Becoming a FurKid Sitter
FurKid helps independent pet caregivers turn their passion into income. This guide covers everything from application to your first booking.
Why Sit on FurKid?
- Keep 100% of Your Rate — Zero platform fees. You earn what you charge, minus standard payment processing.
- Set Your Own Prices — No rate cards or caps. Charge what your time and skills are worth.
- Flexible Schedule — Accept bookings that fit your life. No minimums, no penalties for declining.
- Direct Payouts — Earnings deposited straight to your bank account on your chosen schedule.
- Build a Reputation — Verified reviews help you attract more (and better-paying) clients over time.
The Application Process
Step 1: Register
Apply at fur-kid.com/sitter/register. You’ll need:
- Full name and email address
- ZIP code where you offer services
- Services you want to provide (dog walking, drop-in visits, overnight sitting, house sitting, day care)
- Years of pet care experience
Step 2: Background Check
FurKid requires every sitter to pass a background check through Checkr. After you apply:
- Check your email for a secure link from Checkr
- Complete the online form (takes about 5 minutes)
- Most checks clear within 1–3 business days
- You’ll be notified once approved
Step 3: Build Your Profile
Your profile is your storefront. A complete, professional profile gets booked faster:
Photo
Use a clear, friendly headshot. Pet parents want to see the person who will care for their furry family member.
Bio
Write a compelling bio that covers:
- Your experience with pets (personal and professional)
- Types of pets you specialize in
- Any certifications (pet first aid, veterinary tech, grooming, training)
- Why you love pet sitting
- Your availability and service area
Services and Rates
Set competitive rates for each service you offer. Research what other sitters in your area charge, then price based on your experience and demand. Remember: you can always adjust later.
Calendar
Keep your availability calendar up to date. Pet parents book based on what they see. Blocking off unavailable days prevents double-bookings and disappointed clients.
Photos of Past Care
With permission from past clients, add photos of pets you’ve cared for. Visual proof builds instant trust.
Getting Your First Bookings
Respond Quickly
Pet parents often message multiple sitters. Fast, friendly responses win bookings.
Be Proactive
During meet-and-greets:
- Ask detailed questions about the pet’s routine
- Bring a notebook and take notes
- Suggest a trial walk or short visit before a long trip
- Follow up within 24 hours with a summary
Start Competitive
New sitters without reviews may need to price slightly below market to attract first clients. Once you have 3–5 positive reviews, you can raise your rates.
Deliver Exceptional Care
The basics of great pet sitting:
- Arrive on time, every time
- Follow all care instructions exactly
- Send photo updates within the agreed schedule
- Communicate proactively about any issues
- Leave the home clean and secure
- Return keys promptly
Running Your Business
Taxes
You are an independent contractor, not a FurKid employee. You are responsible for:
- Reporting all income on your tax return
- Paying self-employment taxes
- Tracking deductible expenses (supplies, mileage, insurance)
- Making quarterly estimated tax payments if required
Consider consulting a tax professional.
Insurance
FurKid strongly recommends carrying general liability insurance. Some pet parents won’t book a sitter without it. Policies are affordable and can cover:
- Property damage in the client’s home
- Pet injury or illness while in your care
- Personal injury during service
Setting Boundaries
Protect your time and energy:
- Define your service area and stick to it
- Set clear communication windows (e.g., updates between 8am–9pm)
- Establish a cancellation policy and enforce it
- Don’t accept bookings that feel unsafe or beyond your skill level
Growing Your Business
Ask for Reviews
After a successful stay, politely ask the pet parent to leave a review. Most will — especially if you exceeded expectations.
Build Relationships
Regular clients are the foundation of a stable pet sitting income. Offer recurring booking discounts, remember pet birthdays, and check in between stays.
Expand Your Skills
Certifications that increase your rates:
- Pet First Aid & CPR
- Veterinary Technician training
- Dog training certifications
- Fear Free certification
- Senior pet care specialization
Avoiding Common Mistakes
- Don’t book off-platform — It voids protections and can get you banned
- Don’t cancel last-minute — Repeated cancellations damage your reputation
- Don’t ignore messages — Slow response times hurt your search ranking
- Don’t oversell experience — Honesty builds long-term trust
- Don’t skip the meet-and-greet — Even repeat clients appreciate the face time
Getting Help
Ready to start earning? Apply to become a FurKid sitter.