Best Side Hustles for Pet Sitting
Pet sitting is a rewarding side hustle that allows you to earn money while spending time with animals.
Whether you’re a pet lover or simply looking for an extra income stream, pet sitting can be a flexible and enjoyable option. In Canada, pet sitting is a growing industry with a strong demand for reliable pet care providers. Below are some of the best pet sitting side hustles for Canadians, including income potential, tools, and resources to help you get started.
Rover
Rover is one of the most popular platforms for pet sitting, dog walking, and other pet-related services. As a Rover sitter, you can offer dog walking, overnight stays, drop-in visits, and other services that pet owners may need. It’s a great platform for beginners and seasoned pet sitters alike, offering flexibility in terms of when and where you work.
Income Potential:
Depending on your location and the services you provide, you can earn anywhere from $15 to $50+ per visit. Rover also allows sitters to set their own rates, so you can increase your earnings based on your experience and reputation.
Tools and Resources:
- Rover Profile: Create a detailed profile to attract clients and showcase your pet care expertise.
- Rover App: Manage bookings, communicate with clients, and receive payments through the Rover app.
How to Get Started:
PetBacker
PetBacker is another popular pet sitting platform in Canada, offering a range of services including dog walking, pet boarding, and grooming. As a pet sitter on PetBacker, you can set your own schedule and accept jobs that fit your availability. PetBacker also provides pet insurance for sitters to ensure peace of mind.
Income Potential:
Pet sitters can earn between $20 to $60 per day depending on the services offered, location, and demand. PetBacker’s competitive fee structure can help maximize your earnings.
Tools and Resources:
- PetBacker App: Allows you to manage bookings and track payments.
- PetBacker Insurance: Offers pet sitter insurance coverage for added security.
How to Get Started:
Care.com
Care.com is a well-established platform for various caregiving services, including pet sitting. You can list your pet sitting services on Care.com, where you can connect with clients seeking trusted care for their pets. Care.com offers flexible scheduling and a wide range of service options, from dog walking to overnight stays.
Income Potential:
Income varies widely, but pet sitters can typically earn between $15 and $50+ per hour, depending on the services provided and the client’s needs.
Tools and Resources:
- Care.com Profile: Create a professional profile showcasing your pet care experience and references.
- Background Check: Care.com offers background checks to help you build trust with potential clients.
How to Get Started:
Wag!
Wag! is a popular dog walking and pet sitting platform that allows you to offer services like dog walking, pet sitting, and drop-in visits. With Wag!, you can choose your schedule and work as much or as little as you want. It's a great option if you're looking to work with dogs specifically, and it’s available in select Canadian cities.
Income Potential:
Wag! offers competitive pay, and dog walkers and sitters can earn anywhere from $15 to $25 per walk or sitting session. The more clients you serve and the better your reviews, the higher your potential income.
Tools and Resources:
- Wag! App: Manage your schedule, track your earnings, and communicate with clients through the app.
- Training Resources: Wag! offers training resources to help you improve your pet care skills and increase your earning potential.
How to Get Started:
Local Pet Sitting Business
If you prefer not to work through platforms like Rover or PetBacker, you can start your own local pet sitting business. This allows you to set your own rates, schedule, and directly build relationships with clients. You’ll have more control over your business, and you can focus on the services that interest you most, whether it’s dog walking, overnight stays, or pet boarding.
Income Potential:
As a local pet sitter, you have the potential to earn more since you’re not paying platform fees. Depending on your location and demand, you can charge between $20 and $60 per day or more for services like overnight pet sitting.
Tools and Resources:
- Website or Social Media: Create a website or social media profiles to market your services and build your reputation.
- Payment Tools: Use tools like PayPal, Square, or direct bank transfers to accept payments from clients.
How to Get Started:
Pet Sitting Agencies
If you prefer working with an established agency, many local pet sitting companies in Canada hire pet sitters on a part-time or full-time basis. These agencies handle the marketing and client acquisition, allowing you to focus on providing high-quality pet care.
Income Potential:
Working with an agency, you may earn hourly wages or per-service fees, typically ranging from $15 to $30 per hour.
Tools and Resources:
- Agency Training: Agencies often provide training and support to ensure you’re ready to care for pets in the best possible way.
- Client Management: Agencies will manage client communication and payment, freeing you from administrative tasks.
How to Get Started:
Conclusion
Pet sitting is an ideal side hustle for Canadians who love animals and want to make extra income. Whether you choose to work through an online platform like Rover or PetBacker, or start your own business, there are plenty of opportunities to earn money while doing something you enjoy. Explore these platforms and resources to get started and begin your pet sitting journey today!