Is Pet Sitting a Good Side Hustle in the UK 2023?

Is pet sitting a good side hustle to start in 2023? In this article, we aim to provide a comprehensive answer to this question so that you can decide whether pet sitting is a suitable side gig to start this year. Here, we take a look at how much you could earn as a pet sitter in the UK, how easy it is to become a pet sitter, what skills are involved in pet sitting, and how flexible pet sitting is as a job. By the end of our helpful guide, you should be able to make an informed decision.

Pet sitting is a popular side hustle in the UK that involves getting paid to look after other people’s pets. Keep reading to find out whether this is the best side hustle for you.

What Is Pet Sitting?

Before we dive into the prospects of pet sitting as a beginner side hustle, it's essential to understand what it actually involves. Pet sitting is a service where individuals take care of other people's pets while the owners are away. This can include a wide range of tasks, from feeding and grooming to taking dogs for walks and providing companionship.

Pet sitting can be done through a third-party platform such as Roverr. Alternatively, some people prefer to find pet sitting jobs independently and may even start their own small business as a pet care provider.

What Tasks Does Pet Sitting Involve?

Pet sitting tasks can vary depending on the specific needs of the pet and the owner's instructions. Common responsibilities include:

Feeding: Ensuring that pets are fed on schedule and following any dietary restrictions or preferences.

Exercise: Providing dogs with regular walks and playtime to keep them active and happy.

Medication: Administering any necessary medications as prescribed by the pet's veterinarian.

Grooming: Brushing and bathing pets to keep them clean and comfortable.

Companionship: Spending quality time with the pets to prevent loneliness and separation anxiety.

Basic Training: Reinforcing training commands and routines as instructed by the owners.

Housekeeping: Keeping the pet's living area clean, including litter box cleaning for cats.

Pet sitting is a good side hustle idea for teens in the UK as it does not require any specific qualifications. However, most pet sitters have some experience at looking after animals, even if it is just their own pets.

Is Pet Sitting a Good Side Hustle to Start in 2023?

In the next part of our article, we will delve into whether or not pet sitting is a good side hustle to start in the UK 2023. To gather the information that we needed, we read a number of pet sitter testimonials to better understand the realities of being a pet sitter in the UK. We also explored some popular pet-sitting platforms to find out how much you can earn as a pet sitter.

How much can you earn as a pet sitter in the UK?

Pet sitting is usually paid at an hourly or daily rate, which is established by the pet sitter. In the UK, pet sitters charge between £15 and £25 per hour and up to £50 per day. New sitters tend to charge lower rates to attract customers until they gain enough experience to class themselves as experts.

Furthermore, during our research we found that it is possible to charge higher rates for overnight pet sitting. This involves looking after pets for long periods of time that require them to stay overnight. It is also possible to charge extra for specialist services such as grooming, training and looking after pets that have medical needs.

Also read: Side hustles that pay well in the UK

Highest-paying pet-sitting websites

It is helpful to know which pet-sitting websites pay the most in the UK. We found 3 high-paying platforms that stand out from others on the market.

Rover.com - Set your own rates and accept as many jobs as you like

Rover is considered to be one of the best platforms for pet sitting in the UK because it offers everything under one roof. You can offer pet sitting, walking, overnight stays and doggy daycare through the platform. What’s more, pet sitters can set their own rates which means that the earning potential is technically uncapped.

However, most sitters charge no more than £25 per hour (according to user testimonials) and it is a good idea to set competitive rates to attract clients. The platform offers full flexibility to sitters, who can set their own schedules, request specific animals, and even set age preferences for the animals that they care for.

Pawshake - The best pet sitting platform for experienced sitters who want flexible work in the UK

We liked Pawshake because it puts a strong focus on flexibility which is appealing to sitters who don’t have tons of free time. Pawshake also has a number of positive user testimonials from owners and sitters who have enjoyed using the platform.

Like Rover, sitters set their own rates which means that you can decide how much you charge for your services. One of the most popular services on the platform is dog boarding, which involves looking after dogs overnight in your own.

Wag - Make £500 per month by sitting dogs just 3 times per week

Wag is another promising pet-sitting platform that pays quite well. We couldn't find exact rates however, the website claims that sitters can make £500 per month by sitting dogs just 3 times per week. Like the other platforms that we reviewed, Wag provides sitters with flexible work. You can pick and choose how much work you do and take as many jobs as you like.

Is Pet Sitting Easy to Start?

Starting a pet-sitting side hustle in the UK is relatively straightforward. While you don't need formal qualifications, having a genuine love for animals and some basic knowledge of pet care is essential. Most pet owners are looking for someone trustworthy and responsible to care for their beloved companions.

To get started, you can create a profile on one or more of the pet-sitting platforms mentioned earlier. Be sure to highlight your experience, availability, and any special skills you possess, such as training or medical knowledge. Building a positive reputation by providing excellent care and communication with clients is key to attracting more pet-sitting opportunities.

While it isn’t difficult to sign up to a pet-sitting platform in the UK, you may have to apply for several jobs before being successful. A lot of owners look for sitters who have some experience and reviews from previous jobs. To boost your profile, ask a friend or family member to leave a positive review from a time when you looked after one of their pets.

Once you land your first job, it is easy to find multiple clients per week as a pet sitter in the UK. In fact, the demand for pet-sitting services is currently on the rise. This means that you won’t run out of work any time soon!

What Skills Does Pet Sitting Involve?

While pet sitting doesn't require formal qualifications, there are certain skills and qualities that can make you a successful pet sitter. Understanding the skills require before landing your first job is a good way to prepare yourself.

1. Patience: Dealing with animals, especially those with unique personalities or behavior issues, can require a great deal of patience.

2. Communication: Effective communication with pet owners is crucial to understanding their expectations and providing the best care.

3. Responsibility: You'll be entrusted with someone else's beloved pets, so being reliable and responsible is a must.

4. Problem-Solving: Quick thinking and problem-solving skills can be valuable when unexpected situations arise, such as a pet falling ill.

5. Physical Stamina: Pet sitting can be physically demanding, especially if you're responsible for walking dogs or caring for multiple pets.

6. Empathy: Understanding and empathizing with the needs and emotions of the pets in your care is essential for their well-being.

Is Pet Sitting Flexible?

One of the major advantages of pet sitting as a side hustle is its flexibility. Unlike many traditional part-time jobs, you have the freedom to set your own schedule. You can choose when to take on pet sitting assignments based on your availability, making it an excellent option for those with varying schedules or other commitments.

Additionally, pet sitting can be done both on a part-time and full-time basis, depending on your goals and the demand in your area. Some individuals opt to take on pet sitting as a full-time career, while others use it to earn extra income alongside their primary job.

Pros and Cons of Pet Sitting as a Side Hustle in the UK

As with any side hustle or job, pet sitting comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Let's explore both sides of the coin.

Pros of Pet Sitting

• Spend Time with Animals: One of the main advantages of being a pet sitter in the UK is that you get to spend time with cute animals. This is especially appealing if you’re an animal lover.

• Flexible Schedule: You have the freedom to choose when and how often you work, making it easy to fit around other commitments. You can reduce your hours during busy periods or pick up more when during times when you need some extra cash.

• Additional Income: Pet sitting can be a lucrative side hustle, especially if you build a strong client base and receive positive reviews. Pet sitting pays well per hour compared to other popular side hustles such as data entry, online tutoring and paid surveys.

• Low Overhead Costs: You don't need to invest in expensive equipment or facilities to get started as a pet sitter in the UK.

• Rewarding Work: Knowing that you're helping pet owners and providing companionship to their pets can be incredibly fulfilling.

Cons of Pet Sitting

• Inconsistent Income: Pet sitting income can be variable, depending on the number of clients and assignments you have. Some owners may only need to hire a sitter once or twice per year while other may require weekly sitting services.

• Unpredictable Schedules: While flexibility is a benefit, it can also mean that your schedule is often subject to last-minute changes or cancellations.

• Responsibility: You are responsible for the well-being of someone else's pets, which can be emotionally challenging if something goes wrong. Sitters should be prepared for pets to become ill or injured and understand how to handle these circumstances.

• Competition: Depending on your location, there may be a lot of competition among pet sitters, making it harder to secure clients.

How To Start Pet Sitting in the UK 2023

Pet sitting is an easy side hustle to start in the UK. We have an entire article on how to become a pet sitter that will walk you through each step of the process. For a more condensed version, here are the basic steps of the process.

1. Research and Training: Familiarize yourself with common pet care practices and consider taking pet first aid and CPR courses if possible.

2. Create an Online Profile: Sign up on pet sitting platforms like Rover, Pawshake or Wag. Create a compelling profile that showcases your love for animals and your experience.

3. Set Your Rates: Determine your pricing based on factors like your location, the services you offer, and your level of experience.

4. Build a Reputation: Start taking on assignments, providing exceptional care, and collecting positive reviews to build your reputation.

5. Promote Your Services: Use social media, word-of-mouth, and local advertising to spread the word about your pet sitting services.

6. Stay Organized: Keep track of your appointments, client information, and financial records for tax purposes.

7. Insurance and Licensing: Consider getting liability insurance and check if there are any local regulations or licenses required for pet sitters in your area.

Conclusion

In this article, we have taken a close look at whether pet sitting is a good side hustle to start in the UK 2023. Pet sitting is well-paid, easy to apply for and has low start-up costs. It also supports flexible working and allows sitters to make money doing something enjoyable. On the other hand, the income from pet sitting can be inconsistent and there is quite a bit of competition against existing sitters.

If you’re looking for an enjoyable side hustle that is easy to start. Pet sitting could be a good option for you. However, if you’re looking for a side hustle that provides consistent income, consider checking out our list of 40+ passive income side hustle ideas.

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