Side-Hustle Series: Interview with a Rover.com Pet Sitter

I am enjoying interviewing mompreneurs and learning about their businesses. Today’s interview is sponsored by Rover.com and shares how to become a pet sitter.

The Benefits of Being a Pet Sitter

Sometimes life is too busy to sit down and plan your budget — but you know you need extra cash to pay off the credit card, plan for those unexpected expenses, and set aside a little savings. If the idea of finding a side job that fits your life sounds daunting, ask yourself: are you ready to be your own boss? Are you ready to work with clients who require playtime and treats? Pet sitting may be an out-of-the-box job, but Rover.com has made it flexible, fun, and easy to get started.

Check out the top 4 benefits:

You’re the boss. In other words, you set your schedule, choose your pay rate, and determine what kind of pet sitting you’re available to provide. Every Rover pet sitter creates an online profile where you’ll post all the details about your business. Pet owners will be able to book you online and pay you automatically.
Your clients adore you. As you develop regular relationships with pet owners, you’ll get to know and love your dog and cat clients. When you walk in the door, your new furry friends will know it’s time to play, and you should be prepared for a big wet kiss or snuggle time before your appointment ends!
You get to play for work. Yes, you’re getting paid to play fetch. Enjoy long walks in the woods or a run with your new dog friends. When your dog clients are tired and content at the end of your time together, their owners are thrilled, and you’re on your way to developing loyal clients who will recommend you to their friends.
You’re supported by a pet-savvy community. While you run your own pet sitting business, Rover.com is available for extra support including education resources to develop your business and premium insurance coverage. Plus, if your pet clients experience any problems in your care, take advantage of Rover’s 24/7 support including vet assistance.

Is this job too good to be true? Ask one of our pet sitters. Here’s what Courtney Heitter, a Rover pet sitter, had to say about her experience:

Tell us a little about yourself and your business. Why did you select it and how did you get started?

I got started about four years ago on Rover. At the time, they had a Craigslist ad out, looking for sitters in the Seattle area. I applied, took a background check, and after approval started gaining clients pretty quickly. I was looking to make extra money as well as have a buddy for my miniature schnauzer, without dedicating myself to adopting another dog. It worked great! My dog has made some best friends from this, his most favorite being a Dachshund named Cooper.

What are some of your favorite things about what you do?

I love exercising with dogs, and it’s really fun to host dogs who love to run. Besides that great health benefit, I really like the flexibility of the services. I can opt to just have a dog for daycare one day, or if I’d like a longer gig I turn on hosting, so the dog stays with me. I really can make as much money as I’d like, on my schedule.

What are some challenges of this business?

When a dog falls ill in my care, it can be quite stressful. I am already a bit anxious when my dog gets sick–it’s a serious responsibility to take care of others’ pets. The business is seasonal as well, so some months I don’t book as much as I’d like (though, the busy season easily makes up for the lack).

For someone interested in what you do, can you share what to expect as far as earning potential and effort?

It really depends on what you’re capable of, or willing to do. I also have a full-time job, so I work this in around that schedule. If you walk dogs on your lunch break and host a dog overnight almost every day of the month, your earning potential could be very large. Also, take note that most sitters will wait to raise their prices after they’ve had enough experience, so your earning potential can increase while your workload decreases. As far as effort–dogs require frequent bathroom breaks and exercise. This is definitely an involved job!

What does it take for someone to get started with their own side hustle in your line of work?

Sign up to be a sitter on Rover.com. Your profile is hand-reviewed, and you’ll need to take a background check. Once approved, you’ll set your rates and schedule to fit your life. The upfront effort is minimal for such a fun and potentially very lucrative side hustle.

Get online to learn more! We hope to include you as part of our pet-loving community of pet sitters.

Author: Written by Tracy Vicory-Rosenquest, Rover.com community member. Rover is the nation’s largest network of 5-star pet sitters and dog walkers.