How do I find pet sitting jobs near me?

List on RuffRuff Let's Play, Rover, and Care.com, and check Indeed and Nextdoor for local listings. Join local dog owner Facebook groups and build relationships at dog parks and vet offices.

How much do pet sitters make?

Drop-in visits pay $20–$35 and overnight stays pay $50–$100 per night. Full-time sitters with established clients earn $40,000–$70,000+ per year, and holiday periods are the highest-earning times.

Do I need certifications to be a pet sitter?

It's not legally required in most areas, but Pet First Aid/CPR certification is essential for safety and client trust. PSI and NAPPS certifications add professional credibility.

Is pet sitting a good side hustle?

One of the best. It offers a flexible schedule, low startup costs, high demand, and time with animals — and many full-time pet sitters started as side hustlers.

What's the difference between Rover and RuffRuff Let's Play?

Rover is a large marketplace where you compete on price. RuffRuff Let's Play is community-first — clients already know you from the dog park and Community Packs, so there's higher trust, more organic relationships, and a lower commission.

How do I handle a pet emergency while sitting?

Call the pet's veterinarian (have the info saved before every sit), or go to the nearest emergency vet if it's after hours. Contact the owner immediately, stay calm, and document everything — Pet First Aid/CPR training prepares you for these moments.

Pet Sitter Jobs Near Me: Find Work, Set Rates, and Build Your Client Base

Searching for pet sitter jobs near you? Here's where to find work, what pet sitting pays, which platforms to join, and how to grow from occasional gigs to full-time income.

Some people scroll job boards looking for work that doesn't make them dread Monday morning. You're looking for something different — the kind of gig where your coworkers have four legs, your office smells like treats, and your performance review is a wagging tail and a full-body lean into your shins. Pet sitting is that gig, and in 2026 there are more pet sitter jobs available than ever before.

Pet sitting pay varies by service type, location, and experience:

Major metros pay more. Holiday seasons — Thanksgiving, Christmas, and summer travel — are the busiest and highest-paying periods, and smart sitters book holiday clients months in advance.

Skills You Need for Pet Sitting

Building Your Profile to Get Hired

Getting Your First Reviews

Handling Difficult Situations

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find pet sitting jobs near me?: List on RuffRuff Let's Play, Rover, and Care.com, and check Indeed and Nextdoor for local listings. Join local dog owner Facebook groups and build relationships at dog parks and vet offices.
How much do pet sitters make?: Drop-in visits pay $20–$35 and overnight stays pay $50–$100 per night. Full-time sitters with established clients earn $40,000–$70,000+ per year, and holiday periods are the highest-earning times.
Do I need certifications to be a pet sitter?: It's not legally required in most areas, but Pet First Aid/CPR certification is essential for safety and client trust. PSI and NAPPS certifications add professional credibility.
Is pet sitting a good side hustle?: One of the best. It offers a flexible schedule, low startup costs, high demand, and time with animals — and many full-time pet sitters started as side hustlers.
What's the difference between Rover and RuffRuff Let's Play?: Rover is a large marketplace where you compete on price. RuffRuff Let's Play is community-first — clients already know you from the dog park and Community Packs, so there's higher trust, more organic relationships, and a lower commission.
How do I handle a pet emergency while sitting?: Call the pet's veterinarian (have the info saved before every sit), or go to the nearest emergency vet if it's after hours. Contact the owner immediately, stay calm, and document everything — Pet First Aid/CPR training prepares you for these moments.