For many Londoners, the dream of owning a pet is tempered by demanding work schedules and the high cost of living. One couple found an ingenious solution that not only satisfies their love for animals but has also padded their bank account by more than £1,500 to date. By turning to pet-sitting as a flexible side hustle, they've discovered a rewarding way to earn extra cash from the comfort of their own home.
Turning a Passion into Profit with Rover
Earlier this year, executive editor Alya Zayed and her partner, both avid dog lovers, faced the familiar dilemma of wanting a pet without the full-time commitment. Instead of adopting, they downloaded the Rover app, a platform connecting pet owners with sitters for services like dog walking, drop-in visits, and overnight stays.
By creating a detailed profile and setting their own availability, they began accepting bookings that fit around their work-from-home routines. "Having the opportunity to care for dogs (and some cats!) when it suits us has been immensely enjoyable," Zayed notes. The financial benefit is significant too, with earnings now regularly covering their grocery bills and more.
Essential Tips for Pet-Sitting Success
While the experience has been largely positive, the couple learned valuable lessons through trial and error. Their advice is crucial for anyone considering a similar venture.
Schedule and Meet-and-Greets are Key: A flexible, work-from-home schedule is a major advantage, allowing for walks before work, at lunch, and in the evening. They emphasise that some dogs need up to two hours of walks and play daily. Crucially, they advise never skipping the meet-and-greet offered by Rover. This meeting, held at your home or a local park, allows you to assess the dog's temperament, recall, and how they interact with you and their environment. It's also the perfect time to learn about the dog's unique quirks and potential stressors.
Understanding Canine Communication: Recognising signs of stress or aggression is vital for safety. They reference the PDSA's 'ladder of communication' model, which explains how dogs escalate signals from subtle signs like yawning, blinking, and nose-licking to more obvious warnings like growling or snapping if their discomfort is ignored. Paying attention to these early cues can prevent stressful situations.
Managing the Business and Financial Side
Turning this side hustle into a steady income stream requires savvy business practices.
Pricing Strategy: When starting with no reviews, the couple set competitive rates at around £20 per overnight stay (minus Rover's 15% commission). After building a base of positive reviews, they gradually increased their price to approximately £35 per night. Their advice is simple: don't be afraid to raise your rates and adjust them based on demand.
Beware of Scams and Know Your Tax Duties: While most owners are lovely, they warn of scammers on the platform. Always book and communicate through the Rover app for protection and never move payments off-platform. On the financial front, they highlight recent HMRC rule changes for side hustles. While selling personal items usually doesn't incur tax, buying goods to sell for profit may be considered 'trading'. You must inform HMRC if your annual trading income exceeds the £1,000 Trading Allowance. As their £1,500 earnings are split between them, they haven't yet hit the threshold but are monitoring it closely.
Practical Preparations and Final Advice
Being prepared makes the experience smoother for both sitter and pet. Essential items include a lint roller, sofa cleaner, and a small stock of treats, doggy bags, and a toy for emergencies. They also stress the importance of taking breaks between bookings to avoid burnout from early walks and constant care.
To secure glowing reviews, they recommend sending frequent photo updates to anxious owners. Finally, while Rover's support can help in a crisis—like finding a replacement sitter for a difficult dog—the primary responsibility lies with you. The app facilitates connections and secure payments but won't solve behavioural issues.
For Londoners seeking a fulfilling and profitable way to spend their time at home, pet-sitting offers a compelling blend of companionship and extra income, provided you go in with your eyes open and follow these tried-and-tested tips.
