Do you love animals and want to make money from home? Starting a pet sitting and dog walking business is one of the easiest side hustles you can launch in 2026. It requires very little money to start, no special qualifications, and the demand for pet care services is higher than ever.
In this guide, I will walk you through everything you need to know to start your own pet sitting and dog walking business from home. From setting up your services to finding your first clients, you will have a clear roadmap to follow.
Why Pet Sitting Is a Great Side Hustle
The pet care industry has grown rapidly in recent years. More people own pets than ever before, and many pet owners lead busy lives. They need someone to walk their dogs during the day, feed their cats while they are on holiday, and check on their pets when they work late.
Here is why pet sitting works well as a side hustle:
- Low startup costs: You do not need expensive equipment or a commercial space
- Flexible hours: You choose when to work and how many clients to take on
- Growing demand: More people are adopting pets, and they need care
- Enjoyable work: If you love animals, this does not feel like work
- Good income: Pet sitters can earn between £15 and £30 per hour in the UK
What Services to Offer
There are several types of pet sitting services you can offer. Start with one or two and expand as you build your client base.
Dog Walking
This is the most common pet service. You walk dogs while their owners are at work. A typical dog walk lasts 30 to 60 minutes. You can walk one dog at a time or offer group walks with multiple dogs. Group walks are more profitable per hour, but you need to be confident handling multiple dogs at once.
Pet Sitting in the Owner’s Home
Many pet owners prefer their pets to stay in their own home while they are away. You visit the home one to three times per day to feed, walk, and play with the pets. This is popular with cat owners and dog owners who do not want to put their pets in a kennel.
House Sitting
House sitting involves staying overnight at the pet owner’s home while they are away. You get a free place to stay and get paid to look after the pets and keep the house secure. This is a popular option for retired people, remote workers, and students.
Pet Taxi
Some pet owners need help taking their pets to vet appointments, grooming appointments, or doggy daycare. If you have a car, you can offer pet taxi services.
How to Get Started
Step 1: Research the Rules in Your Area
In the UK, you can walk up to four dogs at once without a licence in most areas. However, some local councils have specific rules about pet sitting and dog walking businesses. Check with your local council to see if you need any permits or insurance.
Step 2: Get Insured
Pet sitting insurance is essential. It protects you if a pet gets injured while in your care, if you accidentally damage a client’s property, or if a client claims you lost their pet. Pet business insurance costs around £100 to £200 per year and is worth every penny.
Step 3: Get Trained and Certified
While you do not need formal qualifications, getting certified can help you stand out. Consider taking:
- Pet first aid course
- Dog behaviour and training course
- CPD certified pet sitting course
These certifications show clients that you are serious and knowledgeable about pet care.
Step 4: Set Your Prices
Pet sitting prices vary depending on where you live and what services you offer. Here are typical UK rates for 2026:
- 30-minute dog walk: £10-£15
- 60-minute dog walk: £15-£25
- 30-minute pet visit: £10-£15
- Overnight house sitting: £40-£70 per night
Start with slightly lower prices to attract your first clients, then increase as you build a reputation.
Step 5: Create a Simple Website
You do not need an expensive website. A simple one-page site with your services, prices, contact information, and a few photos is enough to get started. WordPress or Wix both offer easy-to-use website builders.
How to Find Your First Clients
Finding your first clients is the hardest part. Here are proven ways to get started:
Word of Mouth
Tell your friends, family, neighbours, and colleagues that you are starting a pet sitting business. Ask them to spread the word. Word of mouth is the most effective marketing tool for local pet services.
Local Facebook Groups
Join local community Facebook groups and neighbourhood groups. Offer your services and ask for referrals. Many pet owners look for recommendations in these groups.
Nextdoor App
Nextdoor is a neighbourhood social network that is very popular for finding local services. Create a post offering your pet sitting services and include your rates and availability.
Local Vet Clinics and Pet Shops
Visit local vet clinics, pet shops, and grooming salons. Leave your business cards or flyers with their permission. Many pet owners trust recommendations from their vet.
Online Platforms
Register on platforms like Rover, Pawshake, and BorrowMyDoggy. These platforms connect pet owners with pet sitters. They take a commission, but they are great for finding your first clients and building reviews.
Tips for Success
Always Do a Meet and Greet
Before taking on a new client, always meet them and their pet in person. This helps you assess the pet’s temperament, learn about their routine, and make sure you are a good fit for each other.
Create a Welcome Pack
Give new clients a welcome pack with information about your services, your cancellation policy, emergency contact details, and what they need to provide for their pet.
Ask for Reviews
Positive reviews are gold in the pet sitting business. After each booking, ask your client to leave a review on your website, Facebook page, or Rover profile.
Build a Backup Team
Have a backup pet sitter you can call if you get sick or have an emergency. This ensures you never let a client down.
Growing Your Business
Once you have a steady client base, you can grow your business in several ways:
- Hire other pet sitters to work for you
- Expand your service area
- Add new services like grooming or pet training
- Create a referral programme for existing clients
- Partner with local pet businesses for cross-promotion
If you enjoy working independently, you might also be interested in starting a virtual assistant business from home, which offers similar flexibility. And if you are looking for other remote work options, check out our list of best entry-level work-from-home jobs.
Final Thoughts
Starting a pet sitting and dog walking business is a fantastic way to earn extra money while doing something you enjoy. The startup costs are low, the demand is high, and you get to spend your days with animals. What is not to like?
Start small, focus on building a great reputation, and grow from there. Within a few months, you could have a steady stream of clients and a profitable side hustle that fits around your schedule.
For more side hustle ideas, check out our guide on how to make money with drones and other creative ways to earn extra income from home.
