Any recommendations for a beginning Sitter?

I have a few questions on what you said you are doing with an SD. But then mentioned an ESA. Those are not the same at all.

What tasks are you wanting this dog to do? Costs are dramatically different depending on the dogs proficiency and required tasks for SD work.

For an ESA, you do not need any certifications, training, or anything. Any shelter dog or free dog off of KSL will do. Obviously, fit the dog that matches your household. An ESA doesn't have public access. And it doesn't perform tasks. Only benefit is that it can be in a living place (not stident housing) where companion dogs can't be.

1. Make sure you know basic psychology, pack mentality, body language, and safety protocols, as well as proper training on how to manage different personality types.

2. Have some sort of SOP you are following to keep things safe.

3. Determine a schedule and routine so that you can manage every dog the same without giving too much freedom, causing loss of training or a resource guarding issue.

When you complete your profile, include photos of all the dogs you have taken care of (even if it was unpaid). Ask people whose pets you’ve taken care of to provide a testimonial. There is a link that is sent to their email. If for some reason they cannot provide testimonial, you could have that link sent an ask the person to write it on the basis of your character (reliable, dependable, trustworthy, etc), but that isn’t as meaningful to a pet parent. And promote your services in as many ways and places as you are comfortable. It may include notifying your friends and family and sharing your link. That could be handing out business cards when you’re out and meet a dog. That could also be promoting yourself online at places like craigslist and Facebook. (Since you’re a young woman, I’ll suggest: if you do that, In the interest of your personal safety — make sure all photos of you are professional and not flirty ).