The Sole Proprietor

Most pet sitting startups go down this route in the beginning, usually because it is one person running a simple dog walking business.  It couldn’t be easier – the pet sitting business is just you.  All the decisions and income are yours.  However, along with this freedom comes the responsibility of all liability and money owed.

The Limited Liability Company

The limited liability option, although more expensive, is still a good choice for a pet sitting startup.  It combines several features of corporation and partnership structures.  “Limited liability” literally means that the owners of an LLC pet sitting business would have the liability protection of a corporation.  A limited liability pet sitting company exists as an entity separate from individuals much like a corporation.  In other words, members of an LLC cannot be held personally responsible for debts of the pet sitting business startup unless they have signed a personal guarantee.

The Corporation

In my opinion, the corporation is the most advantageous option (if you can afford it) for a pet sitting business startup because it releases you from a lot of financial responsibility and provides considerable protection from personal liability.  The corporation is quite a bit more expensive to set up for your pet sitting business but the protection of a corporation and good tax incentives make this an option to strongly consider as pet sitting business grows, or even at the beginning because it will eventually pay for itself.  Due to the complex nature of setting up a corporation, I would recommend referring most of the work to your attorney.

The Partnership

A partnership is exactly what it sounds like.  This means that you and one or more people are owners of the pet sitting business startup and share all decision making, liabilities, profits and work.  A partnership usually exists as a limited liability company or a corporation.   Once again, the tax position is much better than going it alone as a sole proprietor of your pet sitting business.

Most people start small and expand their pet sitting startup over the years; however, everyone’s situation is different.  Whether you want to form a basic pet sitting business or you hire employees for a full service pet sitting startup, one of the four options above will suit your needs.

 John A. Corey created his own highly successful pet-sitting business, Critters Choice and is the author of Pet Sitting Success: The Critters Choice Way. His goal is to share the hands-on knowledge he has gained over the last 19 years, which makes it possible for others to avoid many of the common pitfalls all pet sitting startups experience and quickly move on to achieving success.