Pet sitting as a trade: how to get started

How does it differ from occasional monitoring?

If you only occasionally look after a friend's dog, you do not need to establish a business. However, once pet sitting becomes a regular source of income with multiple clients, it makes sense to get things in order, just like with dog walking for extra earnings, which we discuss in the article on mazlic.cz. Dog walking as a side incomeThe difference is that pet sitting often involves greater responsibility at once: the animal is in your home or without the owner's supervision for an extended period, possibly even several days.

You can practically look after any pet, dogs, cats, rodents or small exotics, but each species comes with different demands and a different level of responsibility. Before you start taking in animals you lack sufficient experience with, it is better to first expand your knowledge or focus only on species you know well.

Available trade licence

Pet sitting is typically operated as a free trade in practice, its establishment is simple, quick and can be completed online via the relevant registration form. You do not need any special professional qualifications or exams; meeting the basic general conditions for business is sufficient. It pays to arrange this before you start invoicing regularly, clients will also appreciate that you are dealing with someone who operates officially.

Liability insurance

Liability insurance for damage should be a matter of course from day one. It covers situations where an animal under your care causes damage, injures another animal or person, or suffers an incident while in your care. The annual cost of this type of insurance is typically low relative to the risk and can be arranged with insurers as an add-on to standard liability insurance for self-employed individuals. Without it, you would have to pay for any damage out of pocket in the event of an accident, and that amount could be significantly high.

Price list of services: for guidance only

Prices in the Czech Republic vary by region, type and number of animals, and duration of care. Indicative range for starting a business:

As beginners without references, stick to the lower end of the price range and gradually increase your rates as your client base and ratings grow.

What to agree with the client in advance

Before every new pet-sitting engagement, it is worth having a brief written agreement: an email or message with the key points suffices: date and duration of the sitting, price and payment method, contact details for the owner and an emergency backup contact, information on the animal's health condition and any medications. This will prevent misunderstandings and, in case of a dispute, provide a clear record of what was agreed. For longer stays (boarding at your home), it is also advisable to clarify in advance what happens if the animal fails to acclimatise or falls ill.

Also factor in seasonality, demand for pet sitting rises significantly during the summer holidays and around Christmas, when owners travel most frequently. Conversely, demand is lower out of season, so it pays to build your client base steadily throughout the year, not just during peak periods.

Record keeping

As a self-employed individual, it pays to keep a clear record of jobs from the start, date, client, service type and amount. This is not just about order for your annual tax return, but also a practical matter: you can quickly see which clients return regularly and which service earns you the most. A simple table is enough; you do not need a complex accounting system at the beginning.

How to find your first clients

The procedure is similar to that of other services for pet owners: a profile on mazlic.cz, recommendations from vets, and cooperation with the local shelter (more in the article). Work and volunteering at the animal shelter) and local neighbourhood groups. Most clients in this sector come through recommendations, so the first satisfied customer is the best investment for future jobs.