Freelance
Offer Pet Sitting Services | Earn $20 to $40 per session

Are you passionate about taking care of animals? Imagine spending your days with furry friends while building a rewarding career as a pet sitter—all from the comfort of your home or local area!
Get paid to spend time taking care of people’s pets as a pet sitter.
Whether you’re looking for flexibility or a new opportunity, becoming a pet sitter is the perfect way to turn your love for pets into a fulfilling and profitable job.
What is Pet Sitting?
Pet sitting is a service where individuals care for pets while their owners are away. This can include feeding, exercising, cleaning up after, and providing companionship to animals in the owner’s home or at the pet sitter’s residence. Pet sitting often involves dogs, cats, and small animals like birds, rabbits, or reptiles, and can range from daily visits to overnight stays or extended care.
For pet owners, pet sitting services offer peace of mind, knowing their beloved animals are receiving attention, love, and proper care when they cannot be there themselves.
What is a Pet Sitter?
A pet sitter is a professional who looks after pets when their owners are unavailable. Pet sitters take responsibility for feeding, walking, and spending time with animals, ensuring that the pets are well cared for and comfortable. Duties can vary depending on the pet’s needs, such as administering medication, maintaining grooming routines, or simply giving them some much-needed affection.
Some key responsibilities of a pet sitter include:
- Feeding and ensuring the pet has fresh water.
- Walking dogs or providing exercise and playtime.
- Cleaning up after pets, whether changing litter boxes or tidying up pet areas.
- Providing companionship, which is crucial for pets that crave human interaction.
- Following special care instructions, such as administering medication or attending to dietary restrictions.
Pet sitters often offer additional services like house sitting, plant watering, and mail collection, making them an invaluable resource for pet owners with hectic schedules or who frequently travel.
Who is a Pet Sitter Career For?
A pet sitter career is perfect for individuals who:
- Love animals: If you are passionate about animals and enjoy spending time caring for them, this career will allow you to turn that passion into a livelihood.
- Are responsible and dependable: Pet owners rely on pet sitters to care for their furry family members, which requires responsibility and reliability.
- Seek flexibility: Pet sitting allows for flexible work schedules, making it ideal for stay-at-home parents, retirees, or individuals seeking part-time work.
- Prefer working independently: This career is great for those who enjoy working solo and managing their own schedules.
- Enjoy being active: Especially if you love spending time outdoors and staying active, dog walking and outdoor play are common tasks for pet sitters.
- Have experience with pets: While not always necessary, prior experience with animals or professional training (such as in pet first aid) can be an asset.
This career is particularly suited for animal lovers who want a hands-on job that’s rewarding, flexible, and offers the chance to work with a wide variety of pets.
How Much Can You Make?
A Pet Sitter Job Pays: $20 to $40 per walk or pet sitting
The income of a pet sitter varies based on location, services offered, and demand, but here’s an overview of what you can expect:
- Part-time pet sitter
- Average earnings: $15 to $25 per visit
Many part-time pet sitters earn income by providing daily visits, walks, or feeding services. Each visit may take 30 minutes to an hour, and sitters can schedule multiple visits throughout the day.
- Average earnings: $15 to $25 per visit
- Overnight or full-time pet sitter
- Average earnings: $50 to $100 per night
Full-time or overnight pet sitters provide extended care, staying in the owner’s home or bringing the pet to their residence. This is a higher-paying option, especially for clients who need care for several days or weeks.
- Average earnings: $50 to $100 per night
- Premium services
- Average earnings: $20 to $40 per hour for specialized services
Some pet sitters offer premium services, such as pet training, grooming, or administering medication. These specialized services can command higher rates, particularly if the sitter has certifications or experience.
- Average earnings: $20 to $40 per hour for specialized services
- Full-time pet sitter business
- Average earnings: $30,000 to $60,000 annually
If you build a strong client base and offer a variety of services, a full-time pet sitting career can provide a substantial income. Experienced pet sitters with established reputations and regular clients can even exceed this income by expanding their business.
- Average earnings: $30,000 to $60,000 annually
Additionally, platforms like Rover, Care.com, or Wag! allow pet sitters to connect with potential clients and help set rates according to the sitter’s experience and location.
Where to Find Jobs
1. Rover
Rover is the most popular pet sitting and dog walking platform in North America. It connects pet lovers with pet owners for services like in-home boarding, dog walking, house sitting, drop-in visits, and daycare.
Payouts:
Pet sitters typically earn $25–$75 per night for overnight boarding and $15–$30 per walk. You set your own rates and schedule. Rover takes a 20% commission on earnings.
Requirements:
- Must be 18+ years old
- Must pass a background check (fee may apply)
- Love of animals and a safe, pet-friendly home or environment
Regions Available: United States, Canada, U.K., and parts of Europe
How to Join:
- Visit Rover.com
- Sign up and create a sitter profile with your services and rates
- Submit to a background check
- Once approved, start accepting bookings and getting paid via the Rover app
2. Care.com – Pet Care Jobs
Care.com is a large platform that offers jobs in childcare, senior care, and pet care. Pet sitters can find local gigs ranging from dog walking and cat visits to overnight pet boarding.
Payouts:
Average rates are $12–$25/hour, or $30–$70+ per night. You set your own prices and negotiate directly with pet owners.
Requirements:
- Must be 18+ and pass an identity verification
- Background check optional but highly recommended
- Experience with pets is a plus
Regions Available: United States, Canada, U.K., and select international areas
How to Join:
- Visit Care.com Pet Care Jobs
- Sign up and create your care provider profile
- Add pet sitting as your service and set your availability
- Apply to job listings or wait for pet owners to contact you
3. Wag!
Wag! is best known for dog walking, but it also offers pet sitting and boarding services. Sitters can host pets in their own home or stay in the pet owner’s home. Wag! also includes insurance coverage for added trust and safety.
Payouts:
Earn up to $25–$70 per night for boarding and $15–$30 per 30-minute visit. Wag! takes a 40% service fee, which includes insurance and support.
Requirements:
- Must be 18+
- Pass a background check
- Must complete a pet care quiz and virtual onboarding
Regions Available: United States only (currently in most major cities)
How to Join:
- Apply at Wag! Pet Sitting
- Fill in your sitter details and pet preferences
- Complete the background check and training
- Start getting booked by local pet parents
4. PetBacker
PetBacker is a global pet services marketplace offering pet boarding, sitting, grooming, dog walking, and even pet taxis. It’s especially useful for those living outside the U.S. or seeking clients in different countries.
Payouts:
Typical earnings range from $15 to $50/day, depending on services and location. PetBacker keeps a 15–25% commission.
Requirements:
- Must be 18+
- Must submit identity verification and profile info
- Love and experience with pets required
Regions Available: Global (Asia, Europe, Africa, Australia, and North America)
How to Join:
- Visit PetBacker and click “Become a Pet Sitter”
- Create your sitter profile and list your services
- Upload photos, certifications (if any), and ID
- Start receiving booking requests through the app
5. Fetch! Pet Care
Fetch! Pet Care is a professional pet care franchise operating in select U.S. cities. They offer flexible part-time pet sitting jobs, and you’ll work under a local franchise operator—perfect for those looking for consistent bookings without managing marketing.
Payouts:
Pet sitters earn $15–$25/hour or $20–$60/night for overnight care. Pay rates vary by location and demand.
Requirements:
- Must be 18 years+ and pass a background check
- Reliable transportation
- Animal experience and trustworthiness
Regions Available: United States only – city-specific franchises
How to Join:
- Visit Fetch! Pet Care Careers
- Click “Become a Pet Sitter” and choose your city
- Apply to a local franchise via their job listing
- Complete screening and get booked for jobs
6. HouseSitter.com (Pet & House Sitting)
While HouseSitter.com primarily focuses on home sitting, many gigs include pet sitting, dog walking, and overnight care. You can stay in someone’s home for free (or for pay) while caring for their pets and property.
Payouts:
Pay is negotiable—typically $25–$100/day depending on duties and length of stay.
Requirements:
- Must be reliable, communicative, and have references
- Pet sitting experience preferred
- Ability to care for a home and animals responsibly
Regions Available: U.S., Canada, Australia, U.K., and more
How to Join:
- Visit HouseSitter.com
- Sign up and create a sitter profile
- List the services you offer (include pet sitting)
- Apply to job listings or wait for pet owners to contact you
If you adore animals, pet sitting offers one of the most enjoyable and flexible home-based income streams. Whether you want to host dogs overnight, check in on cats nearby, or stay in beautiful homes while looking after pets, these platforms give you everything you need to get started safely and professionally.
Want to Start Your Own Business?
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