How to Start a House-sitting Business in 2024
Last Updated: 12/17/2023
Have you ever fantasized about starting your own house-sitting gig? I don’t blame you. With folks traveling more for work and play these days, demand for trusted house-sitters has blown up. If you’re an animal lover who enjoys caring for homes and wants to be your own boss, then opening a house-sitting biz could be a perfect fit. Here’s my step-by-step guide to getting your house-sitting business up and running this year.
Scope Out the Market
Before diving headfirst into this, it pays to grasp the house-sitting scene in your area. Do some online sleuthing to see if there are other house-sitting services around or if the market is wide open. Reach out to local pet-sitting companies and vets to get their take on demand. Knowing if there’s a solid customer base will help you decide how to proceed.
Map Out Your Services
Once you confirm folks in your area need house-sitting services, it’s go time to define your offerings. Will you stick to house-sitting only or also provide pet-sitting and plant care? What types of homes will you take on — apartments, condos, mansions? Mapping out your niche will help you market to the right clients. Lay out all your key services and perks so customers know what to expect.
Need a House-sitting Business Plan?
Create a custom business plan with financial projections and market research in minutes with ProAI’s business plan generator.
Price Your Services
One of the biggest decisions is how much to charge. Research the going rates in your neck of the woods based on factors like number of pets, home size, length of stay. Don’t underprice yourself, but avoid pricing too high when starting out. Offer discounts for long-term or repeat customers instead of slashing regular rates.
Get Licensed and Insured
Legal requirements vary by state, but you may need business permits or licenses to operate legally. Liability insurance tailored to house-sitting also offers protection in case the unthinkable happens on the job. Do your homework and get proper credentials. This shows clients you’re running a legit business.
Build a Website
A website that spells out your services, experience, pricing, photos of past jobs is essential for marketing your biz online. Make sure it’s mobile-friendly and easy to navigate so potential clients can learn about you. A professional site helps attract clients more smoothly.
Leverage Social Media
Promoting your business on Facebook, Instagram, etc. is a must today. Create pages showcasing your brand and services. Post photos of you caring for homes/pets. Share house-sitting tips and tricks. Use paid ads to reach local clients needing sitters. Building a social media presence spreads the word and generates leads.
Network Locally
While having an online presence is crucial, old-school networking still matters. Tell friends and family about your new venture. Join local business groups and community events to meet potential clients. Hand out business cards and introduce yourself to pet biz owners, vets, dog walkers, and more. Many clients like hiring through personal references.
Partner Up
Consider teaming up with local pet businesses through cross-promotions or referrals. For example, offer a discount to clients referred by a pet groomer. Strategic partnerships give you access to new clients while providing value to partners. It’s a win-win.
Market Yourself as Trustworthy
Playing up how responsible and reliable you are is pivotal in this industry. Tout your experience caring for homes/pets. Zero in on how clients can have total peace of mind knowing you’re caring for their home and fur babies. Share glowing testimonials. The more you can reassure clients, the easier it will be to get hired.
Offer Meet-and-Greets
Many clients will be more comfortable after meeting you in person first. Make it easy by offering free meet-and-greets pre-booking. Use this time to understand their needs and show you’re kind, capable and responsible. It builds confidence to move ahead with hiring you.
Launching your own house-sitting biz allows you to tap into skyrocketing demand for caring people to look after homes/pets. Follow these tips to get up and running smoothly. With some hustle and smart marketing, you’ll be on the road to growing a thriving house-sitting company in no time!
Need a House-sitting Business Plan?
Create a custom business plan with financial projections and market research in minutes with ProAI’s business plan generator.
House-sitting Financial Forecasts
Startup Expenses
Monthly Operating Expenses
Revenue Forecast
FAQs
What qualifications do I need to start a house-sitting business?
Specific qualifications may vary, but at minimum you need to genuinely enjoy caring for homes and pets. Experience house sitting or pet sitting, even informally, is a big plus. You should be responsible, trustworthy, and able to follow instructions well. Bonus points for any home maintenance skills!
Do I need a license or permit to run a house-sitting business?
Regulations differ by state and city, so research requirements in your local area. Many places require at least a basic business license. Some states may require extra permits/registration to run a pet sitting business. Liability insurance is also a good idea for protection.
How do I set my rates when starting out?
Take into account the going market rates in your area based on factors like number of pets, home size, and length of stay. Avoid the temptation to set rates too low when starting out. Price yourself based on the value you deliver, not what you think the market will pay. Offer new client discounts instead of low regular pricing.
What types of services should I offer beyond house sitting?
Think about providing complementary services clients will find helpful. Pet-sitting, plant watering, bringing in mail/packages, lawn care, concierge services like grocery shopping can all help you appeal to clients. Offer custom packages based on what each client needs.
How do I market my house-sitting business?
Start with the basics — a great website highlighting your services, active social media profiles, local networking and partnerships with pet businesses. Consider paid advertising through platforms like Google Ads. Leverage reviews and referrals. Promote any special credentials/training. Most importantly, focus your marketing on how you provide peace of mind.
How can I stand out from other house sitters in my area?
Emphasize your genuine passion for caring for homes/pets in your marketing. Offer meet-and-greets so clients can meet you ahead of time. Provide photo/video updates of pets and home while owners are away. Go above and beyond with extra services like bringing in mail, watering plants, flexible pickup/drop-off of pets.
