How to Become a Dog Sitter (and Actually Get Paid to Hang with Dogs)
So you love dogs. Like, really love dogs. You find yourself saying “hi” to every pup on the street (and occasionally ignoring their human entirely). And now you’re wondering, Wait… can I get paid for this obsession?
Short answer: Yup.
Longer answer: Yup, but let’s talk details.
Becoming a dog sitter isn’t just tossing treats and taking a few Instagram pics. It’s a real gig, with real responsibilities—and IMO, some serious perks. Like tail wags. And being a dog’s favorite human for a whole weekend.
Here’s how to get started, build trust, and become the kind of sitter pet parents will fight over.
1. Know What Dog Sitting Actually Involves
Spoiler: It’s more than just cuddles.
Sure, you’ll cuddle. But you’ll also walk, feed, clean up mystery puddles, and possibly administer meds to a senior chihuahua who hates you (at first).
Dog sitting can include:
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- Doing daily drop-ins for potty breaks and play
- Hosting dogs in your home (if you’re set up for that)
- Dog walking, feeding, cleaning up after them, giving meds, etc.
Basically: you’re the human substitute. You keep their routine intact so they don’t turn into anxious gremlins while their parents are away.
Ask yourself:
- Are you cool with early mornings?
- Can you handle big dogs, small dogs, hyper dogs, clingy dogs?
- Do you have a car (in case of emergency)?
If you’re nodding yes to all that, you’re on the right track.
2. Build Some Experience First
You gotta earn that tail-wag trust.
Pet parents aren’t gonna hand their 3-pound, $6,000 Frenchie to just anyone on the internet. You need proof you’re not a weirdo and you can be trusted. Start with dogs you already know.
Ways to build up your street cred:
- Watch dogs for friends, family, or coworkers
- Volunteer at a local shelter or rescue group
- Offer to help neighbors with their pups when they’re busy
And yep, keep track of it all. Start building your “dog-sitting resume”—aka a list of dogs you’ve cared for, their breeds, ages, and any special needs they had.
Bonus points if you can say you handled:
- Senior dogs with meds
- Puppies with the zoomies
- Dogs with anxiety (aka shadow dogs that follow you into the bathroom)
3. Set Yourself Up on Trusted Platforms
Let’s make it official, shall we?
Once you’ve got some experience under your belt (and maybe a glowing review or two), it’s time to get on a dog-sitting platform. These sites help connect you with pet parents in need.
Top places to get started:
- Rover – the big dog of pet-sitting apps. Easy to use, tons of demand.
- Wag! – more walk-focused, but they offer sitting too.
- Care.com – kind of like LinkedIn for babysitters, pet sitters, and more.
Create a killer profile with:
- A friendly, pet-obsessed bio
- Clear info on your experience
- Cute pics of you with dogs (not 23 selfies or gym pics, pls)
- Your availability and rates
- Any special skills (dog CPR? yes please)
FYI:
Most platforms do background checks—which is great for safety but also means you’ll need to be cool sharing your info.
4. Set Your Rates (Without Underselling Yourself)
You’re not working for exposure, you’re working for bacon money.
In the beginning, you might have to start a little lower to build reviews. But that doesn’t mean free.
Things that affect your rate:
- Location (big cities = more $$$)
- Services (overnight stays usually pay more)
- Number of dogs
- Extra stuff like meds, special diets, or 3 daily walks
Example base rates:
- Drop-in visits: $15–25
- Overnight stays: $40–75+
- Doggy daycare: $30–50/day
- Dog walking: $15–25/walk
As your rep grows, so can your rates. Don’t be afraid to bump it up once you’ve got 5-star reviews and a client list that’s starting to look like a dog park roll call.
5. Meet & Greet Like a Pro
You wouldn’t leave your kid with a stranger, right?
Before sitting for a new dog, always do a meet & greet. This is basically a low-key interview where:
- You meet the dog
- The dog meets you
- Everyone sniffs each other (just the dogs… hopefully)
Use this time to:
- Ask about routines, quirks, food, meds, fears, aggression, and favorite toys
- Get emergency contacts & vet info
- Take a walk together if possible
- Show that you’re not just some treat dispenser—you’re here to care
If the dog hates your vibe? It’s OK to say no. Not every match is meant to be. You want to enjoy this gig, not survive it.
6. Keep It Professional (and Pup-Focused)
You’re not just a dog lover—you’re a dog pro now.
Once you’ve booked the job, treat it like the real job it is.
Best practices:
- Show up on time
- Send photo updates (a happy pup pic goes a long way)
- Stick to routines—walks, feeding, bedtime
- Keep the house clean if you’re staying over (don’t be that sitter)
- Handle accidents, barking, and weird behavior like a chill adult
And if something goes wrong? Communicate clearly. Pet parents don’t expect perfection, but they do expect honesty.
7. Collect Reviews Like Treats in a Kong
Because in dog-sitting, stars = bookings
After a great job, always ask the client for a review. A 5-star rating with a “She was amazing, even gave belly rubs during a thunderstorm!” goes a long way.
You can even text or email something casual like:
“Hey! If you were happy with the visit, I’d love it if you left a review. It helps me grow my little dog-sitting biz 🐶❤️ Thanks again!”
The more glowing reviews you rack up, the more you stand out on Rover/Wag/whatever. Trust = bookings.
🐶 FAQ Time
Do I need a pet-sitting certification?
Not really—but it doesn’t hurt. Look into pet CPR/first aid classes if you wanna stand out.
What if a dog gets sick or injured while I’m watching them?
Stay calm, call the owner, then call the vet. Always ask for emergency instructions upfront.
Can I bring dogs into my own home?
Only if you’re approved for boarding through a site or the owner says yes. Make sure your space is safe, clean, and pet-friendly.
🦴 Final Thoughts (aka Sit, Stay, Succeed)
Becoming a dog sitter isn’t just easy money—it’s a whole vibe. You get fresh air, furry hugs, and a flexible side hustle that can turn into something way bigger if you want it to.
Start small, build trust, and treat every dog like they’re your own. Pretty soon, you’ll be the go-to sitter in your neighborhood—and honestly? Your dog-hug-to-income ratio will be unbeatable.
So… ready to trade your 9–5 for a 5–9 with tail wags and treat bags?
Because honestly, same.
I’ve spent 10+ years in dog training, digging into what makes dogs (and their humans) tick. At Smart Dog Learning, I share my no-nonsense, fun approach to training so you can enjoy life with a well-behaved, happy pup—no boring lectures, just practical results 😉
