Starting a pet sitting or dog walking business doesn’t have to come with a huge price tag. In this episode, I’m sharing the exact free and low-cost tools I used in the early days of my business, when money was tight, and every dollar mattered.

If you’re dreaming of launching your pet biz but feel overwhelmed by startup costs, this is for you. From scheduling tools to client forms and accounting software, I’ll walk you through practical, budget-friendly options that help you look professional, stay organized, and start making money, without spending much at all.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

- Why you don’t need to spend thousands to get your business off the ground

- A free scheduling app I still recommend today

- Where to find cost effective, done-for-you templates to wow your clients

- Free tools to manage your money from day one

- How to create professional communication without paid software

- Where to market yourself for free and build trust locally

- How to get found on Google, even without a website

- My favorite free app for getting a second business phone number

Tools & Resources Mentioned:

TimeTree App – Free, shareable calendar for managing your bookings

QSheetsCo – Affordable client intake forms, report cards, and more. Here is a link to get an extra special offer on any of the templates!

https://qsheetsco.etsy.com/listing/1893310293

- Wave Accounting – 100% free invoicing and bookkeeping software

- Google Workspace (Free Version) – For forms, spreadsheets, email, and more

- Facebook & Instagram – Free organic marketing tools

- Google My Business – Get found locally without a website

- TextNow App – Free second phone number for your business

Takeaway Message:

You don’t need to have everything perfectly in place to start your business. Begin with what you have, use what’s free or affordable, and grow from there. I did it - and you absolutely can too.

Let’s Connect:

If you loved this episode, take a screenshot, share it to your Instagram stories, and tag me @theprofessionalpetsitter_ I’d love to hear what tools you’re trying or planning to use.

TikTok: @chenelleconquest

Email: chenelle@theprofessionalpetsitter.com

And if you want more support building your dream pet biz from the ground up, stick around - there’s so much more to come.