Professional pet sitter is teen’s dream job

#Middlebury #PetSitter

DEAR PAW’S CORNER: I read your column about a pet sitter who had to deal with a sick cat. Even though it was a scary story, I still want to be a professional pet sitter. I’m still in high school, but this is a dream job for me. How do I get started? Do I need to be certified by a national organization? – Sarah, Blue Ridge, Georgia

DEAR SARAH: Pet sitting can be a rewarding career, especially if you do the groundwork needed to really succeed at it. You don’t need a certificate from an organization like the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters, but having a certificate helps prospective clients feel more confident that you know your job and take it seriously.

Here’s a few steps to take before starting a pet sitting business.

• Talk to your parents about what you want to do. Because you’re under 18, it’s important to involve them in this decision.
• Do some trial pet-sitting. With your parents’ permission and supervision, pet sit for family friends or relatives. You’ll get valuable experience and learn if you really like doing this.
• Join pet sitting groups on social media. You can glean lots of useful advice from experienced pet sitters.
• Learn about starting and running a small business. If your high school doesn’t offer a class or a club, sign up at a nearby community college.
• Contact the Small Business Association (SBA.gov). They offer free counseling services to help you get a small business off the ground.
• Check out some major pet sitting organizations online. The NAPPS (petsitters.org) in the U.S. and Pet Sitters International (petsit.com) have lots of information and advice on running a great pet-sitting business.

Send your questions, tips or comments to ask@pawscorner.com.

© 2021 King Features Synd., Inc.