Side Hustle — With Fluff! | brokeGIRLrich
Today I’ve got a terrific guest post from Courtney at Rover.com, another great site to add to your list, hustlers – especially if you ❤ dogs.
Imagine this: You’re in need of some extra cash to pay off some debt. You’re looking for side hustles which could be a good fit for your current lifestyle, but you’re not too thrilled at the prospects while scouring the internet. Then it happens—you stumble upon Rover.com.
Believe it to be true, dear reader. As a pet sitter or dog walker on Rover.com, you can make money walking dogs, hanging out with dogs, feeding dogs (or cats, or fish, or hamsters—you get the idea).
The process of becoming a sitter or dog walker is pretty simple—you can start creating your sitter or dog walker profile here. You’ll be prompted for information about yourself and your qualifications, schedule, and info about your pets and home. You can choose which services to offer, including dog walking, house sitting, boarding in your home, drop-in visits, or day care. Download the Rover app, complete a background check and submit your profile for approval.
Now that the logistics are out of the way, what are you going to do with all of your new (dog) friends and income? It’s probably a good idea to get supplies. Leashes, collars, bowls, toys and other accessories from Chewy. There’s no limit but yourself for your earning potential. You can work as much as you would like and creativity is encouraged! Are there dogs who could use a walk on your lunch time? Get out of the office for a few to get some fresh air and exercise. Do you have a relaxing weekend coming up? Keep your calendar open to board a dog for the weekend and lounge together.
Who wouldn’t want to walk this guy?
Rover has sitters in every state, and it’s an easy way to meet cute dogs who live near you. Wherever you live, there will be a need for your time and services. As an independent contractor, you manage everything about your small business. Your rates, availability, dog-size preferences—it’s all up to you.
If you’re not sure where to start with rates, check out sitters in your area who offer services you’re interested in offering. Take into consideration any special qualifications of the sitters—some have canine CPR training or experience administering injections, for example. On that note, if you have any qualifying skills, let the world know! Skills and extensive knowledge will help you stand out. Also keep in mind any travel expenses you may face for traveling to owner homes (you can also set rates for being a dog chauffeur).
I know, I know; this sounds too good to be true. If you’re looking for unique ways to make extra income and include more dogs in your life, becoming a sitter or dog walker on Rover could be a great fit. See you on the fluff side!
My fiance and I have been hosting pups since 2015 and have been having a blast doing it! The great thing is that, since I already have a pup, it doesn’t add much more work for me to watch a second pup. I already have to walk my own pup and do all the other dog care tasks that come with dog ownership.
The great thing about the sharing economy is that it opens up the possibility to do things like this. It’s a pretty low-risk way to try your hand at entrepreneurship. Startup costs are basically zero. And if you find that dog sitting isn’t for you, all you need to do is stop doing it.
Financial Panther recently posted…The HSA: The Perfect Retirement Account For Millennials
Awesome! I was also thinking it would be a great way to test driving getting a dog if you’re on the brink of making the commitment.
I think my biggest worry would be if the dog bit you, another person, or another dog. It might be worth looking into any potential liabilities that you could be on the hook for.
Money Beagle recently posted…Shopping Malls Dying While Shopping Centers Thriving
So an interesting thing, when you use these Dogsitting platforms, you’re covered by their insurance. It’s similar to how Airbnb works in that respect.
Financial Panther recently posted…The HSA: The Perfect Retirement Account For Millennials
Super interesting! May be worth them absorbing the cost rather than building your own base. Assuming you’re expanding outside of family and friends who hopefully wouldn’t sue.
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Interesting. I know several people who have fostered pets, e.g. taking care of kittens while the ASPCA is looking for their permanent home.
If you have the time, taking a dog for a walk is great exercise. But for me, it would make me miss having my own dog too much. Rather wait until I’m in a large enough place to keep a dog for myself and use rover.com for those times I need someone to dog-sit!
Jack @ Enwealthen recently posted…Dividend Income Update Q4 2016
Sometimes it’s worth it to learn about the hustle economy just so you can opt to use it and help others out when you need that particular service!
Sounds like a great gig for pet lovers. Suzanne’s allergic to fuzzy pets, so I think we’d have to pass on this one.
Gary @ Super Saving Tips recently posted…If I Had a Million Dollars, I’d Spend It Like This
This might be a good idea for my wife to get her “puppy fix”. We don’t have, and can’t have dogs where we live but would both love to. This may be a good idea to walk the dogs or house sit, or whatever just enough to make a little extra money and get having a puppy out of our system.
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This is a neat one! I hadn’t heard of this side hustle before. I’ll have to remember it the next time someone asks me for a suggestion.
Jamie @ Medium Sized Family recently posted…5 Ways We’ve Saved Money This Week 64
Hey, thanks a lot! Does a pet sitter need to have a veterinary education?