Becoming a Dog Sitter in Switzerland: Requirements & Start

You love dogs and would like to earn some money on the side? Then becoming a dog sitter could be just the right thing for you. In Switzerland, many dog owners are looking for reliable people to care for their four-legged friend by the hour, take them for walks or take them in during the holidays. The best part: you don't need any formal training to get started – but you do need experience, a sense of responsibility and a good feel for dogs.

In this article you'll learn which requirements you should bring along, how much you can earn and how to start out as a dog sitter – whether as a student, a pensioner or simply as a dog fan with a little free time.

Which requirements do I need to become a dog sitter?

There is no legally prescribed training for private, occasional dog care in Switzerland. Even so, you should bring a few things with you:

• Experience with dogs: You should be able to read dogs – understand their body language and handle them confidently.
• A sense of responsibility: You are taking on a living, feeling being. Reliability is a must.
• Time and flexibility: Care, walks and spontaneous requests need free time slots.
• Physical fitness: Larger or young dogs in particular pull on the lead and want to move.
• A suitable environment: Overnight stays need a dog-friendly home and, depending on your tenancy agreement, the landlord's consent.

Solid basic knowledge of dog behaviour helps enormously. Anyone who knows, for example, how to train walking on the lead or how to handle dog encounters on the lead with confidence comes across as competent to dog owners and wins trust more quickly.

Note: Anyone offering dog care commercially and on a larger scale should find out about the cantonal requirements and any obligation to obtain a permit. As a rule, this does not apply to occasional neighbourly help.

How much does a dog sitter earn in Switzerland?

As a dog sitter in Switzerland you can reckon on an hourly wage from around CHF 20. Depending on experience, region and service, CHF 30 to 50 per hour are also possible. For longer care, you charge per day or night.

Important: additional earnings can also be liable to tax. Keep a record of your income and find out from your municipality or the cantonal tax administration from when you have to declare it.

Is dog sitting also suitable for students or pensioners?

Yes, it's often ideal precisely for them. Students appreciate the flexible, local activity between lectures. Pensioners bring time, calm and often decades of dog experience – a combination that many owners value highly.

Dog sitting is also a worthwhile way for families, part-time workers or dog fans without their own dog to spend time with animals and earn a little extra in the process.

How do I start out as a dog sitter? (step by step)

1. Assess honestly: Which dogs (size, age, character) do you feel confident caring for?
2. Create a profile: Describe your experience, your availability and the region in which you help.
3. Start small: Begin with walking services or short care in the neighbourhood.
4. Get to know each other before the first care session: Meet the dog and owner beforehand and clarify rules, feeding and emergency contacts.
5. Good care, good reviews: Satisfied owners recommend you – this is how your demand grows.

To be found in the first place, a visible profile in your area helps. On DOGSY you create a profile free of charge and receive requests from dog owners in your neighbourhood. You negotiate the price directly with them – without commission. This is how your joy in dogs becomes, quite simply, a worthwhile side activity.

What makes a good dog sitter?

Expertise is good, but reliability and sensitivity count the most. A good dog sitter adapts the pace to the dog, provides varied tasks for the walk and gets in touch with the owners if something is wrong. Anyone who takes dogs seriously and communicates honestly quickly builds a good reputation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I need training to become a dog sitter?

For occasional, private dog care no formal training is prescribed in Switzerland. Experience, a sense of responsibility and knowledge of dog behaviour are, however, very important.

How much can I earn as a dog sitter?

The hourly wage is usually from CHF 20, and with experience CHF 30 to 50 are possible. Day and holiday care are charged per day or night.

From when do I have to pay tax on my earnings?

Additional earnings can also be liable to tax. Find out from your cantonal tax administration or your municipality from what amount you have to declare them.

How do I get my first jobs?

Start in your neighbourhood, tell friends and acquaintances about your offer and create a profile on a platform like DOGSY, which connects you with owners nearby.

Conclusion

Becoming a dog sitter is an uncomplicated way in Switzerland to combine your love of dogs with a bit of extra income. You don't need formal training – but you do need experience, reliability and a good feel. Start small, collect reviews and build up, step by step, a circle of satisfied dog owners near you.