How To Earn $200 A Week Pet Sitting

1. Sign up to multiple platforms

My recommendations are Pawshake and Madpaws. These are the two most popular sites and 80% of my revenue comes from Madpaws alone. Pawshake has the option to print your own flyers, which could be helpful when establishing yourself in a new neighbourhood.

You can also check PetCloud but this platform is harder to use and often there aren't many jobs on there. The Christmas period is the best time to sign up as that's the busiest time. You make your own prices. I would recommend $20 (house visit/walk), $35 (house stay) when you start and you can slowly increase these as you get more popular. I started out offering pet services for $15 which helped me build a client base quickly but it means I did a lot of work for virtually free. Add your address and locals will be able to find you!

Each site will have a training module so put an afternoon aside to get your profile set up.

2. Earn badges and boost your profile

Madpaws has the feature of being able to earn badges. These badges make you more attractive to owners and boost your profile in the search results. I have the police check badge, training badge and administering medication badge.

Badges can found on Madpaws website here.

3. Add at least 5 photos of you with animals to start

At first, you won't have photos from your jobs so its important to add pictures of you with family pets, or maybe your dog out on a walk. It's okay if you aren't in all the pictures but make sure your picking images you've taken where the animal looks really happy! I love a walking shot where the puppy is looking at me, tongue out, loving life.

Another crucial part is your blurb discussing why you are on this platform and your relevant skills. Write as if this is your cover letter for a job. Talk about the rewarding experience of working with animals and you're love for pets of all shapes and sizes.

4. Ask your friends and family for testimonials when you first join

It is important above all else that you appear trustworthy to potential clients. Testimonials are not reviews but they are the next best thing. You can send an email requesting some kind words from any family or friends who can speak on your character and ability to look after animals.

5. Be prepared for the meet and greet

The most daunting part of the job is meeting with the pet parents for the first time. You have to exude a capable and professional aura in just 20 minutes or so. That is one thing to mention, some people will try and keep you for over an hour, be ready with an excuse to leave. Sometimes people get carried away. Don't feel bad about this, meet and greets are free so people will understand when you aren't able to stay for a 7-course meal. If they don't, you don't want that job anyway. At half an hour I wrap things up.

Memorise the dates required and the names of animals. It's great if you can walk in the door and say hello to everyone by name! Owners love that. A meet and greet perfect formula that ensures I'm booked everytime is like this:

• Greeting, say hello to the pets as well!
• Have some small talk to break the ice. Have some quick facts about yourself for when they ask about you (eg. I'm a student)
• Ask for a tour of where to find things (food bowls, litter, how much food to give etc)
• Give compliments to their pet throughout (eg. Rosie seems like a sweetheart)
• Ask about any behavioural issues (eg. Is your dog okay with other dogs?)
• Ask if there is anything extra they would like you to do (water plants, take out bins)
• Wrap things up! Tell them to write you a little note with key points (this makes owners feel secure that you are going to get it right).
• Ask how they want to exchange the keys
• Farewell!

6. Take lots of cute photos of their pet and update them at least once a day at the same time

It is a good idea to update them at the same time every day so they know they are going to hear from you. You can even say that you will send an update text every afternoon. You can send the owners a daily photo via text or upload them to the website under the "chat" you had with the owner. If you do this at the end of the stay the photos come up with your review, which makes you look good!

7. Go the extra mile

Owners will really appreciate a tidy house. If their puppy has destroyed anything, let them know and throw it out. I send a photo on these occasions just to show them whats happened. Don't try and hide these kinds of things from owners, it's not your fault! I do extra things like I empty their bin at the end of the stay and put in a fresh bag. Nothing worse than smelly rubbish when you come home from a relaxing holiday!

I make sure the food bowls are clean and pick up any items that may have been misplaced. If you are doing an overnight stay, treat it as you would an Airbnb, clean up and make everything as it was when you came in. Make sure the litter is fresh and swept up any litter around the tub. Don't cut corners, owners are very familiar with their homes, they will know.

If you love pets read my article about why Rats Are the Most Underrated Pet Ever

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