I make an extra £10k a year with a very easy side hustle that you don’t need any qualifications to do – it’s so fun too
DO you love animals and want to earn around £10,000 extra a year?
A woman has revealed how she has found a “fun” and lucrative side hustle that not only gives her lots of extra cash, but also lets her hang out with dogs and cats too.
Meghan Lim, who has a full-time job as a remote financial analyst, said she was tempted to make some extra cash on the side.
She discovered that taking care of people’s pets is a good way to make some money, but it can also slot into your busy life too.
On an average month, Meghan makes £788 from dog walking or sitting, and this is on top of her usual salary.
This works out at £9,456 for the entire year – and could be perfect for those saving for a house deposit, wedding or big purchase.
US-based Meghan told Business Insider: “The best price to start for dog walking is $20 (£15.77) for a 30-minute walk. It’s a very standard rate.
“I would say if you work from home, it’s really flexible, especially if you have time during your lunch hours.”
She then increases her rates as she gets busier with clients and says it’s important to not “undercharge” once you get good reviews and in more demand.
Another way she makes money is to take care of dogs overnight, and she charged $150 (£118) per evening over the New Year period.
Before she takes on a new fluffy friend, she sets up a meeting with the owner and a pet to check she is the right fit.
Here she’ll ask basic questions about how often the pet should be fed and any medication they need, plus how much walking they expect.
She added: “One of the most important questions to ask is ‘how long can I leave the dog alone?'”
Meghan revealed she gets most of her clients from the websites Rover and Wag!, which have opportunities for walking and sitting dogs.
The best price to start for dog walking is $20 (£15.77) for a 30-minute walk. It’s a very standard rate
Meghan Lim
One of her top tips for getting started would be to get friends to write testimonials to boost your profile about how you were with their pets.
After you secure a client, try and get them to write a review too to help your marketing.
If you are struggling to get any clients, she advised you could try Facebook dog groups, although you may have to lower your rates.
Meghan advised that if you find a pooch you love, don’t be scared to make it known.
She added: “Don’t be afraid to tell the owner, ‘hey, I really had a good time watching your dog or walking your dog. I would love to watch him or her or walk him or her again. Here’s my number. Just let me know when you need a walk.”
How to become a dog walker or pet-sitter
Becoming a dog walker or sitter doesn’t require any official qualifications, meaning anyone can do it.
Look on local Facebook pages where you can start advertising your availability.
You can also sign up to websites like pawshake.com, which matches dog owners up with sitters.
There are other websites you can sign up too, such as barkingmad.uk.com.
Or, you can try borrowmydoggy.com.