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BusinessBeginner 20 min
Starting Your Pet Business
From dog walking to pet sitting to training — how to start a legitimate pet service business.
“Loving dogs is not a business plan. Pricing, insurance, and contracts are. Sorry.”
What you'll learn
Business structure (LLC/Sole prop)Insurance requirementsPricing your servicesClient contractsMarketing basics
Pet business insurance: general liability ($300-600/year) and professional liability for trainers ($400-800/year). Pet sitters insurance through Pet Sitters Associates or Business Insurers of the Carolinas. Never work without it — one dog fight or injury bankrupts an uninsured business.
Pricing: dog walking $20-40/30min walk, pet sitting $40-70/night, group training $150-300/6-week session, private training $75-150/hour. Raise prices annually. Your time and expertise increase in value.