If you’re an animal lover, have you ever thought about turning that love into a little extra cash?
Maybe you already watch your friend’s pets when they go out of town, why not make it official and start a pet-sitting side gig? People are always looking for a trustworthy sitter who actually cares about their pets, and if you’re that person, you might as well get paid for it.
As a dad and a proud dog parent myself, I know how stressful it can be to find someone reliable to take care of your fur babies. That’s why pet sitting is such a great option, it’s flexible, rewarding, and honestly, the demand is huge. If you’ve ever thought about it, now’s the perfect time to jump in.
When I started working from home, I knew I needed a way to bring in some extra cash without committing to a strict part-time job. I wanted something flexible, something I actually enjoyed, and that’s when pet sitting practically landed in my lap.
It all started with my daily walks. I’d gotten to know a lot of my neighbors just by taking my dogs out to the park. One day, a fellow pet parent asked if I’d be interested in watching her dog while she was away for work.
Since our dogs already got along, I figured, why not? I welcomed her pup into my home for the day and overnight, making sure to keep her updated with texts and pictures so she knew her fur baby was in good hands.
Before I knew it, word spread.
More neighbors started reaching out, and just like that, my little side hustle took off. I didn’t just stick to pet sitting either, I added dog walking and even cat sitting to the mix. It was the perfect setup: I got to spend time with animals, get outside, and earn money on my own schedule.
Now, I never planned on becoming a full-time pet sitter, but I can tell you this, if you love animals and want a flexible way to make money, this is a seriously solid option.
If you’re thinking about jumping into pet sitting, it helps to know why it’s such a great fit. The obvious reason? You get to spend your days hanging out with adorable pets, and honestly, what’s better than that?
But beyond the fun part, pet sitting is a flexible way to earn money while setting your own schedule. There’s a real demand for reliable sitters, too. Plenty of pet parents need help, whether it’s for long work hours, weekend trips, or the occasional overnight stay. If you build a solid network, you’ll have a steady stream of clients who trust you to care for their fur babies.
Now, you could sign up for pet-sitting apps to find clients, but those platforms take a cut of your earnings, and you don’t always get to keep direct contact with your customers. When you run your own thing, your clients stay your clients.
And here’s the best part, pet sitting can be a serious money-maker. According to Indeed, the average pet sitter pulls in around $40,000 per year after expenses. So whether you’re looking for a side gig or a full-time career, this could be the perfect way to turn your love for animals into extra cash.
Once you’ve decided pet sitting is the right gig for you, it’s time to figure out the details. A little planning goes a long way in making sure you start off on the right foot.
The easiest way to start is by offering pet sitting from your home, it’s convenient, keeps costs low, and lets you ease into things. But before you jump in, think about which services you’ll offer. Will you just do basic pet sitting, or will you also include dog walking, overnight stays, and playtime sessions? Getting clear on this will help you attract the right clients.
Some sitters prefer watching pets in their own home, while others travel to clients' houses. If you’re thinking about hosting pets, make sure your space is safe and comfortable. And if you already have pets, they’ll need to be friendly with new furry visitors, because the last thing you want is chaos in your home.
Pricing your services right is key. Charge too much, and you might struggle to get clients. Charge too little, and you won’t be making what you’re worth. The best way to figure out your rates? Check what other pet sitters in your area are charging and adjust based on the services you offer.
Once you’ve got your services and rates figured out, the next step is making sure your business is actually bringing in good money. The great news? Pet sitting can be very profitable if you price things right and stay competitive.
Before setting your rates, take a look at what other pet sitters and dog walkers in your area are charging. Apps like Rover show independent sitters earning anywhere from $20 to $45 per day, with overnight stays going as high as $150. Checking out these rates can give you a solid idea of what pet owners in your area are willing to pay.
Aside from apps, take some time to research local pet sitting businesses. Some have their prices listed on their websites, making it easy to compare. See what services they offer, what makes them stand out, and if there’s a gap you can fill. Whether it’s flexible hours, extra playtime, or even special care for senior pets, finding your niche can help you attract more clients.
Let’s talk numbers, it's probably why you're here anyways. A pet sitting business can be profitable, but like any business, it takes some planning.
On average, pet sitters can make around $40,000 per year after expenses. That’s a solid income for a flexible side gig, but keep in mind that your first year might come with more costs, things like licensing, insurance, supplies, and marketing.
As your client list grows, you might even consider hiring extra help. Sure, that means more expenses, but it also means more bookings and a bigger income. If a solo pet sitter can make $40,000, imagine doubling that by bringing on an extra pair of hands. It’s all about finding the right balance between growth and profit.
Now that you’ve done your research, it’s time to set your pet sitting and dog walking rates with confidence.
Professional pet sitters typically charge anywhere from $20 – $30 per day and $45 – $75 per night, according to HomeGuide.com. However, pricing can vary based on location, demand, and the specific services you offer.
Consider the following when finalizing your rates:
Remember, while pet sitting is a low-cost business to start, you’ll still have expenses. Factor in things like transportation, pet supplies, insurance, and marketing to ensure you’re not just breaking even, but actually making a profit.
Once you've set your rates, the next step is marketing your services to attract clients. Here’s how to get started:
If you’re just starting out and have a limited budget for marketing, begin with those closest to you. Share your services on social media, ask for referrals, and offer a small discount or incentive for first-time clients. Word-of-mouth is one of the most effective ways to grow your business, and positive reviews can help build credibility quickly.
Joining a platform like Rover can put you in front of potential clients instantly. While these sites take a percentage of your earnings, they provide a steady stream of leads without requiring upfront marketing expenses. Over time, you can transition to working with independent clients and keep more of your profits.
If pet sitting proves to be a sustainable business for you, it’s time to make it official. This includes setting up a business license, obtaining insurance, and investing in marketing. While this requires an initial investment, having a well-structured business will position you for long-term success.
While licensing requirements depend on where you live, there are still some essential expenses you’ll need to budget for when launching your pet sitting business.
A professional website helps establish credibility and allows clients to book your services easily. Domain registration through Namecheap is affordable, and hosting costs range from $4 to $35 per month. If you're not tech-savvy, consider hiring a designer or purchasing a theme to simplify the setup.
To boost visibility, using SurferSEO can help optimize your blog content for search engines, making it easier for pet owners to find you online.
Instead of managing appointments manually, invest in an online scheduling tool like Calendly (free plan available) or SimplyBook.me (starting at $10/month). This ensures seamless client bookings and saves you valuable time.
A contract protects both you and your clients by outlining services, terms, and responsibilities. You can draft your own and use Dropbox Sign to get digital signatures effortlessly.
Separating business finances from personal finances is crucial. For an easy and cost-effective option, consider using Wise or WealthSimple for international transactions and simplified banking.
Some areas require a business license or permits, which can range from $0 to $400+. Check with your local business licensing office or Chamber of Commerce to determine what you need.
Insurance isn’t mandatory everywhere, but it can protect you from liability and give clients peace of mind. Pet Care Insurance offers plans starting at around $129 per year.
Taking these steps will ensure your pet sitting business is set up for success with minimal hassle.
Starting a pet sitting business offers freedom, flexibility, and the chance to work with animals. It’s a low-cost side hustle that can be launched quickly, but having a solid plan and budgeting for expenses is key.
I love the idea of running a pet sitting business because it combines passion with profit. With the right setup, like a professional website, clear pricing, and good marketing, I can turn this into a reliable income stream. It’s a simple, flexible way to start working for myself while doing something I enjoy.
Disclosure: I may receive affiliate compensation for some of the links below at no cost to you if you decide to purchase a paid plan. You can read our affiliate disclosure in our privacy policy. This site is not intending to provide financial advice. This is for entertainment only.
