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TL;DR: Looking for a side hustle in 2025 that’s flexible, easy to start, and doesn’t involve staring at a screen all day? Pet sitting through Petme is one of the most rewarding ways to earn money – especially if you’re a pet lover. With low upfront costs, no boss, and full control over your schedule, it’s quickly becoming the go-to gig for thousands.

Why Pet Sitting is 2025’s Most Underrated Income Stream

In the ever-growing gig economy, workers are searching for side hustles that are meaningful, manageable, and not soul-sucking. While rideshare driving and food delivery used to dominate the scene, more people in 2025 are looking for alternatives that feel less like “hustle” and more like “happy money.”

Enter pet sitting – a side hustle where you can get paid to walk dogs, cuddle cats, or house-sit for traveling pet owners. And thanks to apps like Petme, it’s easier than ever to launch a real pet care business with just your phone and a genuine love for animals.

Petme takes the concept of pet sitting further with a community-driven model, lower fees, and social features that make it feel less like a job and more like a lifestyle.

How Pet Sitting on Petme Compares to Other Popular Gigs

You might be wondering: “Why pet sitting? Isn’t driving for Uber or freelancing online just as good?”

Let’s break it down.

Side Hustle Comparison
Pet Sitting (Petme)
Startup Cost
Very Low
Flexibility
Total
Avg. Pay/Month
$500–$5,000+
Burnout Risk
Low 😊
Interaction Level
High (with pets!)
Fun Factor
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Food Delivery (e.g. Uber Eats)
Startup Cost
Moderate (vehicle, fuel)
Flexibility
Medium
Avg. Pay/Month
$700–$2,500
Burnout Risk
High 😓
Interaction Level
Low (brief hand-offs)
Fun Factor
⭐⭐
Rideshare Driving
Startup Cost
High (car, maintenance)
Flexibility
Medium
Avg. Pay/Month
$1,000–$3,000
Burnout Risk
High 😓
Interaction Level
Low (often silent rides)
Fun Factor
⭐⭐
Online Freelancing
Startup Cost
None–Low
Flexibility
Medium
Avg. Pay/Month
$200–$4,000+
Burnout Risk
Medium–High 😐
Interaction Level
Low (remote-only)
Fun Factor
⭐⭐
Selling on Etsy
Startup Cost
Moderate (materials, fees)
Flexibility
Low
Avg. Pay/Month
$100–$1,000+
Burnout Risk
Medium 😐
Interaction Level
Low (customer service)
Fun Factor
⭐⭐⭐
Tutoring or Teaching Online
Startup Cost
None
Flexibility
Low–Medium
Avg. Pay/Month
$300–$2,000+
Burnout Risk
Medium 😐
Interaction Level
Medium
Fun Factor
⭐⭐⭐
Side HustleStartup CostFlexibilityAvg. Pay/MonthBurnout RiskInteraction LevelFun Factor
Pet Sitting (Petme)Very LowTotal$500–$5,000+Low 😊High (with pets!)⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Food Delivery (e.g. Uber Eats)Moderate (vehicle, fuel)Medium$700–$2,500High 😓Low (brief hand-offs)⭐⭐
Rideshare DrivingHigh (car, maintenance)Medium$1,000–$3,000High 😓Low (often silent rides)⭐⭐
Online FreelancingNone–LowMedium$200–$4,000+Medium–High 😐Low (remote-only)⭐⭐
Selling on EtsyModerate (materials, fees)Low$100–$1,000+Medium 😐Low (customer service)⭐⭐⭐
Tutoring or Teaching OnlineNoneLow–Medium$300–$2,000+Medium 😐Medium⭐⭐⭐

As you can see, Pet Sitting with Petme offers the highest “fun factor,” lowest burnout risk, and high earning potential with almost no upfront cost. It’s perfect for those who prefer movement over screen time and meaningful interactions over metrics.

What is Petme?

Petme is a social pet care app that connects pet owners with verified, trusted sitters in their area. Think of it like a mix between Airbnb and Instagram for pets—with built-in booking features and a thriving community of animal lovers.

Unlike corporate-first platforms, Petme was built with the sitter in mind. That means you choose your rates, your availability, and your services. The app supports:

You run your pet care business – Petme just gives you the tools (and the customers).

How Much Can You Make with Petme?

This is one of the biggest questions new sitters have. And the answer? It’s up to you. You set your own rates on Petme, meaning you can charge what works for your experience, location, and the level of care you’re providing. On average, sitters earn between $20–$60 per booking, and those who build up a client base can earn $3,000–$5,000/month or more.

Here’s what you can expect:

  • Beginners often earn $500–$1,200/month within their first 60 days

  • Active sitters with regular clients often earn $2,000–$4,000/month

  • Power sitters in urban areas have reported earnings exceeding $5,000 or even $10,000/month

And the best part? You keep 85% of every booking, which can drop to 90% thanks to Petme’s monthly cash-back bonus:

  • Over $5,000/month → 2% back

  • Over $10,000/month → 5% back

In comparison, other apps like Wag and Rover take between 20–40% in fees – cutting heavily into your earnings.

How to Start Pet Sitting on Petme

If you’re wondering what it takes to get started, here’s the good news: you don’t need a special license or years of experience (unless you’re based in countries like the UK, where you do need a license to board pets in your home).

Here’s how it works:

  1. Download the Petme App on iOS or Android

  2. Create a sitter profile with a profile photo, pet profiles (if you have any), and a short bio

  3. Fill in the sitter application form (takes less than 10 minutes)
  4. Get approved and pay a one-time activation fee ($15–$19) to verify your identity and background

  5. Start accepting bookings and building your pet care business

Petme supports multiple service types, so you can offer just walks, just boarding—or everything! You’re in control.

Subscribe to the Petme newsletter for weekly updates with pet care tips, tales, and member-only perks.

A gray cat wearing yellow sunglasses and holding a yellow megaphone against a black background.

What Makes Petme Different from Other Platforms?

Unlike many gig apps that feel impersonal, Petme is a social-first, community-powered platform built by pet lovers, for pet lovers. It’s designed to feel like a real network, not just a transaction machine.

Key advantages:

  • Transparent 15% fee (vs. 20–40% on other platforms)

  • Flexible cancellation policies with compensation for sitters

  • Built-in messaging and photo sharing with clients

  • Payments arrive 24–48 hours after each booking

  • Full control over your schedule and pricing

  • Mobile-first, modern app with a focus on user experience

Whether you want to walk two dogs a week or run a full pet care business, Petme adapts to your goals.

Is Pet Sitting for You?

If you’re someone who…

  • Loves animals and being active

  • Wants a flexible side income

  • Is tired of apps that treat workers like replaceable robots

  • Enjoys meeting new people (and pets)

  • Prefers getting paid to play fetch instead of sit in traffic

…then pet sitting might just be your perfect hustle in 2025.

Many Petme sitters started with just a few weekend bookings and eventually grew their side hustle into a full-time lifestyle. The low barrier to entry and fast payouts make it easy to test the waters without taking big risks.

Who should consider pet sitting as a side hustle?

  • College students 🧑‍🎓

  • Remote workers 💻

  • Stay-at-home parents 👶

  • Gig economy veterans 🛵

  • Animal lovers 🐾

If you’ve got a flexible schedule and love pets, this could be the side hustle that actually sticks.

Final Thoughts: A Side Hustle with Heart

In a world where side hustles can feel like second jobs, pet sitting through Petme stands out. It’s more than just extra income—it’s a chance to build real relationships, have real fun, and work on your own terms.

So if you’re looking for the easiest side hustle to start in 2025, look no further. Petme offers freedom, flexibility, and a steady stream of tail wags. What more could you ask for?

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best app to start pet sitting?

Petme is the top choice for 2025, offering high payouts, low fees, and a built-in pet community. It’s perfect for beginners and experienced sitters alike.

How much can you earn with pet sitting?

Earnings vary, but sitters regularly make $500–$4,000/month or more. You control your schedule and rates.

Do I need pet care experience to start?

No! As long as you’re responsible, caring, and willing to learn, you can get started without prior experience.

How fast do I get paid?

Petme sends payments to your bank account within 24–48 hours after a completed booking.

Is pet sitting better than driving or delivering food?

For many people, yes. It offers more meaningful interactions, lower stress, and often higher earnings—without the gas bills.

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