How to Make Extra Money Pet-Sitting

Written by Nat Smith, Rover.com community member. Rover is the nation's largest network of 5-star pet sitters and dog walkers.

How to Make Extra Money Pet-Sitting

You may have heard of people making money as pet sitters, and wondered how you could get involved. Surely such a desirable career would lead to an impossibly crowded field? But the truth is that you too can be a pet sitter--there are plenty of opportunities to make money as a caregiver for dogs, cats, and other domestic pets.

While some entrepreneurs struggle when they try to get their pet-sitting business off the ground, websites like Rover.com provide the perfect platform for new and experienced sitters to connect with owners and find reliable, consistent gigs. Rover handles marketing, 24/7 support--including vet assistance, insurance, safe and secure payments--and plenty of flexibility and resources to tailor your business to fit your life.

Once you sign up, you’ll be guided through each step of launching your services:

1. Create a Profile

This is your landing page! In addition to detailing your services and availability, this is where you’ll help owners get to know you, and allow your personality to come through. You can include photos of you and the dogs you’ve loved, talk about how and why you got involved with pet-sitting, and let owners know what kinds of experience you have (and what skills you’re hoping to gain). Seeking a particular certification, or already achieved it? You can include that too, whether it’s related to pet care, training, grooming, or medical knowledge.

Owners are looking for a friend and companion for their pets, and they want to get to know who you are. What makes you unique? What are your hobbies and passions? If you need help writing your profile, be sure to sign up for RoverGO and get extra help and support through every step of the process.

You may decide to offer boarding, house-sitting, doggy daycare, walks, drop-ins, or any combination of services. You’ll be able to set your own rates, mark which days you’re available, and turn your profile to “away” if you’re unable to offer services for an extended period of time.

2. Market Your Services

Rover takes care of marketing, so this is easy! Primarily, you’ll want to find ways to boost your listing on the site. Well-rated, experienced sitters will appear first in search results (and are sorted according to what the owner is seeking for their pet). That’s why you should ask friends and family to write reviews for you, and follow up with owners who hire you to be sure they write reviews for you as well. Offering consistent, excellent care and carefully following instructions will lead to the best payoff.

If you meet owners who are looking for sitters, be sure to refer them to the site. You’ll get a bonus, they’ll get a discount, and everyone will get Rover protection and support! Be sure to keep your availability up to date, and respond quickly when you receive new requests.

3. Ace the Meet & Greet

Read the owner’s profile and messages thoroughly so that you know what to expect when you arrive at your first Meet & Greet. Bring along treats, or ask the owner for treats you can give the pup when greeting each other. Approach the dog gently, allowing them to make the first move. The best way to make a strong first impression is to read the dog’s body language and respond accordingly, neither being too aloof nor coming on too strong and trying to bond before the animal is ready.

Take plenty of notes, and ask all your questions upfront. The owner’s insight will go a long way in preparing for a successful stay! You can also engage in playtime or go for a walk with the pet to start getting comfortable with each other.

4. Enjoy Your First Sit

The app allows you to send updates, ask questions, and check in as needed once your stay begins. Engage in the dog’s favorite activities, sticking to their usual routine as closely as possible. Don’t forget to have fun! This is when all your preparation pays off, and you get to play the day away with your new best friend. What could be better?