.svg)
Latest Business News
How to Make Money With a Petsitting Side Gig This Summer
Pet sitting side gigs are becoming increasingly popular. According to a 2022 survey by Rover, a pet sitting and dog walking app, 62% of pet owners have used a pet sitter in the past year. And, of those who have used a pet sitter, 74% were satisfied with the service.
There are a number of reasons why pet sitting side gigs are becoming so popular. First, more and more people are working long hours or traveling for work, which leaves them with less time to care for their pets. Second, pet sitting is a great way to make extra money, especially for people who love animals. And third, pet sitting can be a flexible way to work, as you can set your own hours and work as much or as little as you want.
If you're considering starting a pet sitting side gig, there are a few things you need to do to get started. First, you need to get certified as a pet sitter. This will show potential clients that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to care for their pets. Second, you need to create a profile on a pet sitting website or app. This will allow you to market your services to potential clients. And third, you need to be reliable and trustworthy. This means being on time for appointments, following pet owners' instructions, and being respectful of their pets.
If you're willing to put in the effort, starting a pet sitting side gig can be a great way to make extra money and spend time with animals.
Here are some tips for starting a pet sitting side gig:
- Get certified: There are a number of different pet sitting certification programs available. These programs will teach you about animal care, first aid, and pet behavior.
- Create a profile: Create a profile on a pet sitting website or app. This will allow you to market your services to potential clients.
- Be reliable: Be on time for appointments, follow pet owners' instructions, and be respectful of their pets.
- Be professional: Dress appropriately, be polite, and communicate effectively with pet owners.
- Be insured: Get liability insurance to protect yourself in case of an accident.
Help Pet Owners with Their Summer Travel
According to a recent survey by marketing firm Prodege, 45% of Americans plan to travel more this summer than they did last, resulting in a need for pet care services. If you're looking for a summer side hustle, consider petsitting. Whether it's dropping in to feed and play with cats or staying overnight with dogs, there are various opportunities to help pet owners and earn money.
Find Pet-Sitting Opportunities
If you're interested in petsitting, check out websites like Care.com, Wag!, Rover, and Sittercity for available opportunities. These platforms offer a range of options, from dog walking to house sitting. Dog walkers, for example, can earn an average of $20 to $50 per hour. Just be sure to review each website's fees and membership prices before signing up.
Pay Range for Pet-Sitters
The pay range for pet sitters can vary depending on a number of factors, including the location, the experience of the pet sitter, and the services provided. However, in general, pet sitters can expect to earn anywhere from $15 to $50 per hour.
Here is a breakdown of the average hourly rates for pet sitters in different locations:
- Urban areas: Pet sitters in urban areas typically earn higher rates than pet sitters in rural areas. This is because the demand for pet sitting services is higher in urban areas, and pet sitters can charge more for their services.
- Experience: Pet sitters with more experience typically earn higher rates than pet sitters with less experience. This is because they have a proven track record of providing quality pet sitting services.
- Services provided: Pet sitters who provide additional services, such as walking dogs, grooming pets, or providing overnight care, typically earn higher rates than pet sitters who only provide basic services, such as feeding and watering pets.
In addition to hourly rates, pet sitters may also charge a flat fee for overnight stays or for boarding pets. The average flat fee for overnight stays is around \$50, and the average flat fee for boarding pets is around \$100.
The best way to determine the pay range for pet sitters in your area is to research the rates of other pet sitters in your area. You can also ask your friends, family, and neighbors for recommendations for pet sitters.
Here are some tips for getting paid as a pet sitter:
- Set your rates: Once you know what the average rates are in your area, you can set your own rates. Be sure to consider your experience and the services you provide when setting your rates.
- Market your services: Let people know that you are available to pet sit. You can do this by creating a website or social media page, or by word-of-mouth.
- Be reliable: Be on time for your appointments and be reliable. This will help you build a good reputation and attract repeat customers.
- Be credible and professional: Be friendly and respectful to pet owners and their pets. This will help you create a positive experience for everyone involved.
Maximize Your Earnings
When using platforms like Rover, keep in mind that the site takes a percentage of your pay. Daniella Flores, founder of the side hustle blog I Like to Dabble, suggests informing pet owners about this and emphasizing the importance of tips to make up for it. Alternatively, you can offer your services directly to neighbors with pets to avoid paying platform fees.
Consider a Unique Pet-Sitting Gig
In addition to traditional pet-sitting, there are also unique pet-oriented gigs available. For example, you can become a dog park chaperone, picking up dogs and taking them to the park for a couple of hours. This option is especially appealing if you live in an area with a popular dog park or have access to a vehicle to transport the dogs. You can advertise your services on local Facebook groups or through word of mouth and charge around $15 to $20 per dog.
The Potential Impact on a New Pet-Sitting Business
Petsitting can be a lucrative summer side hustle, especially with the increasing number of Americans planning to travel this summer. If you're considering starting a new pet-sitting business, there are several key factors to keep in mind.
Market Demand
The survey by Prodege indicates a growing need for pet care services, opening up opportunities for new businesses in the industry. As more people travel, the demand for reliable and trustworthy pet sitters will continue to rise. By positioning your business to meet this demand, you can tap into a profitable market.
Online Platforms
Websites like Care.com, Wag!, Rover, and Sittercity offer a convenient way to find pet-sitting opportunities. As a new business, leveraging these platforms can help you reach a wider audience of potential clients. However, it's important to consider the platform fees and membership costs associated with these sites before signing up.
Maximizing Earnings
To maximize your earnings as a new pet-sitting business, it's crucial to educate pet owners about potential platform fees. By emphasizing the importance of tips to offset these costs, you can encourage clients to compensate you more generously. Additionally, consider offering your services directly to neighbors or local communities to avoid platform fees altogether.
Innovation and Unique Opportunities
Setting yourself apart from competitors can be key to the success of your pet-sitting business. Think creatively and consider unique pet-oriented gigs, such as being a dog park chaperone. By offering specialized services that cater to specific needs or preferences, you can attract a niche clientele and potentially charge higher rates.
Overall, a new pet-sitting business has the potential to thrive in the summer market. By understanding the market demand, utilizing online platforms effectively, maximizing your earnings, and exploring unique opportunities, you can set yourself up for success and make the most of the growing pet care industry.
Article First Published at: https://www.cnbc.com/2023/07/08/how-to-start-a-side-hustle-as-a-pet-sitter-.html
