Teaming up with professional #petsitters isn’t just a nice collaboration—it’s a win-win for independent #petretailers and sitters alike. By joining forces, you’ll not only grow your businesses but also deliver more value to the #petparents you both serve.
Professional pet sitters interact with #petowners daily, offering personalized care and earning their trust. A 2022 survey from Pet Sitters International (PSI) found that 95% of sitters report clients frequently ask for advice on #petproducts, toys, food, and more. That’s a golden opportunity to connect with new customers—while helping sitters enhance their own service offerings.
Here’s how to kickstart a successful partnership:
1. Mutual Referrals
Pet sitters are constantly fielding product questions—so having them recommend your store can drive a steady stream of new shoppers. Sweeten the deal by offering their clients a first-purchase discount (e.g., 10% off their first order). On your end, referring your customers to a trusted pet sitter—especially during emergencies like last-minute trips or family crises—shows you care about their pets’ well-being beyond just sales. This builds loyalty and positions your store as a go-to resource for all their pet needs.
2. Event Partnerships
Vendor fees for festivals, fairs, and pet events can add up fast—especially if you attend multiple throughout the year. Sharing a booth with a local pet sitter splits the cost while targeting the same audience: pet-loving families. You can also support the events your pet sitter hosts by donating raffle prizes, treats, or samples. Scott Black of Personal Touch Pet Sitting in Kingwood, TX, partners with Pet Ranch Inc. in Houston, and he notes that the store’s event donations are “a win-win for both of us”—spreading the word about the store to his clients while making his events more engaging.
3. Collaborative Marketing
Get creative with joint marketing to reach more people. Jeanne Crockett of Crockett’s Critter Care in New Bern, NC, offers ACE Free Work enrichment sessions and recently teamed up with Nauti Paws boutique to create a “Snack, Snuffle and Play” display featuring her top-recommended enrichment products. The boutique includes Crockett’s business info with the display and gives her referrals a special discount. In return, Crockett promotes the boutique on her social media and shares educational materials about ACE Free Work with the store’s customers. This cross-promotion leverages both your audiences and adds value to each other’s offerings.
4. Start Small (and Smart)
Not all partnerships are created equal—so choose your pet sitter collaborator wisely. They should be insured, background-checked, and trained in pet care (like pet first aid). PSI offers a free pet-sitter interview checklist at petsit.com/locate to help you vet candidates. Once you’ve found a good fit, start simple: Let them leave business cards at your store, and provide them with your flyers or cards to share with their clients. As you build trust, you can expand into more involved collaborations like joint events or marketing campaigns.
Partnering with a pet sitter is a low-risk, high-reward way to grow your retail business. It taps into a trusted network of #petparents, adds value to your services, and helps you build stronger connections in your community. Ready to get started? Send a quick email or Instagram DM to a local pet sitter and invite them to stop by your store. At the very least, you’ll make a new industry friend— but chances are, you’ll soon see new customers walking through your door.
Source: Pets+ Mag