• Insurance to protect your property against damage
  
• Cages, bedding, food, feeding dishes, leashes and toys for prolonged care

What to Charge: You can research prices by checking with errand runners, other pet sitters, pet groomers and vets. Most charge $10 to $16 for one visit per day; $18 to $25 for two or more visits. Some specific examples:

A Kansas woman charges $11 for one visit per day, $18 for two visits and $25 for three.

An Oregonian pet-sitter charges $12 for one visit per day and $20 for two visits.

The Canadian-based owner of A Gift of Time has set these rates:

• $16 per 30-minute visit for one pet (includes walking, feeding, playing and cuddling)
• $18 per 30-minute visit for two or more pets
• A daily rate for dogs starting at $28, which includes two to three visits per day

How to Break In:

• Many areas require a license to operate a pet care business. Check with your county or state business office and obtain a license, if necessary.
• Create a detailed flyer or letter describing your qualifications and trustworthiness.
• Market your business to working couples, housebound elderly and vacationing families. Leave flyers and business cards describing your services at veterinarians' offices, supermarkets, pet stores and corporate human resources offices.
• Create a Website for your services. Include the URL on all your marketing materials.
• Place a small ad in the local newspaper or community yellow pages, offering a coupon or discount for the first month of pet sitting.
• Purchase inexpensive promotional "trinkets" with a pet theme to hand out to potential customers at community events or fairs. Dog and cat treats or pet-themed magnets, key chains (to hold a customer's house keys!) or pads of paper are popular.
• Hold a pet-care day at the elementary school or community center to educate owners about their pets and promote your services.
• Since trust is very important, word of mouth is often the best way to attract clients.
• Network with corporate concierges and errand runners to send customers your way.

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