What to Know Before Starting a Pet-Sitting Business Like My Friend’s

Pet sitting can seem like a great way to make money, especially when you hear stories like my friend’s. She runs a pet-sitting business that brings in about $300,000 a year. But she only pays herself around $50,000. This raises the question: is it worth starting a similar business?

Her business has roughly 300 clients and about 15 pet sitters, all described as independent contractors. She keeps 20% to 30% of what each client pays. While the revenue sounds impressive, the reality behind the scenes is more complex.

Gross revenue—the total money coming in—is not the same as what the owner actually earns. There are many costs involved, like paying the sitters, covering operating expenses, taxes, and managing the business. How the workers are classified matters a lot legally and financially. Just calling sitters independent contractors doesn’t automatically mean they are, according to IRS rules. The government looks at how much control the business has over the workers, how they get paid, and other factors.

Also, any business like this is often valued not by its total sales but by its profit plus what the owner pays themselves (called seller’s discretionary earnings). Small pet-care businesses typically sell for about two to three times this figure. So even if my friend’s business grosses $300,000, its actual value might be closer to $300,000 or less depending on these earnings and other details.

Starting a pet-sitting business can be rewarding, but it’s important to understand all the costs and responsibilities. You’ll need to do solid market research, plan your pricing, and be ready to manage employees or contractors properly. It’s not just about loving animals; it’s a business that needs careful financial and legal planning.

If you’re thinking about jumping in, remember that success depends on many factors beyond revenue. Knowing how to classify workers, handle taxes, and value your business will make a big difference in how profitable and sustainable your pet-sitting venture can be.