New Yorkers led the fashion for professional pet sitters a decade ago, and it’s now a way of life (and maybe a way to pay for your next holiday) if you try the new, sophisticated apps and websites which cater for you, dogs and cats.
Now, thanks to sites like Rover and its competitor DogVacay, caring for dogs and cats is a lucrative side business or even a full-time job.
“You can certainly make thousands of dollars doing it,” says Aaron Hirschhorn, DogVacay CEO and co-founder.
Rover and DogVacay
Rover and DogVacay connect dog and cat sitters with pet owners looking for boarding — either at their own home or the sitter’s — in an Airbnb-like fashion. Each company takes a 15 percent cut of the sitters’ earnings.
Rover www.rover.com in America also has a British service www.rover.com.uk
In fact, Rover has been so successful it can also be found across Europe.
Star-Rating Pet Sitters at Dog Vacay
DogVacay www.dogvacay.com offers up to a five-star rating for highly regarded sitters. Owner reviews are part of the formula. There is 24/7 customer support and daily photo updates are part of the deal.
Pet Sitters International is based on a similar model.
Aimed at pet sitters and owners in the US and Canada Petsit covers insurance, courses and plugs you into the network.
PetCloud is an Australian version of the American models.
https://www.petcloud.com.au/become-a-pet-sitter
PetCloud and the RSPCA in Australia
If you refer a pet owner they get $10 credit and you get 8% of the booking in cash. You can donate to RSPCA Australia, as an owner, when booking. There is no cashing payments. PetCloud is partly owned by RSPCA Queensland and also rests on an insurance and training model.
They offer a Pet Jobs Board, earnings tracking, digital verification badges, automatic SMS reminders and live chat with clients. It’s state of the art in Australia.
Making Money From Australian Pet-Sitting
PetCloud claim that if you pet sit (and house sit) two dogs for 31 nights at $51 per night and walk them regularly (an add-on cost) you can clear $2030.
Trusted Housesitters in Australia also offers the option of live-in dog or cat sitting. You can even arrange to have your horses looked after through this site. www.trustedhousesitters.com
Another option in Australia is Aussie Housesitters www.aussiehousesitters.com.au
Mad Paws Australia
Mad Paws offers pet sitting, day care, walking and grooming. “No more kennels” they say. www.madpaws.com.au
In a world of dog butlers, peticures and pandemic pups, you can see why Mad Paws has taken off in Australia along with Pawshake, which comes with free veterinary coverage www.pawshake.com.au
Report back. Are you a pet-sitter? Do you use pet-sitters? You can always find us on Twitter @holidaygoddess.
