This is an ideal business if you love animals. When pet owners are away from home on business or holiday you can be paid to look after their animals. Generate extra revenue from dog walking and looking after pets if their owners are out at work, elderly or are temporarily unable to look after them.

At its most basic level you are responsible for attending to the needs of animals in your care - dogs, cats, hamsters, horses, tropical fish etc. This is a responsible job as you will be required to look after house keys for your clients while they are away. You should consider taking out insurance to cover yourself as necessary.

Advertise yourself locally through adverts in shop windows and local newspapers. If you are good expect to get most referrals through word of mouth. Also consider getting a listing in a pet sitting directory. There is an online directory at pet-sitters.biz, for example.

If you have a car/ van you might want to expand your business to include a pet taxi service. What you charge for this business will depend on the size of the animal, distance travelled, waiting time and time of day. It is recommended that you adapt your vehicle to accommodate larger animals (cage/ bars), with smaller animals travelling in transportation boxes.

You will increase your credibility if you are a member of the National Association of Registered Petsitters (NARP).(National Association of Registered Petsitters, The Pulpits, Little Hereford, Ludlow, SY8 4AU, Tel: 01584 711534) Remember, this job requires high levels of commitment and you will be required to work in the evenings and at weekends. You will have to keep proper records of your visits and you will require somewhere that is secure to keep clients house keys. Expect to charge dog walking at between £5.00 to £8.00 depending on the duration and whether additional exercising is required (stick catching etc). Charge between £5.00 and £10.00 for each visit to clients homes to feed their animals. Charge extra if feeding more than one animal per visit.

Start Your Own Professional Pet-Sitting Service [E-BOOK: ADOBE READER] by David A. Grass (Author)

Dog Sitters Handbook by Karen Anderson

Cat Sitters Handbook by Karen Anderson