Starting a pet sitting business doesn’t require a massive investment or years of experience.
You don’t need a fancy office, expensive equipment, or even a business degree. In fact, you can launch a legitimate, professional pet-sitting business for less than $500.
Unlike most businesses that demand significant upfront capital for inventory, storefronts, or specialized equipment, pet sitting is one of the most accessible small business opportunities you can pursue.
In this guide, I’m going to walk you through exactly how to start a pet sitting business with less than $500.
Why Pet Sitting Is the Perfect Low-Budget Business to Start
Before we get into launching your pet sitting business, let’s talk about why it is such a smart choice for aspiring entrepreneurs who don’t have thousands to invest.
The Pet Care Industry Is Booming Right Now
According to Pet Sitters International, U.S. pet industry spending reached nearly $152 billion in 2024, with $13 billion spent specifically on pet sitting and dog walking services.
Pet owners now consider their animals as family members who deserve to be looked after and need professional care, though some pet owners are busy people, resulting in the demand for pet-sitting services.
Minimal Equipment and Overhead Costs
Many businesses require a lot to get started. Some require a retail space, inventory, display fixtures, point-of-sale systems, and employees.
The list goes on, and so does the price tag. But with pet sitting services, you eliminate virtually all of these expenses.
You don’t need a physical location because you go to your clients’ homes, and you don’t even need a team of employees when you’re starting.
This keeps your overhead incredibly low, which means more of what you earn goes straight to your pocket.
READ MORE: How to Start A Dog Grooming Business From Home: Complete 2026 Guide
Your $500 Pet Sitting Business Startup Costs Breakdown
Let’s start with the money. Here’s exactly how to allocate your $500 budget to launch a professional pet sitting business.
Bonding—$100
A surety bond acts as a guarantee that compensates your clients if you or an employee damages their property or steals an item.
While not legally required, many professional pet owners specifically search for “bonded and insured” pet sitters, so having some type of bonding can help with credibility. This can cost $50-150 for the first year.
Business License and Registration—$50-$500
This is mandatory, as you’ll need legal permission to start your pet-sitting business in your location, especially if you’re starting solo.
The requirements for obtaining a business license may differ by location, and there are no fees required to file for registration, but if you plan to go for an LLC, you’ll be required to pay fees ranging from $50 to $500.
Marketing flyers—$75
At this stage, building a website is not necessarily required, as you’re just starting. You can rather invest in printing 100 simple flyers listing your services, rates, and contact information. Post these on community boards at pet stores, coffee shops, pet owners on the street, and vet offices.
Pet first aid kit—$38
A pet first aid kit is critical for a pet-sitting business because it allows you to respond immediately to injuries, illnesses, or emergencies.
Pets can have accidents—cuts, allergic reactions, choking, or heatstroke—while in your care, so having a first aid kit will prepare you for emergencies. You can buy one from Amazon for as low as $38
Pet treats—$15-$30
Pet treats can help you manage your pets’ behavior, build trust, and provide positive reinforcement. Treats can:
- Encourage pets to follow commands or stay calm during care.
- Serve as rewards during walks, training, or grooming.
- Help you bond quickly with unfamiliar pets.
They are not strictly mandatory, but having a variety of safe, pet-appropriate treats is essential for smooth, professional, and stress-free interactions. Carry a variety pack of training treats to accommodate different diets and win over nervous dogs.
Basic supplies—$20
Pet care equipment is important so you can provide basic needs, safety, and comfort for animals in your care.
These basic supplies, like paper towels, leashes, waste bags, etc., can help you control and safely manage pets during walks or outings, ensure proper care, reduce stress, and maintain a healthy pet routine since these pets will be in your care.
Without these basics, pets may be unsafe, stressed, or unhealthy, which reflects poorly on your professionalism and can create liability issues for your pet sitting business
Total: $450-500+
Essential Supplies Checklist
Here’s your complete Day 1 shopping list with specific items and prices:
1. Administrative & Marketing Supplies
- Business cards, flyers, and brochures
- Scheduling software or planner
- Contracts, service agreements, and liability waivers
- Accounting or invoicing software
2. Pet Care Essentials
- Leashes, collars, harnesses
- Food and water bowls
- Treats and toys
- Waste bags, litter boxes, and litter scoops
- Grooming supplies (brushes, nail clippers, towels)
3. Safety & Health Supplies
- First-aid kit for pets
- Medications (if administering to pets, with owner instructions)
- Cleaning and disinfecting supplies
- Emergency contact list (vets, poison control, animal hospitals)
4. Transportation Supplies
- Crates or carriers
- Vehicle safety restraints for pets
- Seat covers or blankets to protect your car
5. Communication & Tracking Tools
- Mobile phone or tablet
- A camera or a smartphone for sending pet updates
- GPS tracking apps or check-in software
What You DON’T Need: Skip expensive gear, specialized equipment, and fancy supplies. Your clients provide their pet’s food, regular toys, medications, and specific care items. You’re carrying emergency backups and basics only.
How to Start a Pet Sitting Business In 5 Steps
1. Research and Planning
Before launching, understand your local pet care market. Identify which audience needs your services and their demographic and needs.
Analyzing your competitors’ pricing, offerings, and client base can help you find gaps you can fill.
Define your target clients (busy professionals, elderly pet owners, families) and calculate start-up costs, potential income, and break-even points.
Draft a basic business plan that outlines goals, services, pricing, operational workflow, and growth strategy. This stage prevents wasted effort and guides your business decisions.
2. Legal Setup
Operating legally protects you and your clients. Register your business with local authorities and choose an appropriate structure (sole proprietorship, LLC, etc.). Check if local regulations require specific permits or licenses for pet care services.
You can obtain liability insurance or bonding to cover accidents, property damage, or injury while pets are in your care.
While setting up your pet sitting business, you also want to draft contracts, service agreements, and emergency authorization forms to set clear expectations and limit liability. Legal readiness ensures credibility and safeguards you against disputes.
3. Acquire Supplies and Equipment
Equip yourself with the essentials to provide professional, safe care.
Pet care items include leashes, collars, harnesses, food/water bowls, toys, treats, litter boxes, grooming tools, and a first aid kit.
Administrative tools like a mobile device, scheduling software, and client tracking sheets help you stay organized.
Transportation equipment, such as carriers and seat covers, ensures safe travel.
Having the right equipment prevents accidents, keeps pets comfortable, and supports smooth daily operations.
4. Marketing and Client Acquisition
Attracting clients is critical for growth. Build a professional online presence with a website and social media profiles showcasing services, pricing, and client testimonials.
Print marketing materials like flyers or business cards for local distribution. Network with pet owners, veterinarians, and pet stores, and encourage referrals from satisfied clients.
Listing your services on pet care platforms increases visibility. Effective marketing positions you as trustworthy, accessible, and capable, driving steady client acquisition.
5. Operations and Service Delivery
Consistent, organized service builds reputation and repeat business. Use scheduling systems to track appointments, set reminders, and manage multiple clients.
Prepare contracts, emergency procedures, and client records to ensure clarity and safety.
Deliver reliable care, maintain open communication with pet owners, and provide updates or photos when possible.
Establishing structured operations ensures pets are cared for properly, reduces stress, and enhances client trust, forming the foundation for long-term success.
How to Get Your First Clients for Your Pet Sitting Business
Your first three paying clients establish social proof and give you testimonials to attract more business. Here’s how to find them fast.
1. Tell Everyone You Know
Create a simple message and send it to 30+ friends, family members, neighbors, and coworkers who own pets. Here’s a template message that you can send out:
“I’m launching a professional pet-sitting business! I’m offering an introductory rate of $15 per visit to my first clients. If you need someone reliable to care for [pet name] while you’re at work or traveling, I’d love to help. I’m insured, background-checked, and committed to giving your pet excellent care. Can I schedule a free meet-and-greet?”
Personalize each message and send follow-ups. Your goal is three bookings within the first week.
2. Do Free Local Marketing
Create a Facebook Business Page:
- Go to facebook.com/pages/create
- Choose “Local Business.”
- Add your business name, services, and contact info
- Post 3-5 photos of pets (ask friends for permission)
- Invite everyone you know to like and share
Join Local Facebook Groups: Find 5-10 community groups in your area. Read each group’s rules and engage with the community before you start promoting your services. Some groups don’t allow self-promotions, so it’s important to read the rules before you do.
Distribute Flyers Locally: Print 50 flyers and post at these five locations:
- Pet supply stores (ask permission at the front desk)
- Veterinary clinic bulletin boards
- Coffee shops with community boards
- Dog-friendly restaurants
- Community center notice boards
3. Visit Dog Parks
Spend 2-3 hours at your local dog park during peak times (early morning, after work, and weekends). Bring business cards.
Chat naturally with other dog owners about their pets. When conversation flows naturally, mention you’re starting a pet-sitting business. Hand out cards without being pushy.
4. Follow Up and Book
- Response time matters: Answer every inquiry within one hour. Pet owners are often booking urgently and will hire the first responsive sitter.
- Offer free meet-and-greets: Always visit the client’s home before the first paid job. Meet the pet, get keys, discuss routines, and fill out a simple intake form collecting details about the pet.
Simple Systems with Free Tools for Pet Sitting Business
Professional pet sitting requires tracking schedules, client information, and income. Use these free tools instead of expensive software.
1. Scheduling System
Use Google Calendar to create separate calendars for each service type. Color-code clients and set automatic reminders to prevent double-booking and missed visits.
2. Client Management System
With Google Sheets, you can keep track of clients’ details, creating columns for client name, pet name, address, feeding instructions, medications, and emergency contacts. This becomes your lightweight CRM. No monthly fees. Fully searchable.
3. Contracts and Forms System
Google Docs offers reusable templates that you can use for service agreements, liability waivers, and pet information forms. Duplicate per client and store in Google Drive folders by client name.
4. Invoicing and Payments System
Use PayPal or Stripe free accounts to create simple invoices inside the platform. Track paid and unpaid status. No accounting software is needed at the start.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Starting Your Pet Sitting Business
- Spending $500 on LLC formation and website design instead of insurance: Get insured first. Everything else can wait.
- Buying expensive equipment you don’t need: One fancy $150 pet carrier won’t get you clients. Basic supplies and excellent service will.
- Undercharging at $10-12 per visit: Low prices signal amateur service and attract difficult clients. Start at $15 minimum.
- Skipping insurance “just to start”: This is illegal in practice and exposes you to catastrophic financial risk. Never operate uninsured.
Your Action Plan
You now have everything needed to launch a pet-sitting business with $500 or less.
This week:
- Get insurance quotes from three providers
- Order business cards and basic supplies
- Create Facebook Business Page
- Message 30 people in your network
Week 2:
- Distribute flyers at 5 local locations
- Visit dog park with business cards
- Respond to inquiries within 1 hour
- Book 3 meet-and-greets
Week 3:
- Complete your first paid pet-sitting visits
- Send photo updates to clients
- Request reviews and referrals
- Celebrate earning your first dollars
Final Thoughts On Starting A Pet-Sitting Business
Your first milestone is simple: three paying clients who love your service and recommend you to others.
Everything else, from scaling to full-time income, hiring employees to earning six figures, can come later. Right now, focus on proving you can deliver excellent pet care that clients happily pay for.
The pet industry is booming. Pet owners need reliable, insured, professional sitters. You can be that person with less than $500 and a commitment to excellent service.
Pet Sitting Business Frequently Asked Questions
Is a pet sitting business profitable?
Yes, pet sitting can be quite profitable, especially because startup costs and overhead are so low.
As a solo pet sitter working full-time, you can realistically earn between $30,000-$40,000 annually after expenses.
According to Pet Sitters International, U.S. pet-sitting businesses gross an average of $8,378 per month.
How much you earn depends on your rates, the number of clients you serve, and how efficiently you manage your schedule.
What insurance do I need for a pet sitting business?
You absolutely need general liability insurance specifically designed for pet sitting businesses.
This protects you if a pet in your care injures someone, damages property, or if you lose a client’s keys.
Standard general liability insurance costs $200-$300 per year for basic coverage of $1 million, which is the industry standard.
Look for policies that include care, custody, and control coverage, which covers injuries to the pets themselves while in your care.
Do I need certifications to start a pet sitting business?
No, certifications are not legally required to start a pet sitting business. You can launch your business immediately without any formal training or credentials. However, certifications can significantly boost your credibility with potential clients and allow you to charge higher rates.
