Petsitting Business Boosting Strategies

Even after you land a petsitting job, that doesn't always mean you'll be the first one a client calls next time he needs a sitter. Sure, you took Fido on countless walks, used up more poo baggies than you would have hoped and took in the client's mail every day - and separated it into neat piles. As fantastic as you are, there are some small but impactful ways to show your clients why you're one of the best.

None of these suggestions require much effort on your part, so it's almost silly not to consider them! Here are some of our suggestions for putting yourself a step ahead of the competition.

Welcome The Pet Owner Home

On the last visit of your last day at the client's home, leave behind a little "welcome home" note. You can print your own creative concept on your computer (we suggest hand-writing the note, though, otherwise it seems way too impersonal) or you can purchase cards such as these. Either way, it's an unexpected, added perk that can help clients remember you not just for your stellar sitting skills but also for your personal flair.

Leave Something Behind

Another thing you can leave behind for the client and his pet is homemade pet treats. We have several recipes here in our library - most of which only take 20 minutes! If you're kitchen-shy or, uh, domestically challened, you can nix the whole baking idea and instead take some photos of the pet during your petsitting stint. Leave these pictures behind for the clients on your last day. Either the treats or pics can be put into professional petsitter baggies to further remind the clients of your outstanding services.

Don't try to remember it all

You might be a super petsitter, but you're not Superman (or Superwoman). Very few of us have superhero-like memories, so go ahead - seek help! If you have several clients, it might be even easier to forget a pet's birthday, big vet visit or other important dates. If you're not the kind to keep a detailed date book and instead prefer something more digital, check out this Date Reminder Tool for Your Pet. It will email or text the reminder right to you! No more missed appointments or smeared ink on the back of your hand. Now you're a streamlined professional.

Get Business Cards

Business cards are great, whether you petsit every week or not. After all, you never know when you'll run into someone who might be looking for a petsitter. Aside from that, you can also leave behind your business card at your client's home (perhaps inside your thoughtful "welcome home" card) so the client won't have to dig around to find your information the next time he goes out of town.

Look Into Liability Insurance and/or Bonding

To keep competitive in the petsitting industry, consider getting liability insurance to protect yourself against property damage, bodily injury and general liability. If you'd like to look even more attractive to potential clients, you may also want to consider getting bonded. As freaky as that term sounds, it's simply a method for protecting your customers against theft. Of course, WE know you'd never dream of stealing from your client, but they don't know that. Bonding certainly isn't necessary, but it can help put a potential client at ease and make him want to hire you instead of the sitter whose profiles appears just above yours in the petsitter search. Read more about licensing, bonding and insurance.