Dog Walking and Pet Sitting: Easy Side Hustles for 2025
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to start your own pet care side hustle—from how much you can earn to how to find clients, market your services, and even turn it into a full-time business.
Why Pet Sitting and Dog Walking Are Perfect for Side Income
Pet sitting as a side hustle has grown massively in popularity, especially with more pet owners needing help during travel or long work hours. And the best part? It’s easy to start even if you're a beginner.
Here’s why it's a great side hustle:
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Low cost to start: You don’t need a license, expensive gear, or an office.
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Flexible schedule: Work around your main job or school hours.
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High demand: Millions of households own pets and need trustworthy care.
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Fulfilling work: You get paid to play with dogs, care for cats, and enjoy fresh air.
If you're looking for a side hustle for animal lovers, pet care services like walking, sitting, or drop-in visits are some of the most rewarding and accessible options available today.
How Much Can You Make as a Dog Walker or Pet Sitter?
The amount you can earn from dog walking or pet sitting depends on your location, the services you offer, and your availability. However, even on a part-time basis, this side hustle has real income potential.
Average Earnings Breakdown
| Service | Typical Rate | Estimated Monthly Earnings (PT) |
|---|---|---|
| Dog Walking | $15 – $25 per walk | $300 – $1,200 |
| Drop-In Visits | $20 – $35 per session | $400 – $1,500 |
| Overnight Pet Sitting | $50 – $100 per night | $1,000 – $2,500 |
These numbers are based on average rates from popular apps like Rover and Wag!. According to Rover, top pet sitters can earn over $1,000 per month with just a few bookings each week.
If you're searching for how much can you make pet sitting, the answer is: quite a bit—especially as your reputation grows and you build a regular client base.
What You Need to Get Started
Starting a dog walking side hustle for beginners doesn’t require much. Here’s a checklist of what you’ll need to begin offering pet care side jobs professionally and safely.
Basic Supplies:
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Leash and harness
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Dog waste bags
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Treats and water bowl
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Smartphone with GPS and texting apps
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Pet care journal or note-taking app
Recommended Extras:
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First aid kit for pets
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Pet-sitting insurance (optional but helpful)
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Pet care certification (look for online courses)
💡 Tip: Consider a course like Pet First Aid from the Red Cross for added credibility and confidence.
Having the right tools and training can increase your rates and customer trust, even if you're just starting part-time.
Top Platforms to Find Pet Sitting and Dog Walking Jobs
If you’re wondering where to find a dog walker job in your local area, you don’t need to rely solely on word-of-mouth. Several trusted platforms connect pet caregivers with clients in minutes.
Best Apps and Websites:
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Offers dog walking, boarding, house sitting, and more.
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Easy setup and background check required.
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Specializes in on-demand dog walking and training.
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Includes insurance coverage for walkers.
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Care.com
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Great for long-term gigs with families.
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Broad caregiver platform with a dedicated pet section.
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Popular globally for connecting pet sitters with owners.
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Includes reviews, payment features, and a mobile app.
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These platforms are excellent places to start and grow your client list. Once you gain reviews, more requests will naturally follow.
How to Market Your Services Locally
While platforms like Rover and Wag are helpful, don’t underestimate the power of local marketing. Here’s how to get noticed in your neighborhood:
Online Promotion:
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Create a Google Business Profile
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List services on Craigslist, Nextdoor, and community Facebook groups
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Post pet care updates or photos on Instagram and TikTok
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Add your profile to free directories for local pet care services
Offline Tactics:
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Print and hang flyers at vet offices, parks, and pet stores
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Offer referral discounts to current clients
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Leave business cards with dog trainers or groomers
Marketing is key if you want to consistently earn side income with pet sitting, especially without relying 100% on apps.
Tips to Keep Pets and Clients Happy
Whether you're visiting a shy cat or walking a hyperactive puppy, your goal is always the same: deliver excellent care.
Best Practices:
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Follow all client instructions exactly
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Send photo updates with each visit or walk
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Keep records of feeding times, potty breaks, and behavior
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Respect clients' homes if sitting overnight
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Stay punctual and communicate clearly
Clients love sitters who go the extra mile—and pets do too. Building trust means repeat bookings and positive reviews, both of which grow your income fast.
Real-Life Success Stories from Pet Side Hustlers
Want proof that this hustle works? Here are some real people who turned part-time pet care into serious side money:
🐕 “I started walking dogs on weekends using Wag and quickly made $600 in a month. Now I do drop-ins before and after my 9-to-5.” – Lexie, Dallas
🐈 “After I lost my job during the pandemic, I signed up for Rover. Within 6 months, I had regular clients and now earn over $2,000/month.” – Mark, Orlando
These aren’t rare cases. If you’re dedicated, polite, and consistent, pet sitting income potential is better than most traditional part-time jobs.
How to Turn It into a Full-Time Business (If You Want)
Once you’ve got a steady stream of clients, you may want to turn your side hustle into a full-time pet care business.
Growth Steps:
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Create your own website and booking system
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Register your business locally
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Get insured and bonded
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Offer packages or subscription plans (e.g., 5 walks per week)
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Hire helpers to expand to nearby neighborhoods
This route takes time, but it gives you total freedom, control, and income potential. Many full-time pet care professionals started with just a few walks per week.
Final Thoughts
In 2025, dog walking and pet sitting remain among the easiest and most rewarding flexible part-time jobs with animals. With minimal startup costs and great earning potential, it’s a perfect side hustle for beginners who want to do meaningful work—on their own terms.
Whether you're looking for a few extra dollars or dreaming of starting a pet care business, now’s the perfect time to begin.
✅ Call to Action
Have you tried pet sitting or dog walking as a side hustle? Share your experience in the comments below!
👉 Or check out more smart ways to earn on the side:
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