Best Side Hustles for Pet Training

Pet training is a growing industry, with pet owners seeking assistance in obedience training, behavior modification, and specialized skills. Here are some of the best side hustles for pet training in Canada, including brief descriptions, income potential, and links on how to get started.

Obedience Training

Obedience training focuses on teaching pets basic commands such as "sit," "stay," and "come." This service is in high demand, as many pet owners want well-behaved pets but lack the time or expertise to train them.

Income Potential:

$25 to $50 per hour.

How to Get Started:

• Complete a pet training certification program.
• Advertise your services on platforms like Rover or Kijiji.
• Network with local veterinarians and pet stores.

Behavior Modification

This involves addressing specific behavioral issues such as aggression, excessive barking, or anxiety. Behavior modification requires specialized knowledge and training.

Income Potential:

$40 to $100 per hour.

How to Get Started:

• Obtain certification in animal behavior, such as through The Academy for Dog Trainers.
• Join pet training forums and groups to learn and connect.
• Offer free initial consultations to build your portfolio.

Puppy Training Classes

Puppy training classes help new pet owners teach their young dogs foundational skills and socialize them properly. These classes are typically held in groups, making them cost-effective for clients.

Income Potential:

$100 to $200 per class (group setting).

How to Get Started:

• Rent a space at a community center or partner with a local pet store.
• Create a curriculum covering topics like house training, leash walking, and socialization.
• Use Eventbrite to market and manage class registrations.

Agility Training

Agility training is for pet owners interested in competitive sports for their dogs. It involves teaching dogs how to navigate obstacle courses, improving their physical and mental fitness.

Income Potential:

$50 to $75 per session.

How to Get Started:

• Gain experience by volunteering at local agility clubs or events.
• Get certified through organizations like Agility Association of Canada.
• Offer private lessons or group classes at a nearby park.

Service Animal Training

Training service animals involves teaching dogs skills to assist individuals with disabilities. This is a specialized and rewarding side hustle that can also command higher fees.

Income Potential:

$50 to $150 per hour.

How to Get Started:

• Complete a service animal training certification through programs like Assistance Dogs International.
• Partner with local disability organizations to find clients.
• Offer your services through specialized directories or government programs.

Online Pet Training Courses

With the rise of remote work, many pet trainers now offer virtual training sessions or create pre-recorded courses that pet owners can purchase.

Income Potential:

$500 to $2,000 per course.

How to Get Started:

• Record training videos and upload them to platforms like Teachable or Udemy.
• Market your courses on social media and through pet forums.
• Provide free introductory content on YouTube to attract clients.

Pet Training Workshops

Workshops are short-term, intensive training sessions focused on specific topics such as leash manners or recall skills. These can be tailored for groups or individuals.

Income Potential:

$200 to $500 per workshop.

How to Get Started:

• Collaborate with local pet businesses to host workshops.
• Promote your workshops on Facebook Events and Meetup.
• Gather testimonials from participants to build credibility.

Conclusion

Pet training side hustles in Canada are not only lucrative but also allow you to work with animals and make a positive impact on their lives. Whether you specialize in obedience training, behavior modification, or agility, there’s a growing demand for skilled trainers. Start by gaining certifications, marketing your services online and offline, and building a portfolio of happy clients and well-trained pets.