Are you an animal lover who always dreams of turning your passion into a professional venture? Then, the best idea for you will be to open a Pet-Sitting Business in London.
The need for pet care services in this city is continuously increasing. The credit for it goes to the busy lifestyles of various people living here.
The trend of pet ownership these days is also another reason for it. So, it will be a rewarding endeavour on your part to be a petsitter and take care of the pets of other people.
It will not only help you earn money but also confront you with different types of pet breeds. You will have a great time with them, won’t you?
Wondering, how to start a petsitting business without any prior knowledge about it? Well! Why do you think we’re here then?
Of course, we will help you with the details related to this business. You keep reading and educating yourself about this business.
Why Pet Owners Trust The Petsitters for Their Pets?
The pet owners keep their pets in the house of their Petsitters. They do it when they have to leave the house for work or any emergency. They prefer to do so too –
- Keep their pets happy.
- Keep them stress-free.
- Keep their diet routine uninterrupted.
- Keep their exercise routine uninterrupted.
- Eliminate their pets’ travel trauma.
- Save the pet from getting exposed to various diseases or illnesses.
Pet-sitting Business – The Job Of The Petsitters
The petsitting business is a type of business where professional petsitters are involved. They take care of the pets of different clients in exchange for a certain amount of money.
This is a relatively new type of profession or business associated with sitting animals. In this business, the dogs, cats, and other pet animals are –
- Feed and drunk. The water bowls from which they drink water are kept changing.
- Taught exercise.
- Offered playtime.
- Kept tidy. Any mess they create is cleaned up.
- Given the required medications.
Wondering, how to start a petsitting business in London? Here’s how you should do it…
How to Start A Petsitting Business in London?
To start a petsitting business in London, you have to go through some processes. These processes include –
1. Research & Planning
The success of your pet-sitting business depends on the area of London in which you set up the business. This is because the demand for pet-sitting services is high in some regions of London and low in other parts.
To make your petsitting venture a successful enterprise, you need to identify your target business market. Also, decide, which type of pet you’re going to take care of in your petsitting business.
You have to understand that petsitting services are usually needed by busy professionals. Also, aged persons who have pets and families who frequently go on vacations need these services.
So, setting up your petsitting business office near the houses of such families will create a great positive impact on your business.
Besides, you should also remember that developing a proper business plan is key to success in your venture. The plan must outline the details about –
- Your pet-sitting services.
- The prices for getting the services.
- Your target market.
- Your marketing strategies.
- Financial projections.
Also, consider giving your petsitting business a name that can catch the eyes of the clients.
2. Legal Considerations
The next step is to deal with all legal matters. These legal matters are related to the establishment of your petsitting business.
How to start a petsitting business with legal approval? First, register for your pet-sitting business. You can do it by visiting the office of the appropriate local authorities.
For instance, to clear tax-related matters, visit the HMRC department and so on. To be a pet sitter, sitting at your client’s home, you don’t have to apply for any license in London.
However, you can be a member of a professional pet-sitting association. It will help you to know about all the guidelines related to sitting.
Also, you will learn from here the code of conduct for influencing your clients. Before allowing you as a petsitter in their homes, your clients might opt for your criminal record check.
In case you are interested in giving your petsitting services at your place, you have to apply for a license. In that case, you have to approach the local authority to get the same.
Other than a license, you also have to apply for insurance coverage for your petsitting business. The insurance will give you and your clients coverage in case of unwanted occurrences. The insurance coverage usually includes –
- Client’s home key loss coverage.
- Pet care and control.
- Pet custody.
- Non-negligent cover.
- Vehicle loss coverage.
- Equipment loss coverage.
3. Setting Up The Business
Register your business as any of the following –
- Sole proprietorship business.
- Partnership business.
- LLC (Limited Liability Company).
Make a business website for your petsitting business. Add professional detailing including –
- Your services.
- Your rates.
- Your contact details, etc.
Purchase the business supplies and transportation equipment required for running your petsitting business. The business supplies must include –
- Pet foods.
- Bedding, etc.
Another thing that you should do is establish clear policies for different things. Such things include –
- Handling bookings.
- Handling cancellations.
- Handling emergencies.
- Handling client communication.
The next thing you should do is set prices for your services. While setting the prices, don’t forget to go through the service prices of your competitors. It will help you to keep your service charges competitive.
4. Marketing & Promotion
Any type of business needs marketing and promotion for its success. So, a petting business is no exception.
Are you still confused about how to start a petsitting business in London and make it successful?
Then, consider marketing and promotion as the first stepstone of your business’s accomplishment.
You can take the help of various online marketing channels for your petsitting business promotion. Such channels include –
- Social media.
- Search Engine Optimization.
- Pay-per-click (PPC), etc.
You should also stay connected with various pet-related businesses including –
Veterinary clinics.
Pet stores.
Groomers, etc.
With them, you can establish referral partnerships. Customers are always attracted to promotional deals and discounts.
So, try to lure clients with offers and discounts. Visually appealing marketing materials also help in getting fame in pet-sitting businesses. These materials include –
- Flyers.
- Brochures.
- Business cards, etc.
They grab the attention of the clients fast.
5. Providing Exceptional Services
Petsitting businesses always get the attention of pet owners because of their good services. They are referred to different pet owners by former clients.
So, for the success of your business, take care of the well-being of your clients’ pets. Ensure their comfort and abide by your client’s instructions regarding their pet’s care.
Provide regular updates to your clients about their pets, while they are at work. Send them their pets’ photos to keep them relaxed.
It will build their trust in you. No matter what emergency comes, handle it professionally. Keep the pets safe and secure.
Give your service more than your client expects from you. Pay attention to detail and your business is bound to prosper for its reliability and trustworthiness.
Do’s and Dont’s For Petsitting Business
- Groom your client’s pets. Socialize with them and play.
- See if they are getting all the necessary things they are habituated with like dog toys, food, etc. Feed the pets the right foods at the right time.
- Keep them safe and secure and check them daily.
- Make them exercise or go for a walk regularly as prescribed by the vets. However, don’t overwalk them.
- Keep the pets away from things they are allergic to.
- In case you want to take a client’s pet to an outdoor area for play, first check if no other pets are present in that area. This is for the safety of your client’s pet.
- Always keep your eyes on your client’s pets. Never allow them to visit any water body or any risky place alone.
FAQS
1. How much do pet sitters get paid UK?
Petsitters in the UK are usually paid 15 pounds per hour if the national average is considered. However, a few petsitters in London give their services at 10 pounds per hour as well to their customers.
Also, there are petsitters in the UK who charge higher amounts from their customers. They claim the amount owing to their brand superiority and extraordinary services.
Their charges extend up to 25 pounds per hour.
2. What qualifications do you need to be a pet sitter UK?
A pet-sitter needs no academic qualification to give petsitting services. What he or she needs to possess is compassionate behaviour toward animals.
A pet sitter should know how to take care of animals. He/she should know, how to feed them, how to keep them clean, and so on.
Also, he/she should be capable of handling cases of emergencies wisely. Though anyone who knows pet care is allowed to start this business, people having expertise in this field are preferred more.
Those who have done their study in animal care are specially given primary importance by the pet owners.
3. What are some risks of a dog walking business?
There are some risks associated with a dog walking or petting business. They include –
- Losing the house keys of the dog owner.
- Losing your petsitting licence.
- The pet of your client can be met with any accident.
- Theft or loss of your vehicle is associated with a petting business.
- Theft or loss of your sitting business equipment, etc.
Conclusion
How to start a petsitting business in London? Well! The process is not that hard if you are willing to work on it carefully. What you need to do is comprehensive planning, show genuine love for your client’s pets, give time to pets, and care for them from your heart.
Finally, any business needs dedication for achieving the ultimate fame and it’s true for pet-sitting businesses as well. With the proper approach and loyalty toward your client, you can take your pet sitting business to a level, that few businesses could reach.
