How to Make Money As A Pet Sitter (A Step-By-Step Guide)

 

Do you love spending time with animals? What if you could turn that passion into a steady stream of extra income? In this guide, you'll learn exactly how to make money as a pet sitter — from getting your first client to growing a thriving business.

Pet sitting is one of the most flexible and enjoyable side hustles available today. Whether you want to earn a little extra on weekends or build it into a full-time gig, the opportunity is real. Read on to find out everything you need to know to get started.

What Is Pet Sitting?

A pet sitter is someone who looks after other people's animals while the owners are away — whether that's for a few hours, a weekend, or even weeks at a time. Pet owners hire sitters when they're at work, traveling for business, or going on vacation and don't want to leave their pets alone.

Pet sitting is typically done as independent contractor work, meaning you're self-employed. You set your own schedule, choose your clients, and run things your way. That said, it also means tracking your income and expenses for tax purposes.

People of all backgrounds work as pet sitters — from college students to retirees. All you really need is a love of animals, a responsible attitude, and the willingness to show up consistently.

What Does a Pet Sitter Do?

The day-to-day tasks of a pet sitter vary depending on the animals involved and what the client needs. You might care for pets in your own home or visit the pet owner's home.

Common responsibilities include:

• Walking dogs and providing daily exercise
• Feeding and providing fresh water for animals
• Playing with and providing companionship for cats and dogs
• Cleaning litter boxes and picking up after dogs
• Administering medications as directed by the owner
• Cleaning cages or enclosures for small animals or reptiles
• Sending updates and photos to pet owners while they're away
• Securing the pet owner's home when entering and exiting

It's worth noting that many pet-sitting jobs give you access to a client's home. This is a big responsibility — always leave the house exactly as you found it and keep track of any keys or access codes you're given.

How Does a Pet Sitter Get Work?

There are several ways to find pet-sitting clients. You can sign up with a dedicated platform, advertise locally, or build your own independent business. Here are the most popular options:

1. Rover

Rover is one of the largest and most well-known pet-sitting platforms in the United States. Founded in 2011, it primarily connects cat and dog owners with sitters — though owners of guinea pigs, hamsters, bunnies, and other small pets use it too.

You create a profile, set your own rates, choose your services, and let Rover handle the booking and payment. Payments arrive in your Rover account two days after completing a service, and you can transfer funds to your bank account from there. Rover takes a 20–25% service fee, but you keep 100% of any tips.

2. Pawshake

Pawshake works similarly to Rover but is based in Canada and parts of Europe. One notable difference is that Pawshake also books horse sitters — something Rover doesn't offer.

You set your availability, fees, and the types of pets you care for. Pawshake charges a 19% fee on your earnings and pays out within 8 days of completing a service.

3. Facebook Community Groups

Local Facebook groups and community pages are a great way to advertise pet-sitting services without paying platform fees. You keep 100% of what you earn — but you also take on more responsibility.

Without a platform like Rover behind you, you'll need to arrange your own liability insurance, vet clients yourself, and handle all payments independently. The higher earning potential is real, but so is the added work.

4. Flyers and Local Advertising

Old-fashioned flyers and bulletin boards at local grocery stores, coffee shops, vet offices, and community centers still work well for attracting clients. Posting in neighborhood apps like Nextdoor is another effective option.

As with Facebook, going fully independent means handling your own insurance and business recordkeeping — but it also means no middleman taking a cut of your earnings.

How Much Money Does a Pet Sitter Make?

Your earnings as a pet sitter will depend on several factors:

• The services you offer (overnight stays pay more than drop-in visits)
• Your location (urban and suburban areas tend to pay more)
• Your experience and reputation as a sitter
• Whether you work through a platform or independently
• The number of clients you take on

According to Indeed.com, the average hourly rate for a pet sitter in the United States is around $15–$20 per hour. Many experienced sitters charge $20 or more per hour once they've built a solid reputation.

The best way to earn more over time is to collect positive reviews, offer reliable service, and gradually raise your rates as demand grows. Repeat clients and word-of-mouth referrals are your biggest assets.

Pet Sitting Expenses

While pet sitting has low startup costs, there are some expenses to plan for:

• Platform fees — Rover and Pawshake take 19–25% of your earnings
• Liability insurance — essential if you work independently, to protect yourself in case of accidents or injuries
• Transportation costs — gas, mileage, and increased vehicle wear and tear from driving to clients
• Supplies — treats, waste bags, and other small items you may provide
• Business tools — apps like QuickBooks or Wave to track income and expenses

The good news: most of these expenses are tax-deductible as legitimate business costs. Keeping good records throughout the year means a lower tax bill come April.

Pros and Cons of Pet Sitting

Pros:

• Set your own schedule and work as much or as little as you want
• Be your own boss with no office required
• Spend your workday with animals — great if you're a true animal lover
• Low startup costs compared to most businesses
• Strong potential for repeat clients and referrals

Cons:

• The work can be messy — think litter boxes, accidents, and muddy paws
• Running your own business requires extra admin work (invoicing, taxes, scheduling)
• Income can be inconsistent, especially when starting out

Frequently Asked Questions

Is pet sitting a safe job?

Pet sitting is generally safe when you take basic precautions. Always let someone know where you're going and when you'll be back. Trust your instincts — if a job or client doesn't feel right, it's okay to decline. Using a platform like Rover also adds a layer of security through their screening and support systems.

Should I work through Rover or go independent?

Many experienced pet sitters recommend starting with a platform like Rover to build your client base and learn the ropes. Once you have a solid reputation and a network of repeat clients, you can transition to working independently — and keep more of what you earn.

What types of pets can I care for as a pet sitter?

Most pet sitters focus on dogs and cats, but there's a market for caring for small animals (rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters), reptiles, birds, and even horses. Start with what you're comfortable with and expand as your experience grows.

Who Should Work as A Pet Sitter?

Pet sitting is a great fit for animal lovers who want flexibility without committing to a traditional part-time job. But loving animals is just the starting point.

To succeed as a pet sitter, you'll also need to be:

• Responsible and reliable — pet owners are trusting you with their beloved animals and their homes
• Organized — you'll need to manage multiple clients, schedules, and payments
• A self-starter — no one is going to hand you clients; you'll need to market yourself
• Calm under pressure — animals can be unpredictable, and you'll need to handle situations confidently

If you're a dependable, animal-loving person who enjoys working independently, pet sitting could be a perfect fit.

Final Thoughts

Making money as a pet sitter is genuinely achievable — and it can be a lot of fun along the way. With the right approach, it's possible to build a flexible, rewarding business doing something you already love.

Start small, deliver outstanding care, ask for reviews, and let word-of-mouth do the heavy lifting. Whether you're looking for a weekend side hustle or a path to full-time self-employment, pet sitting is worth taking seriously.

Ready to get started? Create a profile on Rover today or print a few flyers and post them around your neighborhood. Your first client could be just around the corner.