Pet sitting and dog walking jobs
Pet sitting and dog walking can be flexible ways to work if you love animals. Most work comes from local pet owners, either through apps and job sites or by word of mouth. Availability and eligibility vary by location.
Types of pet care work
- Dog walking, usually 30 to 60 minutes during the workday
- Drop-in visits to feed pets and check on them
- Overnight pet sitting in the owner's home
- House sitting while owners travel
- Boarding pets in your own home, where local rules allow
Getting your first clients
Start with people you know. Neighbors, friends, and family are often happy to give you a first booking and a review.
Pet care apps and job sites let owners find sitters nearby. A profile with clear photos, your experience with animals, and the areas you cover helps you get booked.
Reliability matters more than anything. Turning up on time and sending owners a quick photo update builds repeat clients.
Before your first booking
- Meet the pet and owner first, and ask about health issues, feeding, and behavior.
- Get an emergency contact and the vet's details.
- Agree on keys, house rules, and what happens if plans change.
- Consider pet sitter insurance once you have regular clients.