Are you an animal lover looking to earn extra money? A pet sitting and dog walking side hustle could be the perfect way to turn your passion into profit. In 2025, with pet ownership on the rise—70% of U.S. households own a pet—demand for reliable pet care is booming. Whether you’re cuddling cats or walking dogs, this flexible gig lets you set your own schedule and make cash doing what you love. Let’s explore how to start a pet sitting and dog walking side hustle, including tips, earnings, and what you need to succeed.

Why Pet Sitting and Dog Walking Are Great Side Hustles

Pet sitting and dog walking are ideal for those who want a low-cost, flexible side hustle. You don’t need fancy equipment or a degree—just a love for animals and a knack for responsibility. Plus, it’s a feel-good gig that lets you spend time with furry friends while earning money. Here’s how to get started and make the most of this rewarding side hustle.

Getting Started with Pet Sitting and Dog Walking

1. Assess Your Skills and Availability

Love animals? Great! But you’ll also need reliability, good communication, and basic pet care knowledge (e.g., feeding, administering meds, or handling emergencies).

• Time Commitment: Decide how many hours you can dedicate. Dog walking often requires 20–60-minute sessions, while pet sitting may involve overnight stays.
• Pro Tip: Take a pet first-aid course (online or local) to boost your credibility.

2. Set Up Your Services

Choose what you’ll offer: dog walking, in-home pet sitting, drop-in visits, or a mix. Define your service area (e.g., within 5 miles of your home) to manage travel time.

• Equipment Needed: Leashes, poop bags, treats, and a reliable phone. Total startup cost: $20–$50.
• Pro Tip: Get pet-sitting insurance (around $100–$200/year) for peace of mind and client trust.

3. Find Clients

Start small by offering services to friends, family, or neighbors. Then, expand through these platforms:

Rover

A leading pet care marketplace offering dog walking, pet sitting, boarding, house sitting, and doggy daycare. You create a profile, set your rates, and connect with pet owners seeking personalized care. Rover is known for fostering long-term client relationships.

Wag!

Focused on on-demand services, Wag! specializes in dog walking, pet sitting, boarding, drop-ins, and training. It uses GPS tracking and lockboxes for convenience, ideal for quick bookings.

Local Networks: Post flyers at vet clinics, pet stores, or community boards. Join local Facebook groups or Nextdoor.

Pro Tip: Create a simple profile with photos of you with pets to build trust. Ask early clients for reviews.

How Much Can You Earn?

Earnings from a pet sitting and dog walking side hustle vary based on location, services, and demand. Here’s a breakdown:

• Dog Walking:
  • Hourly Rate: $15–$30 per walk (typically 30–60 minutes). Urban areas like New York or San Francisco may pay $25–$40.
  • Example: Walking 3 dogs daily (1 hour each) at $20/walk = $60/day or $300/week for 5 days.
• Pet Sitting:
  • Daily Rate: $25–$50 for drop-in visits; $50–$100 for overnight stays. Rates are higher for multiple pets or special needs.
  • Example: One overnight stay at $75/night for 3 nights = $225. Two 30-minute drop-ins daily at $20 each = $40/day.
• Factors Affecting Earnings:
  • Location: Big cities pay more due to higher demand and cost of living.
  • Experience: Established sitters with great reviews can charge 20–30% more.
  • Holidays: Peak times like Thanksgiving or summer vacations can double rates due to demand.
• Net Earnings: After platform fees (if using Rover/Wag!), gas, and supplies, expect to keep 70–80% of your gross. For example, $500 gross weekly could net $350–$400.
• Pro Tip: Offer package deals (e.g., five walks for $90) or add-ons like pet photos to boost income.

Pros of Pet Sitting and Dog Walking

• Flexible Hours: Work mornings, evenings, or weekends to fit your schedule.
• Low Startup Costs: Minimal investment in supplies and no formal training required.
• Fun and Rewarding: Spend time with animals, get exercise, and build bonds with pets and owners.
• Scalable: Start with a few clients and grow to a full-time gig if desired.

Cons of Pet Sitting and Dog Walking

• Unpredictable Schedules: Last-minute bookings or cancellations can disrupt plans.
• Physical Demands: Walking multiple dogs or handling energetic pets can be tiring.
• Liability Risks: Accidents (e.g., a dog biting someone) could lead to legal issues. Insurance helps mitigate this.
• Income Variability: Earnings dip during off-peak seasons or if clients travel less.

Tips for Success

1. Build a Stellar Reputation: Be punctual, communicate clearly, and send clients updates (e.g., photos of their happy pup). Great reviews attract more bookings.
2. Market Yourself: Use social media to share cute pet pics (with owner permission) or post about your services on X or Instagram.
3. Upsell Services: Offer grooming, training, or extended playtime for extra fees.
4. Stay Organized: Use apps like Time To Pet to track bookings, invoices, and client details.

Paws and Profit: Your Next Step

A pet sitting and dog walking side hustle is more than just a job—it’s a chance to turn your love for animals into a steady income stream, earning $15–$100 per service. With low startup costs, flexible hours, and a growing pet care market, 2025 is the perfect time to start. Begin with one client, build your reputation, and watch your furry empire grow. So, grab a leash, stock up on treats, and start making cash while making tails wag. What’s the first pet you’d love to care for on your journey to pet-sitting success?