Change in Your Pocket: Earning Money by Pet Sitting | Video

Joel Porter | 10/19/2012

Mobile Paw Spa Owner Connie Udby isn`t afraid to bring her work home.

"For an animal lover like myself, it`s really a dream come true," she said.

Udby runs her own mobile pet grooming service, but also does some pet sitting on the side. She owns several dogs and cats but says not all pets are created equal when it comes to care.

"I have a 14-year-old dog that`s blind and he can`t hear very well and it`s just not an option for me to take him anywhere. It`d be too hard on him."

"A lot of animals get really stressed out in kenneling situations and so a lot of people want to keep them at home and get a little more one on one care with them," said veterinary technician Brandy Struecker.

Which is why becoming a pet sitter or dog walker is a great way to generate a little extra income.

"Just, generally, dog walking jobs are really good and I know there`s a high demand on those. Because a lot of elderly people, they want to have their pets but can`t get them out and get the exercise the pets need also," Struecker said.

Being a good pet sitter is more than just dropping food in a dish and then opening a door. Experts like Udby say you have to be accountable and be willing to put in extra time, even if it means going for a walk on days when you don`t really want to go outside.

"It`s very, very important to try to maintain the pet`s routine as closely as possible," Udby said.

Getting started isn`t as hard as you think. You can post your information at just about any vet clinic or message board or even create a free online ad. Most pet sitters can earn around ten dollars a day per animal. You may not get rich walking dogs, but if you`re good at it and you love animals, you can earn plenty of change in your pocket.

If you plan to become a pet sitter, you may also benefit from a pet first aid course, which is typically offered through the American Red Cross.

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