Local house and pet sitter
Stay in or visit clients' homes while they travel, caring for pets, plants and the property.
- C$100-800
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
You stay at a client's home, or drop in daily, while they are away. You feed and walk pets, water plants, bring in mail, take out bins and keep an eye on the property.
Your first three steps
- Check what local sitters charge per night and per visit, then set your rates and a simple booking agreement
- Get commercial general liability and bonding or care, custody and control cover, and ask about a police record check to show clients
- Tell neighbours, local vet clinics and community groups you are available, and ask your first clients for written reviews
Who pays
Homeowners going on holiday or work trips, especially people with dogs, cats or other pets who prefer them to stay at home.
How it makes money
A flat rate per night for live-in stays or per visit for drop-ins, with extra for more pets, medication, or holiday periods.
Skills that help
- Reliable and trustworthy
- Comfortable with pets
- Good communication with owners
- Calm when things go wrong
Watch out for
- Insurance: check cover for client property, keys and animals in your care
- Check whether your municipality requires a business licence, even for a home-based or mobile service
- Pet emergencies: agree in writing which vet to use and who pays
- Holiday periods fill up fast but quiet months can be slow, so plan for seasonal income
- Rental or condo rules may limit who can stay in a property, so check with the owner
🔒 Full research report for Canada
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
Coming soonQuestions people ask
How much does it cost to start a house and pet sitting business in Canada?
Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $100 to $800, depending on insurance, marketing and any supplies you buy. Check what cover you would need for client property, keys and animals in your care before taking bookings.
How much can a house and pet sitter earn?
Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $400 to $2,500, depending on how many bookings you take and the hours you work. Holiday periods fill up fast but quiet months can be slow, so plan for seasonal income.
Do I need a licence or insurance to be a house sitter in Canada?
Check whether your municipality requires a business licence, even for a home-based or mobile service. Also check your insurance covers client property, keys and animals, and agree in writing which vet to use and who pays in an emergency.
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