3. Join Local Community Groups

Many people look for pet sitters in local Facebook groups, neighborhood apps like Nextdoor, or community bulletin boards. These are great places to introduce yourself and get clients without an app. Since many pet owners still rely on word-of-mouth recommendations, being active in these groups can help you build a reputation and attract new clients.

How to Do It:

• Search for pet owner groups on Facebook and join them
• Offer helpful advice before promoting your services to build trust
• Engage in discussions about pet care and showcase your expertise
• Post in community forums about your availability, rates, and experience
• Respond quickly to any pet-sitting inquiries to show reliability

4. Partner with Local Businesses

Building relationships with local pet-related businesses can help you reach pet owners who may need your services.

Businesses to Connect With:

• Veterinary clinics
• Grooming salons
• Pet supply stores
• Dog trainers and behaviorists

How to Approach Them:

• Offer to leave flyers or business cards at their location
• Provide a discount for referrals from their customers
• Network with employees who may know pet owners looking for a sitter

5. When to Offer Free or Discounted First Visits to Get Clients Without an App

People are more likely to hire a pet sitter they trust, and one of the best ways to build trust is by offering a risk-free first visit.

When to Offer Free or Discounted Visits:

Provide an extra service, such as a free dog walk with the first pet sitting session.

• Only consider offering a free visit if it’s for a short period (e.g., an hour or two) or for someone you’re close with, like a family member or friend

• Instead of free visits, provide a small discount on the first booking to encourage trial runs

• Offer an extra service, such as a free dog walk with the first pet sitting session, rather than fully free care

• Give a discount on the first booking to encourage trial runs

6. Get Testimonials and Reviews

Even if you don’t have past pet sitting experience, you can start building credibility with testimonials from people who know your reliability and love for animals.

How to Collect Reviews:

• Use pictures and videos (with permission) to show happy pets that you know. Taking pictures with the pet is the best way to quickly gain a pet parent’s trust

• Ask friends and family to write a short review if you’ve ever watched or interacted with their pets

• After your first bookings, request reviews and showcase them on your website and social media

7. Print Flyers and Business Cards to Get Clients Without an App

Despite the digital world we live in, old-school marketing still works! Posting flyers and handing out business cards can help you reach local pet owners who may not be active online.

Best Places to Leave Flyers:

• Apartment complexes and dog parks
• Veterinary offices
• Groomers and pet stores
• Coffee shops and community centers

8. Offer a Referral Incentive

Word of mouth is powerful in the pet sitting business. Encourage your existing clients to refer new customers by offering incentives.

Ideas for Referral Programs:

• Give a discount to both the referrer and the new client
• Offer a free pet sitting session after a certain number of referrals. If your stay is 10 days, charge for only 9 days
• Create a loyalty program for repeat customers by offering discounted rates for repeat visits

9. Attend Pet Events and Markets to Get Clients Without an App

Local pet events and farmers’ markets are great places to meet pet owners in person and promote your services!

How to Maximize These Events:

• Set up a booth or table with flyers, business cards, and pet-related giveaways
• Offer a raffle or giveaway (e.g., a free pet sitting session) to collect leads
• Bring a friendly, well-behaved dog (with permission) to attract attention

10. Provide Exceptional Service

The best way to grow your pet sitting business is to exceed expectations. Happy clients will return and refer you to others.

How to Stand Out:

Be reliable, responsive, and professional in all interactions

Send regular updates with photos and videos to pet owners

Follow pet care instructions precisely and go the extra mile (e.g., bringing in mail, watering plants)

If the pet parent gets you a gift, reciprocate and get them a small favor in return

Leave a note at the end of your stay detailing the little “adventures” that you and the pets had

Clean, clean, clean the house. Not just cleaning up after yourself but going above and beyond to ensure that the house is in a nice condition. When people come back from vacation, they will be thrilled to come home to a nice clean home (: