The global shift towards remote work and flexible careers has opened doors to diverse income streams. For many, the traditional nine-to-five no longer defines financial security. This evolving landscape is precisely what Kevin Liu, a 28-year-old pet-sitter based in Texas, discovered after being laid off from his tech job for the third time. His experience highlights how a seemingly simple side hustle can evolve into a significant income source, offering both financial stability and personal fulfillment.
It was during his college years that the concept of “side hustles” gained traction. Liu recalls seeing a YouTube video about pet sitting, a notion that resonated with him due to its potential to merge enjoyment with earning. Although his studies kept him occupied, the idea of being paid for something he found fun lingered. This early exposure planted the seed that would later blossom into a successful venture.
In June 2020, amidst the pandemic’s economic uncertainties, Liu decided to explore pet sitting further. He joined Rover, a popular pet-sitting platform that connects sitters with clients for a booking fee, which also includes insurance. Initially, his goal wasn’t a career change, but rather supplementing his income. He set a modest six-mile radius around his home in Austin, Texas, to manage his commitments. His first booking came within a month: a lively puppy in a one-bedroom apartment. Despite lacking prior pet-sitting experience, the owner was reassured by Liu’s remote work status, implying he wouldn’t be frequently leaving the premises.
However, the initial financial reality quickly set in. Liu’s chosen full-day rate of $26, which after fees and taxes amounted to a mere $15, proved insufficient. The cost of groceries for his own meals during the sit quickly highlighted the need for a strategic adjustment. This realization prompted him to gradually increase his prices as his experience grew. He also recognized the importance of prompt communication, responding quickly to all inquiries, whether he could accept the booking or not. A high response rate and fast response time are crucial for improving visibility in platform search results, a strategy that paid off for Liu.
As his reputation grew, Liu began receiving bookings from families planning vacations and young couples embarking on weekend getaways. He relished the opportunity to meet new people and their pets, often finding himself staying in luxurious homes. His portfolio included stays in five-bedroom houses with infinity pools, cliff-top residences with breathtaking views, and even a three-story mansion complete with an elevator. This aspect of the job offered an unexpected perk, turning pet-sitting into a form of extended staycation.
By August 2020, Liu had returned to full-time work in the tech industry. However, his remote work arrangement allowed him to continue house-sitting. While he had previously offered dog walking and drop-in services, his tech job’s demands necessitated a shift in focus. To maximize his earnings within his limited availability, he began prioritizing house-sits that involved caring for multiple pets simultaneously. While most of his clients were dog owners, he also gained experience caring for less common pets, including a snake and five geckos. This particular sit proved to be exceptionally easy, with the snake requiring feeding only once a week and the geckos needing daily misting.
Last year marked Liu’s most successful period in pet sitting. In 2022, he earned $26,110 before taxes and fees, with bookings already secured for the following six months. While his tech job still offers a higher income, his pet-sitting venture has become a remarkably passive and profitable side hustle. More than just the financial rewards, Liu genuinely enjoys assisting people and ensuring their beloved pets are well cared for.
The most significant challenge Liu encountered wasn’t related to the pets themselves but rather an unforeseen incident: a tree falling on a house he was staying in. Fortunately, no one was injured, and the homeowner arranged for the necessary repairs. This event underscored the unpredictable nature of house-sitting, even when the animals are well-behaved. While he has learned to navigate potential encounters with untrained dogs on sidewalks and stay vigilant for squirrels, this incident was a stark reminder of external risks.
Liu also found valuable insights and community support on Reddit, where he learned about benchmarking prices and setting income goals. A year into his pet-sitting journey, he began sharing his experiences on TikTok, creating videos detailing the information he wished he had known when starting out. His first video, posted in August 2022, chronicling his first year of pet sitting, went viral, garnering over 500,000 views overnight. The immense interest led to numerous inquiries, with some potential clients even offering to fly him to their homes in cities like Los Angeles, New York, or Alaska. However, due to his full-time job, he has yet to undertake such extensive travel for pet-sitting engagements.
Currently, Liu charges $170 per day, and clients often schedule their holidays around his availability, particularly during the busy summer months and festive seasons. His longest booking was for 28 days, caring for an elderly Shih Tzu while the owner was away for work. Liu emphasizes providing a luxury service, aiming to make the entire process as seamless as possible for the client. Upon their return, clients can be assured that their pet has been exceptionally cared for, their home is tidy, plants are watered, and any deliveries have been collected. This comprehensive approach distinguishes his service.
Maintaining a consistent daily routine is key to balancing his demanding side hustle with his day job, especially when house-sitting in beautiful, potentially distracting environments. Liu typically wakes around 5 a.m. to feed and let out the dogs before heading to the gym for about 90 minutes. He returns to the house to walk the dogs again, often before his first online meeting at 9 or 10 a.m. He works until about 5 p.m., then attends to the dogs’ evening needs with another feeding and walk. He may socialize with friends or visit his own apartment to water plants, usually retiring by 10 p.m. Despite paying $950 a month for his apartment, he chooses not to rent it out, valuing it as a consistent home base just four miles away.
The biggest misconception about pet and house sitting, according to Liu, is that it’s easy. He stresses that not all clients are laid-back, and not all pets are well-behaved. Transparency in pricing is crucial, ensuring both clients and fellow pet-sitters have a realistic understanding of the service’s value. While it’s a rewarding profession, it demands professionalism and careful management to avoid burnout. Liu now tends to avoid sitting for very young puppies due to their unpredictable sleep schedules, preferring to maintain his full-time job’s routine without mid-night interruptions.
For those considering pet sitting as a lucrative side gig, Liu’s journey offers valuable lessons in strategic pricing, effective communication, and delivering a high-quality, comprehensive service. His experience demonstrates that with dedication and a willingness to adapt, a passion for animals can indeed translate into significant financial rewards and personal satisfaction.
