Books and Resources to Start Strong
Before you invest in equipment, invest time in understanding the cat sitting business model. These resources will help you build systems, manage clients, and handle the business side of pet care without burning out.
The Business of Pet Sitting by Lori Rypstra
This book is written specifically for pet sitters and covers everything from pricing and client contracts to scheduling and liability. It addresses the unique challenges of running a solo pet care business, including how to handle difficult clients and scale your operation. It’s practical and grounded in real business concerns rather than pet care ideology.
Shop The Business of Pet Sitting on Amazon →
Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss
You’ll use negotiation skills constantly—when setting rates with clients, handling service disputes, or discussing add-ons. Voss’s negotiation framework is practical and immediately applicable to conversations with pet owners about pricing and service expectations.
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The Total Cat Mojo by Jackson Galaxy
Understanding cat behavior, body language, and stress signals is critical when you’re alone in someone’s home with their pet. Galaxy’s book teaches you how cats think and what they need, which makes you more effective at keeping them calm and safe. It also builds your credibility with nervous cat owners.
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Getting Things Done by David Allen
Cat sitting involves managing multiple clients, visits, feeding schedules, and pet health notes. Allen’s GTD system helps you track all these moving pieces without relying on memory. Many pet sitters use some version of his approach to stay organized across 8–15 daily visits.
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Equipment You Need
Cat sitting requires less equipment than many other businesses, but what you do need should be reliable and professional. Most of your initial investment goes toward transportation, safety, and client communication—not fancy gadgets.
Access and Security
- Keypad or lockbox: Clients will give you access to their homes through a combination lock, keypad, or key exchange. You need a secure way to retrieve and store multiple keys without risk of loss.
- Reliable vehicle: You’ll drive to 5–15 homes per day. A car with good fuel economy and room for supplies is essential. Reliability matters more than luxury.
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Supplies for Each Visit
- Portable hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes: You’ll touch door handles, light switches, and litter boxes in multiple homes daily. Clean hands prevent spreading illness between cats.
- Paper towels and cleaning supplies: Accidents happen. You need supplies to clean litter box areas, spill food, or other messes without asking clients for permission.
- Disposable gloves: Handling litter, medications, or injured cats is safer with gloves. Latex-free options prevent allergic reactions.
- Treat bag or pouch: A small, washable bag holds treats and tools as you move between rooms. It keeps supplies organized and professional-looking.
- Lint roller: Cat hair shows up on your clothes and car. A small lint roller keeps you looking professional between visits.
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Shop disinfectant wipes on Amazon →
Shop disposable gloves on Amazon →
Communication and Documentation
- Smartphone or tablet: You’ll send daily photos and updates to clients, check schedules, and handle emergencies. A current phone with a good camera is non-negotiable.
- Pet sitting app or software: Apps like Rover, Care.com, Petcare, or Petsitter Plus help you manage scheduling, client info, and visit notes. Some charge $10–30 monthly; others are free with limitations.
- Notebook and pen: Backup to digital tools. Write down feeding instructions, medication times, vet contact info, and any behavioral notes during your first visit.
Health and Safety
- Basic first aid kit: Include bandages, antiseptic, pain relief, and allergy medication. You won’t perform veterinary care, but minor cuts or allergic reactions happen.
- Flea and tick prevention: Ask clients if their cats are on preventative; learn the signs of fleas or ticks. Some clients may ask for help applying topical treatments.
- Allergy and asthma management: If you have allergies, invest in a good air purifier for your home and antihistamines. Spending 6–8 hours in cat-filled homes will test your tolerance.
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Optional but Helpful
- Cat wand toys or feather toys: Keep a few inexpensive toys in your bag. Some anxious cats settle faster with 5 minutes of play. Rotate them between visits to prevent spreading illness.
- Portable phone charger: You’re out for 6–10 hours daily. A portable battery ensures your phone never dies mid-emergency.
- Umbrella and rain gear: You’ll visit homes in all weather. Staying dry keeps you professional and prevents tracking water into clients’ homes.
Shop portable chargers on Amazon →
What to Buy First vs Later
Your initial spending should focus on tools that directly affect safety, client trust, and your ability to manage multiple homes.
- First: Phone (if you don’t have one), pet sitting software, hand sanitizer, gloves, disinfectant wipes, and a notebook. These cost under $100 and are essential day one.
- First: Key lockbox or secure storage solution for multiple client keys. This prevents a catastrophic security breach.
- Second: Portable charger, first aid kit, and cleaning supplies. You’ll identify specific needs after your first 10–20 visits.
- Later: Professional business cards, branded uniforms, or a dedicated cat sitting bag. These build credibility but aren’t necessary to start earning money.
- Later: Insurance and bonding. Get these before your second month of work, not before your first client.
New vs Used Equipment
Most of your equipment is consumable or low-cost, so buying new is reasonable. However, some items have no real benefit from being new, and others absolutely should be new for hygiene reasons.
Buy new: Gloves, wipes, hand sanitizer, and anything that touches multiple cats. Cross-contamination between homes is a serious risk. Also buy new: your phone, if it’s your primary tool. A used phone with declining battery life or storage will frustrate you daily.
Used is fine: A vehicle (obviously), a lockbox for keys, cleaning supplies in bulk, and a notebook. You might find a gently used pet sitting app subscription from someone exiting the business, though most subscriptions are monthly and non-transferable anyway.
Where to Buy
- Amazon: Fast shipping on consumables, tools, and safety supplies. Prime membership ($139/year) pays for itself in a month if you’re ordering frequently.
- Local hardware stores: For key lockboxes and heavy-duty cleaning supplies. Supporting local also builds community relationships.
- Pet supply stores (Petco, PetSmart, local shops): Toys, treats, and specialty items. Staff can advise on new products.
- Pharmacy chains (CVS, Walgreens): First aid supplies, allergy medication, and hand sanitizer often cheaper than online with immediate availability.
- Office supply stores: Notebooks, pens, and filing systems to organize client information.
- Pet sitting software websites: Download apps directly to compare features and pricing. Many offer free trials.