From Zero to Fully Booked: How NZ Pet Sitting / Boarding Specialists Get Their First 10 Clients
Getting your pet sitting or boarding business off the ground in New Zealand can feel overwhelming, especially when you're chasing that first handful of clients. But with the right strategies that fit Kiwi lifestyles and local communities, you can create strong trust, build referrals, and fill your diary quickly. This guide shares ten practical tips tailored for pet sitters and boarders aiming to book their first 10 clients.
Here are some tips that you might find interesting:
1. Leverage Your Inner Network First
Start small by offering your services to family, friends, and neighbours. It’s easier to get those first bookings when people already know and trust you.
Offer a discounted or free introductory pet sitting or boarding period in exchange for honest feedback and testimonials. This builds your credibility early on.
For example, a pet sitter in Tauranga shared they offered a weekend board for their neighbour’s dog at a lower price, which led to repeat bookings and referrals in their street.
2. Join Local Pet and Community Groups
Platforms like Facebook groups (“Auckland Dog Owners” or “Wellington Pets Exchange”) and Neighbourly connect you directly with local pet owners seeking trusted carers.
Instead of hard selling, post helpful content like tips for separating anxiety in pets or share heartwarming boarding stories. Kiwi pet owners appreciate genuine, helpful communication.
Being active in these groups puts you front of mind when someone needs a sitter - a winner during holiday seasons or long weekends.
3. Build a Simple Yet Honest Website
A no-frills website with your services, boarding environment photos, contact info, and testimonials helps pet parents feel at ease before booking.
Think of it as your digital lounge where potential clients can virtually visit your home setup, meet you via bio, and understand your care philosophy.
Many Kiwi pet sitters use Google Sites or Wix to create easy, mobile-friendly websites without spending a fortune.
4. List Your Services on Yada and Local Directories
Yada’s Kiwi platform offers pet sitters and boarders a no-fee way to connect with clients directly. It’s perfect if you’re just starting and want honest pricing with no hidden fees.
The platform’s rating system also helps build your reputation quickly based on client reviews, increasing your chances of landing new bookings.
Apart from Yada, consider listing on Pet Sitting NZ and trade directories like NoCowboys or TradeMe Services targeted at NZ audiences.
5. Host Free Meet-and-Greet Events
Hosting casual meet-and-greet sessions at local dog parks or community centres lets pet owners meet you and see your approach first-hand-key for trust in pet boarding.
Encourage attendees to bring their pets, ask questions, and watch how you interact with animals. You could even offer a free short visit as a trial.
Nelson pet boarding services have found open days hugely effective in converting into booked stays, especially first-timers nervous about leaving pets.
6. Create Partnerships with Vets and Pet Stores
Local vets, groomers, and pet stores frequently meet new pet owners who might need trusted sitting or boarding when they travel.
Build relationships by leaving flyers, offering special deals, or providing expertise sessions to their staff. Referrals from these businesses bring high-quality leads.
For example, a pet sitter in Christchurch partnered with a vet clinic for seasonal health talks and noticed a continual trickle of client referrals.
7. Encourage and Use Client Testimonials
Ask your first clients for testimonials and permission to share photos or stories of their pets’ stays. Social proof has a big influence in New Zealand's trust-based communities.
Display testimonials prominently on your website, social media, and Yada profile. This reassures potential clients about your care quality.
A Wellington sitter shared that a heartfelt review describing how they managed a nervous rescue dog resulted in multiple new bookings.
8. Share Useful Content Regularly
Post easy tips and behind-the-scenes looks on Facebook or Instagram. Examples include "How to Prepare Your Pet for Boarding" or "Fun Activities for Pets in Rotorua."
Sharing this kind of content builds trust and keeps you in mind for when pet owners need sitting or boarding services.
Think of it as planting seeds that grow into client relationships over time, not a hard sell.
9. Use Traditional Local Advertising
Flyers on community boards in spots like New World, libraries, and cafes still work well. Keep it simple with your logo, contact info, and friendly messaging.
Car magnets or stickers on your vehicle also get you noticed during everyday drives around town-a subtle but effective brand signal.
In smaller centres like Timaru or Whanganui, these low-tech approaches often bring their first enquiries.
10. Keep Clear Records and Manage Time Wisely
Good organisation helps avoid double bookings and missed appointments. Tools like Google Calendar and invoicing apps tailored for small NZ businesses work wonders.
Effective time and client management means more professional service and happier clients - and that leads to repeat business and referrals.
Remember, running a pet sitting or boarding business means balancing animal care with smart business management.