Starting a pet sitting business is exciting, but most beginners quickly realise it’s tougher than it looks. Many new sitters underestimate the responsibilities, make small mistakes that damage trust or lose clients, and struggle to grow because they don’t have the right guidance.
If you’ve searched for things like “mistakes new pet sitters make,” “why new pet sitters fail,” or “pet sitting beginner mistakes,” you’re already ahead of many who jump in unprepared.
Below are the most common errors new pet sitters make and how you can avoid them with the right support, structure and professional backing.
One of the biggest beginner mistakes is agreeing to tasks without having proper boundaries or documented instructions. This leads to misunderstandings, complaints, and often negative reviews.
Common issues:
How to avoid it:
Start every booking with a contract, a detailed pet information form and a clear service outline. NarpsUK members receive professionally written forms and service contracts that prevent disputes and show clients you’re organised and reliable.
Some new sitters step into the role thinking it’s just “playing with pets.” But pet owners expect dependability, safety and professional conduct.
Signs of this mistake:
Avoid it with:
Proper training, onboarding modules and guidance from professionals. NarpsUK provides Lantra-accredited training, helping beginners understand the real responsibilities involved.
A common beginner mistake is offering “cheap” rates to attract clients. This often backfires because low pricing:
Fix it:
Follow industry-informed pricing guidelines and use NarpsUK’s resources to set rates that reflect your skill, time and service.
Pet owners often avoid sitters who lack transparency or visibility online.
Issues include:
How NarpsUK helps:
You get added to the NarpsUK Pet Sitter Directory, which thousands of owners use to find trusted sitters in their area.
Many beginners ask questions like “what do new pet sitters get wrong?” or “why do pet sitters fail?”. The truth is failure usually comes from ignoring the basics:
NarpsUK provides a free business management database for members, so you can organise clients, bookings, invoicing and schedules easily.
Pet owners rely heavily on trust. Beginners often forget to collect or display client feedback, making it harder to win new business.
NarpsUK members get:
This gives you social proof without managing it manually.
Every sitter eventually faces tricky situations:
You need help understanding a regulation
NarpsUK members get access to a private forum, expert support and a community of sitters who share advice, solutions and real-world experience.
NarpsUK exists to help pet sitters run their business safely, professionally and confidently. With membership you get:
The right support can turn a beginner into a trusted, confident and successful pet sitter.
1. What mistakes do new pet sitters make in the UK?
Common mistakes include unclear expectations, low pricing, poor communication, lack of training and no proper paperwork.
2. What do I need to start pet sitting professionally?
Training, basic business setup, insurance, proper contracts and a visible online presence help you get started the right way.
3. How do pet sitters avoid client complaints?
By using clear service agreements, following instructions closely, staying consistent and having strong communication.
4. Do I need support or training to become a pet sitter?
Training isn’t legally required in most areas, but it makes your service more reliable, professional and trustworthy, especially when working with animals.
Most new pet sitters fail not because they don’t love animals, but because they lack support and structure. By avoiding these common beginner mistakes and partnering with a trusted organisation like NarpsUK, you can build a reliable, professional and financially successful pet sitting business.
Ready to start strong?
Start your journey with NarpsUK and grow your pet sitting business with confidence.
More UK pet owners are turning away from casual carers and choosing certified, trained professionals. This article breaks down why it’s happening and how you can use certification to grow a trusted ...
Discover how pet sitters and dog walkers across the UK turned their passion into thriving businesses with NarpsUK’s training, templates, and professional tools. Start your 7-day free trial today and...
As UK professionals return to the office, pet care needs are shifting. Discover how hybrid work is boosting demand for flexible pet sitting and dog walking - and how NarpsUK supports both pet owners a...