I have a pet sitting business "Fur-Nanny 911" and I always go to the client's house. I encourage it, as it is less stress on the animal, being in their own environment and all. I've printed out business cards and hand them out to anyone and everyone. I've gotten a lot of referrals. It starts off slow, but I figured with holidays and vacations coming up, business will pick up.

I physically go over to the client's house to meet and interact with the pet or pets. I bring a notebook and take lots of notes. Feeding instructions, pets idiosyncracies, quirks, likes to sleep on the bed, etc. Gives me a chance see the outlay of the property, where all the pet's stuff is, get to know everything about the pets. No charge. I then charge $50/day if I stay over. If it's individual visits, I ask them how many days (depending on whether they have only cats, or cats and dogs)they want me to come by and take care of the pets. They can choose the amount of visits. I usually only charge $35/day for individual visits. When you said $5/day you are totally underestimating yourself. Caring for someone else's pets is very demanding and stressful. The last time I sat for my clients, I wound up having to have one of their oldest dogs euthanized. Scruffy was a rescue from down South. They weren't sure how old she was when the got her. She was bleeding all over the place. It was a very difficult decision but one I didn't take lightly and they were very appreciative that I did. They said I went above and beyond the call. The clients I'm talking about have 4 goldens (big rescue fans). They're great people (my best ones yet) and trust me completely with their beautiful home and animals. Having a hot tub and a swimming pool isn't too shabby either. I've been at their beck and call and there have been times when they've called me very last minute.

If you sit for a dog, you're going to have to either make 3 trips a day to walk, or let the dog out and feed it. Or you stay there the whole time. That's when the price goes up.

A pet sitter never pays for anything for the animal. It should be provided by the pet owner.

Another thing you want to do is make your references and experience available. Ask them questions like, "If something were to happen to the pet, would they want you to call them on their vacation?" Or, if something should happen, would you give the vet authorization to treat and would they allow you to call in their credit card for payment. Anything could happen. Get names and numbers you can call, should they be unavailable.

I learned alot from my friend who pet sits. I never thought I'd be doing this but I love it cuz I love animals.

Good luck!!