How to Become a Professional Pet Sitter/Dog Walker

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Regardless which path you choose, pet sitting is just as much about the client, as it is about the client's pet(s). When meeting a potential client, remember that person is letting you into their home and entrusting you with their beloved companion. Treat each client and animal with the respect they deserve. Be yourself and take the time to get to know the animal; it may take awhile for it to get adjusted to your presence.

If the person wants to hire you, take notes, listen closely and do everything you can to make the client feel comfortable with you being in their home. If they have a dog, then definitely make sure dog walking is part of the package. Often, this can lead to a regular dog walking gig.

You should never limit yourself to purely pet sitting. Dog walking is very lucrative, especially in big cities where people are too busy making money to walk their dog during the day. Likewise, dog walking can lead to pet sitting, too.

When you are dog walking or pet sitting, you will have access to people’s private homes. This does not mean you can make yourself at home and throw parties. And don't even think about drinking their booze. Treat all spaces you are allowed into with the utmost respect and make sure it looks as good as when you walked in. It is just common courtesy.

Enjoy your new career. You are going to make some incredible four-legged (and even feathered or scaled) friends.

Image: jackiembarr / via Flickr