Updated October 21, 2026
Where paying customers come from in Slovenia
Paying customers for pet care in Slovenia most often come from local, everyday networks and searchable places. Think of them as several overlapping sources rather than one big channel.
Typical sources are neighbours and their friends, colleagues at work, parents at schools or kindergartens, people who found you through online search, and word of mouth that travels via social media and local groups. Pet shops, veterinary clinics and groomers sometimes pass on clients, and people who post short tasks on local marketplaces can become regulars if you do a good job.
- Neighbours and friends - easiest to reach, usually the first customers.
- Workplaces and school contacts - regular day visits or holiday care.
- Online search and local groups - people who look for available services now.
- Referrals from vets, groomers and pet shops.
- Local marketplaces and apps where people post tasks.
How to set a first price and talk about money
Setting your first price is practical and local: check what similar providers in nearby towns charge, factor in your travel time, the tasks you perform (walking, sitting, feeding, administering medication) and any special costs (transport, supplies). Start with a price you can honestly deliver on and that covers your time and expenses.
When discussing money with a customer, be clear about what is included - number of visits, walking time, feeding or medication, and whether you charge extra for holidays or short notice. Put prices in writing on your profile or in a message so there is no confusion.
- List what each service includes and any extra fees for travel or emergency care.
- Ask for a deposit or prepayment for holiday bookings when possible.
- Always confirm in writing - a message, email or the booking page.
What your first ten customers usually look like
The first ten customers tend to be a mix of close contacts and local opportunistic clients. Expect neighbours, friends of friends, colleagues and a few people who saw you online or replied to a local post. Some will want occasional walks, others short holiday care, and a small number may ask for one-off tasks like nail trimming or administering medication.
Many early customers are forgiving about small mistakes if you communicate clearly and reliably. Repeat work comes from punctuality, clear pricing and simple proof that you showed up (photos, short messages or brief notes).
- Neighbours and personal contacts make up a large share early on.
- Occasional clients from local ads or groups turn into repeat customers when satisfied.
- Expect a mix of simple tasks and a few requests that need extra care or instruction.
What to sort out when taking money as an independent person
For legal and tax questions, check with the relevant Slovenian authorities rather than relying on general advice. The Financial Administration of the Republic of Slovenia (FURS) can tell you whether you must register for tax, how to issue receipts or invoices, and what to declare. Ask FURS about income tax rules, VAT thresholds and invoicing requirements.
For social and health insurance obligations, check with the institutions that handle contributions and entitlements. If you are unsure how to register as a sole trader or what form of activity to declare, ask the business-registration service or the one-stop registration portal in Slovenia what steps you need to take to start offering services legally.
- Ask FURS what you must register and how to report income from pet care.
- Ask the relevant social insurance bodies about contributions for self-employed work.
- If you are employed and want this as a side activity, ask about possible effects on your employment contract and benefits.
What tends to go wrong in the first months
Common early problems are underestimating travel time between clients, unclear written agreements, not tracking income and expenses, and poor communication about cancellations. These issues reduce profitability and create customer dissatisfaction.
Other frequent issues include accepting work without confirming availability, forgetting to collect special instructions for animals, and not having a simple way to accept card payments or deposits. Prepare templates for messages, a checklist for each visit, and a basic method to record bookings and payments to reduce mistakes.
- Underpriced services because travel and time were not included.
- Missed instructions for care - always get them in writing.
- No bookkeeping from the start - keep simple records of income and receipts.
How a Websta profile fits into your workflow
A Websta profile gives you a simple page you can send to anyone that lists your services, prices, photos, a contact form and online booking. On Websta the category is pet care providers and the marketplace path is /marketplace/pets, so users searching for pet care can find that listing. You set your prices on the profile, and card payments from customers are paid out to your own bank account through Stripe.
Use the page as a single reference point for clients so you can link to it from messages, social posts, and local classifieds. Keep the service descriptions short and practical, show recent photos, and keep availability up to date so that people know when you can take work.
- Send the Websta page link to potential clients instead of repeating details by message.
- Keep services and prices current on your profile to avoid misunderstandings.
- Use online booking to reduce back-and-forth and request deposits for holiday bookings.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need to register as a business to offer pet care in Slovenia?
- Ask the Financial Administration of the Republic of Slovenia (FURS) whether your planned income requires registration or tax reporting and what records to keep. If you will work regularly, ask what form of registration is appropriate.
- How can I accept card payments from customers?
- You can use platforms that support card payments. On Websta, card payments are paid out to your own bank account through Stripe. Check what fees apply and keep records for tax reporting.
- What should I include in a service description?
- State exactly what you do - number of visits, walk duration, feeding, medication, travel fees and cancellation rules. Clear descriptions reduce disputes.
- Is insurance necessary for pet care work?
- Insurance needs depend on the risks you expect. Ask an insurance broker about liability insurance for pet sitters and whether your home insurance covers business activity.
- How do I find repeat customers?
- Be reliable, communicate clearly, ask for feedback, and offer simple follow-up booking options. Repeat business often comes from consistent service and simple online booking or messaging.
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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