How to Make Money as a Pet Care Provider in Thessaloniki

If you have experience caring for pets and want to earn money from it in Thessaloniki, you can work as an independent pet care provider alongside another job or as your main income. The work is local - customers need someone nearby - and you set your own prices and schedule. Getting started involves practical steps: understanding where customers look for pet care, setting realistic first prices, sorting out your legal status as a self-employed person in Greece, and using tools that let customers find you and book your services. Earning takes time and consistent effort, but Thessaloniki has neighbourhoods where pet owners actively search for local providers.

Updated October 21, 2026

Where pet owners in Thessaloniki look for pet care providers

Pet owners in Thessaloniki search for care providers in several ways. Many use online search - they type terms like 'pet care Thessaloniki' or 'dog walking near me' into Google or search within local services platforms. Word of mouth remains strong in the city: a satisfied customer tells friends and family, and work spreads through neighbourhoods. Some customers check social media profiles or ask their veterinarian for recommendations. Workplaces matter too - people working in central areas like Tsimiski or near Aristotle University of Thessaloniki may need someone to visit their home during the day to care for pets. School runs and family schedules create demand for midday pet feeding and walking.

Online platforms and profile pages are how many customers now find local providers. A profile page that shows your services, prices, photos and online booking makes it easier for someone searching in Thessaloniki to contact you immediately rather than make a phone call.

Setting your first prices as a pet care provider

Your prices should reflect the work you do, the time you spend, and what customers in Thessaloniki are able to pay. Start by looking at what other pet care providers in the city charge - use online search, call a few, or check profiles on local services platforms. Prices in Thessaloniki for dog walking, pet sitting or feeding visits typically range from lower amounts for a short visit to higher rates for longer care or multiple pets. The city's cost of living is moderate compared to Athens, and customers expect competitive but fair pricing.

When setting prices, think about: how long each visit takes, whether the customer supplies food and materials or you do, travel time between locations, and whether you offer services like grooming or training. Do not undercut drastically to win customers - you will regret low rates within weeks. Start at a level you think is fair, and adjust after your first month based on feedback and your actual time. Money conversations with customers are normal and professional. You set the price; they choose whether to book.

Your legal status and tax obligations in Greece

Working as an independent pet care provider in Greece means you are self-employed. You must register with the tax authorities (Εφορία Εσόδων, now part of the Unified Tax Office - Ενιαίο Γραφείο Υπηρεσιών) and obtain a tax identification number if you do not have one. Greece requires self-employed people to keep records of their income and file tax returns annually. The exact obligations depend on your income level and whether you have other employment.

Payments through Websta come to your own bank account via Stripe. You will need a Greek bank account in your name to receive them. Keep records of all payments received, expenses related to the work (such as supplies or transport), and any invoices you issue. If you are uncertain about your specific obligations - for example, whether you need to register as a sole trader (ατομική επιχείρηση) or what deductions you can claim - contact the Unified Tax Office (Δ.ΟΕ) or a local accountant in Thessaloniki who works with self-employed people. Tax rules change and your situation is individual.

What your first ten customers usually look like

Your first customers often come from word of mouth - a friend tells someone, or a veterinary clinic mentions you. They tend to be local, live or work within a reasonable distance of you in Thessaloniki, and have an immediate need: a dog that needs walking, a cat that needs feeding while they travel, or a pet that is anxious alone during work hours. These early customers are often forgiving of small rough edges because they trust the person who referred them.

Do not expect customers to appear only from having a profile page online. A profile on Websta or another platform is a tool that makes you findable to people searching in Thessaloniki, but it works alongside word of mouth. Your first few bookings usually come from people you already know or who know someone who knows you. After that, online search becomes more important as reviews and your profile history build up.

Common mistakes in the first months

New pet care providers often make the same mistakes early on. Setting prices too low is the most common - you think it will attract customers, but you end up overworked and underearning. Saying yes to every request, even ones that do not fit your schedule or skills, spreads you thin and leads to poor service. Not keeping simple records of which customer paid what and when causes confusion and payment disputes.

Underestimating travel time in Thessaloniki means you book visits too close together and arrive late. Not communicating clearly with customers about what is included (picking up after a dog, feeding, play time, photos) causes disappointment. Assuming one customer will refer ten others without doing anything to encourage it means growth stalls. The first three months are about finding a rhythm, learning what you can actually handle, and building a small base of reliable bookings - not about becoming rich quickly.

How a Websta profile helps you earn

A Websta profile page is a simple website for your pet care business. You add your services (dog walking, pet sitting, feeding visits), set your prices, upload photos of yourself and pets you have worked with, and enable online booking. Customers searching for pet care in Thessaloniki can find your profile through Websta's marketplace, see what you offer and how much it costs, and book directly without having to call or message you. This removes friction - people are more likely to book if they can do it in thirty seconds on their phone.

When you receive a booking through Websta, payment goes to your own bank account through Stripe. You do not use Websta's money or wait for a payout to a separate wallet - the customer's card payment is transferred to the bank account you provide. This is straightforward and means the money is yours immediately, with no platform fees taken from it. A profile also gives you a link to send to anyone - a friend recommends you, you send them your Websta page, they forward it to a neighbour. It is a single, professional place where all your information lives.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need any licence or certification to work as a pet care provider in Thessaloniki?
Greece does not require a specific licence to offer pet care services as a self-employed person, but you must register as self-employed with the tax authorities and comply with tax obligations. Some customers prefer providers with animal care training or first aid certification, which you can add to your profile to build trust. Check with the Unified Tax Office in Thessaloniki or a local accountant about your exact requirements based on your income and circumstances.
How much can I earn as a pet care provider in Thessaloniki?
Earnings depend on how many customers you have, the prices you set, and how many hours you work. There is no guaranteed amount. Some people earn a supplementary income alongside another job; others make it their primary work. Building a customer base takes time - expect slow growth in the first months while you establish yourself through word of mouth and online presence.
Can I use Websta while working another job?
Yes. Many people use Websta to offer pet care services as a side income while employed elsewhere. You set your own availability and choose which bookings to accept. Be clear with customers about your schedule so they know when you are available, and manage your time so neither your job nor your pet care work suffers.
What happens when a customer pays through Websta?
The customer's card payment is processed through Stripe and transferred directly to your Greek bank account. You provide your bank details when you set up your Websta profile. The money is yours - Websta does not hold it or take fees from the payment itself. You are responsible for tracking the income for tax purposes.
How do I get my first customers in Thessaloniki?
Tell people you know - friends, family, people at your workplace - that you offer pet care services. Ask them to spread the word. A Websta profile helps people searching online find you. Leave your profile link with your veterinarian or at local pet shops so they can recommend you. Growth starts small and builds as satisfied customers refer you to others.

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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