes. Universal Class offers an online course called Dog and Cat First Aid: the Basics.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Don’t get caught off guard by a balky dog or a listless bird. Get the low down from your client on his pet’s habits and personality quirks. But don’t expect your client to remember to tell you everything you need to know. Arrive at your first visit with a thorough list of questions.
• •  You can supplement your income by offering to perform other services such as attending to your client’s garden while he’s away.
• •  Ask your happy clients if they would serve as a reference by allowing potential clients to call or e-mail them with questions about the quality of your services.