Starting your pet sitting business is a big step, and not having a website might make you feel like you’re behind. The truth? You don’t need a fancy website to start getting clients. You just need the right approach, a bit of hustle, and a love for animals, which you already have. In this guide, we’ll walk you through real-world strategies to find your first 5 pet-sitting clients, even if you’re starting from scratch.
Table of contents
- ✅ Step 1: Start with Your Inner Circle (Friends, Family, Neighbors)
- 📱 Step 2: Use Facebook Groups & Local Communities
- 🐶 Step 3: Set Up a Free Business Profile on Pet Care Platforms
- 📌 Step 4: Create and Post Flyers in Local Spots
- 💬 Step 5: Ask for Referrals and Offer an Incentive
- 🧰 Tools You Can Use (Even Without a Website)
- 🧠 Common Questions (FAQ)
- 📣 Final Thoughts
✅ Step 1: Start with Your Inner Circle (Friends, Family, Neighbors)
When you’re just starting out, the people closest to you are your strongest support system. Most beginner sitters overlook this step, thinking it’s too casual, but word of mouth is still one of the most effective ways to get booked.
Action Steps:
- Send a simple text or message letting people know you’re available for pet sitting.
- Post on your personal social media (Instagram, Facebook, or even WhatsApp stories): “Hey friends! I’m starting my pet sitting services in [Your Town]! If you or someone you know needs a trustworthy sitter for their furry friend, let me know 🐶🐱”
- Offer a first-time friend discount to help get the ball rolling.
💡 Pro Tip: Ask your first clients to leave you a review, either written or a quick video testimonial. These build trust for your next clients.
Key Takeaway: Your first few jobs are likely to come from people who already trust you.
📱 Step 2: Use Facebook Groups & Local Communities
Local Facebook groups are goldmines for pet sitters.
Why it works:
- Pet parents often ask for recommendations in these groups.
- These groups are already full of potential clients in your area.
What to do:
- Join 5–10 local community or pet-specific Facebook groups.
- Use the search bar in each group and type “pet sitter” or “dog sitter” to find posts you can comment on.
- Introduce yourself with a helpful, non-salesy post: Hi everyone! I’m [Your First Name], a lifelong animal lover starting my pet sitting service here in [Your City]. If anyone needs a reliable and caring sitter, I’d love to help out. Happy to provide references or even do a free meet-and-greet. Thanks!
Important:
- Add a friendly photo of you with a pet to build instant trust.
- Don’t spam. Keep it genuine and helpful.
Key Takeaway: Facebook groups can get you in front of hundreds of pet owners for free.
🐶 Step 3: Set Up a Free Business Profile on Pet Care Platforms
Even without your own website, you can use platforms people already trust to promote your services.
Best platforms to start with:
| Platform | Cost | Ideal For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rover | Free to join | Dog walking, sitting | Most popular, but takes a % of earnings |
| Care.com | Free + Paid options | All pet types | Broader audience |
| Nextdoor | Free | Hyperlocal clients | Great for trusted neighbors |
💬 Make your profile personal, warm, and professional. Highlight your experience, love for animals, and any certifications or skills (like giving medication or handling senior pets).
Example bio snippet:
I’m a responsible pet lover with years of experience caring for dogs, cats, and small animals. I treat every pet like my own with love, patience, and lots of belly rubs!
Key Takeaway: These platforms give you instant credibility and make it easy for clients to find and contact you.
📌 Step 4: Create and Post Flyers in Local Spots
Yes, physical flyers still work, especially in communities with lots of pet owners.
Where to post them:
- Pet stores
- Vet offices (ask permission)
- Grooming salons
- Community boards at coffee shops or laundromats
- Dog parks (some allow posting near the entrance)
What to include on your flyer:
- Friendly headline: “Need a Pet Sitter You Can Trust?”
- Your name + city
- Services you offer
- One strong photo (preferably you with a pet)
- Contact info (email, phone, or even Instagram handle)
- A short testimonial if you have one
| 📷 | “Hi! I’m Sarah, your local pet sitter!” |
|---|---|
| Services: Dog walks, overnight care, playtime | |
| Trusted by local families • References available | |
| Call/Text: (555) 123-4567 | @sarahsits |
Key Takeaway: Flyers let you reach offline clients in your own neighborhood.
💬 Step 5: Ask for Referrals and Offer an Incentive
After your first couple of clients, ask them to refer you to their friends.
How to make it work:
- Keep it simple: “If you know anyone else who might need pet care, I’d love a referral. I’ll even offer them a discount for being your friend!”
- Offer a referral bonus like:
- $10 off for both the referrer and the new client.
- A free walk after 3 paid visits.
Why it works:
People trust recommendations from their friends far more than ads. A small incentive goes a long way in spreading the word.
Key Takeaway: One happy client can easily lead to three more if you just ask.
🧰 Tools You Can Use (Even Without a Website)
Here are some free tools to help you stay organized and look professional while you build your client base:
| Task | Tool | Why It’s Helpful |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduling | Google Calendar | Keep track of bookings |
| Payments | PayPal / Venmo | Easy to collect money |
| Communication | WhatsApp / SMS | Fast and familiar for clients |
| Testimonials | Google Docs / Canva | Create a shareable review sheet |
| Portfolio | Show your work and build trust |
🧠 Common Questions (FAQ)
“Do I need insurance or a license to start?”
It depends on your location. Some areas require a business license or permit. Pet sitting insurance is optional at first, but worth looking into for peace of mind.
“What if I don’t have reviews yet?”
That’s okay. Offer a free or discounted session in exchange for a review from your first clients. Be honest that you’re just starting out, but passionate about animals.
“How do I deal with nervous pet owners?”
Communicate clearly. Offer a meet-and-greet beforehand. Send photo updates while they’re away. Showing you care can ease any nerves.
📣 Final Thoughts
You don’t need a website to land your first clients, you just need a plan, some hustle, and a lot of heart. Pet sitting is built on trust, and you already have what it takes to build it one client at a time.
Let’s recap the key steps:
- Reach out to your inner circle.
- Join local Facebook and community groups.
- Use trusted pet care platforms.
- Post flyers in high-traffic spots.
- Ask for referrals and reward them.
🚀 Next Step: Pick ONE method and act on it today. Even if it’s just texting three friends or joining your local Facebook group, you’re building momentum. You’ve got this.
More Information? Check this article: How to Start a Dog Walking Business: A Beginner’s Guide to Success