PROFESSIONAL PET SITTERS meet with pet parents daily, offering individualized care and providing trusted advice. In a 2022 survey of Pet Sitters International (PSI) members, 95% said clients occasionally or frequently ask for their advice about pet-related matters and products.
Through collaboration, independent pet retailers and pet sitters can create a relationship that not only boosts each other’s businesses but also enhances the experience for shared customers and their pets. Here’s how stores can get started:
Mutual Referrals — Clients often ask pet sitters for recommendations on toys, harnesses, foods and more, so having a local pet sitter recommend your business will send new customers your way. Consider incentivizing referrals by offering their clients a specific discount on their first purchase. Plus, having a trusted pet sitter you can refer your customers to — especially when they are in a difficult situation (e.g., going out of town because of a family emergency) — can help highlight your value and strengthen customer loyalty.
Event Partnerships — Festivals and fair vendor fees can be considerable, especially if you are at multiple events each year. Sharing a booth with a local pet sitter helps you save money, and your shared target audience makes it an ideal fit.
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Supporting events the pet sitter hosts also spreads the word about your business to their clients. Scott Black of Personal Touch Pet Sitting in Kingwood, TX, shares that he has been extremely lucky to pet sit for the owners of Pet Ranch Inc. in Houston. Scott says the store often donates raffle items and treats for events he participates in and that “it’s a win-win for both of us.”
Collaborative Marketing — Jeanne Crockett of Crockett’s Critter Care in New Bern, NC, includes ACE Free Work enrichment sessions in her service offerings. She recently partnered with Nauti Paws boutique to create a special “Snack, Snuffle and Play” display featuring pet-enrichment products she recommends. Nauti Paws includes Crockett’s Critter Care information with the display and offers a special discount to the customers she refers. In return, Crockett promotes the boutique and the display across her company’s social media and provides Nauti Paws with educational materials for customers interested in learning more about ACE Free Work.
Starting Smart & Small — Any pet sitter you partner with should be insured, background checked, and have pursued pet-care training such as pet first aid. PSI offers a free pet-sitter interview checklist at petsit.com/locate. From there, a good first step is to allow them to leave business cards at your store, and you can provide them with your business cards or fliers to share with their clients. Future marketing collaborations can happen once you know each other better.
By joining forces, independent pet retailers and professional pet sitters can grow their businesses while offering even greater value to their community’s pet owners. Take the first step today: Send a quick email or Instagram message to a local pet sitter and invite them to stop by your business. At the very least, you’ll make a new industry friend — but you may soon find new customers walking through your door!
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