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The Easiest Way To Gain Many More Pet Sitting Clients

get more pet sitting clientsAre you looking for more pet sitting clients than you can possibly handle?

Of course you are, it’s a trick question!

We can all use a spike in our bank accounts right about now and one way to increase our available balance is to increase our client base.

The holiday season is no longer just around the corner; it is squarely upon us. And it’s no secret that the last few months of the year are the most profitable for working pet sitters.

But no matter what time of year, in order to gain many new clients, you must first begin to focus on gaining just one.

That’s right. The easiest way to gain many is to focus on gaining one.

Once you are able to celebrate the success of gaining one new client, you can then repeat the exact same process on a bigger scale and find many new pet sitting clients.

Focusing on just one to start will keep you from becoming overwhelmed and will place the goal in a very achievable light.

Read on to see how you can promote the heck out of your business by winning your own personalized pet sitter t-shirt!

The 3-step Process To Grow Your Pet Sitting Business One Client At A Time

1: Make your plan.

One of the best ways to move forward is to plan backwards.

Keep thinking backwards until you arrive at tasks you could do today. This will help you to attain the goal’s starting point.

You already know what your goal is (one new client) so now it’s time to sit down and come up with your game plan.

How will you go about reaching this goal? Brainstorm a list of possible ideas.

  • Directly ask current clients for recommendations
  • Post an ad online, like on Craigs List
  • Partner with a local business to help get the word out
  • Offer a coupon, discount or other incentive on your website for new clients

Whatever the plan, get it down in writing and set it in motion. Write down every little thing – no matter how small – that you must do in order to reach your goal.

2: Set your time frame.

Begin by defining a realistic timeframe for your goal.

Find the sweet spot based on your past history. Make it challenging but keep it achievable. If you don’t give yourself enough time, you’ll be setting yourself up to fail.

How long will it take to gain one new pet-sitting client? 1 week? 2 weeks? 4 weeks?

Once you decide, mark that date on a calendar and keep it visible at all times. Jot down tasks along the way so you stay on track and keep a clear picture of your goal in mind at all times.

What you focus on becomes reality.

3: Monitor results and adjust as needed

What’s one of the biggest reasons people do not successfully reach their goals?

They simply are not watching the results of their efforts and adjusting things along the way.

A plan is pointless if you are not actively tracking the day-to-day results. If you partner with a pet store, for example, are people taking your marketing materials? Are those people getting in contact with you? Are they becoming new clients?

Where might the system need to be adjusted?

If you’re not getting calls, rethink the marketing material. If you’re not closing the deal on the phone, consider a new approach.

Monitor every aspect of your plan and consistently evaluate where things may be falling short. Then adjust, and repeat.

Keep Your Eye On The Prize

Remember, the goal is for just one new client. You can do it!

As soon as you gain one new client in this systematic way, you will be well on your way to gaining plenty more (just repeat the process over and over).

This Month is “Official Gain More Clients Month”

If you’d like to officially take part in this movement and take on this challenge of gaining just one new client, here’s what to do.

Leave a comment below letting me know you are on board to gain one new pet sitting client.

Take some time for yourself to make your plan, set your timeframe and monitor the results.

By leaving a comment below and saying “Yes!” you become accountable. Accountability is a huge motivating factor for us all to reach any goal.

My Gift To You

pet-sitting-shirtsTo help you continue to promote your pet sitting business, I will say “I knew you could do it!” by providing one lucky pet sitter a free customized pet sitting t-shirt, courtesy of the new Pet Sitter Shirt Store.

Choose from any of the 10 designs and I’ll even print a personal message on the back, if you wish. (IE. Your website, twitter name, business name, tag line, etc…)

Hop on board now by leaving a comment showing your commitment to gain that one new pet sitting client and let’s celebrate together.

*Would YOU like us to work on your Website?*

If you are looking to dramatically improve your website results by appearing on the front page of Google (like we have done for hundreds of your professional pet industry colleagues), then review the options here and let's compare notes!

. . .

Josh Cary is a respected and well sought-after speaker and business consultant within the professional pet care industry. Since 2009, having grown his own pet sitting business, Josh provides his industry with the tools, support, and resources to build and maintain a thriving and respected pet business.

With a strong focus on digital marketing, search engine optimization (SEO), and website development, Josh’s one mission is to help you Get Found First through a professional and effective website.

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This Post Has 120 Comments

  3. Thank you sir!

    I’d love to learn how the Singapore pet sitting industry compares to the pet sitting industry in the US. (Similarities, differences, challenges…)

  4. Thank you sir!

    I’d love to learn how the Singapore pet sitting industry compares to the pet sitting industry in the US. (Similarities, differences, challenges…)

  7. Woo-hoo, let’s do it! Someone’s gotta win a T-shirt. Stop back soon with a progress update.

    Side Note: Have you re-designed your website? It’s looking good. And I love the pic of your pitbull and baby. Shows the nay-sayers that not all pits eat babies ;]

    1. Thanks, it’s not bad, but it could be better! I’m been in the process of re-designing it. I’m widening my wrapper, so I have more room and I’m going to change up the navigation links. I’m tweaking the css a bit too, struggling with text size mainly-who doesn’t :(. I seriously need to include a contact form, but I had problems doing that before, so I need to figure out why my form didn’t work. I’m going to change the “about” section, following your advice about telling your story. I always have a hard time going on about myself. I figure “who cares?”, but I see your point, so I’m going to re-do that. I’m working on making some vids to include and putting more testimonials up. Hopefully some video testimonials. I’ve been wanting to do a blog for more than a year, but haven’t found the time. First off, I’m going through your article about Google SEO and going to check off everything there. I’m also considering ways to make my rate section work better, seems people are having trouble with that.

      I have a new hosting account with Go Daddy. You may have heard on the PUPS board that my site got hacked. GRRR!! So as I finish with the SEO changes I’ll upload the new pages to my new host, then proceed with the rest of the re-design. Big project, but them’s the way the apples tumble.

      Thanks about my pittie pic, that’s my Dezdemona (Dezi) and my grandson, Magnus. She’s fabulous with kids, small dogs and puppies. She’s a Mamma at heart :D. I like to include pics of her because not only do I think she’s adorable, but since we do day care and boarding it sort af lets people know beforehand that we have a pitbull. If they don’t like that, they won’t call and it saves us both time and awkwardness.

      1. Kathi,

        Well, you certainly have a lot on your plate. But they are all the right things to have there!

        Website redesign and SEO is an undertaking that requires time, patience and knowledge.

        I assure you it’ll all happen for you.

  8. Woo-hoo, let’s do it! Someone’s gotta win a T-shirt. Stop back soon with a progress update.

    Side Note: Have you re-designed your website? It’s looking good. And I love the pic of your pitbull and baby. Shows the nay-sayers that not all pits eat babies ;]

    1. Thanks, it’s not bad, but it could be better! I’m been in the process of re-designing it. I’m widening my wrapper, so I have more room and I’m going to change up the navigation links. I’m tweaking the css a bit too, struggling with text size mainly-who doesn’t :(. I seriously need to include a contact form, but I had problems doing that before, so I need to figure out why my form didn’t work. I’m going to change the “about” section, following your advice about telling your story. I always have a hard time going on about myself. I figure “who cares?”, but I see your point, so I’m going to re-do that. I’m working on making some vids to include and putting more testimonials up. Hopefully some video testimonials. I’ve been wanting to do a blog for more than a year, but haven’t found the time. First off, I’m going through your article about Google SEO and going to check off everything there. I’m also considering ways to make my rate section work better, seems people are having trouble with that.

      I have a new hosting account with Go Daddy. You may have heard on the PUPS board that my site got hacked. GRRR!! So as I finish with the SEO changes I’ll upload the new pages to my new host, then proceed with the rest of the re-design. Big project, but them’s the way the apples tumble.

      Thanks about my pittie pic, that’s my Dezdemona (Dezi) and my grandson, Magnus. She’s fabulous with kids, small dogs and puppies. She’s a Mamma at heart :D. I like to include pics of her because not only do I think she’s adorable, but since we do day care and boarding it sort af lets people know beforehand that we have a pitbull. If they don’t like that, they won’t call and it saves us both time and awkwardness.

      1. Kathi,

        Well, you certainly have a lot on your plate. But they are all the right things to have there!

        Website redesign and SEO is an undertaking that requires time, patience and knowledge.

        I assure you it’ll all happen for you.

  9. Hi Joshua,

    Did it-two new clients this week.Yippee! One is a 2x wk dog walk, the other for boarding, booked two trips to start with. I’m on a roll :).

      1. Hi,

        Yeah, I’m happy to make my goal. Now I want at least one more before the end of the month, so I better get busy!

        They both contacted me from me from my website. I haven’t done any marketing other than my site. I know I need to, but haven’t made the time. What I really need to do right now is strategize and plan. I have too many things swirling in my brain and I’m stuck because of a lack of mental clarity. I keep skipping around, doing this, then that…very ADD behavior :).

        One thing I’m working on improving is contacting the client and setting up a M&G STAT. I think that was mentioned somewhere else on this blog. I do think that makes a big difference. Pet owners are a bit capricious, they tend to get all in a tizzy to line up care for their pets, so they make a flurry of calls. You need to get your “foot in the door” right away. I also have stopped asking them to fill out paperwork before we get together. They seemed to get overwhelmed and move on to find something easier. I takes more time at the M&G, but I think it’s a better approach. If I actually WANT to discourage someone for some reason, maybe a last minute request or some kind of red flag, then I do give them all the paper work up front and tell them I’ll set an appointment with them when I get it
        back. Usually works, which is why I no longer do that with folks I do want to meet with. Live and learn 🙂

  10. Hi Joshua,

    Did it-two new clients this week.Yippee! One is a 2x wk dog walk, the other for boarding, booked two trips to start with. I’m on a roll :).

      1. Hi,

        Yeah, I’m happy to make my goal. Now I want at least one more before the end of the month, so I better get busy!

        They both contacted me from me from my website. I haven’t done any marketing other than my site. I know I need to, but haven’t made the time. What I really need to do right now is strategize and plan. I have too many things swirling in my brain and I’m stuck because of a lack of mental clarity. I keep skipping around, doing this, then that…very ADD behavior :).

        One thing I’m working on improving is contacting the client and setting up a M&G STAT. I think that was mentioned somewhere else on this blog. I do think that makes a big difference. Pet owners are a bit capricious, they tend to get all in a tizzy to line up care for their pets, so they make a flurry of calls. You need to get your “foot in the door” right away. I also have stopped asking them to fill out paperwork before we get together. They seemed to get overwhelmed and move on to find something easier. I takes more time at the M&G, but I think it’s a better approach. If I actually WANT to discourage someone for some reason, maybe a last minute request or some kind of red flag, then I do give them all the paper work up front and tell them I’ll set an appointment with them when I get it
        back. Usually works, which is why I no longer do that with folks I do want to meet with. Live and learn 🙂

  11. Planning is (as you know) an absolute necessity when it comes to any part of running your business.

    Without it, you’ll simply float around hoping to accomplish various things, instead of strategically working towards your specific goals.

    I combat this with a simple daily to-do list. A notebook kept near my computer at all times keeps me moving forward and on track.

    And yes, keep track of statistics any way you can. Jot down the number of phone calls or email inquiries and the result of each one, so you can gauge how successful you are at closing. And you’ll have solid numbers of incoming leads each month. (Google Docs works well for this use!)

    One thing I started implementing to avoid the “shopping for the best deal” is to require a small deposit ($25) if the person wants to go ahead with the M&G.; I require this deposit before I even put them in touch with a pet sitter on my team.

    Before this, we’d all be running around to accommodate the potential client, and they’d ditch, even after M&Gs.; This is working out well for all of us involved.

    You could also try implementing a “last minute” fee for those booking within 24 or 48 hours. I’ve seen plenty of sites that do that.

  12. Planning is (as you know) an absolute necessity when it comes to any part of running your business.

    Without it, you’ll simply float around hoping to accomplish various things, instead of strategically working towards your specific goals.

    I combat this with a simple daily to-do list. A notebook kept near my computer at all times keeps me moving forward and on track.

    And yes, keep track of statistics any way you can. Jot down the number of phone calls or email inquiries and the result of each one, so you can gauge how successful you are at closing. And you’ll have solid numbers of incoming leads each month. (Google Docs works well for this use!)

    One thing I started implementing to avoid the “shopping for the best deal” is to require a small deposit ($25) if the person wants to go ahead with the M&G. I require this deposit before I even put them in touch with a pet sitter on my team.

    Before this, we’d all be running around to accommodate the potential client, and they’d ditch, even after M&Gs. This is working out well for all of us involved.

    You could also try implementing a “last minute” fee for those booking within 24 or 48 hours. I’ve seen plenty of sites that do that.

  13. Awesome site! I just found it and it has totally inspired me to rev up the engine and get moving on gaining new clients! thanks for the wonderful advice and suggestions!!!

  15. Awesome site! I just found it and it has totally inspired me to rev up the engine and get moving on gaining new clients! thanks for the wonderful advice and suggestions!!!

  18. This has been a great site and I am moving in the right direction from what you are saying. I have a few clients already and am moving one day at a time to gain more clients. Word of mouth is big in this business and I have asked clients to refer as much as possible. I also have a Facebook page and a website. My most difficult step has been to decide on who to help me and whether they will be an independent contractor. From what I have read, they would be more of an employee as I have specific ways of doing things I want them to follow. But, alas, I am not ready to be an employer. But I have a reputation to keep with my business. Kind of a Catch 22, if you will.

    1. Happy to see you hear, and thrilled you are gaining value from it.  Yes, moving systematically in the right direction one step at a time will do the trick.

      Re: ICs / Employees… As you may know, I have plenty of articles and videos right on this blog that may help clear things up.  Search for “IC” and/or “video” on the site above and you’ll find plenty on the subject.

      Stay motivated!

  19. With anything in life, it really is best to focus on one at a time (unless you are an excellent multi-tasker)! One day at a time to tackle a difficult habit or task, one email or phone call to let a pet parent know that their shy dog is coming out of her shell, one customer at a time to give them full attention and make them feel as if they are the only one, because at that moment in time they are.

    Thank you for the encouragement to keep on keeping on.

  20. I am just getting started, you have been a huge help, thanks! Just got my business cards today and already hit the pet store employees (who all know me well) and posted them on a few community boards around town. My website is up and I have taken advantage of every free internet listing I have found so far. I am totally commited to getting my First client!

    1. Congrats on those important initial steps, Melinda!  It’s an exciting time for you, I bet.  Please share your website link with us, and certainly come back and celebrate when you land your first client!  I look forward to hearing all about the process, the journey and the WIN!

  21. I’m most definitely on board to get just one more client… my first that is! I’m just starting up a cat sitting service in Bath, UK called Catdom. I am finding the process very engaging so far and looking forward to the challenges ahead. Your nuggets of wisdom scattered around this blog will be a great inspiration and focusing tool for me – so thank you for sharing. I will  endeavour to keep sharing the juice!

    I think some of the things you have touched on in this post are particularly relevant to Pet Sitters since on the whole, I suspect we are a caring, creative bunch. Keeping one’s eye on the prize is critical, and I am sure many of us need reminding of that from time to time.

    Having said that, generalising is not something I tend to condone – and possibly, it’s resonance reflects more on my own tendencies rather than pet-sitters overall. 😉

    1. Hello and Welcome Hayley!  Glad you are finding the process engaging.

      The biggest thing I tend to promote around here is simply honing your business skills to gain the most amount of clients possible.  It’s not easy, but is very possible.

      Also, your website will play a crucial role of your entire marketing strategy.  If/When you have your website going, please check back and share it with us.

      Looking forward to your journey.

  22. I spent most of the day working on this. So I am on board. I was there today for The Pet Sitter Website Review Clinic Webinar. So I am working on that too. I lost audio right in the middle of Josh and Laura going over my web site. I have not had a new client in a whole month so just 1 would be wonderful.

    1. Hey Tami,

      Glad to see you here and we will have the webinar recording publicly available soon.  As you know, there are many elements you need in place in order to get more visitors to your site and more visitors to take action once on your site.

      The initial changes you have already made look great.  A final note is to add Google Analytics to your site.  This way you have an idea how users are interacting with your site in the first place.

      Stay in touch.

  23. Hello 
    Josh and Laura, I’ll take that challenge to gain one new client, in fact, I have decided to make that one new client each month, since I offer more services than pet sitting.  My passion has always been animals. Owning and rescuing them, so when our company was sold I decided to start a pet care company and follow my passion.  Since I was already actively involved in Animal advocacy, rescue, transport and fostering, why not get paid to do what I love.  I love this industry too, but as you all know it is very competitive.  I would like to see some feedback, suggestions, or education on how to combat the local yocal pet sitter who’s just looking to make some money, they generally do not belong to any professional organizations, are not insured or bonded, and don’t keep up on the currents trends in training, pet health or humane education, and most probably are not paying taxes on the money they’re making.  Craig’s List in my area are FULL of them.  I try to combat them by stating in my Tag Line, Professional Dog Walking and Pet  Care Services and to be honest I don’t know if that tag helps or hurts my chances of getting someone to respond to my advertisement.  Would enjoy hearing other pet sitters experiences or suggestions.

    1.  Glad to see you hear, Tonya.  And thanks for posting.  What you are experiencing is one of the most common difficulties we face all the time – trying to compete with these hobby sitters who undercut price.

      The only way to combat that is on the path you are already going.  Offer plenty of value on your website that will make you stand out.  Sure a tag line helps to get the ball rolling but it’s nowhere near enough.

      Are you creating a ton of content on your web pages to educate your potential clients in a variety of ways?  Are you telling your story?  Are you sharing your pet sitting experiences?  Are you spelling out the value of the service, including how you leave detailed notes with each visit, how you send daily text messages, how you send pictures, or create short videos that your clients are sure to love?

      Are you posting reviews and testimonials from happy clients on your site?  Are you blogging?  Are you sending out a newsletter to potential clients?

      There is a lot we can do to overshadow those “local yocals” (as you put it!) but it does take some work on our part.  It takes work to simply educate the pet owners on why we are the better choice.

      Keep at it!

    2. Hey Tonya. Unfortunately, I guess I’d be considered a “local yocal” pet sitter.. But I’m not only doing it for some money. I love animals and I’m trying to gather experience working with animals for my future career(a veterinary technician, then surgical assistant, and finally(perhaps) a veterinarian. I just know that I want to work with animals for my career. I currently work as an animal caretaker at a veterinary clinic and as a horseback riding instructor/horse handler at a horse stable. I mostly only watch friends/family pets, but I have recieved calls from potential clients after they saw my fliers. How do you suggest that I stop being a “local yocal” pet sitter, and become more professional? 

      1. Hi there Guest! The best and quickest way I suggest becoming a bit more professional is to simply create a professional looking web presence. Create a website that looks good and establishes yourself as the professional you are! Start with creating a pet sitting business name, get yourself some insurance, and you will be well on your way to becoming professional. There are a ton of resources on this very site to help you along each step of the way. You can start with a look into my training program https://petsittingology.com/blog/start-a-pet-sitting-business/ and then check out our pet sitter website system to get you going https://petsittingology.com/blog/pet-sitting-websites/

  25. Yes! I am all for gaining one new client a month! I also totally agree with Tonya and am glad the both of you are having the “discussion” you are in the comments. I love reading and learning all I can about my industry. I am very happy to have “discovered” Petsittingology!

  26. I’ve just started my business and after 2 weeks of working my behind off building my webpage and looking at my online marketing strategy, I’ve finally landed my first client! First thought – “phew, it’s working, I’m not invisible!” One thing I thought might be good to add is that it is invaluable to tracking of all of your marketing efforts? With the example of the pet store above, what if that’s just one of 20 stores you left your material with? Can you remember all of them and what material they have? Even if it’s just a spreadsheet with what you’ve done and the dates, having tracking of where everything is will make life so much easier. If your brochures become out of date because you’ve changed your services, you want to be able to find them quickly and not have old material floating around, right?

    1. Right, indeed, Jade. And congrats on getting that first client – feels great, right? Keep it up. What is your website address, by the way?

  27. thanks joshua for sharing the best ways to increase the site reach ability to several users as yelp is also a good option if we have good reviews under our kitty

  31. I love the info I’m getting from this site! I’ve just started my business in January and I’ve already gotten a few clients-not as many as I’d like but I believe in the Laws of Attraction so….I remain positive and am ALWAYS grateful for the clients I DID get.
    I’m committing to getting at LEAST one new client this week. And I too am interested in the FREE shirt-money is pretty scarce!
    I have a website and belong to NAPPS (I got my very first client from that organization). I go to as many pet related community functions as I can-that’s a great way to network, by-the-way.
    Thank you for all your hard to work to help us get better!!

    1. Well so happy to see you here, Elizabeth, and thanks for the kind words. Always grateful to know sitters are receiving good solid info here! I will keep it coming. Please stay in touch with your progress and let me know if there is anything specific I can do to help.

      PS – If you have not already, check out http://www.petsittinglive.com – I know you said money is tight, but this is going to be an incredible experience on all levels 🙂

  32. I’m in! I just started a week ago 🙂 My business cards should arrive next week and I’m advertising on Craigslist, Facebook and care.com! Working on my website right now! I also signed up as volunteer at my local shelter 🙂

    1. Awesome, Judy! Let me know if you need anything specific in regards to your website.

  34. I’m in! Just started this month and have 6 clients. I really need to up my clientel though as this will be my source of income! I am getting business cards and hopefully a website.

  35. I just started my dog walking and pet sitting business April 1st. I finished my website but, I am waiting for cards and fliers. I have been talking to some people but, I haven’t acquired any clients yet. I am hopeful though 🙂

    1. Congrats on your brand new business! Woo hoo, week one for you. Understand that just like every other business, it takes time. It may take 3 – 6 months for you to get a decent number of clients. As long as you stick with it, keep learning, and taking action you will do well. Can you share your website with us here? I’d love to take a peek.

          1. Im going to get my business cards today woohoo! I plan on going to the dog park soon and my veterinary clinic to give out some cards. Lets see what happens…

          3. Yesterday I called my veterinary clinic that I take my dog to. I asked them if I could drop off some of my business cards. They said, that was no problem. So I happily drove over there and dropped a stack of them off. Lets see if anybody calls 🙂

          4. Good start. Between that, and an effective website, you should be well underway.

          5. Hello again! I wanted to give an update on how things are progressing. Currently I have 3 regular clients I see every week. I have 1 that I see on occasion and I did another pet sitting job one time. I just did a Paws4Pets walk event and I was a vendor this last weekend. I gave away all of my giveaways which, had my card inside. So at least 250 people got my card. I havent received any feedback yet but, I am hopeful that since it is close to summer time I will start getting calls!

          6. Hi Jacklyne, i was wondering, being a newer pet sitter, you mentioned you were a vendor, What kind of things did you use for your booth and the giveaways. I just make up bags of treats and walk around, havent had much luck?

          7. Hi Polly, thanks for your comment. I, too, look forward to hearing Jacklyne’s experience with being a vendor. Did you already become one? When you say you haven’t had much luck, what were you trying to achieve?

          8. Its been a year since I started and I have 1 independent contractor working for me. We have 11 weekly dog walking clients that we split between us and 22 irregular pet sitting clients. We have come a long way. I have not invested in using GPS tracking or anything at this point although many other local companies in Los Angeles use them. Does anyone have any feedback with using GPS tracking?

          10. Hi Jacklyne, thanks, just asking, did you make the handkerchiefs, and how did you do the frisbees? did they have your logo on them? and the leashed did you go buy them places? You were able to set up a booth? Did you sell anything or just hand out cards? Thanks, I always wanted to be a vendor to help with pets, but didn’t know how to work it being a Pet sitting business.

          11. Hi Polly, I prepared about 3 weeks in advance making little goody bags with my cards and brochures in it. I borrowed a spinning wheel from my mom’s work so each person could land on a different number. I made the handkerchiefs,

          12. I should have sold some items but, I was more concerned about getting my name out there. Unfortunately, after much hard work I didn’t get any new clients from the event so I’m not doing another again.

          13. Also, I wanted to mention that I asked my dog groomer if I could put out my cards at her place and she put them on her counter. I havent received any calls yet but, she said people are taking them.

  36. Good evening,
    My biggest problem with is when I speak to a client is ” closing the deal”as you said or even have them call me back.I know I’m great with animals but selling myself or even getting them to call me back is my biggest struggle.Does anyone have any suggestions please?Thank you.

    1. I have been having the same issue but, I think I need to focus on the meet and greet so I can get in front of them and they can see who I am and what I am about. Also, I do a lot of follow up with people that call so they keep me in their mind.

  37. This is great advice and very much appreciated. We just launched Beach Pupps, LLC in May and it is a tough market in our area. It is very competitive and there are tons of dog walkers and I am not sure if there are enough people :). However, we did last week just gain our first client for our special Beach Walk service, yayyyy! We have had a second dog walking client tell us we are hired but they are not confirming key pick up or their appointment. I can already tell unreliability is not only just something clients have to worry about, but us dog walkers being flaked upon too.

    We hope to grow and become a service provider whos in demand. Also, we offer all of our services free to shelter dogs and just started sponsoring a shelter! I cannot volunteer with them without having clients, so growth is very important in this aspect.

    Hope to have great growing news in a few months!

    http://www.beachpupps.com

    1. Glad to hear you’ve started your business! That first step is often the hardest. Just keep your goals in front of you, and hopefully things will get better day by day! Good luck!

  38. Great to hear that you started a new business! Yes, many pet sitters find that websites add to their visibility in their communities. You may want to pursue that option. That way you can continue to service your current clients as well as pull in new ones on a regular basis. Good luck with it!

  39. Hi Katlyn,

    Great that you have some clients now. I decided to build my own website using WIX and there was a lot of trial and error for me. After 2 months of editing I think my website has a good flow. You definitely need your own website because that way people take you seriously as well as bonding and insurance. Contact me if I can help at all!

    Jacklyne
    http://www.sgv-petcare.com

  40. I have made & left some of my pet sitting cards @ the Banfield I take my dogs to & their grooming.. So far no one has called.. What to do? Please help?

    1. Hi Lorraine, thanks for stopping by and sharing your results with us. Some do indeed find it difficult to gain traction and new clients by leaving cards. You should focus some time on an effective website so when your ideal client is searching for your service in Google, you show up! How is your website currently performing for you today? I’m happy to help.

      1. Hi Joshua! I do not have a website! All I have on my business cards is my name, cell & email. I know, I do need to make a website, can you help me with that as I haven’t any idea as to how to create one?

        1. Hi Lorraine, we can absolutely help! In fact, an effective website is exactly what we specialize in for the pet industry 🙂 See this page: https://petsittingology.com/wp and you will see how easy and affordable getting set with a website that many report works for them! Let me know if you need anything further today. Thanks!

  41. I just started my ” pet care provider” business WEDNESDAY! and I already have 3 clients!I have a facebook page for it and post some fun facts every day. I also have a daily log so when I take the dog to play or pee. Or cat. And I have a sheet that the owner has to fillnout about the pet or pets. Like the pets birthday. I have one pet birthdau coming up and I plan on giving a little doggy gift. The more the merrier and I’m earning tons of money!!!!! I’m really looking forward to getting a shirt!! I’m SOOOO excited!!! My phone number is 315 709 7756

    1. Hi Cassandra, you deserve a BIG congrats for getting set up and already having a few clients! Do you have a website you can share here with us? Let me know how else I can assist.

      1. Thank you! I do not have a website, but I have a Facebook page set up. I post monday through Friday; and post some stuff from “whole dog journal”, which is just tips and other information. Feel free to look my page up and browse it! Its called “sawbranch pet care provider”
        Thank you! I’m really looking forward to getting a shirt!

    1. Hey Doreen, we can absolutely help you! Thanks for the comment. Look out for a follow up email on the subject.

  44. Currently achieving clients thru a popular petsitting business who takes 20% and i also advertise on free sites. Since the holidays ended tho,i havent been able to drum up any new business and money is too tight for purchasing business cards…

    1. Hi Mia, thanks for your comment. I understand your situation. Many pet sitters I have worked with were in a similar situation. Are you willing to consider transferring to a more effective website? This is what we do for a very affordable fee. And it will bring you new clients.

  45. Just came across your blog and can’t wait to explore further. I have had a pet sitting business for 7 years and we are starting to expand. Hope to find some good information ?

    1. Hey there Tracey, awesome to have you here in our mix! There is a lot around you will enjoy. Make sure to add your email to one of the sign up forms on our pages so you’ll remain in the loop with upcoming training sessions we do. Also, follow us on Facebook so we can further stay in touch! Talk to you soon.

  46. Recently started as a company, but have been doing family and friends for long time. I haven’t had many clients, just views of website and given quotes through thumbtack, but never many calls. I have had a few meet and greets, but i always get nervous, because i want to say the right stuff to get them booked, How can i make sure I am the one that they pick? And I have sights on almost anything you can think of, and still no takers.

    1. Hi Polly, great to have you hear! You are asking the BIG question: “How can I get more potential clients to see my website, and hire me as their pet sitter?” There are many ways of achieving this, least of which is having an extraordinary website that drives visitors from Google first, then creates such a valuable and positive user experience that the pet parent is begging to work with you. This is very possible, but takes time and some effort. Do you have a website that you can share with us here and I can take a further look? Thanks!

      1. Hi Josh yes it is — pollywogspets.com. I have already added your business to my facebook page as well. I just recently went on a few calls, and i am still having problems with people filling out their ppwk at the meet and greet. Do you or any other members have better ideas to achieve that?

        1. Hi Polly, thanks for the link. First thing I would add to your website is your service town/location to your home page (somewhere front and center). It doesn’t appear the location is anywhere on the home page, and it’s important also from a search standpoint. Regarding filling out the forms at the M&G, you can consider sending it in advance and having it already filled out by the time you meet them in person. Also, what exact issue are you running into at the M&G?

          1. Thank you for that advice I will look into that. The clients look at my packet and their eyes get big and then they say that they are still interviewing clients and they will let me know. So I feel my ppwk is to long. It is 7 pages long , but I thought that was normal. Thnks for your help I needed someone to explain things better to me that have gone through this

          3. My contract is two pages long. I bought a template from psi years ago, and have edited it so that it contains the info I want and need. Still some clients hate filling out forms, and they do find it to be a chore. For people with a real problem, I fill out the first page for them, which is mostly their name and address phone numbers. The second page is their pets info which only they would know, at least better than I. Keep it short and simple is my motto. However I do have a lot of legalese on the bottom that is necessary. Good luck, it does take time to build a business. Especially if you have a lot of competition like here in Southern California.

          4. Thank you Gina. I think I am going to rework my ppwk . And make it mate accessible online as well.

          5. I totally agree with Gina. Things take time to build but, it’s important to have paperwork, bonding and insurance, safety procedures, etc. to safeguard you and the clients.

          6. Like others have said, there are a variety of ways to approach this. If you find your paperwork is turning people off, perhaps you can wait to present it until you get a verbal or financial commitment for your service. Slowly but surely, you’ll find your groove and the process that works perfectly for you and your ideal clients.

  47. This is some great information to add onto my pet boarding business goals. I have been taking care of animals for 16 years and started a small pet boarding business its been a year now. I am sooo excited and grateful for the clients I have had the honor to meet and care for their pets. The great thing is they are still regulars to this day. I really appreciate this site for being so kind to share their wealth with others. I will continue to be a subscriber.

  48. I have recently started my own Pet Care business. I Want more though. I wanna be great. I say “YES” I want more clients… Id also love one of those awesome shirts! 😉

  49. Hi I’m from Australia I started my pet business mid last year and have about 24 clients. all repeat. I have a website but not SEO optimized. Cant get that right. My business has come from facebook, flyers and gumtree. Some referrals and a couple from a pet store. I am finding the i might get a couple of ppl enquiring about pet sitting but pricing puts them off. my pricing is similar to other sitters and i offer more with my services. Not sure what to do re pricing. I dont want to drop prices on services to please customers and I lose out. The business peaks and trophs or busy and quiet times. Hard to survive during quiet times.

  50. I am just beginning the process of dipping my toes into the Pet Sitting business. I’m anxious to get started and thrilled that I found you!

  51. Hi! I just started my pet sitting business in May 2016 and only have a few customers. I want this to be my full time gig, but am not making enough money yet. How long do you think it takes a new pet sitting company to be profitable?

  52. I would be very excited to start your program! I just started about 2 weeks ago and I love learning new ways to make my business the top of its game so yes!!!!! I’m ready

  54. Hi there ,
    This is pretty cool, my manager of my pet care company found you and sent this to me. We both have been hitting our heads against the wall to figure out new ways to get more clients. Sometimes we just think the competition is too great. Our area is really saturated.
    Thinking of just gaining one client has inspired me. I can do this. So, I am off to make this happen.
    I have read every one of the responses, so encouraging. I cant wait to come back with my positive story.
    Tail Wags,
    Kristina

    1. Woo Hoo, Kristina, I am inspired by YOUR comment! Keep in touch and let me know how it goes.

      An effective website is the best and most direct way to acquire new clients. When you are ready to take your website to new heights, please reach out! Thanks for being here.

  57. I like how you mentioned that you should set a timeframe for petsitting goals. My wife wants to start pet sitting and she has been asking me ways on how to be successful in her venture to starting a pet sitting business. I’ll be sure to let her know that setting a time frame and goals will help her pet sitting business succeed.

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