Startup cost
$500–$5k
TRUiC Business Ideas
How to Start a House Sitting Business
Decision Snapshot
House Sitting
Idea Score
59
Profit margin
8%
Break-even
4 mo–12 mo
Time to launch
12 wk–36 wk
Demand trend
Rising
5-yr failure rate
—
Capital intensity
Low
Time commitment
Part time
Part 1 - How to start a House Sitting business - Background
House sitting is a service offered to customers who are out of town or otherwise away from the home. House sitters may look after pets, plants, or just the home itself. House sitters help the community in a number of ways. They can ward off criminals by simply being in the house, and they keep cats and dogs from having to be put into kennels.
You may also be interested in additional side hustle ideas.
Our guide is in 3 parts:
- Part 1 - How to start a House Sitting business - Background
- Part 2 - Our planner tool to see if this idea is the right fit for you
- Part 3 - Action plan to get started
What are the costs involved in opening a house sitting business?
House sitters have very few to no costs to open up their business. You may consider taking an animal training course to distinguish yourself amongst your competitors, but there’s no equipment to buy to get started.
What are the ongoing expenses for a house sitting business?
Thankfully, there are few ongoing expenses for a house sitter.
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Website costs
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Subscription service fees
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Pet supplies (e.g., treats, extra leashes, etc.)
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Gas/car maintenance fees
Who is the target market?
The target market are those who are on vacation or who are away from the home for an extended period of time. For example, people who live in Florida during the winter will need someone to check in on their home while they’re away. Many homeowners simply want to have movement and energy happening in their home. Any property that sits unattended will become a magnet for thieves—even if it’s only for a few days.
How does a house sitting business make money?
House sitters make money by charging a flat fee for their services. Usually, they charge per day, with the amount depending on the time and effort the house sitter will have to expend to complete all duties. So, a homeowner who has a two Great Danes and a cat will be charged more than someone with one plant to water.
How much can you charge customers?
The average cost of a house sitter is about $40 a day, with overnight stays costing up to $75 a day. Again, what you charge is dependent on the duties the homeowner requires. If you only need to stop by once a day to feed a cat and clean its litter box, then you’ll likely charge less than the standard rate.
How much profit can a house sitting business make?
While your business will likely boom around the holidays, house sitters can work on every day of the year. You would only need 5 clients at $37 a day to make about $170 a day.
How can you make your business more profitable?
House sitters may consider doing more of their work at their own home. For example, keeping several dogs when owners are out of town. This strategy cuts down on travel time, and allows more face time with people’s pets.
Day-to-Day and Growth
What happens during a typical day at a house sitting business?
House sitting duties vary depending on the client. Your schedule may include the following tasks.
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Feeding/walking pets
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Taking in the mail
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Sweeping/shoveling the walkway
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Watering plants
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Maintaining plumbing/pipes
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General home upkeep (e.g., dusting, etc.)
What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful house sitting business?
Organizational skills will be extremely helpful for a house sitter, as will any type of formal animal training. Handling pets, especially unknown pets, can be an extremely risky job to take on. It takes a strong person (both mentally and physically) to do it right. Good house sitters also have to be extremely responsible. Ideally, they’ll have several backup plans in mind should Plan A fail.
What is the growth potential for a house sitting business?
The growth potential is good. This may be a competitive market, but it’s not as easy as it looks. People go out of town at every time of the year, so there’s always a need for good house sitters. Those who prove themselves with excellent reviews and a loyal clientele will build up the trust they need to continue growing their client base.
What are some insider tips for jump starting a house sitting business?
Reviews are always going to be a crucial part of any business, but this is particularly true for house sitters. You are who your clients say you are, so it’s important to impress them at the beginning. If you’re just getting started, use people you know as character references—preferably people outside your family.
Once you start getting clients, much of your job will be about doing your homework. Ask questions before the person goes out of town, and work out a plan for emergencies before they happen. Ensure you understand everything the homeowner expects of you, and don’t be afraid to speak up if you think they’ve forgotten something. Research unknown areas where you’ll be staying, so you’re not thrown off by a detour sign or an unexpected rain storm.
Imagine you’re being watched at all times to avoid doing anything that a homeowner wouldn’t appreciate. Don’t teach their pets new (bad) habits while they’re away. Also, consider going the extra mile. Taking their pets to be groomed, restocking the fridge, or polishing their silver may not even take you very much time, but will certainly make you stand out.
How and when to build a team
You don’t necessarily need a team to house sit, though you can certainly consider hiring responsible employees should your client base grow. By building up your brand you may also be able to expand to other parts of your state/region.
Part 2 - Is a House Sitting business the right fit for you?
Business Evaluation & Strategy Tool
We'll walk you through the four pillars every business needs: Points of Leverage, Marketing Strategy, Financial Model, and Personal Compatibility. At the end you'll see a personalized report and your action plan below will be tailored to your answers.
Step 1 of 4 — Points of Leverage
Every viable business has natural advantages. Below are common leverage points across four categories. Pick the ones that apply to your House Sitting business. We've pre-suggested a few based on your idea — review and adjust.
Step 2 of 4 — Marketing Strategy
Without a way to connect with customers, even great businesses fail. Pick the channels you plan to use to reach your customers.
Step 3 of 4 — Financial Model
Enter your monthly baseline costs — the minimum overhead to keep the business running. Then we'll calculate how many sales per month you need to break even.
Step 4 of 4 — Personal Compatibility
A business that doesn't fit your life will fail no matter how good the numbers look. Tell us how this business fits you.
Your House Sitting Evaluation Report
Complete the four pillars and your personalized summary will appear here.
Points of Leverage
Marketing Strategy
Financial Model
Personal Compatibility
Part 3 - Action plan to launch your House Sitting business in 90 days
Nine concrete steps to take you from idea to open business, grouped into 30-day phases. Complete the planner above and we'll highlight what's most important for your situation.
First 30 days — Foundation
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Form your legal entity
An LLC keeps your personal assets separate from business debts and lawsuits — the most common reason small business owners choose this structure. Sole proprietorships and partnerships do not provide this protection.
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Get an EIN and register for taxes
Apply for your free Employer Identification Number through the IRS, then register for any state or local taxes that apply to your business (sales tax, franchise tax).
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Open a business bank account and credit card
A dedicated business account is required to maintain personal asset protection. Mixing personal and business finances ('piercing the corporate veil') can void your LLC's liability shield.
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Set up business accounting
Recording expenses and income from day one makes tax filing easier and lets you see when the business is actually profitable. Use software (QuickBooks, Wave) or a part-time bookkeeper.
Days 30–60 — Compliance & Risk
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Get permits and licenses
State and local requirements vary widely. Brick-and-mortar businesses typically need a Certificate of Occupancy; service businesses may need specific professional licensing; food businesses need health permits.
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Get business insurance
General Liability Insurance is the most common starting point. If you'll have employees, most states require Workers' Compensation. Specific industries need additional coverage (product liability, professional liability, etc.).
Days 60–90 — Launch
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Define your brand
Your brand is how customers perceive and remember you. A clear name, logo, and visual identity make every later marketing decision easier and protect you legally as you grow.
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Create your business website
Every legitimate business needs a website. Social media pages are not a substitute — you don't own the platform. Modern website builders mean you can launch a clean site in a weekend without a developer.
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Set up your business phone system
A dedicated business number keeps your personal life private, makes the business look legitimate, and lets you route calls professionally. Cloud phone services start under $20/month.