As pet sitting transitions from your teen neighbor’s side hustle to a multi-billion dollar industry, it’s natural to encounter some outdated or misguided beliefs surrounding the profession. But while not surprising, this misinformation may have unexpected consequences for your business.
Recognizing these myths, and what you can do about them, is critical to keeping you on track to reach your pet sitting goals.
Myth #1: Pet Sitting Is Just a Hobby
Too many sitters have heard the frustrating stereotype that pet sitting is "not a real job." If you work in the industry full-time, you've probably been met with skepticism that you can actually make a living off pet care alone.
This myth is more than just annoying. By asserting that pet care is a job anyone can do, owners may hire underqualified providers, exposing their pets to incompetency or neglect. Any experienced sitter knows that pet care requires a wide array of soft and hard skills, from knowledge of animal behavior to leash handling techniques and emergency response capabilities.
On the sitter side, underselling the profession can be similarly damaging. For instance, when you understate your experience or fail to set consistent policies, you may find it more difficult to attract the clients you want. At best, this costs you bookings. At worst, it can lead to sticky situations where clients don't respect your boundaries, policies, or expertise.
The Solution:
Pursue upskilling whenever possible and communicate your credentials to clients. Even if you only pet sit part-time, training and professional development can have major payoffs. Consider taking pet CPR and first aid courses, animal behavior training, or specialized certifications in areas like senior pet care or medication administration.
These investments improve your quality of service (and therefore your earning potential), but they also make the job easier and safer for you. Display your certifications prominently on your website and marketing materials, and don't be shy about mentioning your ongoing education when talking with clients.
Myth #2: All Pet Sitters Are the Same
At times, it can feel like you're competing for business with every pet care provider in your neighborhood. When you constantly hear "I know someone else who can do it for cheaper," it's easy to fall into the trap of thinking all sitters are interchangeable.
This kind of thinking leads sitters to lower their prices to match the neighbor kid down the street or the college student looking for side income. But here's the truth: You're not competing with everyone, and you shouldn't try to be.
It's not just about qualifications, either. A large-scale daycare facility may offer a stimulating, social setting perfect for high-energy dogs, while a small at-home daycare provides a calming environment better suited to older or more timid pups. Both offerings are equally valuable, but they're aimed at different clientele with different needs and preferences.
The Solution:
Focus on differentiating your business and clearly communicating what you bring to the table. Maybe you specialize in anxious dogs, offer overnight care in the pet's home, have experience with special needs animals, or provide detailed photo updates throughout the day.
Whatever makes your service unique, make it clear in all your marketing materials. This helps you attract more of your target clients and saves you time pursuing leads that aren't a good fit for your services. When you position yourself as the right choice for specific pet owners, price becomes less of a deciding factor.
Myth #3: Lower Prices Win Business
Speaking of pricing, many sitters are too quick to anchor their rates to what they see around town– or worse, set them just below the average. This logic is rooted in an understanding of basic supply and demand: If you're cheaper than the competition, you'll get more bookings.
However, undercutting the market rarely leads to sustainable growth. In many cases, pricing too low can actually work against you. In most cases, responsible pet owners don't tend to choose a caregiver based purely on the cheapest option. In fact, rock-bottom prices can signal inexperience or lower quality service, making potential clients question whether you’re qualified to provide adequate care.
The Solution:
If you're just starting out, it can be helpful to offer promotional pricing to build up your references and reviews. But instead of setting permanently low rates, consider offering new clients a one-time discount or a special package deal.
That way, you can introduce them to your excellent services without presenting yourself as the discount option. Once they experience the quality of care you provide, they'll understand your value and become repeat clients at your regular rates. Price your services based on the value you provide, your experience, and your operating costs– not just what others charge.
Myth #4: All Pets Have the Same Needs
Just as some people see all pet sitters as interchangeable, many beginner sitters may view every dog or cat as the same as the last one. While it's valuable to rely on your experience, it's equally important to acknowledge the diverse needs of individual animals.
What's good for one pet might not be ideal, or even safe, for another. Some dogs want to burn energy on hour-long walks, while others have mobility issues that limit them to short outings. One cat might love attention from everyone they meet, while another needs time to adjust to strangers. Some pets thrive on routine, while others are more flexible.
Assuming all pets are the same can lead to inadequate care, stressed animals, and unhappy clients. In serious cases, it can even result in emergencies or injuries.
The Solution:
Put together a detailed client profile before any service, keeping in mind that the depth of information you gather may vary. For instance, you'll need a more comprehensive file for a seven-day boarding situation versus a single drop-in visit.
Your profile should contain basic information like food preferences, exercise needs, medical issues, allergies, and risky habits or behaviors. Don't forget logistical items like their veterinarian's contact information, emergency contacts, and any specific household instructions.
Keep these profiles updated and easy to access so you can review them before each booking. This preparation helps you provide personalized, safe care while protecting yourself from preventable incidents.
Myth #5: Declining Bookings Hurts Your Business
When you're growing a business, it can feel like you need to say yes to every request that comes your way. After all, turning down potential income seems counterintuitive when you're trying to build momentum and establish yourself in the market.
But the reality is that accepting bad-fit bookings doesn't bring you any closer to your goal of building a sustainable business. Taking on pets you're not prepared for can lead to burnout, stress, and a decline in the quality of care you provide to all your clients.
More seriously, it can increase the odds of emergency situations. For example, imagine you accept a booking for a reactive dog without proper experience or preparation, and that dog ends up lunging at another dog or person during a walk. You could face legal fees, expensive veterinary bills, major headaches, and lasting reputational damage that's far more harmful than one declined booking.
The Solution:
Figure out what types of pets and clients are a good fit for your services, and stick to those boundaries. Maybe you don't accept dogs over a certain size, or you don't work with pets that have bite histories. Perhaps you specialize in cats only, or you don't offer services for homes with multiple large dogs.
Whatever your limits are, communicate them clearly and professionally. You might want to create a template response that you can modify for each situation, ensuring your communications remain clear and courteous even when declining. Remember: Every booking you turn down creates space for a better-fit client who will appreciate your services and become a long-term customer.
Myth #6: You Don't Need Insurance If You Go Through an App
Many popular pet sitting apps claim to have guarantees or protection in case something goes wrong during a booking. This leads some sitters to believe they're fully covered and don't need to invest in their own insurance.
Here's the problem: App-based guarantees aren't the same as traditional insurance coverage. These platforms typically have numerous exclusions, coverage limits, and conditions that may leave you exposed in certain situations. Be sure to read through the protection clauses carefully so you understand what may actually be covered— and more importantly, what isn't.
The Solution:
Invest in your own coverage through a pet sitting insurance provider, not just general business insurance. The main carriers specializing in pet business policies are Pet Care Insurance (PCI), Pet Sitters Associates (PSA), and Business Insurers of the Carolinas.
As you shop for a policy, read carefully through what's covered and what isn't. Make sure you have sufficient insurance for all your business activities, including dog walking, in-home pet sitting, boarding in your own home, and any other services you offer.
Although this coverage may be pricey, it’s well worth the protection in the face of a major lawsuit or claim. You also may be able to deduct the cost of premiums from your pet sitting earnings at tax season, but your accountant will be able to give you more detailed advice.
Moving Beyond the Myths
Running a pet sitting business means sifting through plenty of advice, and it’s not all made equal. By recognizing and rejecting these common myths, you can focus on what actually works to help you reach your business goals.
Treat your pet sitting business like the legitimate profession it is. Invest in your skills, differentiate your services, charge what you're worth, personalize care for each pet, decline bookings that don't fit, and protect yourself with proper insurance.
Want to learn more about how to build and grow your pet sitting business? Check out our blog.