Does getting paid to cuddle cats and walk dogs sound like a dream job?

If so, pet sitting might be the perfect side hustle for you.

If you love animals and need some extra cash, consider watching other peoples pets.

A woman lays down on a blanket and snuggles with a dog.

Saint, a golden retriever puppy, gets belly scratches from his pet sitter Lisa Peddicord during her visit with the puppy.The veterinary technician pet-sits for Tails and Trails as a side gig. Tina Russell/The Penny Hoarder

Pet sitting isnt all puppy kisses and kitten snuggles, though.

Youll need to be responsible, prompt and good with people as well as pets.

Heres what it takes to become a pet sitter.

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What Does a Pet Sitter Do?

Though snuggling furry friends is a major perk of pet sitting, it does involve other responsibilities.

No Interest Til Almost 2027?

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What Makes a Good Pet Sitter?

The amount of money youll make is largely dependent on the rates you charge and services you offer.

you’re able to also charge more during holidays or if youre caring for multiple animals.

A typical home visit price can be anywhere from $20-30.

Unsure of what prices to set?

Look for pet sitters already available in your area and see what theyre charging.

How Do You Become a Pet Sitter?

As a pet sitter, you could strike out on your own or register with established websites.

Either option allows you to set your own pay rates and work schedule.

And each has its pros and cons.

Youll have to pay the costs of running your own business.

Even if youre just starting out, dont be afraid to post your services on social media.

Advertise in your local yard sale groups.

Maybe youll limit your business to cats and dogs.

Or maybe youre up for caring for anything from horses to hamsters, too.

Are you willing to walk multiple dogs?

Can you take a pet to the vet if asked?

Do you want breed or size restrictions?

These and other questions will come up as you begin your pet sitting services.

Set yourself apart from the average pet lover by getting a Professional Pet Sitter Certification.

However, its a good investment if you plan on offering services for more than cats and dogs.

PSI has first aid courses for birds, hamsters and other small pets too.

Cheaper options are available, including this certification course bypetsittercourse.comfor just $65.

Give yourself and your clients peace of mind with a pet first aid certification.

TheAmerican Red Crossoffers a basic online course for $25.

One of the most popular pet sitting websites isRover.

Rover allows sitters to choose their own schedule, services and prices.

you could also set preferences on the characteristics of animals you take, such as size and age.

Payments are ready for withdrawal after two days.

Wag!is another well known website for pet sitters, with over 400,000 caregivers currently on the service.

Like Rover, you’re able to set your own schedule and prices.

When setting up your profile, youll be required to provide five endorsements from friends or family.

Youll need to pass a pet care quiz and a background check.

The background check is a one time fee of $39.95, though the price can vary.

caregivers are paid through Stripe every Friday for the services done the previous week.

Youll keep 100% of your rate and tips.

The company adds a surcharge to your price for their fee.

Youll be able to see the total cost with surcharges added before you finalize the booking.

Unlike its competitors, atFetch!

Pet Care, youll be working through an established Fetch!

location if one is available.

Youll apply and be interviewed by the local owner.

However, youll still be setting your own schedule.

Youll also be required to update the owner through Fetchs Pet Journal during your assignment.

Care.com has two membership levels.

The background check fee is also waived.

When you set up your profile, youll select your schedule, availability and preferred hourly rate.

One of the advantages of Care.com is fast payment.

The money you earn goes to your bank account within one to three days.

Users are paid through Stripe.

To get started, youll also need to pass a background check and provide references.

The company has three subscription tiers.

The company has a 4.6 on Trustpilot with over 17,000 reviews.

It sounds appealing right?

Check it out here!