A recent survey by Pet Sitters International, the world’s largest educational association for professional pet sitters, found that 74 percent of the association’s members decided to start their professional pet-sitting businesses either post-retirement or after leaving another career. In fact, the average age for a PSI member business owner is 58. It’s no surprise that many are pursuing careers as professional pet sitters and dog walkers in their later years; pet sitting and dog walking offer low startup costs, flexible scheduling and an opportunity to stay active while making money. And the demand for pet-sitting and dog-walking services is higher than ever.  Visit this site here and know about vet tech career paths or simply pet-related careers.

The U.S. Department of Labor anticipates employment of animal care and service workers will grow 22 percent during 2016-2026, much faster than the average for all occupations.

If you have a passion for pets and an entrepreneurial spirit, starting a professional pet-sitting business could be a perfect next career for you. While working with pets all day may seem like a dream job (and it can be!), you’ll still want to take simple precautions to set your business up for success:

1. Assess your current knowledge. Loving pets is a requirement for this profession and having experience with your own pets is a big plus, but other skills are needed. Take an inventory of your current pet-care knowledge and experience. You may note areas that you would like to learn more about. Perhaps you feel you need more experience with large-breed dogs, or maybe you have no experience with cats. Seek out training workshops, online classes and even volunteer opportunities (such as at your local animal shelter) to get virtual and hands-on training in specific pet-care topics. Remember you can also cater your business to play to your strengths—focusing on “cats only” for example.
2. Get legal advice. As a professional pet sitter or dog walker, you’ll also be a small business owner—and it’s important you operate your business professionally and legally. Once you decide on a business name and ensure it’s not already in use by another business, be sure to also inquire if a business license is required in your city, state or province—and obtain any necessary licenses to operate your business legally. Deciding on your business structure and becoming familiar with any federal or local business laws will also be important next steps. While these are topics you can research yourself, professionals (i.e. attorneys, accountants, etc.) can provide you with valuable insight to ensure you are legally operating your pet-sitting business.
3. Protect your assets—and your clients. You should obtain pet-sitter liability insurance before you accept your first assignment. The reality is that for even the most conscientious pet sitter or dog walker, accidents can occur. Having comprehensive insurance protects you and gives your clients peace of mind that you are covered, should anything go wrong. Given today’s litigious society, no professional pet sitter should go unprotected. You want to ensure that all clients clearly understand the services you will be providing, your policies and procedures, and what is expected from pet owners. Your contract will outline the services you’ll provide, limitations, and important information about the clients’ pet and home-care needs. Pet-sitting service contracts can be purchased, or you can have an attorney create one for you.
4. Get the word out! If your phone isn’t ringing yet, it’s simply because your community doesn’t know about you. Now’s the time to get the word out about your new pet-sitting business! Introduce yourself to local veterinarians and dog groomers, participate in community events, and promote your business online through a website and social media. Depending upon how many clients you’d like to have, you may choose to just focus your advertising in your own neighborhood. The choice is yours! Network with other professional pet sitters also—they can send business your way if they are already booked or receive calls outside of their service areas.

Building a pet-care business takes time and determination but going to the dogs (and cats) can pay off big with a new flexible career you can love—and one that helps you continue to build your nest egg! To learn more about starting your own pet-sitting or dog-walking business, visit petsit.com.