So many people have pets. They are our best friends, or companions, the soundboard to our lives. Life is so busy though and we don’t want our pets to be left alone unattended for hours on end. If you commute to work or find yourself having booked a lengthy holiday, what do you do with your pets? This is where pet sitting services can come into play. If you love animals and are looking for a way to earn some extra money, have you considered becoming a pet nanny?
What Is A Pet Nanny?
A pet nanny is someone who looks after other people’s pets when they are unable to. It might be a case of looking after them overnight in their own home, for a weekend or longer at your own house or even just dropping in on them during the daytime whilst their owner works. You could offer pet sitting services to a whole range of animals, if you are comfortable to. It could be popular animals like dog and cat sitting, or maybe looking after hamsters, rabbits or even exotic pets. You can also visit My Cat Needs This for taking care of your pet.
Your Own Home Or A Dedicated Space
If you are want offer cat sitting or other pet nanny services, you might need do this as a side hustle alongside your usual job. It could be a great way to make some extra cash, especially if you have the flexibility of working at home, for example. However you never know where it could lead and if you have a number of customers, you might need to invest in a dedicated space. This could be at your house, perhaps a garage conversation or an outhouse. Start making a name for yourself as a pet nanny and you could end up turning that side gig into something part time or even a full time!
Consider What You Will Need
If you are just looking after one animal, you will probably not need too much stuff. It’s probably a good idea to have some pet nanny play toys, food and bedding. This could be in your utility room. However if you are setting up a bigger space you will need to consider other things. Different rooms for different animals, maybe CCTV cameras. Definitely insurance! You want to make sure you are covered should something happen. With policies as little as £5 a month, it’s much better than the alternative.
How Much Money Could You Make As A Pet Nanny?
Pet sitting services cost different amounts of money depending on a number of factors. You could charge an hourly rate or per visit fee depending on what the customer needs. Maybe if they were to stay under your care for a week you could offer a specific price. If the pet needs solo care you won’t be able to look after other animals during the stay so you’ll be able to charge slightly more. Young animals may need extra attention so you’ll be able to charge extra. You should let customers know your fees and what is included. Finally, with hourly rates seen online between £10-£20, you could make a decent amount of money for pet sitting services.
In conclusion, a pet nanny might not be for everyone but it could be a great way to make some extra cash to help you pay the bills. You’ll need to offer a professional service and word of mouth is your friend. Do a great job and pet owners will tell other pet owners and this is how your business could grow.
