Updated October 21, 2026
Where paying customers come from
In practice most early customers are people in your immediate circles and in your neighbourhood. Think neighbours who need a dog walk, colleagues who need pet sitting while they travel, parents of friends at schools, and people in local flats and blocks. Word of mouth is strong for pet care because trust matters.
Online sources are important too. Local Facebook groups, Instagram posts, and search results bring people who don’t already know you. Local noticeboards at vets, pet shops or community centres still produce leads in smaller towns. On Websta there is a marketplace where people nearby find providers and can post a task for providers to make offers on.
- Neighbours and building residents
- Work colleagues and parents at schools
- Local vets and pet shops (noticeboards or referrals)
- Social media groups and local online classifieds
- Search results and marketplace listings
How to set a first price and talk about money
For your first price, think about the time per visit, travel time, supplies you provide, and any extra responsibility (medication, multiple pets, home access). Look at what similar providers in Bulgaria advertise to get a sense of the market, but start with a price that covers your costs and values your time.
When talking money, be clear and direct. State the base fee, any travel charge, and fees for evenings, weekends or holidays. Put terms in writing before you start: what the fee includes, cancellation policy, and how payment is collected. Clear expectations reduce disputes.
- Calculate time + travel + supplies before choosing a price
- Be explicit about extras - weekends, multiple animals, medication
- Agree cancellation and rescheduling rules in writing
- Confirm accepted payment methods up front
What the first ten customers usually look like
Your first customers are often people who already trust you or who are easy to reach. Expect a mix of neighbours, friends of friends, people from your workplace, and early contacts from social media. Some may be trial jobs: a single walk, a one-week holiday sitting, or a regular twice-weekly visit.
Treat these first jobs as experiments. Use them to refine your timing, record how long tasks take, and learn typical questions customers ask. Ask satisfied customers for a short referral or to share your Websta profile link.
- Neighbours asking for occasional walks or visits
- Colleagues requesting help around business trips
- Friends or friends-of-friends testing your service
- Social-media leads turning into short trial bookings
Taking payments and how Websta fits in
Decide which payment methods you accept: cash, bank transfer, or card. On Websta card payments from customers are paid out to the provider's own bank account through Stripe; the provider sets the prices. A Websta profile acts like a simple website with services, prices, photos, a contact form and online booking. It gives you a single page to send to potential customers and a way to be found through the marketplace.
Use written receipts or simple invoices for all paid work. If you accept online bookings, confirm payment timing and any platform fees before committing to a job so both sides are clear.
- Websta profiles list services, prices, photos and booking
- Card payments on Websta are paid out to your bank via Stripe
- You set the prices and control availability
- Keep written records of payments and bookings
What to sort out when taking money as an independent person in Bulgaria
If you plan to take regular payments, check registration and tax rules. For clear, authoritative answers, contact the National Revenue Agency (NRA - НАП) and ask whether you need to register as a sole trader or other legal form, how to issue receipts or invoices, and what tax declarations apply. Contact the National Social Security Institute (NSSI - НОИ) to ask about social and health insurance obligations for self-employed income.
If you will work with several clients or employ someone, check the Registry Agency (Агенция по вписванията) or a professional accountant for company registration options. For local rules such as municipal permits or animal-related regulations, ask your local municipality and your regional veterinary service what applies.
- Ask NRA how to register and report income and VAT obligations
- Ask NSSI about social and health insurance for self-employed
- Check Registry Agency or an accountant for company forms
- Ask local municipality about any permits or local rules
What tends to go wrong in the first months
Common problems are unclear pricing, missed communications, scheduling conflicts, and underestimating travel time. Another frequent issue is not having simple terms for cancellations or damage. People also forget to keep records for taxes and social contributions.
Avoid these mistakes by using a booking system, confirming details in writing, photographing pets and their living spaces for records, and keeping a simple ledger of income and expenses. If you handle keys or enter homes, record clear consent from owners and consider asking an insurer about coverage.
- Unclear prices or last-minute changes
- Poor communication leading to missed visits
- No written agreements on cancellations or keys
- Failing to track income for tax and social security
Practical first steps and tools to get started
Start local: tell neighbours and colleagues, post in local online groups, and leave a flyer at the vet or pet shop. Use your first jobs to collect short references and photos you can show on your profile. Create a simple price list and standard terms you can copy into messages.
Open a clear bookkeeping method from day one, even a spreadsheet, and keep all receipts for supplies. If you use Websta, keep your profile updated with services, prices and availability so you can send a single link to anyone who asks. For legal questions, contact NRA and NSSI directly before making long-term commitments.
- Tell neighbours, colleagues and local pet businesses
- Collect references and photos from early jobs
- Keep simple records and receipts from day one
- Use a Websta page as your single shareable profile
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need to register as a business to take pet care payments in Bulgaria?
- Contact the National Revenue Agency (NRA - НАП) to ask whether your planned income requires registration as a sole trader or other form, and how to issue receipts or invoices. Rules depend on your total income and activity.
- Can I accept card payments from customers?
- Yes. On Websta card payments from customers are paid out to the provider's own bank account through Stripe. You can also accept cash or bank transfers if you prefer - make your accepted methods clear to customers.
- How should I set a price for my first pet care jobs?
- Base your first price on time, travel, supplies and responsibility. Check local providers for market context, but ensure the price covers your costs. Be explicit about extra charges for weekends, multiple pets or medication.
- What paperwork should I keep?
- Keep a record of every booking, payment receipt or invoice, expense receipts, and written service terms. These records are important for tax and social security reporting; check with NRA and NSSI about exact requirements.
- How quickly will a Websta profile bring customers?
- A profile gives you a clear page to send to people and makes you discoverable in the marketplace, but results vary. Use it alongside local outreach, social media and referrals for best results.
About the numbers
Counts in this guide were read from the Websta catalogue when the text was written and are refreshed above from the live catalogue. Part of the catalogue was built from the public business register and is marked as such on each profile.
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