Do You Need a License to Be a Pet Sitter in San Francisco, CA?
In San Francisco, CA you don’t need a special license or permit to be an in-home pet sitter. However, this only applies if a company employs or contracts you as a pet sitter. If you are an individual charging for pet-sitting services in SF, while you don’t need a permit or license, you do need to register your business with the city.
Business registration is required for anyone conducting business in San Francisco, CA even if only part-time. Fees and registration will need to be maintained with the city yearly. The type of registration that you’ll need will depend on how you elect to incorporate your business; you can learn more and apply at the treasurer and tax collector’s website.
There may be additional pet care situations that do require licensing, for example:
If you walk more than 4 dogs at once as a sitter, you do need a permit from SF Animal Care & Control. You’ll also need insurance and in some situations, a training course is also required.
If you board pets in your home, you’ll also need a special permit from the city. The permit and fees will be in addition to the standard business registration and require additional certification from both the health department and the fire marshal.
Can Pet Sitting Certifications Help You Stand Out?
While there aren’t any legally required certifications for pet sitting in SF, there are plenty of courses that can help you stand out as a trustworthy sitter. You should check out:
Pet First Aid & CPR Classes: The American Red Cross is just one of many organizations that offer dog and cat first aid training online. Make sure to search for local in-person options too, like those at SF Puppy Prep.
Dog Training Courses: There are lots of great dog training programs out there, but one of our favorites is Fear Free. While these programs can be expensive, familiarizing yourself with their ethos and free materials can go a long way.
Animal Shelters: San Francisco’s animal shelters are always in need of volunteers to care for (and clean up after) the animals. This can be a great way to get experience working with reactive or anxious dogs and cats.
Pet Sitting Organizations: Pet Sitters International (PSI) and the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS) both offer educational and professional resources — as well as some local conferences and classes.
Any of these organizations can not only help you become a better pet sitter but also help potential employers and clients better understand your experience. You could also work with pets as a groomer, pet shop employee, or dog walker — even time spent in hospitality jobs can help prepare you for pet sitting.
What Are the Characteristics of a Great Pet Sitter?
First impressions are incredibly important for pet sitters. You’ll only have a short amount of time to show clients or employers that you’re a responsible caretaker, so it’s important to be confident in the credentials that you have.
In addition to taking care of your client’s pets, you’ll also frequently be staying in their homes. Being attentive to cleaning any messes that happen, whether from you or their pets, and keeping the home tidy during your stay is also essential. The best approach is to have the house “guest ready” at any time during the visit.
Being away from your pets can be stressful, and clients appreciate it if you outline a regular communication schedule for your stay. Make sure to keep them updated on their pet's routine and wellbeing — and don’t forget the cute photo of the pet enjoying their time with you!
Is Being A Pet Sitter Worth It?
Pet sitting can be a great job with a flexible schedule and plenty of time to work on additional projects. It can be an ideal set-up for grad students, actors, or anyone who needs to bring a bit of joy and activity to their work-from-home lifestyle. However, the hassle of owning your business can add extra stress to your schedule, and many people don’t explore the option of pet sitting for this reason.
If you want to learn more about the benefits of being a professional pet sitter in San Francisco, check out our careers page here at Grand & Graham Pets. You just take care of the pets, we’ll take care of everything else.
