Pet care provider in Malta: set up your Websta profile

What goes on your Websta profile page

Your profile page is your storefront online. It lives at a URL that you can share on messaging apps, email or other social media, and it shows everything a customer needs to decide whether to contact you.

Start with a clear profile photo of yourself, and add photos of animals you have worked with (with owner permission), your workspace if relevant, or tools you use. People choosing a pet care provider want to see that you know what you are doing.

Write a short description of who you are and what you do. You might mention how long you have worked with animals, what breeds or types of pets you are comfortable with, and your approach - for example, whether you specialise in anxious dogs, offer overnight sitting, or work with exotic pets. Keep it factual rather than promotional.

List each service as a separate item on your profile. Include the service name, a short description of what it covers, and the price you charge. You set all prices yourself. If your price varies - for example, depending on the pet's size or how long the visit is - either set a base price with a note about how it might change, or offer a quote option so customers can ask you before booking.

Add information about how customers book. On Websta you can offer online booking where available, or invite customers to request a quote and discuss details with you first. Either way, customers can reach you through your profile page.

Services and photos to highlight

The most common pet care searches in Malta cover dog walking, dog sitting, cat sitting, pet grooming, and pet boarding. If you offer any of these, list them clearly. You can also add other services you provide - for instance, pet training, nail clipping, pet taxi, or fish tank maintenance.

Customers rely on photos to trust you. If you work with dogs, photos of you with dogs - on a walk, at play, or during a session - build confidence. The same applies to other animals you care for. If you offer grooming, before-and-after photos show your skill. If you board pets, a clean, safe space where animals stay matters to customers.

Include practical details in each service description. For dog walking, say how long a typical walk is, what area you cover, and whether you handle multiple dogs at once. For sitting or boarding, mention the types of animals you accept, whether you have experience with medical needs like medication, and any house rules - for example, whether you require up-to-date vaccinations.

Languages to use on your profile

In Malta, English and Maltese are both official languages. English is very widely spoken, especially among younger people and those using online services. Many pet owners in Malta are expats, tourists, or locals who use English online.

You can publish your profile in English, Maltese, or both. English alone will reach most customers looking for pet care. If you are fluent in Maltese and want to connect with Maltese-speaking pet owners, adding a Maltese version of your profile increases visibility. You do not have to do both, but if you do, make sure the translations are accurate, especially service descriptions and terms.

How people in Malta search for pet care

On Websta, the pet care marketplace at /marketplace/pets shows providers by service and location. A customer in Valletta looking for a dog walker can search by service type and see who is available in their area. If you are based in Malta, you appear in that marketplace when someone nearby is looking.

Most pet owners in Malta start by searching online - either through Google, social media, or a directory like Websta - when they need help. They look for providers close to them, check reviews and photos, and contact several to compare. Having a professional profile page matters because it is often the first place a potential customer learns about you.

A Websta profile also lets customers post a task - for example, 'I need a dog walker for Tuesday and Thursday mornings' - and you can make an offer on that task. This is useful if you work with multiple customers or want to fill specific time slots.

What to set up as an independent pet care provider

Working as a pet care provider in Malta, you need to be clear about your business status. If you are self-employed, you should register with the tax authority. Sole traders must be registered. Check the current requirements with the tax office (Inland Revenue) or a local accountant, as regulations can change.

Payment through Websta is handled by Stripe. When a customer pays you through your Websta profile, the money goes to your own bank account - you control when and how you withdraw it. You are responsible for keeping records of your income and paying any taxes due.

Liability and pet safety are important. Consider whether you need insurance if a pet is injured in your care, or if you damage a customer's home. This depends on the type of work you do - walking is lower risk than boarding. Check with an insurance provider or your accountant about what makes sense for your situation.

Keep copies of agreements with customers - even informal notes - about what you will do, when, and what the customer should provide (feeding instructions, emergency contact, pet medical history). This protects both of you.

What to write in your first hour

You do not need everything perfect to launch. Start with these essentials:

A profile photo - a clear, friendly photo of your face, not a cartoon or logo. Customers want to know who they are hiring.

A short bio - three to four sentences about your experience with animals and what you do. Example: 'I have been caring for dogs and cats in Malta for three years. I offer daily walks for dogs of all sizes, and I am experienced with anxious or senior pets. I am based in [your area] and available Monday to Saturday.'

At least one service with a price - even if you plan to add more later. Start with your main service.

Three to five photos - you with an animal, or your workspace. If you do not have photos yet, add them within a few days.

Contact method - decide whether to offer online booking, quote requests, or direct messaging. You choose what suits you.

Once your profile is live, you can refine it: add more services, improve descriptions, add testimonials from happy customers, or adjust prices based on demand. The key is to start.