Books and Resources to Start Strong
Starting a house sitting business requires understanding pet care, liability management, and customer trust. The right books will give you confidence in handling animals, managing bookings, and building a professional reputation from day one.
The Cat Behavior Answer Book by Arden Moore
House sitters encounter cats constantly, and understanding feline behavior prevents problems during visits. This book covers common behavioral issues, stress signals, and how to read a cat’s emotional state—critical knowledge when you’re responsible for someone’s pet. Many house sitters report that this single book improved their ability to keep anxious cats calm and confident during owner absence.
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The Dog Behavior Answer Book by Arden Moore
Dogs represent the majority of house sitting bookings, and understanding canine behavior directly impacts your safety and your client’s peace of mind. This book teaches you how to interpret body language, manage separation anxiety, and handle common problems like excessive barking or destructive behavior. Clients will notice your confidence immediately if you can explain why their dog is anxious and how you’ll address it.
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Pet First Aid and CPR Handbook by American Red Cross
Emergencies happen, and knowing basic pet first aid separates a professional house sitter from a casual pet lover. This handbook teaches you how to recognize signs of illness or injury, perform CPR, treat wounds, and respond appropriately before veterinary help arrives. Listing pet first aid certification on your profile justifies higher rates and gives clients genuine confidence.
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The Business of Pet Sitting by Patti J. Moran
This book covers the business side that many sitters overlook: pricing strategy, contracts, liability insurance, and client communication. You’ll learn how to structure your rates for profitability, what should be in your client agreements, and how to handle disputes. Most successful sitters credit books like this with helping them avoid costly mistakes in their first year.
Shop The Business of Pet Sitting on Amazon →
Equipment You Need
House sitting requires minimal equipment compared to most businesses, but what you do buy should be reliable and professional. Focus on items that demonstrate care, ensure pet safety, and make your job easier during visits.
Transportation
- Reliable vehicle: A car, truck, or van that starts reliably and holds enough supplies. Most sitters drive between 5–20 visits daily depending on density.
- Portable phone charger: Powers your phone through long days managing multiple homes and client calls.
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Pet Care Supplies
- Leashes and harnesses: Quality, adjustable leashes for dogs of various sizes. Keep extras in your vehicle.
- Waste bags: Biodegradable poop bags for walks. Buy in bulk; you’ll use hundreds monthly.
- Pet first aid kit: Gauze, bandages, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, and basic medications for minor injuries.
- Flashlight or headlamp: Essential for evening walks and if homes have dark areas.
- Treats: Buy a variety of high-quality treats to reward good behavior and build rapport with pets.
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Shop biodegradable poop bags on Amazon →
Shop pet first aid kits on Amazon →
Communication and Documentation
- Smartphone: Non-negotiable. Use it for photos, client messages, booking management, and emergency communication.
- Booking software or app: Tools like Rover, Care.com, or Wag handle scheduling and payments. Most charge 10–20% commission but eliminate the need for invoicing software.
- Notebook and pen: Write down pet instructions, vet info, and emergency contacts at each home.
- Camera or smartphone camera: Daily photos build client trust and document the pet’s well-being.
Shop waterproof notebooks on Amazon →
Professional Appearance and Safety
- Appropriate clothing: Clean, casual clothes that allow you to bend, crouch, and move freely. Wear layers for varying home temperatures.
- Closed-toe shoes: Protect your feet around dogs and in various home environments.
- ID badge or business cards: Establishes credibility with homeowners and neighbors who might see you entering properties.
- Watch: Track visit times and medication schedules without relying on your phone constantly.
Shop business cards on Amazon →
What to Buy First vs Later
Start lean and add equipment based on what your clients actually ask for or what your daily experience reveals you need.
- Buy immediately: Reliable leashes, waste bags, phone charger, first aid kit, and a notebook. These are essentials for every single visit.
- Buy after your first 10 visits: Additional treat varieties, better flashlight, waterproof phone case if you’re walking in wet weather, and a second harness.
- Buy after 50+ visits: Specialty items based on client feedback—perhaps a GPS pet tracker if multiple clients request it, or a grooming brush if you’re doing additional pet care services.
- Delay indefinitely: Expensive equipment like grooming tools, training clickers, or portable water bowls unless clients specifically pay for those services.
New vs Used Equipment
Most house sitting equipment should be purchased new because hygiene, reliability, and safety matter when you’re caring for someone’s beloved pet. Used leashes and harnesses can break unexpectedly, putting a dog at risk. However, some items present opportunities to save money without compromising quality.
Buy new: Leashes, harnesses, first aid supplies, and any items that touch pets or food. These are inexpensive anyway ($5–30 each), and reliability is essential. Consider used: Your vehicle (common for house sitters), notebooks, and professional clothing. A used car runs fine for daily visits, and thrift stores stock durable work clothes at a fraction of retail price. The one exception: don’t buy a used pet first aid kit—replace items as needed to ensure freshness and sterility.
Where to Buy
- Amazon: Fast shipping on leashes, harnesses, treat variety packs, and first aid supplies. Prime membership pays for itself within two orders.
- Chewy.com: Specializes in pet supplies with lower prices than Amazon on bulk items like treats and waste bags. Subscribe-and-save discounts reach 35% off.
- Local pet stores: Smaller retailers often have expert staff who can recommend the right harness size or treat for nervous dogs. You’ll pay more, but gain professional advice.
- Thrift stores (Goodwill, Salvation Army): Source affordable work pants, jackets, and closed-toe shoes without brand markups.
- Dollar stores and Target: Flashlights, batteries, notebooks, pens, and basic cleaning supplies at fair prices.
- Costco or Sam’s Club membership: Bulk waste bags and treats are significantly cheaper per unit. The membership pays for itself if you buy waste bags in bulk.