Pet sitter (home visits)

Working households, holidaymakers, older owners and anyone who prefers pets to stay in their own home.

A set price per visit (for example 20, 30 or 60 minutes), with extra charges for more pets, medication, public holidays and last-minute bookings.

• Comfortable and confident with animals
• Reliable and trustworthy with house keys
• Good communication with owners

• Public liability and care, custody and control insurance, check what your policy covers
• Council rules on dogs, such as limits on how many you can walk at once and off-leash areas, check with your local council
• Key security, emergency plans and knowing when to contact the owner or a vet
• Whether your state or territory requires any registration or licensing for pet care businesses

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $200 to $1,000, depending on insurance, basic supplies and how you promote the service. Treat this as an estimate and compare insurance options before you start.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $500 to $3,500, depending on how many visits you book, the hours you work and your area. Hours start at about 8 a week. These are estimates, not guarantees.

Check what your public liability and care, custody and control insurance covers. Check council dog rules, such as limits on how many you can walk and off-leash areas, and whether your state or territory requires registration or licensing for pet care.