Christmas is fast approaching, which means lots of people will be going on vacation. And for pet parents who can’t bring their pups with them for one reason or another, they’ll be looking for pet sitters to look after their fur babies while they’re away.

As a professional pet sitter, it’s time for you to gear up for the influx of work that’s bound to start coming in. That said, do you already have the tools in your arsenal to face the holidays head-on? If not, maybe it's time to start making a Christmas wish list of your own so that you can start restocking or adding to your pet care kit.

Don’t know what to ask for? Generally, this list should include things that can benefit your pet sitting business in a practical sense. And since the holidays are likely the busiest months of the year for you, you’ll need a lot of these supplies on-hand to meet the spike in client demand.

If you’re still in need of specific ideas, here are five gifts you can ask for this Christmas:

Branded Pet Merchandise

When it comes to leaving your mark on clients, a calling card can appear too formal. Consider replacing the traditional business card with custom pet merchandise that clients will love using on their fur babies. These custom items can include dog bandanas, dog bow ties, dog hats, and other customized accessories that have your business details on them, such as your business name, logo, and contact information.

Many types of pet merchandise are also easy to personalize, which beats just printing your name on a flat card. Additionally, because your clients will likely use these pet products regularly, they’ll be more likely to remember your business. Most of all, this creative and thoughtful approach is sure to be appreciated by pet owners who love dressing up their fur babies.

Dog Leashes for Pets of All Sizes

While they’re away, pet parents will want their dogs to stay fit and healthy. For many pet sitters, walking the dog is a tried and tested physical activity that helps keep pooches in tip-top shape. While most pet parents likely already have leashes for their pups, there’s no harm in playing it safe and bringing your own leashes to each pet sitting job. But if your current leashes are starting to look worn and torn, you might want to ask for new ones.

Also, remember that pet leashes aren’t one-size-fits-all. If possible, ask for pet leashes that come in different sizes and types. Depending on the temperament and size of the pup you’re looking after, you may need a shorter or longer leash to accommodate their walking style. A hands-free leash can also come in handy in case you need to keep a pup from running off while you’re busy cleaning up after them or answering a phone call from their owner.

Poop Bags

If you’re taking a pet on an extended walk, then you’ll definitely need enough poop bags on hand to deal with the mess they leave behind. For even longer walks, the pet you're looking after will likely poop more than once, too, which means you’ll need to do a lot of cleaning up.

So, don’t be shy to ask for rolls of pet poop bags as a gift this Christmas, as these items will provide you with a more convenient way to clean up after your furry wards. You can even add a dog poop bag pouch to your wish list so that you have an easy way to carry the poop bags around while you’re on the job.

Doggie Treats

If the pup you’re taking care of is on its best behavior, you’ll want to reward them with tasty little dog treats. Of course, you’ll want to stock up on snacks that are proven to be safe for most pups to consume. So, do your research, list down some well-loved dog treat brands, and add them to your wish list.

It may also be a good idea to ask for a durable dog treat bag to keep the snacks safely stored and neatly organized. If possible, request a dog treat bag that you can wear around your waist. That way, you can keep your hands free but also have easy access to the treats as you go about your pet sitting duties.

Lint Rollers

Ever gone home after a hard day’s work of pet sitting, only to find that there’s fur all over your favorite shirt? If so, you should include a lint roller in your holiday wish list. Not only can this help you clean yourself up, but you can even use it to distinguish yourself from other pet sitters. To be specific, right before your client comes home, you can quickly use a lint roller to remove pet hair from all of the furniture. Your clients will be sure to appreciate the fact you’ve gone the extra mile by cleaning things up before you leave.

Make sure you’re prepared for the holiday rush by requesting these practical gifts in advance. If you feel a little hesitant or embarrassed to ask, look at it this way: your closest friends and family would be the first to support your goals. And what better way than to help you out than by giving you the items you need for your pet sitting business?

So, don’t be afraid to add the pet merchandise listed above to your holiday wish list. With these products in your business inventory, you can spice up your branding, ensure that pets are on their best behavior, and keep your clients happy. All these can help you boost your productivity, effectiveness, and good reputation as a pet sitter—and your loved ones will be more than happy to gift you these intangible but priceless benefits for Christmas!