How much can I earn as a pet sitter or dog walker?

Dog walking typically pays $15-$30 per 30-minute walk. Pet sitting (overnight stays) ranges from $50-$100+ per night. House visits average $18-$35 each. Full-time pet sitters on Rover earn $2,000-$5,000/month. Many side hustlers earn $500-$2,000/month working part-time around their schedule.

Do I need any certifications to be a pet sitter?

No formal certification is required, but credentials help you stand out. Pet First Aid/CPR certification ($50-$100) builds trust with clients. Consider courses from organizations like Pet Sitters International. Experience with animals, positive reviews, and a clean background check matter most to pet parents.

Which is better: Rover or Wag?

Rover typically offers better earning potential with lower fees (20% vs Wag's 40%) and more service flexibility. Wag is better for dog walking specifically with its on-demand booking feature. Many pet sitters use both platforms initially, then focus on wherever they get more bookings in their area.

What if something goes wrong while I'm pet sitting?

Rover and Wag both provide liability insurance covering vet bills and property damage during bookings. For independent pet sitting, purchase pet sitter liability insurance ($200-$400/year). Always have emergency vet contact information, the owner's backup contact, and document the pet's condition at check-in with photos.

Pet Sitting & Dog Walking Side Hustle 2026: Earn $1K-$5K/Month

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Essential Gear for Pet Sitters

Heavy Duty Retractable Leash - Control multiple dogs easily
Silicone Treat Pouch - Keep treats handy during walks
Dog Poop Bag Holder with LED Light - Never be caught without bags
Pet First Aid Kit - Handle emergencies professionally

Why Pet Sitting in 2026?

Americans spent over $136 billion on their pets in 2024, and that number continues to climb. With more people returning to offices and travel picking up, pet care services are in higher demand than ever. Pet sitting and dog walking represent one of the most accessible, enjoyable side hustles available.

2026 Pet Industry Trends

The pet services market is projected to grow 8% annually through 2028. Premium services like adventure dog hiking, cat enrichment visits, and specialty pet care for exotic animals command premium prices. Technology-enabled booking through apps continues to drive demand.

What makes pet sitting an ideal side hustle:

Low Barrier to Entry: No special degree required—just love for animals and reliability
Flexible Scheduling: Work before/after your job, weekends, or during lunch breaks
Minimal Startup Costs: Start with just a leash and treat pouch
Built-in Exercise: Get paid to stay active with dog walking
Recurring Revenue: Pet owners need ongoing care—weekly walks, regular boarding
Emotional Rewards: Spend your work time with adorable animals

Pet Care Services You Can Offer

Diversify your income by offering multiple services. Here's what pet owners need:

Dog Walking

30-60 minute walks during the workday. High volume, recurring bookings.

$15-$35 per walk

Best for: Active people, flexible daytime availability

Pet Sitting (Overnight)

Stay at the client's home overnight or have pets stay with you.

$50-$100+ per night

Best for: Homebodies, those with pet-friendly spaces

Drop-In Visits

Quick 15-30 minute visits for feeding, potty breaks, and medication.

$18-$30 per visit

Best for: People with flexible schedules, cats and small pets

Doggy Daycare

Full-day care at your home while owners work.

$35-$60 per day

Best for: Work-from-home people with fenced yards

Boarding

Pets stay at your home 24/7 while owners travel.

$40-$85 per night

Best for: Pet lovers with space, holiday availability

House Sitting

Live in client's home while caring for pets. Premium option.

$75-$150 per night

Best for: Flexible lifestyles, extended availability

Specialty Services = Premium Pricing

Consider offering specialized services for higher rates: adventure hiking with dogs, pet photography during visits, administering medication, caring for senior pets, or exotic pet care (birds, reptiles, small animals).

Best Platforms: Rover vs Wag vs Independent

Each platform has pros and cons. Many successful pet sitters use multiple platforms or transition to independent business.

Platform	Service Fee	Best For	Pros
Rover	20%	All services	Lower fees, flexibility, profile control
Wag	40%	Dog walking	On-demand walks, instant booking
Care.com	Subscription	Finding clients	Large client base, family services
Independent	0%	Established sitters	Keep 100% earnings, set own rules

Rover Deep Dive

Rover is the market leader for pet sitting. Here's how to succeed:

Complete Your Profile 100%: Add photos of you with pets, detailed bio, and services offered
Get Initial Reviews: Start with lower prices or friend bookings to build reviews
Respond Quickly: Fast response time (under 1 hour) significantly increases bookings
Send Photo Updates: Pet parents love seeing their fur babies during visits
Accept Meet & Greets: These convert to bookings at high rates

Getting Started Step-by-Step

Step 1: Assess Your Situation

Do you have a pet-friendly living space for boarding?
Are you comfortable with different dog sizes and temperaments?
What hours are you available for walks and visits?
Do you have transportation for pet transport if needed?
Are there any pets you're allergic to or uncomfortable with?

Step 2: Create Your Profiles

Sign up for Rover and/or Wag (background check required)
Add high-quality photos of yourself with various pets
Write a compelling bio highlighting your experience and love for animals
List all services you're comfortable offering
Set your availability calendar accurately

Step 3: Get Your First Reviews

Offer discounted rates initially (30-50% off market rate)
Ask friends/family with pets to book through the app
Over-deliver on every booking—send lots of photos and updates
Politely request reviews after successful bookings
Aim for 5+ reviews before raising rates to market level

Step 4: Essential Supplies ($50-$100)

Extra leashes in various sizes
Treat pouch with high-value training treats
Poop bags and holder
Collapsible water bowl for walks
Pet first aid kit basics
Enzyme cleaner for accidents

How to Price Your Services

Pricing varies by location, experience, and service type. Here are 2026 market rates:

Average 2026 Pet Sitting Rates

30-min Dog Walk: $18-$30

60-min Dog Walk: $25-$45

Drop-in Visit: $18-$35

Doggy Daycare: $35-$60/day

Overnight (their home): $75-$125

Boarding (your home): $45-$85/night

Cat Sitting: $15-$25/visit

Additional Pet: +$5-$15

Pricing Strategy Tips

Research Local Rates: Check what other sitters in your ZIP code charge on Rover
Start 20-30% Below Market: Build reviews first, then raise rates
Charge for Holidays: Add 25-50% surcharge for major holidays when demand spikes
Offer Package Deals: Weekly walking packages, monthly retainers for regular clients
Raise Rates Annually: Increase 5-10% each year as you gain experience and reviews

Building Your Client Base

Beyond app bookings, here's how to grow your pet care business:

Digital Marketing

Create Instagram for your pet sitting business
Post cute photos/videos of your client pets
Join local Facebook community groups
Create a simple website or Linktree
Encourage clients to tag you in pet posts

Local Networking

Visit local dog parks and connect with owners
Partner with local vets, groomers, trainers
Leave business cards at pet stores
Attend community events with pet-friendly booths
Introduce yourself to dog owners in your neighborhood

Client Retention is Key

Repeat clients are your most profitable. Send birthday cards for pets, remember their preferences, and offer loyalty discounts for regular bookings. A client who books weekly walks is worth $3,000+ per year.

Safety and Insurance

Protecting yourself and the pets in your care is essential for a sustainable business.

Platform Insurance Coverage

Rover: Rover Guarantee covers up to $1M in vet bills and liability
Wag: Insurance covers vet bills for injuries during walks
Limitations: Review policy details—pre-existing conditions and certain incidents may not be covered

For Independent Pet Sitters

Pet Sitter Liability Insurance: $200-$400/year through Pet Sitters International or local providers
Bonding: Protects against theft claims, builds client trust
Business Insurance: Consider if operating from your home regularly

Safety Protocols

Always conduct a meet & greet before accepting new pets
Get emergency contacts and vet information in writing
Document pet condition with photos at check-in
Know basic pet first aid (consider certification)
Have a plan for aggressive dog encounters during walks
Trust your instincts—decline clients/pets that feel unsafe

Scaling Your Pet Care Business

Ready to turn your side hustle into a full business? Here's how to grow:

Go Independent

Once you have regular clients (20-30+ repeat customers), transition them off-app to keep 100% of your earnings. Use a booking system like Time To Pet or PetPocketbook.

Hire Help

When you're fully booked, bring on 1099 contractors to handle overflow. You manage clients and take a percentage. Screen carefully for reliability and pet expertise.

Add Premium Services

Pet photography during visits
Adventure hiking excursions
Pet taxi/transportation services
Training reinforcement during walks
Grooming partnerships

Build a Facility

The ultimate scaling move: Open a doggy daycare or boarding facility. Requires significant investment but can generate $100K+ annually with multiple staff.