Key Takeaways
- Pet sitting and dog walking are easy, flexible, and profitable side hustles.
- Get started with friends, social media, and pet care apps like Rover.
- Build trust with clients through communication, updates, and reliability.
- Scale your side hustle with bundles, special services, and walking multiple pets.
- You can earn between $1,000–$3,000/month doing something you love.
Hey there, fellow animal lovers! If you’ve ever found yourself smiling at a wagging tail, melting at the sight of a kitten, or just longing for a side hustle that doesn’t involve staring at a screen for hours, welcome to the gig of your dreams.
In this guide, I’m going to give you a deep dive into how to make money pet sitting and dog walking. This isn’t theory – it’s based on my real-life journey.
Whether you’re looking to make some extra cash or build a solid pet care business, this post will teach you how to get started, where to find clients, how much you can make, and how to scale. Let’s get started!
Why Pet Sitting & Dog Walking Is the Ultimate Side Hustle
We live in a time where side hustles are everywhere, from food delivery to online tutoring. But for animal lovers, there’s something incredibly rewarding about making money while hanging out with pets.
Here’s Why This Side Hustle Rocks:
- 🐾 Low startup cost – No fancy equipment needed to begin.
- ⏰ Flexible schedule – Fit it around your job, school, or life.
- 💵 Immediate income – Many clients pay in cash or through apps.
- 🐕 Emotional benefits – Animals reduce stress and boost happiness.
- 🧍♀️ Active lifestyle – Walking dogs keeps you moving and fit.
If you’re passionate about pets, this is more than just a hustle—it’s a lifestyle.
What You Need to Start Pet Sitting or Dog Walking
The beauty of this side hustle is how easy it is to start. I started with just a leash, a phone, and a lot of enthusiasm.
Basic Essentials:
- Leash & harness (usually the pet owner provides these)
- Poop bags (ALWAYS bring more than you think you’ll need)
- Treats (check dietary restrictions first)
- Water bottle & collapsible dog bowl
- Phone with a GPS-tracking app
Personal Prep:
- Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing
- Good walking shoes
- Portable charger (for your phone and tracking apps)
- First-aid basics for pets
Knowledge & Skills:
- Understanding pet behavior and safety
- Confidence walking different breeds and sizes
- Basic cleaning for accidents (a lifesaver during house visits)
If you’re staying overnight or doing extended visits, you may also need:
- Toiletries (if staying at the pet owner’s house)
- Laptop/books for downtime
- Emergency vet numbers
How to Find Your First Clients
Finding your first few clients can feel like a challenge, but once you build a reputation, referrals will come naturally.
Start With Your Circle:
- Tell friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers
- Post on your personal social media (include pictures of pets!)
- Offer a discounted rate for your first few bookings to build trust
Use Online Platforms:
- Rover: Great for pet sitting and dog walking. Easy profile setup.
- Wag!: Dog walking, sitting, and boarding jobs available.
- Care.com: Broader platform, also includes pet sitting.
- Facebook Groups: Join local groups and post your services.
Go Local:
- Pin flyers in coffee shops, parks, pet stores, and vet offices
- Create business cards to hand out when walking dogs
- Ask your local shelter or rescue if they need help or referrals
Pro Tip: Offer a “meet & greet” so clients can see how well you connect with their pet.
How Much Money Can You Really Make?
Your earnings will depend on your area, your experience, and the services you offer. Here’s a look at my breakdown from when I started:
| Service | Rate | Sessions/Week | Weekly Income |
| Dog Walking (30 mins) | $15–$20 | 10–15 | $150–$300 |
| Overnight Sitting | $50–$70 | 2–3 | $100–$210 |
| Drop-In Visits | $20–$25 | 4–5 | $80–$125 |
| Weekend Care | $60–$100 | 1–2 | $60–$200 |
| Weekly Total | — | — | $390–$835 |
Monthly Total: Depending on how many jobs you take on, you can earn $1,000–$3,000/month.
As you gain experience, earn reviews, and build repeat clients, you can confidently increase your rates.
Real-Life Stories That Shaped My Business
Max, the High-Energy Labrador
Max was the first dog I ever walked. He was young, playful, and had enough energy to run a marathon. I learned the importance of handling strong dogs and using commands like “heel” and “wait.”
Bella, the Anxious Rescue
Bella’s owner warned me that she didn’t like strangers. I slowly approached her, gave her space, and within a few days, she would cuddle up with me on the couch. Bella taught me that patience builds trust.
Midnight, the Senior Poodle
Senior pets need extra care. Midnight was on meds, had joint issues, and required slow, short walks. This was my first experience administering medication and writing a detailed “pet report card” for the owner. They loved it—and became repeat clients!
Building Long-Term Trust With Clients
Getting your first gig is one thing — getting clients to come back is another. Here’s what made the difference for me:
- 📅 Be on time. Every time.
- 📸 Send daily photos or short videos
- 🐕 Provide detailed updates on behavior, mood, and bathroom breaks
- ✍️ Keep a pet journal or report card
- 🤗 Respect their home (if pet sitting in-house)
- 🐾 Remember birthdays or pet milestones (little gifts go a long way!)
Most of my income now comes from regulars who trust me like family. That’s how you build a sustainable business.
How to Scale Your Pet Sitting Business
Once you’re comfortable with a few clients, it’s time to grow!
Strategies That Worked for Me:
- 🐶 Walk multiple dogs (if they’re social and get along)
- 🛍️ Offer bundles (e.g. 5 walks for a discount)
- 🏡 Add house sitting, plant care, or mail pickup
- 🛁 Offer grooming add-ons like baths or brushing
- 🐕🦺 Specialize in senior dogs, big breeds, or puppies
Eventually, you might:
- Build your own website
- Hire help
- Create a branded pet care business
💡 Advanced Tips & Tricks
- ⏰ Use a scheduling app to stay organized (TimeTree, Google Calendar)
- 📱 Use GPS apps like DogLog or the built-in Rover GPS tool
- 💳 Accept mobile payments (PayPal, Venmo, Square)
- 📷 Take professional-style photos for pet parents (they love this!)
- 🧾 Keep track of income/expenses for tax time
Bonus Tip: Keep an emergency kit in your bag—gloves, wound spray, small bandages, hand sanitizer, and a flashlight.
📱 Best Apps and Tools
| App | What It’s Good For | Why It’s Awesome |
| Rover | Dog walking & pet sitting | Easy to use, built-in insurance |
| Wag! | Quick walking gigs | Built-in ratings & job alerts |
| DogLog | Track walks, feedings, and meds | Keeps you and pet owners informed |
| TimeTree | Scheduling | Share the calendar with pet parents |
| Canva | Making flyers or Insta posts | Great for marketing your services |
Final Words
Pet sitting and dog walking have entirely changed my life. What started as a side job has turned into a satisfying part of my day. I’ve met great pets, developed real connections with their owners, and appreciated the freedom to make my own schedule.
This could be the side job for you if you want one that is less stressful, more gratifying, and full of cute joy. Start small, be consistent, and watch your client list grow. You’ve got this!
FAQs
Q: Can I do this without experience?
Yes! Start with friends or family. Offer free or low-cost services for your first few clients and ask for reviews.
Q: What if a dog is aggressive?
Ask in advance. If you’re uncomfortable, say no. Your safety comes first.
Q: How do I get reviews?
Ask after a successful job. Provide a link to your profile. You can also offer a small discount in exchange for a testimonial.
Q: Should I get insurance?
If you’re full-time, yes. Apps like Rover include limited coverage, but additional liability insurance gives you peace of mind.
Q: Can I turn this into a full-time career?
Definitely. With repeat clients, packages, add-on services, and good marketing—you can make a full-time income from pet care.
