A Paw-rent Yourself? This Might Be the Perfect Side Hustle for You

January 10, 2025

By Brian Alba

7 min read

Hi, it's Brian, and if there’s one thing you should know about me, it’s that I absolutely adore animals. A few years ago, I never imagined that my love for furry friends could turn into a flexible and rewarding side hustle. But here I am, proudly pet-sitting and loving every minute of it. Today, I want to share with you how pet sitting can be an incredible opportunity—not just for earning extra money, but also for creating fulfilling, heartwarming experiences. Trust me, it's more than just “getting paid to cuddle cats and walk dogs,” though that’s a pretty sweet perk too!

A Paw-rent Yourself? This Might Be the Perfect Side Hustle for You

Whether you're considering a pet-sitting gig to fill your evenings or dreaming of turning it into a business, I’ve got all the info you need to get started. Plus, I’ll sprinkle in some “Weekly Nuggets” along the way to give you actionable tips that’ll enrich your life—because while this is about pets, I know you're looking for ways to thrive in other areas too.

What Exactly Does Pet Sitting Entail?

When I started pet sitting, I thought it was simple—feed the pets, take them for a walk, play for a bit, and call it a day. Oh, how wrong I was! While it’s definitely fun and rewarding, there’s a lot more to it. Pet sitting is about stepping into a caretaker role, being attentive, and sometimes going above and beyond to make sure those little tails wag with happiness.

Here’s what a typical day looks like for me as a pet sitter:

Grooming pets like brushing their fur or even brushing their teeth (yes, doggy toothpaste is a thing!).
Tidying up litter boxes and cages. Not exactly glamorous, but hey, it’s part of the job.
Administering medicine to pets who need a little extra care.
Walking dogs, sometimes several miles for high-energy breeds.
Feeding and hydrating pets.

I remember once taking care of a senior cat named Whiskers. He was on a strict medication schedule, and at first, I was nervous about whether I could handle it. But after a few days, we got into a rhythm, and it honestly felt so good to know I was helping him stay healthy.

Weekly Nugget: Always have a system for keeping track of important details. Whether it's a pet's feeding schedule or your own finances, a little organization can save you a lot of stress down the road!

What Makes a Great Pet Sitter?

If you’re wondering, “Do I have what it takes to be a pet sitter?” the answer is probably yes—if you love animals and are willing to learn. But beyond loving animals, there are a few key qualities that’ll set you up for success.

1. Patience, Compassion, and Flexibility

Not every pet will warm up to you right away. Trust me, I’ve had my share of standoffs with shy cats and scared pups. It takes patience and understanding to earn their trust. And being flexible? Well, it's essential when plans don’t go as expected—like the time I had to change my morning routine because a dog under my care decided that 5 a.m. was the perfect time for a bathroom break. Spoiler alert—it was not.

2. Great Communication Skills

You’ll need to be a good listener—not just to the pets but to their humans too. Every owner has certain quirks about how they want their beloved animal taken care of. Keeping them updated with texts, photos, or even fun little stories about their pet’s day helps build trust.

3. Willingness to Get Your Hands Dirty

Poop happens. Mud happens. Pets have their messes, and as a sitter, you’ll face them head-on. I once had to wipe peanut butter off a dog’s ears because, well… dogs and peanut butter are chaos magnets!

4. Time Management

Once, I had three back-to-back clients in different parts of town all in one day. It taught me how crucial time management is. Being punctual and staying organized is key to keeping both clients and pets happy.

Weekly Nugget: Treat pet sitting like any other business. Use calendars to stay on top of appointments and don’t forget to factor in extra time for traffic or that dog who takes forever to “go.”

How Much Can You Earn as a Pet Sitter?

Here’s the golden question, right? How much money can you make snuggling with cats or walking dogs? While it varies depending on your location and experience, pet sitters usually charge around $20-$30 per hour for home visits. I started at the lower end of the range when I was new but gradually raised my rates as I built a reputation.

During one holiday season, I had so many clients that I earned enough to cover most of my Christmas shopping. Pro tip? If you’re available for holidays, you can charge extra for your services. Many pet owners are desperate for sitters during those times.

Weekly Nugget: Set aside 10-20% of your earnings for rainy days or unexpected expenses. Treat pet sitting like a mini-business, and you'll thank yourself later when an extra cost pops up!

Creating Your Path as a Pet Sitter

Whether you want to work for yourself or partner with established platforms, you’ve got options. Personally, I’ve tried both, and each has its pros and cons.

Here’s how I built my business from scratch:

1. Gaining Experience

I started by offering my services to friends and family for free. This not only gave me experience but also word-of-mouth referrals. It was during this time that I mastered the art of walking three energetic Labradors simultaneously—trust me, it takes some skill! Volunteering at local shelters is another great way to gain hands-on experience.

2. Getting Certified

Getting certified through Pet Sitters International or a similar organization helped me stand out. I remember hesitating at first because of the cost, but looking back, it was one of the best investments I made in my side hustle. Clients love knowing they’re hiring someone who's trained and professional.

3. Purchasing Insurance

Insurance gives you peace of mind in case something unexpected happens. For a couple hundred bucks a year, it’s worth every penny to know you’re covered.

4. Setting Competitive Rates

I scoped out what others in my area were charging to make sure my rates were fair—not too low, not too high. Once you establish yourself, you’ll find that people are often willing to pay a premium for high-quality, dependable care.

If setting up your own business feels daunting, using platforms like Rover or Wag! is a great place to start. I’ve had positive experiences with Rover, mainly because of its flexibility. Just know that these platforms take a cut of your earnings, so factor that into your rates.

Here’s a quick breakdown of popular platforms:

Rover: Flexible rates and services, but a 20% cut.
Wag!: Requires endorsements and a background check, with a 40% service fee.
Care.com: Offers tiered memberships for access to job listings.
Fetch! Pet Care: Pairs you with clients but requires background checks and reporting.

Weekly Nugget: Keep an emergency kit on hand during gigs. Include a leash, treats, a first-aid kit, and doggie bags. Being prepared can make you a superhero in a pinch.

Is Pet Sitting Right for You?

Pet sitting isn’t for everyone, but if you love animals and have the time and energy for it, you’ll find the job incredibly rewarding. Looking back on my adventures, I’ve had my fair share of laughs, lessons, and furry cuddles—all while making some decent cash on the side.

If you decide to give it a shot, start small. Get your feet wet with a few gigs and see if it's a good fit. And don’t be afraid to talk to other pet sitters for tips—you’ll be surprised at the supportive community out there.

Start your pawsome career today, and who knows? Maybe one day, like me, you’ll find that this little side hustle turns into much more than just extra cash—it becomes a joyful part of your life.

Go ahead, take the first step. Trust me, the wagging tails and purring cuddles are worth it!

Brian Alba, Editorial Staff

Brian's passion for writing drives him to create informative and thought-provoking content. He aims to inspire and educate readers with his work. He is committed to perfecting his craft and pushing the limits of what can be achieved with writing.