This is how you become a top pet sitter in 2025
Want to petsit more often, get better bookings, and have more fun while doing them? Keep growing as a sitter, and you'll attract more, better, and higher-paying bookings. Here are our top tips for a thriving petsitting business in 2025!
1. Communicate Professionally
Being a great pet sitter is about more than just feeding cats or walking dogs. It’s about showing that you take the pet’s needs seriously and communicating clearly and proactively with the owner.
- Invest in a thorough meet & greet. Asking plenty of questions during the introduction helps prevent issues and ensures the best experience for the pet.
- Use the Report Card feature. Share a short daily update with a fun photo and description of the day through the Pawshake app. It only takes a few minutes but shows owners that you are engaged and caring.
- Respond promptly and clearly. Always reply to messages in a timely manner, even if you’re unavailable. This way, owners know where they stand.
2. Attract More Clients
Want to meet new pet owners? Make sure you stand out and increase your visibility.
- Make your profile personal. Add high-quality photos that showcase your experience with animals.
- Keep your availability up to date. Set your free days and available hours in the Pawshake calendar. Clients are more likely to book when they see you’re ready to start.
- Build your reviews. Ask regular clients to leave a short review—good reviews are invaluable for securing new bookings.
3. Earn more per booking
- Offer premium options
With Add-on Services, you can add paid extras like longer walks, extended grooming sessions, or pick-up and drop-off services. - Review your rates
Compare your prices with other sitters in your area. If you offer more value, consider increasing your rates. - Plan smart
Schedule bookings in the same neighborhood to save travel time. Use a planning app to organize your routes efficiently.
4. Prioritize pet happiness
Happy pets mean happy owners, and that makes you an even more popular sitter. This leads to repeat guests—pet owners who keep coming back to book with you. Here’s how to improve animal well-being right away:
- Be patient with dogs
Always let a dog sniff you before petting them. Avoid intense direct eye contact, as it can feel threatening. - Respect a cat’s boundaries
Never force interaction. If a cat hides, give them space. Use soft sounds or a toy to gently encourage contact. - Learn to recognize stress
Observe the pet when you arrive. Is the dog pacing or unsettled?? Is the cat hissing? Give them time and space to adjust. Check out articles on Pawshake.nl for guidance, like What You Need to Know About Petting a Dog and How to Approach a Cat: Tips to Gain Their Trust.
5: Grow your petsitting business
Reach more pet owners beyond Pawshake.
- Share your Pawshake profile on social media
Post your profile on Instagram or Facebook and showcase fun photos from your petsitting jobs (with the owner's permission). Share a short message about why you're the perfect pet sitter. - Partner with local pet stores or vets
Ask if you can leave a flyer or business cards in exchange for recommending their services to your clients. - Join a petsitting community
Look for Facebook groups or forums where sitters share experiences and advice. These are great places to ask questions, learn from others, and connect with pet owners looking for a sitter in your area.
With these tips, 2025 can be your best year as a pet sitter. Open the Pawshake app on iOS or Android, update your profile, and go for it!
