US News has an interview with a woman who started her own pet sitting business after she was laid off. To her it's a way to earn some extra money -- not really a business (she has other interests), but she is supporting herself on it and other odd jobs.
If I had the time and inclination, I'd start a pet sitting business. Why? Because I think it could offer a decent side income. People spend a fortune on their pets and their vacations. Unfortunately, it's often difficult to take Fido on vacation. Voila! A built in need for someone to watch him while you're traveling.
And the options aren't good. After all, do you want Fluffy caged up in tight quarters all week at $25 per day? Or would you rather have her home where she has the run of the house for $15 a day. Oh, and the person checking on her can also get your mail and do a quick security check of the home -- extras that pet-boarding-in-a-box can't offer you.
And then there are all the extra services you can add on (walking the pet, multiple checks per day, chores/tasks around the home, etc.) Don't get me started...
My daughter does some pet sitting (though she's not really interested in growing it like I want her to) so I know a bit about it first-hand. But there are probably some readers out there who have more experience than I do, so feel free to leave your pet sitting tips in the comments below.
Anyway, I think I'm adding pet sitting to my list of potential retirement/semi-retirement options for a side income. Just look how the numbers can add up:
- Five pets watched per day for $15 each: $75 per day
- Number of days: 200 per year (just a bit over half the year)
- Annual income: $15,000
And that doesn't include sales for things like walking that you could add on. With a couple jobs like this and some retirement savings, you could be looking at a faster-than-expected early semi-retirement.
My wife did pet sitting for a while as a side business, one of the key things for this business you need to have enough customers close to where you live.
Since you are likely to make multiple trips per day when caring for a dog (most of the business) you will really eat up time and miles if you have to drive all over.
This limitation makes the business not viable in more rural areas.
She found a book that outlined how to run a pet sitting business- with suggestions for getting started, organizing clients, doing customer interviews, etc.
I remember talking with some of the other women that ran similar businesses- it struck me that doing additional errands was another big source of revenue for her- if someone already trusts you enough to give you a key to their home and take care of their pet they will trust you to do a lot of other tasks they just don't have time to do.
-Rick Francis
Posted by: Rick Francis | February 01, 2012 at 11:19 AM
I have some friends who pay *good money* to have their pets set up in nice conditions while they are gone. I'm confident that you could make some pretty good money by offering this service.
Posted by: DollarDisciple | February 01, 2012 at 12:06 PM
I offer pet sitting services part-time, although I could probably do more to find additional clients in my area, etc. Since I work full-time, I am limited in what I can offer. Right now, I will do a morning visit and an evening visit, but where I've found the most money (and easiest for me) is actually finding someone who wants you to stay overnight with their pet. I've made $35-50/day doing this.
Posted by: Danielle | February 01, 2012 at 12:16 PM
I have encouraged my wife to pursue this in the past also. We live in a suburban neighborhood, and I know that there are a ton of these animals who need looked after while their owners work all day. The numbers are there!
Posted by: Money for College Pro | February 01, 2012 at 12:24 PM
I would suggest surveying your surrounding area, getting the word out somehow to see if it's possible to get a large number of clients that are within reach.
Posted by: Tyler S. | February 01, 2012 at 12:34 PM
What timing - my fiance and I just this morning wrapped up a four-day pet-sitting (in-house) favor for our friends! The rate they quoted us was $20/dog/day. We (mostly I!) housed, fed, administered eye drops, walked, and played with their 9-month-old cocker spaniel - and realized that we don't have time for a pet :( I loved it - lots of walking, playing, and horsing around. I could definitely see myself doing this (though probably not in-home) if I become a stay-at-home mom. Whenever that might be!
Posted by: Jess | February 01, 2012 at 12:47 PM
Pet sitting would be a nice retirement option if you love animals :)
I tried to volunteer for pet sitting and/or volunteering at an animal shelter, but the organization closest to my home is apparently SO popular that they don't accept any new volunteers until late February.
The site also said that in order to become a pet sitter, my house will be inspected and I have to get a license and so on...(I'm in Chicago, maybe Chicago is just picky!)
So definitely not a light-hearted part-time volunteer hobby. I would love to do it as a half-time/full-time commitment though.
Posted by: Mun | February 01, 2012 at 02:23 PM
I did petsitting for about a year in 2008 while I was trying to find a happier job than my customer service position. I charged $15 a day for dogs at 25 lb or less, $20 for 26 lb to 60 lb, and $25 for 61 lb and larger. I made pretty good money but then started fostering Pugs and eventually found blogging.
Posted by: Crystal | February 01, 2012 at 03:25 PM
And it's all tax free ;)
Posted by: Steve | February 01, 2012 at 05:00 PM
Wow, either I was overpaying, or everyone is undercharging. We have two dogs (one medium size mutt, and one Pug), and I have shopped it around at lots of petsitters in NE Ohio that will service our area, and I have never been able to find anyone for less than $15/visit. So at three visits per day, we were paying $45/day. Show me in-home sitting where I can hire someone who is licensed, bonded, and insured for $15/day, and I will sign up. Maybe the neighbor kid would do it for that amount though.
Posted by: InACents | February 01, 2012 at 09:58 PM
Steve, *technically* it's income, and you're supposed to claim it under "other income", line 21 on your 1040.
Posted by: BD | February 02, 2012 at 04:26 AM
Wow, I do this this too, but only occasionally since I'm a student. When you work out the numbers it turns into a nice side income.
Posted by: EconomicallyHumble.com | February 04, 2012 at 11:27 AM
I started my own pet sitting business as a Freshman in college in 2004 and love it. As a pet sitter you can work as much or as little as you choose and for me right now with two young kids I put very little effort into expanding my business but still make a profit each year. The best part about it is that I can write off portions of my household bills and car expenses as a business expense because I run the business out of my home.
Posted by: Em | February 04, 2012 at 03:48 PM