Pet sitting sounds like the ultimate side hustle—playing with dogs, snuggling with cats, and getting paid for it? Yep, it’s a thing. And some people are cashing in big-time. Take Kevin Lou, for example. He pulled in over $26,000 in just one year using Rover, an app that connects pet sitters with pet owners. That’s real money—enough to cover rent, stack up savings, or even replace a 9-to-5. So, how did he do it? And more importantly, how can you start making money with pet sitting, even if you’ve never done it before? Let’s break it down!
Step 1: Set Up Your Pet-Sitting Profile Like a Pro
First things first—you need a solid profile if you want people to trust you with their pets. Signing up on apps like Rover or Wag is easy, but your profile is what gets you bookings. Think of it like your pet-sitting resume.
Here’s how to make yours stand out:
- Upload a friendly, clear photo of yourself—pet owners want to see the person they’re trusting with their fur babies.
- Write a bio that shows personality. Love animals? Say it! Have experience walking your neighbor’s dog? Mention it!
- Be specific about what services you offer. Can you handle big dogs? Administer medicine? Take care of senior pets? The more details, the better.
If you’re looking for more ways to stand out in the gig economy, check out this guide on Gen Z side hustles—because pet sitting is just one of many ways to start making cash on your own terms.
Step 2: Set Your Rates the Right Way
One of the biggest mistakes new pet sitters make? Charging way too little. That’s exactly what Kevin did at first—he started with low prices, thinking it would get him more clients. But here’s the problem: cheap pricing makes people think you’re inexperienced.
So, what should you charge? That depends on:
- Where you live (big cities usually pay more).
- The type of pet care (overnight stays = more money).
- Extra services like giving meds or multiple daily walks.
Kevin started small, but as he got more experience and reviews, he worked his way up to charging $170 per day for house sitting. The key is to start at a reasonable rate, get good reviews, and then gradually increase your prices. Need more pricing strategies? Check out this breakdown on how one person made $21K with side hustles—because the same principles apply here.
Step 3: Getting Clients—Kevin’s Secret Weapon? TikTok!
Word of mouth is great, but Kevin did something even smarter—he used social media to promote his services. He posted fun pet care videos on TikTok, and boom! People loved them. His videos didn’t just get likes—they got him clients, even from out of state.
If TikTok isn’t your thing, don’t worry. Just doing a great job and getting good reviews will also bring in business. More reviews = more bookings. And if you want another way to get ahead, using checklists to stay organized can help make sure you always deliver top-notch service.
The Not-So-Fun Stuff (Because It’s Not All Cuddles)
Let’s be real—pet sitting isn’t just about hanging out with adorable animals. Sometimes, things go sideways. Kevin had a job where a tree literally fell on the house he was watching! (Thankfully, no one was hurt.)
Then there’s the fact that pets can be sneaky. Some try to escape. Others have accidents. Some need meds or special care. You’ve got to be patient, responsible, and ready for surprises.
Handling the Unexpected Like a Pro
No one likes surprises when it comes to taking care of pets. Here’s how to be prepared:
- Learn basic pet first aid—knowing what to do in an emergency can make all the difference.
- Always ask pet owners for vet info and emergency contacts before taking a job.
- Send updates (photos, videos) so pet owners feel at ease knowing their pets are safe and happy.
For a deeper dive into the importance of being prepared in any hustle, check out this post on tiny habits every side hustler needs.
Talk to Pet Owners Before You Accept a Job
Miscommunication = problems. Before taking a job, ask these key questions:
- What does the pet need daily? (Food, walks, meds?)
- Any behavior quirks? (Does the dog chew shoes? Does the cat disappear for hours?)
- Who do you call in an emergency?
Setting clear expectations upfront means no surprises—for you or the pet owner.
How Much Money Do Pet Sitters Really Make?
So, Kevin made $26,000, but he didn’t keep all of it. Apps like Rover take about 20%, meaning if you charge $100, you pocket $80.
You also have expenses like:
- Gas (for driving to pet homes).
- Treats, toys, or supplies.
- Pet insurance (optional, but worth considering).
Even after costs, pet sitting can still be a great money-maker, especially if you’re smart about pricing and efficiency. And if you love the idea of making money without a traditional job, check out this story of how someone made $15K online without special skills.
Is Pet Sitting Right for You?
If you:
- Love animals.
- Are responsible and reliable.
- Have a flexible schedule.
…then yes, pet sitting could be a perfect side hustle! It’s not always easy, but if you do it right, it can be both fun and profitable.
Kevin started with zero experience and turned it into a solid income. You can too! Who knows? You might just find yourself running a full-blown pet care business before you know it.
And if you’re looking for more ways to make money on your own terms, this article on financial independence is a great place to start. Because whether it’s pet sitting or another side hustle, the goal is the same—more money, more freedom, and less stress.
