Get Paid to Hang with Pets (No Experience Needed)
Love dogs? Want cash this weekend?
What if I told you that you could get paid to walk dogs, pet sit, and chill with adorable animals—all without needing a fancy degree, a ton of startup costs, or any prior experience? Sounds like a dream, right? Well, it doesn’t have to be.
Pet Sitting & Dog Walking is one of the easiest side hustles you can start right now, and it's growing fast—especially in 2025. There’s no need to go through weeks of training or make big upfront investments. All you need is a love for animals, a bit of free time, and a willingness to help out pet owners who need a hand.
My Opinion? This hustle is one of the best ways to make money quickly and easily, especially if you're looking for something that fits into your schedule and lifestyle. Whether you're a college student, a parent looking to make some extra cash, or just someone who loves animals, this gig is perfect for you.
Why This Hustle Needs Zero Startup Cost or Skills
Let's be real for a second—most side hustles require some form of investment or skill. But with pet sitting and dog walking, you're already set to start. Here's why:
Zero Startup Costs
You don’t need any special equipment or software to get started. A leash, some treats, and a few basic pet care supplies are all you need. And you can find those at any local store for relatively low prices. Heck, you probably already have some of it lying around the house!No Prior Experience Required
You don’t need to have worked at a kennel, a vet, or a pet store. Sure, if you’ve cared for pets in the past, that’s a bonus, but it’s not necessary. As long as you're reliable, friendly, and responsible, you're good to go. Plus, platforms like Rover and Wag provide built-in support, so you can always lean on them for tips as you go.Flexible Work Hours
One of the best things about this hustle? You can pick your own hours. Whether it's during the day, evenings, weekends, or holidays, you set the schedule. If you have a full-time job or other commitments, no problem—this side gig can fit around your life, not the other way around.
One of the Top Trending Side Gigs in 2025
You might be thinking, "Okay, Mo, but is this really a big deal? Will people actually pay me to walk their dogs?" Here's the truth: Yes. Absolutely.
In 2025, pet sitting and dog walking is one of the hottest side gigs, and here's why:
Pets Are Family: The demand for pet services is growing exponentially as people treat their pets like their children. We’re talking about multi-billion dollar industries like pet insurance, pet food, and now pet care services. With more pet owners than ever before, this is a hustle that’s not going away anytime soon.
Travel Is Back: People are traveling more than ever post-pandemic, which means they need trustworthy sitters to care for their pets while they’re away. If you live in an area with lots of tourists or business travelers, you're in the perfect spot to offer these services.
Remote Work Flexibility: The rise of remote work means more people need help taking care of their pets while they’re busy working from home or running errands. That’s where you come in.
So, what’s holding you back from diving into this hustle? You don’t need any fancy skills, and you certainly don’t need a huge bank account. All you need is a bit of time, a love for animals, and the willingness to take the first step. I’m telling you, this hustle could be the easiest way to start making extra money right now—and it’s a lot of fun too!
What Is Pet Sitting & Dog Walking?
Pet Sitting: The Ultimate Pet Care Service
Pet sitting is exactly what it sounds like—taking care of someone else's pet while they’re away. As a pet sitter, your role is to provide comfort and care for the pet in its own home, whether that means feeding, playing, administering medication, or just offering companionship. You may be asked to stay overnight, but in many cases, it's simply a few visits a day.
In simple terms, pet sitting means being the pet’s temporary human while its owners are gone. You get to spend time with the pet, ensure its needs are met, and keep everything running smoothly for the owner. This role is perfect if you prefer to stay in one spot and bond with the pet over an extended period.
Dog Walking: A Quick, Fun Gig for Dog Lovers
Dog walking is a simpler, faster way to make money if you love dogs. As a dog walker, you’re hired to take dogs out for walks—sometimes on a regular basis, sometimes just as a one-off. Dog walkers typically take pets on 30-minute to 1-hour walks, giving the dog a chance to stretch its legs and get some fresh air.
What’s great about dog walking is its flexibility—you're not tied down to a particular place or pet for long hours. You might even end up walking multiple dogs at the same time, which means you can earn more by taking on several clients in one go.
The Difference Between Pet Sitting & Dog Walking
While both roles involve caring for pets, there’s a major difference in the level of responsibility and the amount of time commitment required.
Pet Sitting is a more hands-on, longer-term commitment. You might stay in the pet's home for a few days, ensuring it’s well-fed, comfortable, and safe while its owners are away. It’s about being the pet's full-time caregiver for a period.
Dog Walking, on the other hand, is more short-term and generally revolves around getting the dog outside for exercise. It's about taking the dog for walks, ensuring it gets some movement and a break from being cooped up indoors. It’s usually a quick visit, and there’s no need for you to stay in the home overnight.
So, pet sitting is ideal for someone who wants to spend more time with the pet and offer a variety of services, while dog walking is great for those who are looking for a more straightforward, flexible gig.
Where Is the Demand Growing for Pet Sitting & Dog Walking?
Both pet sitting and dog walking are seeing growing demand in certain areas, and understanding where that demand is concentrated can help you target your hustle more effectively.
Urban Areas
Big cities are prime locations for these types of services because of the high population of busy professionals, couples, and singles who have pets but may not have the time to care for them during working hours. In urban areas, people are also more likely to live in apartments or condos where outdoor space is limited, meaning they need extra help getting their pets outside for exercise.Travel-Heavy Zones
People who travel for business or leisure often need help with their pets. If you live in an area with a high volume of tourists or business travelers, there’s a constant flow of pet owners who need someone reliable to care for their pets while they’re away. Airports, convention centers, and hotels are often hubs for people who need dog walking or pet sitting services while they’re out of town.Suburban & Affluent Neighborhoods
Suburbs and affluent neighborhoods are another hot spot for pet care services. Here, people typically have more disposable income to spend on services like pet sitting and dog walking. They also tend to have larger homes (and bigger pets), making pet care a bit more demanding than in more compact urban settings.College Towns & Young Professionals Areas
In college towns or areas with a large population of young professionals, the demand for dog walking and pet sitting services is also growing. These individuals are often juggling school, work, and social activities, leaving little time to walk their pets or provide the attention they need. Pet sitting or walking is a great solution for busy, pet-loving people in these areas.
My Way of seeing it? Pet sitting and dog walking are thriving right now, and the best part is, the demand isn’t just limited to one type of location—it’s spread out and growing. Whether you're in a bustling city or a suburban neighborhood, there’s a need for pet care services. If you’re in one of these high-demand areas, you’ll likely find clients quicker than you think. So, you’re already set up for success by just picking the right location to start your hustle.
Can You Actually Make Money Walking Dogs?
Yes, You Can—And Here’s How
Dog walking is one of those hustles that can fit into anyone’s schedule, even if you’re working another job or studying. Here’s why it’s actually a profitable gig:
1. How Much You Can Earn Walking Dogs
The money you can make depends on where you live, the demand in your area, and how many clients you take on, but let's break it down:
Standard Rates: On average, dog walkers charge between $15 to $30 per walk. That’s the rate for a typical 30-minute to 1-hour walk.
Multiple Dogs at Once: If you’re walking more than one dog at a time, you can increase your earnings. Some dog walkers charge extra for walking multiple pets in the same session, which means you could easily charge $40 to $60 for a double or triple dog walk.
Day Packages: Many dog walkers offer day packages (multiple walks per day), and these can range from $40 to $100 or more per day depending on your location and the client's needs.
Overnights or Extended Care: If you’re pet sitting and walking dogs at the same time, you can make more by offering overnight stays or extended visits. Overnight stays can go for anywhere from $50 to $100 per night, and you could combine it with multiple daily walks.
My Opinion: It’s Definitely Worth It
Honestly, walking dogs isn’t just a fun way to get exercise, it’s a legit way to make extra income, and if you’re smart about it, you can build this hustle into a full-time gig.
Honestly, walking dogs isn’t just a fun way to get exercise, it’s a legit way to make extra income, and if you’re smart about it, you can build this hustle into a full-time gig.
How Profitable is a Dog Walking Business?
Starting a dog walking business can be very profitable—and here’s why:
Starting a dog walking business can be very profitable—and here’s why:
1. Low Start-Up Costs = High Profit Potential
You don’t need a lot of equipment or training to get started, so your startup costs are low. All you really need is a love for dogs, some basic gear (like leashes and waste bags), and maybe a website or app to get clients. This means most of your earnings will go directly into your pocket.
You don’t need a lot of equipment or training to get started, so your startup costs are low. All you really need is a love for dogs, some basic gear (like leashes and waste bags), and maybe a website or app to get clients. This means most of your earnings will go directly into your pocket.
2. How Much You Can Earn
Per Walk: On average, you can charge $15 to $30 per walk, depending on your location.
Multiple Dogs: Walking multiple dogs at once increases your income. For example, if you walk 3 dogs at $25 each, that’s $75 per walk.
Weekly Earnings: If you walk dogs 5 days a week, earning $75 a day, you could make up to $375 a week.
Per Walk: On average, you can charge $15 to $30 per walk, depending on your location.
Multiple Dogs: Walking multiple dogs at once increases your income. For example, if you walk 3 dogs at $25 each, that’s $75 per walk.
Weekly Earnings: If you walk dogs 5 days a week, earning $75 a day, you could make up to $375 a week.
3. Scaling Your Income
As you gain more clients, you can make even more money. Offering multiple walks per day, overnight care, or package deals can significantly increase your earnings. Some experienced dog walkers can make between $1,500 to $3,000 a month or more.
As you gain more clients, you can make even more money. Offering multiple walks per day, overnight care, or package deals can significantly increase your earnings. Some experienced dog walkers can make between $1,500 to $3,000 a month or more.
4. Full-Time Potential
With consistent clients and smart business practices, a dog walking business can replace a full-time income. The top dog walkers make $50,000 to $75,000 per year, especially in high-demand areas.
With consistent clients and smart business practices, a dog walking business can replace a full-time income. The top dog walkers make $50,000 to $75,000 per year, especially in high-demand areas.
How Much Do People Charge for a 1-Hour Dog Walk?
The price for a 1-hour dog walk varies depending on several factors, but here's a general breakdown:
The price for a 1-hour dog walk varies depending on several factors, but here's a general breakdown:
1. Average Rates
Standard Rates: On average, dog walkers charge between $20 and $40 for a 1-hour walk.
Standard Rates: On average, dog walkers charge between $20 and $40 for a 1-hour walk.
2. Factors That Affect Pricing
Location: Dog walking rates are often higher in cities with a higher cost of living, like New York or Los Angeles. In smaller towns or rural areas, the rates might be closer to the $20 mark, while major cities could charge up to $40 or more for a 1-hour walk.
Experience: Experienced dog walkers with positive reviews or a reputation may charge on the higher end of the spectrum.
Number of Dogs: If you’re walking multiple dogs from the same household, you might charge more. For example, some walkers charge an additional $5 to $10 per extra dog.
Additional Services: Some dog walkers also offer extra services like feeding, playtime, or transportation, which could increase the cost.
Location: Dog walking rates are often higher in cities with a higher cost of living, like New York or Los Angeles. In smaller towns or rural areas, the rates might be closer to the $20 mark, while major cities could charge up to $40 or more for a 1-hour walk.
Experience: Experienced dog walkers with positive reviews or a reputation may charge on the higher end of the spectrum.
Number of Dogs: If you’re walking multiple dogs from the same household, you might charge more. For example, some walkers charge an additional $5 to $10 per extra dog.
Additional Services: Some dog walkers also offer extra services like feeding, playtime, or transportation, which could increase the cost.
3. Discounts for Regular Clients
Some dog walkers offer discounts for regular clients or package deals. For example, they might offer 5 walks for $150 instead of charging $30 per walk.
Some dog walkers offer discounts for regular clients or package deals. For example, they might offer 5 walks for $150 instead of charging $30 per walk.
How Much Can You Make Walking Dogs on Rover?
Rover is one of the most popular platforms for dog walking, and you can make decent money by joining as a dog walker. The earnings depend on a few key factors, but here's a general idea of what you can expect:
Rover is one of the most popular platforms for dog walking, and you can make decent money by joining as a dog walker. The earnings depend on a few key factors, but here's a general idea of what you can expect:
1. Average Earnings on Rover
Per Walk: On Rover, dog walkers typically charge $15 to $30 for a 30-minute to 1-hour walk, depending on their location and experience.
Full-Day or Multiple Walks: If you offer more extensive services like multiple walks per day or even overnight stays, you can charge more. For example, some dog walkers charge $50 to $100 per day for extended care, including walks, playtime, and feeding.
Per Walk: On Rover, dog walkers typically charge $15 to $30 for a 30-minute to 1-hour walk, depending on their location and experience.
Full-Day or Multiple Walks: If you offer more extensive services like multiple walks per day or even overnight stays, you can charge more. For example, some dog walkers charge $50 to $100 per day for extended care, including walks, playtime, and feeding.
2. Rover’s Fee Structure
Rover takes a 15% service fee from each booking. For example:
If you charge $30 for a walk, Rover will take about $4.50, and you keep the rest.
Over time, as you gain more reviews and ratings, you can potentially increase your rates, which means more income per walk.
Rover takes a 15% service fee from each booking. For example:
If you charge $30 for a walk, Rover will take about $4.50, and you keep the rest.
Over time, as you gain more reviews and ratings, you can potentially increase your rates, which means more income per walk.
3. How Many Walks You Can Do
If you walk 5 dogs a week at $30 per walk, you could make around $150 per week.
If you’re more active and do 15 walks per week, that could increase to $450 a week.
For full-time walkers doing multiple daily walks, earnings can range from $1,500 to $3,000 per month or more.
If you walk 5 dogs a week at $30 per walk, you could make around $150 per week.
If you’re more active and do 15 walks per week, that could increase to $450 a week.
For full-time walkers doing multiple daily walks, earnings can range from $1,500 to $3,000 per month or more.
4. Additional Ways to Earn
Pet Sitting and Boarding: Rover also lets you offer pet sitting and boarding services, which can earn you even more. A night stay can range from $30 to $75 per night, depending on the location and services offered.
Pet Sitting and Boarding: Rover also lets you offer pet sitting and boarding services, which can earn you even more. A night stay can range from $30 to $75 per night, depending on the location and services offered.
How Much Does It Cost to Walk a Dog 3 Times a Day?
The cost of walking a dog 3 times a day depends on the price per walk and the frequency of service, but here's a general breakdown:
The cost of walking a dog 3 times a day depends on the price per walk and the frequency of service, but here's a general breakdown:
1. Average Cost Per Walk
Standard Rate: Most dog walkers charge between $15 to $30 per walk for a 30-minute to 1-hour walk.
Multiple Walks Per Day: If you’re walking the same dog 3 times a day, you would multiply the per-walk cost by 3.
Standard Rate: Most dog walkers charge between $15 to $30 per walk for a 30-minute to 1-hour walk.
Multiple Walks Per Day: If you’re walking the same dog 3 times a day, you would multiply the per-walk cost by 3.
2. Total Cost for 3 Walks a Day
Low-End Estimate: If the dog walker charges $15 per walk, the total cost for 3 walks a day would be:
$15 x 3 = $45 per day.
High-End Estimate: If the dog walker charges $30 per walk, the total cost for 3 walks a day would be:
$30 x 3 = $90 per day.
Low-End Estimate: If the dog walker charges $15 per walk, the total cost for 3 walks a day would be:
$15 x 3 = $45 per day.
High-End Estimate: If the dog walker charges $30 per walk, the total cost for 3 walks a day would be:
$30 x 3 = $90 per day.
3. Weekly and Monthly Cost
Weekly Cost: If the dog is walked 3 times a day for 7 days a week:
Low-End: $45/day x 7 = $315 per week.
High-End: $90/day x 7 = $630 per week.
Monthly Cost: If you go for 30 days in a month:
Low-End: $45/day x 30 = $1,350 per month.
High-End: $90/day x 30 = $2,700 per month.
Weekly Cost: If the dog is walked 3 times a day for 7 days a week:
Low-End: $45/day x 7 = $315 per week.
High-End: $90/day x 7 = $630 per week.
Monthly Cost: If you go for 30 days in a month:
Low-End: $45/day x 30 = $1,350 per month.
High-End: $90/day x 30 = $2,700 per month.
4. Additional Factors
Discounts for Packages: Some dog walkers offer discounts for regular clients or multiple walks per day. For example, they might give a 10-20% discount if you book a monthly package.
Location: The cost might be higher in urban areas where the cost of living is higher, while it might be lower in rural or suburban areas.
Discounts for Packages: Some dog walkers offer discounts for regular clients or multiple walks per day. For example, they might give a 10-20% discount if you book a monthly package.
Location: The cost might be higher in urban areas where the cost of living is higher, while it might be lower in rural or suburban areas.
Can I Start a Dog Walking Business? (The Answer Is Yes!)
Yes, you can! Starting a dog walking business is relatively easy and can be done with minimal investment. Whether you’re looking to turn it into a full-time job or just a side hustle, here’s what you need to know.
Yes, you can! Starting a dog walking business is relatively easy and can be done with minimal investment. Whether you’re looking to turn it into a full-time job or just a side hustle, here’s what you need to know.
1. Do You Need Experience to Start?
No experience required: Unlike many other businesses, dog walking doesn’t require special qualifications. All you need is a love for dogs and a bit of patience.
Build experience over time: If you don’t have experience walking dogs professionally, you can start by offering free walks for friends or family to build confidence and experience.
No experience required: Unlike many other businesses, dog walking doesn’t require special qualifications. All you need is a love for dogs and a bit of patience.
Build experience over time: If you don’t have experience walking dogs professionally, you can start by offering free walks for friends or family to build confidence and experience.
2. Set Up Your Dog Walking Business:
Legal Considerations: In some areas, you might need a business license or need to register your business. Make sure to check with your local authorities for requirements.
Insurance: It’s a good idea to get liability insurance in case something goes wrong while you’re walking the dogs (like an accident or injury).
Pet Care Certification: While not required, it can help to have a pet care certification to show clients that you take the job seriously. Some organizations offer online courses.
Legal Considerations: In some areas, you might need a business license or need to register your business. Make sure to check with your local authorities for requirements.
Insurance: It’s a good idea to get liability insurance in case something goes wrong while you’re walking the dogs (like an accident or injury).
Pet Care Certification: While not required, it can help to have a pet care certification to show clients that you take the job seriously. Some organizations offer online courses.
3. Set Your Pricing:
Research Local Rates: Look at what other dog walkers in your area are charging (typically $15 to $30 per walk).
Consider Discounts for Regular Clients: Offering discounts for weekly or monthly packages can help build repeat business.
Pricing Structure: You might want to have a basic pricing structure, such as:
30-minute walk: $15-$20
1-hour walk: $25-$30
Multiple dogs: Charge an extra $5-$10 per additional dog.
Research Local Rates: Look at what other dog walkers in your area are charging (typically $15 to $30 per walk).
Consider Discounts for Regular Clients: Offering discounts for weekly or monthly packages can help build repeat business.
Pricing Structure: You might want to have a basic pricing structure, such as:
30-minute walk: $15-$20
1-hour walk: $25-$30
Multiple dogs: Charge an extra $5-$10 per additional dog.
4. Market Your Services:
Create a Profile on Dog Walking Platforms: Websites like Rover or Wag let you create a profile and connect with dog owners who need walking services. These platforms handle the marketing for you.
Build a Website: Having a simple website or even a social media presence on Instagram or Facebook can help potential clients find you.
Offer Referral Discounts: Word of mouth is powerful in pet services. Offer existing clients a discount for referring new customers.
Create a Profile on Dog Walking Platforms: Websites like Rover or Wag let you create a profile and connect with dog owners who need walking services. These platforms handle the marketing for you.
Build a Website: Having a simple website or even a social media presence on Instagram or Facebook can help potential clients find you.
Offer Referral Discounts: Word of mouth is powerful in pet services. Offer existing clients a discount for referring new customers.
5. Provide Excellent Service:
Build Trust: Pet owners want to trust that their pets are in good hands. Be reliable, punctual, and show that you care about the animals you’re walking.
Use Technology: You can use apps like PetBacker or Rover to manage bookings, payments, and even update clients with photos of their pets during the walk.
Get Reviews: Positive reviews will help you grow your business and attract more clients.
Build Trust: Pet owners want to trust that their pets are in good hands. Be reliable, punctual, and show that you care about the animals you’re walking.
Use Technology: You can use apps like PetBacker or Rover to manage bookings, payments, and even update clients with photos of their pets during the walk.
Get Reviews: Positive reviews will help you grow your business and attract more clients.
Conclusion: Start Your Dog Walking Business Today!
Starting a dog walking business is a fantastic way to make money, especially if you love animals. The best part? You don’t need any prior experience to get started. With low startup costs, flexible hours, and the opportunity to grow your income over time, it’s one of the easiest and most rewarding hustles you can begin today.
By following the simple steps I’ve outlined—setting your pricing, marketing your services, building trust with clients, and offering exceptional service—you’ll be on your way to building a successful dog walking business that fits your lifestyle.
So, if you're passionate about dogs and want to turn that love into income, don’t wait! Start your dog walking business today and enjoy the freedom of working with pets while making money on your own terms.
Starting a dog walking business is a fantastic way to make money, especially if you love animals. The best part? You don’t need any prior experience to get started. With low startup costs, flexible hours, and the opportunity to grow your income over time, it’s one of the easiest and most rewarding hustles you can begin today.
By following the simple steps I’ve outlined—setting your pricing, marketing your services, building trust with clients, and offering exceptional service—you’ll be on your way to building a successful dog walking business that fits your lifestyle.
So, if you're passionate about dogs and want to turn that love into income, don’t wait! Start your dog walking business today and enjoy the freedom of working with pets while making money on your own terms.