Facts About Pet Sitting

Pet sitting is the process of hiring someone to come to your home and provide for your pets when you are unable. It is similar to babysitting, though pet sitters usually make a few short visits to the home each day rather than providing constant care for your animals. They can be called upon for a variety of reasons, and most possess certifications.

• Pet sitting is quickly becoming one of the fastest rising home-based businesses. With over 40 million households in the US alone estimated to have at least one day, it's no wonder why!


• Most professional pet sitters are certified to complete the tasks necessary of the job. Courses on pet care, first aid, nutrition, and behavior are often required in order to receive a certification. Training can be received online or through CDs and DVDs.


• Pet sitting services can be used to a variety of situations. Some use a pet sitter when they are away at work or for an extended period of time for vacation. Unexpected events may also call for the need of a sitter, including jury duty, death in the family, or the arrival of a new baby.


• Many pet owners choose to use a pet sitting service because it keeps the cats or dogs in their home environment. Some animals can become stressed or anxious when removed from a familiar setting. This is especially true for many older pets. Having a pet sitter visit your pet while they are home is beneficial for those that do not adjust well to change.


• Most pet sitters charge for their services on a per visit basis. The national average, according to the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters, is a fee of $16 per visit. If you did three visits per day in one 5-day week for a client, that is $240 for just one customer. Most sitters provide 30 minute visits, so it's possible to do four to eight visits a day depending on the time you have to devote to the business and the location of your clients.