Looking for a fun way to earn some extra money for your next vacation while getting a little exercise at the same time? Pet sitting and dog walking might be the perfect side hustle for you! It’s a great way to spend time with animals, get outdoors, and put some extra cash in your pocket. Plus, with the right approach, you can turn it into a steady source of income that helps cover vacation expenses like airfare, hotel stays, or activities.

In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about starting a pet-sitting or dog-walking side gig, including overviews of some popular platforms, how to get started, what you can expect from each job, and tips to maximize your earnings. Let’s dive in!

Why Pet Sitting or Dog Walking?

Pet sitting and dog walking have become increasingly popular side gigs for people who love animals and want a flexible way to make extra money. Here’s why it’s such a great option:

  • Flexible Schedule: You can choose when and how often you want to work, making it easy to fit around a full-time job or other commitments.
  • Great for Pet Lovers: Spend time with dogs, cats, and other pets while getting paid!
  • Low Startup Costs: Unlike other side gigs, you don’t need special equipment or training to get started—just a love for animals and a willingness to care for them.
  • Potential to Earn Extra Cash Quickly: With demand for pet sitters and dog walkers high in many areas, you can start earning as soon as you sign up.

Top Platforms for Pet Sitting and Dog Walking

Here are a few of the best online platforms for finding pet-sitting and dog-walking jobs. Each platform has its own benefits, so let’s break them down:

1. Rover

Overview:
Rover is one of the most popular platforms for pet sitting and dog walking in the United States. It connects pet sitters and dog walkers with pet owners in their local area. As a Rover sitter or walker, you can set your own rates and availability, making it easy to fit into your schedule.

How to Sign Up:

  • Create a Profile: Go to www.rover.com and click on “Become a Sitter.” You’ll need to create a detailed profile, including information about your experience with animals and the services you offer (such as dog walking, drop-in visits, or overnight stays).
  • Background Check: Rover requires a background check for all sitters. This is for the safety of the pets and the peace of mind of their owners.
  • Set Your Rates: You have the flexibility to set your own rates. The average rates on Rover are around $20-$30 per walk or $25-$60 per night for overnight stays, depending on location and services offered.

What to Expect:

  • Variety of Jobs: You’ll find opportunities ranging from quick walks to full-time pet sitting in the owner’s home. There’s also the option to board pets at your own home if you have space.
  • Get Paid Securely: Payments are made through the Rover platform and are typically deposited into your bank account within two days of completing a service.
  • Potential Earnings: Many pet sitters report making $500 to $1,000 per month part-time on Rover, while those who do it full-time can earn even more.

Pro Tip: To stand out, make sure your profile has high-quality photos, detailed descriptions, and a clear summary of your pet care experience. Positive reviews will help you build credibility and attract more clients.

2. Wag!

Overview:
Wag! is another well-known platform for dog walking and pet sitting. Known for its “Uber for dog walking” approach, Wag! makes it easy for dog owners to find walkers and sitters on short notice. If you’re looking for more consistent work or prefer shorter jobs, Wag! might be the right fit.

How to Sign Up:

  • Apply Online: Go to www.wagwalking.com and apply to become a walker or sitter. You’ll need to complete a quiz on dog handling, safety, and the Wag! policies.
  • Background Check: Wag! also requires a background check as part of the application process.
  • Set Your Availability: You can choose your working hours and accept jobs that fit your schedule. Wag! sends you notifications for nearby jobs, allowing you to accept or decline as you prefer.

What to Expect:

  • Fast-Paced Environment: Wag! is known for its on-demand dog walking, meaning you’ll often get last-minute requests. It’s ideal for those who have a flexible schedule and want to pick up work quickly.
  • Average Pay: Walkers on Wag! can earn between $12 and $20 per walk, depending on the length of the walk and location. Sitters and boarders can earn more by offering overnight services.
  • Tips: Pet owners can tip directly through the app, which can boost your earnings significantly.

Pro Tip: Wag! offers insurance coverage for walkers, which provides added protection if anything happens while you’re walking a dog. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the insurance policy and safety guidelines before starting.

3. Care.com

Overview:
Care.com is a versatile platform that connects families with caregivers, including pet sitters and dog walkers. While it’s not exclusively for pet care, it’s a great option if you’re looking to offer a variety of services like child care, senior care, and pet care all in one place.

How to Sign Up:

  • Create a Profile: Visit www.care.com and create a profile. Highlight your pet care skills and experience, and specify the types of services you offer (e.g., walking, sitting, boarding).
  • Complete a Background Check: Care.com offers a background check option to increase your visibility to potential clients, but it’s not always required.
  • Search for Jobs: Unlike Rover and Wag!, where clients find you, Care.com allows you to search for job listings and apply directly to those that match your skills and availability.

What to Expect:

  • Broader Range of Jobs: Care.com offers a more diverse range of pet-sitting opportunities, from regular walks to week-long pet sitting gigs while the owner is on vacation.
  • Set Your Own Rates: You’ll have complete control over your pricing and the types of services you offer, but rates tend to vary widely based on location.
  • Potential Earnings: Depending on the type of service and location, pet sitters on Care.com can earn $15 to $50 per visit or $30 to $80 per overnight stay.

Pro Tip: When creating your profile, emphasize any special skills you have, like experience with senior dogs or administering medication. This can help you attract clients with specific needs and increase your earning potential.

Tips for Maximizing Your Pet Sitting Income

Now that you know about some of the top platforms for pet sitting and dog walking, here are some tips to help you maximize your earnings:

  • Offer Multiple Services: Consider offering both dog walking and pet sitting to broaden your client base. You might also offer services like drop-in visits, feeding, or medication administration for pets with special needs.
  • Be Responsive: Respond quickly to job requests to show that you’re reliable. This will help you get more bookings and positive reviews.
  • Focus on Building Reviews: Good reviews are essential for attracting new clients. Provide excellent service, communicate clearly with pet owners, and always follow their instructions for caring for their pets.
  • Consider Holiday Work: Pet sitting is in high demand during the holidays when families are traveling. Offering your services during peak times can help you earn extra cash quickly.

Conclusion: Start Earning Extra Cash Today with Pet Sitting

Pet sitting and dog walking are fantastic ways to make extra money while spending time with furry friends. Platforms like Rover, Wag!, and Care.com make it easy to connect with pet owners in your area and start earning right away. Whether you’re saving for a weekend getaway or a big family vacation, these side hustles can help you reach your goals faster.

Ready to start your pet-sitting journey? Sign up on one of these platforms, create a standout profile, and start making extra money while enjoying the company of some adorable pets. Your vacation fund will thank you!