Starting a pet sitting business in 2025 doesn’t require thousands in startup capital, expensive certifications, or fancy equipment. With the right approach and platforms like Trader Street, you can launch your pet care business today without spending a penny upfront. Here’s your complete roadmap to becoming a professional pet sitter with zero investment.
Why Pet Sitting is the Perfect Zero-Cost Business
Unlike traditional businesses that require inventory, storefronts, or equipment, pet sitting leverages skills you already have: reliability, animal care knowledge, and people skills. The UK pet care market is booming, with over 12 million households owning dogs and 12 million owning cats. Pet owners are actively seeking trusted sitters, especially for holidays, work trips, and daily care.
Step 1: Create Your Free Trader Street Profile (5 Minutes)
Your first step costs nothing and takes just minutes:
- Visit Trader Street and select “Pet Sitting” or “Dog Walking” as your service category
- Choose your free Basic Account – no credit card required, no hidden fees
- Select your service area – start with your immediate location and expand as you gain confidence
- List your services – dog walking, pet sitting, home visits, overnight care, or specialized services like cat sitting
Your free account gives you everything needed to start: a professional profile page, client inquiry system, and access to local pet owners searching for sitters.
Step 2: Craft a Compelling Profile That Stands Out
Your profile is your shop window. Here’s what makes pet owners click “Contact”:
Write an Authentic Bio
Don’t worry if you lack formal qualifications. Pet owners value genuine animal lovers with common sense. Include:
- Your experience with pets (even personal pets count)
- Why you love animal care (passion resonates with owners)
- Your reliability factors (working from home, flexible schedule, retired, etc.)
- Specific animals you’re comfortable with (dogs, cats, rabbits, birds)
Example opener: “As a lifelong dog owner and animal enthusiast, I understand that your pets are family members who deserve the same love and attention when you’re away. With five years of caring for my own rescue dogs and regularly pet-sitting for friends and neighbors, I provide reliable, compassionate care that gives you complete peace of mind.”
Add Photos (Use What You Have)
No professional photoshoot needed:
- Photos with your own pets or animals you’ve cared for
- Pictures showing you’re active and outdoorsy (for dog walkers)
- A friendly, clear headshot
- Home environment photos if offering in-home sitting
List Services Clearly
Be specific about what you offer:
- Dog Walking: 30-minute neighborhood walks, £10-12
- Home Visits: Feeding, medication, playtime, £12-15 per visit
- Overnight Pet Sitting: In owner’s home, £30-40 per night
- Doggy Day Care: Your home, £20-25 per day
- Special Services: Puppy care, senior pet care, medication administration
Step 3: Set Your Initial Rates Competitively
Research local rates on Trader Street to position yourself strategically:
Starter Pricing Strategy
When building your reputation, slightly undercutting established sitters helps you gain those crucial first reviews:
- Dog walking: £8-10 for 30 minutes (vs. £12-15 established rate)
- Home visits: £10-12 per visit (vs. £15-18 established rate)
- Overnight sitting: £25-30 (vs. £35-45 established rate)
After your first 5-10 positive reviews, gradually increase rates to market level.
Package Deals That Sell
Encourage repeat bookings with package pricing:
- Weekly Dog Walking: 5 walks for the price of 4
- Holiday Care Bundle: 7 days overnight sitting at 15% discount
- Regular Client Rate: 10% off for monthly bookings
Step 4: Land Your First Three Clients
Getting started is the hardest part. Here’s how to secure those vital first bookings:
Strategy 1: Start With Your Network
The easiest first clients are people who already know you:
- Post on your personal Facebook about your new service
- Message friends, family, colleagues who own pets
- Join local community Facebook groups and introduce yourself
- Offer your first 2-3 services at a discount for people you know
Strategy 2: Leverage Trader Street Features
- Respond immediately to all inquiries (within 2 hours shows professionalism)
- Offer a free meet-and-greet with the pet before any booking
- Be flexible with scheduling for your first clients
- Ask satisfied clients to leave reviews which you can later post on your profile (this is crucial)
Strategy 3: Create a “New Sitter” Offer
Attract risk-averse clients with confidence-building offers:
- “First walk free with booking of 5 walks”
- “Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back”
- “Free trial home visit before holiday booking”
Step 5: Nail Your First Job (And Get That 5-Star Review)
Your first few jobs set the tone for your business. Here’s how to guarantee excellence:
Before the Job
- Meet the pet and owner beforehand – build rapport and assess the pet’s needs
- Get detailed instructions – feeding schedule, walk routes, medication, emergency contacts
- Take notes – don’t rely on memory
- Confirm everything in writing via Trader Street messaging
During the Job
- Arrive on time (or early) – punctuality builds trust
- Send photo updates – pet owners love seeing their furry friend happy
- Communicate proactively – if anything unusual happens, inform the owner immediately
- Go beyond basics – bring in mail, water plants, rotate lights for security
- Leave the home spotless – clean up any pet mess, wash food bowls
After the Job
- Send a final update with photos when you leave
- Politely request a review – “I’d really appreciate if you could leave a review on my Trader Street profile – it helps me as a new sitter”
- Ask about future bookings – “Will you need pet care again during the October half-term?”
Step 6: Build Your Reputation Systematically
Reviews are your currency in the pet sitting business:
The First 10 Reviews Are Critical
- They establish your credibility
- They unlock higher rates
- They lead to more inquiries
Action plan: For your first 10 jobs, offer exceptional service and specifically ask for reviews. Consider a small discount for clients who leave detailed feedback.
Showcase Your Reliability
- Always respond promptly to messages (set up Trader Street notifications)
- Never cancel unless absolutely unavoidable
- Update your calendar immediately when unavailable
- Build a network of backup sitters for true emergencies
Step 7: Expand Your Services Without Investment
Once you have a few clients, grow your income streams:
Add Premium Services
- Medication administration (£5 extra per visit)
- Grooming (brushing, nail trimming – £10-15)
- Pet taxi service (vet visits, grooming appointments)
- Puppy training support (basic commands, house training)
Partner With Local Businesses
Build relationships for free referrals:
- Vets – offer your card to their clients
- Pet shops – leave business cards on community boards
- Groomers – refer clients to each other
- Dog trainers – collaborate on client needs
Create Service Bundles
- The Holiday Essentials: Daily visits + dog walking + plant watering
- The Puppy Package: Multiple daily visits + training support
- The Senior Pet Special: Medication + extra gentle care + regular updates
Managing Your Business for Free
You don’t need expensive software – free tools work perfectly:
Scheduling and Communication
- Trader Street messaging for all client communication
- Google Calendar (free) for booking management
- WhatsApp for urgent client updates and photo sharing
Invoicing and Payments
- Bank transfer or cash for simplicity
- PayPal (free for friends/family payments)
- Keep records in a simple spreadsheet for tax purposes
Marketing
- Trader Street profile (your main marketing tool)
- Facebook business page (free)
- Instagram account (share cute pet photos)
- Google My Business (free local SEO)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t Undervalue Your Time
Even as a beginner, charge fair rates. You’re providing:
- Peace of mind for pet owners
- Professional, reliable care
- Flexibility and convenience
Don’t Skip the Meet-and-Greet
Always meet pets before accepting bookings. This protects you from:
- Aggressive or overly anxious animals
- Unrealistic owner expectations
- Incompatible personalities
Don’t Overpromise
Be honest about your:
- Experience level
- Availability limitations
- Comfort zone (size/breed of dogs, exotic pets, etc.)
Legal and Safety Essentials (Still Zero Cost)
Insurance
While pet sitting insurance is recommended once established (£10-20/month), start by:
- Using your home contents insurance (often covers pet sitting)
- Checking if your car insurance covers pet transportation
- Asking clients about their pet insurance coverage
Contracts and Agreements
Download free templates online for:
- Service agreements
- Emergency contact forms
- Pet care instruction sheets
- Liability waivers
Safety Protocols
- Always meet clients in public first (or with someone else present)
- Keep emergency vet numbers handy
- Learn basic pet first aid (free online courses)
- Trust your instincts – decline jobs that feel wrong
Your 30-Day Launch Timeline
Week 1: Setup
- Day 1-2: Create Trader Street profile
- Day 3-4: Research local competitors and set rates
- Day 5-7: Take photos, write bio, polish profile
Week 2: Network Marketing
- Day 8-10: Announce service to friends/family
- Day 11-14: Join local Facebook groups, post about service
Week 3: First Clients
- Day 15-17: Secure first 2-3 bookings from network
- Day 18-21: Complete jobs, request reviews
Week 4: Scale Up
- Day 22-25: Apply lessons learned, update profile
- Day 26-30: Start receiving inquiries from Trader Street platform
Your Action Steps Today
Right now, take these three actions:
- Create your free Trader Street profile – it takes 5 minutes
- Message 5 pet-owning friends about your new service
- Set your initial rates based on local research
Starting a pet sitting business with zero startup costs isn’t just possible – it’s the smart way to test the waters before making any financial commitment. You’ll know within 30 days if this is the right business for you, without risking a penny.
The pet owners in your area are already searching for reliable sitters. The question is: will they find you?
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need qualifications to be a pet sitter? No formal qualifications are required in the UK. Pet owners value experience, reliability, and genuine love for animals more than certificates. However, free online courses in pet first aid can boost your credibility.
How much can I realistically earn? Part-time pet sitters typically earn £400-800/month. Full-time sitters can earn £1,500-3,000/month or more depending on location, services offered, and client base.
What if something goes wrong with a pet? Always get emergency vet contacts from owners. In genuine emergencies, take the pet to the vet immediately and notify the owner. This is why meet-and-greets and proper client vetting are crucial.
How do I handle difficult pets? Be honest in your profile about which animals you’re comfortable with. It’s perfectly acceptable to decline jobs with aggressive dogs or exotic pets outside your comfort zone.
Can I do this alongside my full-time job? Absolutely! Many pet sitters start part-time with morning dog walks, evening home visits, and weekend overnight stays. This is ideal for testing the business before committing fully.
Ready to start your zero-cost pet sitting business? Create your free Trader Street profile today and be taking bookings by this weekend. No credit card required, no risk – just you, your love for animals, and unlimited earning potential.