Share This Page

Tweet

Continued economic challenges, combined with an influx of “hobbyist pet sitters” advertising online,are causing many pet sitters to stress over the impact it will have on business. Fortunately, spending on pets remains high, the need for pet-sitting services continues to grow, and by taking a few extra precautions, professional pet sitters can ensure their pet-sitting business remains the #1 choice for local pet owners.

To maintain the success of your pet-sitting business:

1. Diversify your services. Pet owners have many different needs. If the economy has caused a decrease in your pet-sitting assignments, consider other services that may benefit your existing and potential clients. Consider offering overnights, daily dog walks or pet taxi services, to name a few.

It’s also important to understand that pet sitting isn’t simply for dogs and cats anymore. In fact, arecent report from market research firm Packaged Facts says there are 116 million fish, birds, small mammals, reptiles and other such pets, including 7.2 million households with fish tanks, 4.6 million with bird cages and 1.8 million with reptiles. There are also 2.5 million adults who own rabbits. Are you effectively advertising your services to these pet owners and do you have the necessary pet-care knowledge to offer these services? If not, it’s the perfect time to learn. Explore PSI's online courses, speak with friends or family members who own these types of pets and seek out volunteer opportunities with pet-rescue groups or facilities that specialize in particular species to increase your knowledge and experience.

2. Re-examine your service area. While it is tempting to take any and every pet-sitting assignment—especially if business has been slow—consider your overhead costs. Traveling outside of your immediate service area costs additional money and time and offers little to no profit. Consider revising your service area, or charging a mileage fee for clients outside of a specific range. Focus marketing efforts on convenient neighborhoods that have proven to offer the largest clientele.

Another option is to hire staff sitters to handle these other assignments. If you decide to expand your pet-sitting staff, you’ll need to decide if you should hire employees or work with independent contractors. You’ll also need to determine the best way to locate and identify the best sitters for your business.

Also, always remember that it is okay to say “no” to a pet-sitting assignment, even if it is in your service area, if you feel uncomfortable. Pet sitters report that there are four main reasons they turn down pet-sitting assignments and it’s important to always listen to your gut.

3. Broaden your (marketing) horizons. E-mail and Internet marketing campaigns offer simple—and often free—ways to reach current and potential clients. Step outside of your comfort zone andconsider trying social media, such as blogs, Facebook, YouTube or Twitter to promote your business to local pet owners.

Online advertising options are great, but don’t forget the power of word-of-mouth recommendations. Make it easy for your pet-sitting clients to spread the word about your services. Give them referral cards to share with their friends or family and consider offering a one-time discount to clients who refer new clients.

Local pet stores, groomers and animal shelters are also great places to advertise your services. Don’t simply ask to leave your brochures or business cards—give the business owner an incentive to allow you to advertise there by creating coupons especially for their customers. PSI members, you can download free, customizable coupon templates in the Members' area of petsit.com.

4. Maintain excellent service. Spending less time at a visit or forgoing leaving a daily note may allow you to fit more visits in a day, but decreased service is never a good idea—in any economy. By continuing to offer stellar care and possibly even adding benefits, such as new client referral rewards, you are sure to outlast any economic downturn or increased influx of pet-sitting services in your area. It’s also important to make sure your pet-sitting clients know what excellent service you are providing. Keep them informed about what you do for them and the standards to which you conform. Leave checklists and "report cards" after each pet-sitting assignment. Thank your customer with handwritten notes, e-mails and calls. Finally, ask them how you can improve, realign and expand your services to help them even more.

5. Network, Network, Network! The importance of networking can never be stressed enough. Involvement in a local pet-sitting network or networking with fellow pet sitters online through PSI’s Member Forum or in person at our annual Quest for Excellence convention is a great way to receive support, advice and referrals. A strong professional network is essential for success, regardless of the state of the economy.

You never know who could refer a new client, so don’t just limit your networking to pet-industry professionals. Many pet sitters report great client referrals from hair-salon owners, employees at medical facilities, travel agents, law enforcement and bank tellers.

Recently, PSI pet sitter Pocono Pet Nanny got excellent exposure through a television commercial that came about from doing something we all do—buying and getting her car serviced at her local vehicle dealership. You never know who can help spread the word about your pet-sitting services!

What keeps your pet-sitting business successful?

With pet ownership on the rise, the pet-sitting industry continues to grow. It’s important for new pet sitters to establish a strong foundation for their business. For established professional pet sitters wanting to maintain or grow their businesses, it’s necessary to understand the mindset and routines of local pet owners and create a service package that meets their pet-care needs.

Has your pet-sitting business had to grow or adapt to remain successful in the current market? What are you doing differently now than you did five years ago to ensure that you continue to keep your current pet-sitting clients happy—and gain new clients?

Share your experiences and tips in the comments section below.

Photo source: Barks and Blooms NC