Are you an animal lover looking for a fun and rewarding job? Look for pet-sitting opportunities! Pet sitting is often seen as a side gig to earn quick cash, but some professionals have turned it into a lucrative career or a way to travel the world.
You might think pet-sitting is easy, but you need energy, compassion, patience, an understanding of animal behavior, and basic first-aid skills. If you feel you have what it takes to be a pet sitter, here’s a list of apps and websites to help you find the best pet-sitting jobs.
1. Wag! Pet Caregiver
Dubbed the “Uber for Dogs,” Wag! is an online platform connecting pet owners to independent pet caregivers. Since its founding in 2015, the Wag! community has expanded to over 400,000 pet professionals in the US.
If you want to sign up as a pet walker or sitter, you should at least be 18 years old and live in an area where Wag! operates. Visit the website to submit your information and pay the signup fee.
To ensure you’re a reliable pet caregiver, you must pass a pet safety quiz and sign the Petcare Provider Platform Use agreement. You’ll also need to complete a comprehensive background check, which usually takes three-14 days, depending on your location.
Once approved, owners will be able to book your services. Glassdoor says that Wag! dog walkers and sitters earn an average of $19.00 per hour. However, the company takes a cut of 40 percent from your earnings.
Download: Wag! Pet Caregiver for Android | iOS (Free)
2. Rover
If you prefer a trusted pet-sitting service with lesser commission fees, try Rover. One of the online platforms for pet owners to find a professional pet sitter, Rover has been around since 2011.
As a pet sitter, you can offer doggy daycare, house sitting, dog boarding, drop-in visits, and dog walking services. What makes the site different is that you can schedule a meet and greet with a potential client before the booking.
To become a Rover caregiver, sign up through the Rover website. You can become a regular sitter or RoverGO sitter who has access to more benefits from the Rover team. Caregivers are 18 years old or older, live in supported locations, and should pass the background check. If you plan on offering doggy day care services, you’d also have to live in a residence that allows pets.
Rover sets a standard daily rate for pet services, but you can charge additional rates for holidays, extended stays, pick-ups and drop-offs, multiple dogs, and puppy care. To enjoy your hard-earned money, set up a Stripe account and be ready to provide your bank details.
Don’t be surprised if you get less than your total earnings. Rover takes a cut of 15 percent or 20 percent. The percentage depends on when your account was approved. If you’re a RoverGO sitter, Rover takes 25 percent of your pay.
Download: Rover for Android | iOS (Free)
3. TrustedHousesitters
Do you love traveling and playing with pets? TrustedHousesitters site works best for digital nomads, letting you choose from house sits worldwide. Imagine going off on a unique vacation where you’ll meet a furry companion!
Pet sitting with TrustedHousesitters is the ultimate pet lover’s experience, but it comes with a cost. Trustpilot ratings show an overwhelmingly positive experience with the platform. However, you’ll have to get an annual subscription to become a pet sitter.
You can choose from the following plans:
- Basic Sitter – $129, includes unlimited pet sits and a free background check
- Standard Sitter – $169, includes online vet consultations and dedicated support on top of the Basic Sitter benefits
- Premium Sitters – $249, includes two global airport lounge passes and sit cancelation insurance on top of the Standard Sitter benefits
Pet owners won’t pay you for your services at TrustedHousesitters. However, you’ll be able to travel the world on a budget and play with a pet. It’s one of the best sites to pick random travel destinations for trips. Add pet-sitting with TrustedHousesitters to your goals if you love adventures and pets!
Download: TrustedHousesitters for Android | iOS (Free)
4. PetBacker
PetBacker is one of the best websites for hiring people online as a pet caregiver. The platform works similarly to Wag! and Rover. You can offer pet sitting, dog boarding, pet daycare, dog grooming, pet taxi, and dog walking services.
Both the website and app are simple to navigate. Sign up for an account, complete your profile, post your services and rates, reach out or get hired by pet owners, and get paid. Work schedule is flexible, and you get to choose your rates and requirements. You can also negotiate your rates with your client.
Joining PetBacker is free. However, the site charges a 15 percent to 25 percent service fee when you complete a booking. The Terms of Use state that you can get a reduced fee by logging into PetBacker at least once a month. To withdraw your earnings, choose Zelle to receive your payout without service fees.
Download: PetBacker for Android | iOS (Free)
5. Care.com
Care.com provides caregiving services for both people and pets. The platform has been around since 2007, giving opportunities for people to find meaningful work. Job roles include babysitters, caregivers for the elderly, tutors, housekeepers, and of course, pet sitters!
To apply as a pet caregiver, sign up on the website. You’ll have to complete your profile and choose your schedule. Caregivers work full-time or part-time. However, if you have a day job, you can pick up jobs when you’re available. You don’t need work experience, but it will help your profile stand out.
Care.com says that caregivers keep 100 percent of their earnings, which they send to your bank account through Stripe. You can set your payment preferences in your account settings. However, you might be put off by extra fees for background checks and membership plans.
Basic membership isn’t free. When you sign up, you can customize your profile, apply to jobs, respond to premium members, and access Care’s resources. On the other hand, premium members get priority job notifications and rank higher in searches. They also don’t have to pay for the annual screening fee.
Download: Care.com for Android | iOS (Free)
Find the Perfect Pet Sitting Job in a Few Clicks
Pet-sitting sites make it easier for pet lovers to find a rewarding opportunity. While these online platforms have similarities, they offer different payment schemes, features, and perks. Choose the one that best fits your budget and your preferences.
Remember that pet caregiver jobs are not for everyone. You won’t succeed in this role without soft skills, a basic understanding of animal behavior, and genuine care for animals. If you don’t have what it takes to be a pet sitter, explore other side hustle opportunities online.