Pet care provider profile on Websta: UK guide

What goes on a pet care profile

Your Websta profile acts as your own website. Start with a clear description of what you do: the specific services you offer, the types of animals you work with, and any experience or qualifications that matter to customers. Pet owners want to know whether you handle dogs only or also cats, rabbits, birds or other animals. If you offer multiple services - for example, both dog walking and pet sitting - list them separately so customers can find exactly what they need.

Add photos of yourself at work or with animals in your care. Pet owners look at these to get a sense of how you work. Photos should be clear and recent, not stock images. If you work from home or have a specific location, a photo of that space helps too.

Include sections for your services with descriptions. For each service, say what it covers: how long a dog walk lasts, what pet sitting includes, whether you visit the animal's home or they come to you, and anything else a customer should know before booking. You can use Websta's booking feature if you offer time-based services, or ask customers to request a quote if your pricing depends on the job details.

A contact form lets customers ask questions before they book. You can also add links to your social media or website if you have one elsewhere.

Languages on your profile

Publish your profile in English. If you work in an area with a significant non-English-speaking community and you speak another language, you can add sections in that language too - but English should be your main profile. Most people searching for pet care in the UK will search in English.

How customers find pet care providers on Websta

Websta has a marketplace where people nearby search for pet care by service type and location. When someone in your area looks for 'dog walking' or 'pet sitting', profiles matching that service in their town or postcode area appear in results. People can also post a task and ask providers to make offers on it.

This means you need to be clear about your location - the town or postcode area you work in - and the services you offer. Customers typically search by what they need and where they are, not by provider name, so getting these details right matters more than marketing language.

What to set up as an independent pet care provider

As an independent pet care provider in the UK, you need to be registered with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) as self-employed if your turnover will be above the threshold for mandatory registration. Check the current threshold with HMRC or a local accountant.

You should have pet liability insurance, which covers damage or injury claims if something goes wrong while you are caring for an animal. This is not a legal requirement, but most pet owners will expect it and many will ask. Shop around for a policy that covers the specific services you offer.

If you handle pets in a business context - especially if you care for animals overnight or in groups - local environmental health or licensing rules may apply. Contact your local council to ask whether pet sitting, dog walking, or boarding from your home requires registration or a licence. Rules vary by council area.

You will need a business bank account to receive payments through Stripe, Websta's payment processor. Set this up before you start taking bookings. Stripe will handle card payments and pay the money into your account.

What to write in your first hour

Start with a one- or two-sentence summary of what you do: 'Dog walking and pet sitting for pets in [your area]' or 'I care for dogs and cats in clients' homes while they are away.' This appears at the top of your profile.

Then list your services - one service per section - with a short description of what each includes. For example: 'Dog walking - 30-minute walk in local parks and streets' or 'Pet sitting - I visit your home to feed, water and exercise your pet.' Say whether you visit the customer's home or they bring the pet to you.

Add two or three photos: one of you with a pet or at work, and at least one showing your face clearly so customers know who they are booking with. If you have none yet, take a few on your phone and upload them later - a profile with photos gets more inquiries than one without.

Fill in your location as accurately as possible. Use the postcode or town where you work. Write a few words about any experience or qualifications, such as 'DBS checked' or 'five years' experience with anxious dogs' if these are true.

Set up your contact details so customers can reach you with questions before booking. You can add a link to your phone number, email address or messaging app.

Booking and quotes

For services that are the same length and type each time - like a 30-minute dog walk - use Websta's booking feature to let customers book slots directly. For services where the price depends on the job details, such as pet boarding or home visits with multiple pets, use the quote request option so customers ask and you can discuss terms.

You set your own prices and terms. Stripe handles payment when the booking is confirmed or the quote is accepted. The payment goes into your own bank account.

Getting found across the UK

Websta has a marketplace for pet care across the UK. Your profile appears in results when someone nearby searches for your type of service. You do not need to do anything special for this - as long as your location and services are clear on your profile, customers in your area will find you through the Websta marketplace.

The more detail you add to your profile - photos, descriptions of what you offer, your experience - the more confident customers will be when they contact you.