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February 9, 2025
How to Become a Dog Sitter and Get Your First Clients
Want to turn your love of dogs into income? Here's everything you need to start a dog sitting business — from setting up your profile to landing your first booking.
Is dog sitting right for you?
Dog sitting is one of the most flexible side incomes available — you set your own hours, work from home (or nearby), and spend your days with dogs. But it's not passive income. Great sitters are patient, physically active, reliable, and genuinely love dogs even when they're being difficult. If that sounds like you, read on.
Step 1: Get the basics in order
Before accepting your first client, set yourself up properly:
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*Dog-proof your space** — walk through your home and remove chewing hazards, secure trash cans, block off rooms that aren't safe, and check your yard for escape routes.
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*Get pet first aid certified** — a one-day Pet First Aid course (Red Cross offers them online) teaches you how to handle choking, heatstroke, wounds, and seizures. It costs ~$25 and makes clients feel dramatically more confident.
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*Know your limits** — decide upfront: max number of dogs, dog sizes you can handle, whether you accept puppies, and whether you can manage dogs with behavioral issues. Saying no to bad fits protects both you and the dogs.
Step 2: Set your services and rates
Start with one or two services, not all five. Most new sitters begin with boarding (dogs stay overnight) or drop-in visits because they're easier to manage.
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*Pricing for new sitters:**
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Research your local market. In San Francisco, boarding typically runs $55–85/night. Set your rate 10–20% below the median to attract first reviews, then raise it after you have 10+ positive reviews.
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*Don't undercharge drastically** — rates that are too low signal inexperience and attract clients who don't value good care. It also leads to burnout.
Step 3: Build a strong profile
Your profile is your business card. Every booking decision starts here.
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*Profile photo** — use a clear, well-lit headshot. Smiling with a dog is even better. Avoid sunglasses, group photos, or anything that obscures your face.
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*Bio** — write 2–3 sentences covering: your experience with dogs, your home setup (fenced yard? other pets?), and your commitment to communication. Be specific: "I've had dogs my whole life" is weaker than "I've been fostering rescue dogs for 4 years."
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*Service photos** — add photos of your space: your yard, living room, where dogs sleep. Clients want to visualize where their dog will be.
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*Set your availability** — keep it accurate. Nothing kills trust faster than accepting a booking then canceling.
Step 4: Get your first reviews
Reviews are everything. Without them, getting bookings is an uphill battle. Here's how to build them fast:
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Ask friends and family — offer a free or discounted stay to 2–3 people you know. Thei