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To Those Who Think Pet Sitting is a Side Hustle

Beth Stultz-Hairston | March 15, 2019   

    

As the need for pet-care services grows, so does the number of articles touting the opportunities to earn extra cash in the gig economy as an occasional pet sitter or dog walker. I used to simply roll my eyes when I saw these articles and think, “Wow…do they really think pet sitting is some new, trendy idea? Let me introduce them to professional pet-sitting businesses that have been offering top care for decades.”

But now, these articles elicit more than an eyeroll—they scare me, and I wonder about the impact this mindset is having on pets across the country—and around the globe.

While the idea of a side hustle playing with puppies is alluring and the convenience of quickly going online to book someone a few streets over to come walk your dog seems convenient, is pet sitting as a side hustle the safest option for pets?

The answer is unequivocally “NO.”

I’m not against side hustles—quite the opposite. I’ve bought leggings, candles, five-dollar jewelry, essential oils and kitchen gadgets from friends, family members and strangers on the internet alike to support those looking to earn extra cash. I’ve even on occasion, when in a new city, used an app to find a ride to and from the airport.

But leave my precious pets and the care of my home in the hands of someone looking to earn a quick buck—or someone I found online but have never met? No, thank you.

When it comes to finding pet sitters or dog walkers, pet owners should not prioritize convenience over quality. Just because you can quickly find and book the services of a pet lover with a profile on a pet-sitting or dog-walking app doesn’t mean you are choosing a qualified pet-care provider.

That’s why Pet Sitters International (PSI) advises pet owners to take the time to select local, professional pet-care businesses to care for their pets.

Is it possible to find a nice, responsible pet lover online to offer a quick dog walk or cat-sitting visit? Absolutely. But, will the individual have the proper business license, maintain customized pet-sitter insurance and possess the pet-care knowledge to handle emergencies? Not as likely.

The good news is there are thousands of professional pet-sitting and dog-walking businesses operating across the country and abroad. 

These aren’t pet lovers looking to earn a quick buck. These businesses are owned by pet lovers who have obtained the necessary business licenses, carry pet-sitter insurance and bonding customized to their services, pay taxes, pursue pet first aid training and continuing education, are involved in their local communities—and whose very livelihood depends on offering the absolute best pet care.

Isn’t that the care your pet deserves?

Your pet deserves…

Not just the “pet sitter” who can quickly check on your cat and scoop the litter box—but the pet sitter who can also identify a possible urethral blockage and contact the emergency veterinarian.

Not just the “dog walker” who can come at a minute’s notice and take the dog around the block—but the dog walker who’s familiar with canine behavior, recognizes signs of anxiety in your dog and will alter the path of the dog walk to avoid potential triggers.

And—as a pet owner—you deserve…

Not just the “dog walker” who sends a quick text and photo when the walk is through—but the dog walker who can also notify you of slight changes in your dog’s behavior and send you veterinarian and trainer referrals if needed.

Not just the “pet sitter” who you can quickly book and pay through an app—but a pet sitter who becomes a trusted pet advisor and makes the care of your pet and the security of your home a top priority when you’re away.

Whether searching online or considering recommendations from friends or family, PSI advises pet owners to take the following steps to ensure they are hiring not just a pet lover looking to earn extra cash, but a pet lover who operates a true professional pet-care business:

Schedule an in-person meeting with any potential pet sitter. While a phone call or a review of a pet sitter’s website or online listing may provide important information, there is no substitute for an in-person meeting at your home—with your pets present.

Make sure you ask the right questions. Pet owners can download a free pet-sitter interview checklist from the PSI website, which provides details about the seven important questions pet owners should ask any potential pet sitter.

Side Hustlers, Beware:

And, it’s not just the pets and pet owners impacted by this side hustle mentality. Those who sign up to pet sit as a side gig believing the hype that it’s an easy, fun way to earn extra money may soon find themselves in over their heads.

Making 10 or so bucks for walking a dog for 30 minutes sounds like easy money—until the leash is jerked from your hand by a dog with a high prey drive that’s just spotted a squirrel, or you find yourself in a life-threatening situation when an aggressive stray dog is headed right in your direction.

Nothing seems easier than making money by filling up the food and water bowls and scooping litter for a cat whose owner is on a business trip—until you arrive to find blood in the litter box, or encounter a cat whose hisses and forward lunging ensure you will not be able to get into the house.

Loving pets is easy. Creating an online profile is easy. Handling the various potential scenarios you may face while caring for a dog, cat, bird, rabbit, etc.? Not so easy—and without the proper knowledge, training and insurance coverage, you put the pets, their owners and yourself in harm’s way.

Is every person pet sitting as a side gig a horrible option? Of course not—with thousands of people doing it, there’s bound to be some good ones. Does every pet-sitting situation that involves someone who’s simply doing it as a side hustle end in tragedy? No, but there are many stories where it does.

There are some areas in my life where I’m willing to gamble—I occasionally make purchases on the Wish app and I’ve placed orders without looking at the sizing chart on Amazon one too many times. But when it comes to pets, that’s where I’m not willing to take any chances—especially when there are experienced, professional pet-sitting and dog-walking businesses ready to care for my pets just as I would.

My pets are worth more than relying on a side hustle—and I hope you agree that yours are too.

Comments

Agnes Gordon

July 21, 2020  |  10:k AM
Excellent article
When we started this business we thought that this was going to be all fun and games. Now we realize that it takes a professional and more to deal with the downside of the business.
. Thanks.

Darren Lake

July 21, 2020  |  1:k AM
Clever written article and so true! Very well balanced. I agree with the thought of treating your pet like a child and would you put your child in care on a whim based on price and convenience?

I see so many horror stories using these apps but like the innovative way of making it easy for the customer. There just needs to be a qualified pet sitter on the end of that app who is insured.

Once again great article.

Krista Kraft

June 13, 2020  |  3:k PM
Not everyone can afford to jump right into owning a business as a full time endeavor. Pet sitting was my side hustle for five years until I could pay off enough debt to go full time. In that time I maintained a business license from my city, insurance for myself and those working for me, and kept up my First Aid and CPR certification. Just because it's a side hustle doesn't mean it's a job that's not taken seriously. Side hustles are often the jobs that are people's real passion, while they work an 8-5 job to pay their bills. Apparently you didn't actually consider what a side hustle was when you wrote this article.

Darien Terrell

May 3, 2020  |  9:k AM
Wonderful article and very well written. I wish I had had this article to give to hundreds of potential clients over the years that chose someone’s teenager, neighbor, or online Joe for convenience or for less money. The old saying “you get what you pay for”, definitely applies in the pet sitting industry. Your article displayed so well that the reasons why everyone should want a top quality professional when it comes to the care of their furry family member. Thank you

Lynn

May 3, 2020  |  3:k AM
where do you find the qualified, loving petsitters?

Tracy Bradley

April 29, 2020  |  12:k PM
Wow! What a well-written and extremely moving and precise article!!! I have owned my Professional Pet Sitting Service for 20 years. My passion for my clients’ pets and the pets’ owners is exactly why I LOVE what I do!!! No shortcuts here. I am constantly looking to better educate myself in everything Professionally Pet Sitting. Not a job, but a full-time career!!!

Michele Dana

April 27, 2020  |  4:k PM
Correct, pet care is not a hobby or extra cash endeavor and because of those who treat it as such, I only work with word-of-mouth clients who know I do this for a living and take it seriously, I have heard too many tragic stories of animals hurt.

Linda Marion

April 27, 2020  |  1:k AM
Article well written
Thank you.

Jeannie Martin

April 26, 2020  |  12:k PM
So well said. I have been a pet sitter/dog walker for 21 years. My client's pets are more than just a way to pay my bills. I worry about them and care for them as if they were my own. I watch them carefully to make sure to notice any changes from their normal behavior. I am so lucky to be able to help clients and their pets.

Duane Chier

April 26, 2020  |  9:k AM
I totally agree with this article. I am a petsitter based in North Carolina and I see way too many "kids" and housewives suddenly becoming petsitters. I started my business as a full time job, not a "sideline". I started my business because of my love for animals of all kinds, and each one is treated as if they were my own. Your article was very well done and hit the nail right on the head.

Cherie Miller

March 30, 2020  |  7:k PM
Dedicated, A life style,not a easy job always, this was a well written article. Quality service a must. Out in all kinds of weather. I love it. I been in this business for 22 years . And also vet business. Thx for opening everyones eyes.

Paula Stafford

March 14, 2020  |  3:k PM
May I use the questions downloaded and printed out to give to a potential client?

PAT STROUD

February 18, 2020  |  3:k PM
NICHOLS SC AREA..
843.503
9587..LUV IT..

Deedra J Thompson

February 4, 2020  |  9:k AM
Hi Beth, Well written, congrats! This would be helpful to leave for new clients or include in a new packet at interviews. Would love to share online too!

Sharon Hosea

February 3, 2020  |  10:k AM
You get what you pay for. There is no such thing as a 30 min, 10 dollar dog walk. Still gotta make the drive to and from.

Alex Avery

January 30, 2020  |  5:k PM
As a full time pet sitter, I say Thank You! for this post. Pet sitting at someone’s home is not a vacation - it’s a huge responsibility. You need to be experienced, resourceful, and dedicated.

Nancy Novak

January 21, 2020  |  3:k PM
Yep. A serious job. Mostly fun, but not always. And dedication is a MUST. Sick- too bad. Holiday- too bad. Severe weather - too bad. You WILL be there. Because caring for living creatures requires it. Mostly, because you care, deeply.

Shirley Burt

December 15, 2019  |  6:k PM
Pet sitting is a important job.

Shelly Galanter

March 23, 2019  |  5:k PM
Well written and I would love to share it if that’s possible.

Pam Vega

March 22, 2019  |  10:k AM
Wow!!! This is so incredibly written - excellent presentation of the subject.

Susan Wnetrzak

March 19, 2019  |  8:k AM
I would like to use this as well. Please let me know if I can re-post.

Gina Stephens

March 18, 2019  |  12:k PM
I would love to share this blog post on social media. May I?

Agnes Gordon

March 18, 2019  |  9:k AM
Same as above from Claudia.
Can we use this info on social media and our website?

Claudia Hoffmann

March 14, 2019  |  1:k PM
Hi! Are we permitted to use this info or partr of this info on our website and FB? PaWthanks!