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By Ashwani Shoda
Published on 27 May 2024 9 min read
For animal lovers, starting a side hustle related to their passion for animals provides financial stability and allows them to indulge in something they love.
From pet sitting and dog walking to selling handmade pet products, you can choose from numerous fun side hustle ideas to supplement your income while doing something you enjoy.
With busy schedules and long work hours becoming increasingly common, many pet owners are turning to apps and websites to find reliable pet sitters or dog walkers.
These platforms allow animal lovers to make money by offering their services on a flexible schedule that works best for them.
So, if you are an animal lover looking for extra income, look no further! We’ve compiled a list of 14 side hustles that will satisfy your love for animals and help pad your wallet. From pet sitting to dog walking, this comprehensive guide has something for every animal enthusiast.
So grab your furry friends, and let’s get hustling!
1. Dog Walking / Pet Sitting
Many pet owners struggle to find the time to give their furry friends the attention and exercise they need due to their busy schedules. Offering your services as a dog walker or pet sitter can help ease the burden for busy pet owners while they spend quality time with adorable animals.
You can charge per walk or hour, depending on what works best for you. It’s also a good idea to offer additional services such as feeding, playtime, and administering medication if needed. Start by contacting friends and family with pets or creating a profile on websites like Rover or Care.com, which connect pet owners with local sitters and walkers.
Make sure to keep track of your earnings and expenses for tax purposes. As your business grows, consider investing in insurance or setting up a legal business entity like LLC to protect yourself against potential accidents or incidents.
2. Pet Grooming
Pet grooming is a fast-growing industry that provides essential services for pet owners and their beloved animals. As an animal lover, you can tap into this market by offering your skills in pet grooming as a side hustle.
While it’s one of the most cost-effective side hustles that don’t require too much capital, you may have to acquire the necessary supplies and equipment to get started.
Once you have your materials ready, the next step is to decide on the type of pet grooming services you want to provide. These could range from basic grooming, bathing, and brushing to specialized haircuts or dental care services. You can even offer services like de-shedding treatments or pedicures (nail trimming and filing). You will also need to consider your target market based on your service.
For example, you must decide whether to cater to all breeds or specialize in certain types. Once you have your supplies and services planned out, it’s time to spread the word. Start by creating flyers or distributing business cards at local pet stores, vet clinics, and dog parks. You can also utilize social media platforms to attract potential customers.
3. Pet Photography
Pet photography is one of the most popular side hustles for professionals passionate about capturing pets’ unique personalities and adorable moments. It combines their love for animals with their photography skills, making it a fun and fulfilling way to earn extra income.
With some basic equipment, patience, and creativity, you can capture pets’ unique personalities and turn your passion into a profitable business.
To start with pet photography, you only need a decent camera and some basic knowledge of photography techniques, such as lighting, composition, and angles, which can greatly enhance your photos.
In addition to technical skills, having creative ideas for poses and settings can make your photos stand out from others in the market. You can experiment with props or locations like parks or beaches to add variety to your portfolio.
4. Selling Handmade Pet Accessories
Pet owners always look for unique and personalized items for their beloved furry friends, so the demand for handmade pet accessories is high. From collars and leashes to toys and beds, there is a wide range of products that you can make by hand and sell to pet owners. The possibilities are endless when it comes to designing handmade pet accessories.
The first step in starting this side hustle is identifying your target market. Will you focus on dogs, cats, or other types of pets? Knowing your niche will help you create products that cater to that market’s needs and preferences.
You can use different materials such as fabric, leather, or even recycled materials to make unique pieces that stand out from mass-produced items.
One popular item among pet owners is personalized collars. These can be made with different fabrics and patterns and even engraved with the pet’s name or contact information.
Another sought-after product is homemade treats for pets using natural ingredients—a healthy alternative for those conscious about what goes into their pet’s diet.
5. Dog Training Classes
As the demand for well-behaved and trained dogs grows, so does the need for skilled dog trainers. This makes dog training classes an excellent opportunity for animal lovers looking to make extra money. Therefore, it’s an ideal side hustle for military personnel who have some experience in dog handling and behavior management.
You can gain this experience by working or volunteering at local animal shelters or taking dog behavior and obedience training courses. Once you have the necessary skills and knowledge, you can begin setting up your business by determining what classes you want to offer.
For example, do you want to focus on basic obedience training or specialize in specific areas like agility or therapy training?
It’s important to market your services effectively to attract clients. Setting up a website for your business builds credibility and allows potential customers to find you. You can also distribute flyers in pet stores or ask veterinarians if they would be willing to recommend your services.
6. Doggy Daycare Services
As an animal lover, starting a doggy daycare business can be a fun and rewarding side hustle for couples. It allows them to spend quality time with adorable animals while earning extra income. It’s a form of pet sitting in which dogs are dropped off at a home or facility for a day to play, socialize, and receive proper care and attention.
One of the main benefits of offering doggy daycare services is spending your days surrounded by lovable pups. This is perfect for those who adore animals but may not have the means or time to own them.
Spending time with different breeds and personalities can also be a great learning experience for anyone interested in becoming a professional dog trainer or behaviorist.
7. House-Sitting for Pets
House-sitting for pets is a great side hustle option for animal lovers looking to earn some extra income. This job involves taking care of someone else’s pet in the comfort of their home.
One of the main advantages of house-sitting for pets is that it allows animals to stay in their familiar surroundings and stick to their daily routines, making it a win-win situation.
Depending on the owner’s needs, it can range from a day visit to an extended stay. However, your responsibilities may include feeding, walking, playing with, and giving medications or treatments as instructed by the owner.
You may also need to take care of basic household tasks such as watering plants, bringing in mail, and ensuring the property’s security.
To start pet house-sitting, you can sign up on various platforms or websites connecting pet owners with potential sitters. These platforms allow you to create a profile highlighting your experience with animals and any additional skills you may have (e.g., administering medication).
You can also set your rates and availability based on your preferences.
8. Blogging About Animals
Writing or blogging about animals is a great way for animal lovers to turn their passion into a fun and profitable side hustle. Not only does it allow you to share your love for animals with others, but it also allows you to make money doing what you enjoy. To get started, the first step is to decide on a niche that interests you, such as pet care tips, product reviews, or advocacy.
Once you have chosen your niche, it’s time to set up your blog. You must register a domain name that reflects your niche and is easy to remember on GoDaddy. They also provide hosting services and a website-building platform to help you create your blogging website without coding.
Blogging may not bring in immediate income, but several ways exist to monetize your platform. One option is affiliate marketing, where you promote products related to your niche and earn commission from sales through your referral links.
You can also partner with brands that align with your values and collaborate on sponsored posts or product reviews.
9. Pooper Scooper Service
As much as we love our furry friends, let’s face it: cleaning up after them can be a less-than-pleasant task. That’s where a pooper scooper service comes in – offering convenience and peace of mind to busy pet owners who want to keep their yards clean without having to do the dirty work themselves.
One of the main benefits of starting a pooper scooper service is its low start-up costs. All you really need is some basic equipment such as gloves, bags, and a sturdy scoop – which most likely won’t cost more than $100 altogether. You can also offer additional services like deodorizing or disinfecting the yard for an extra fee.
In terms of pricing, most pooper scooper businesses charge anywhere from $10-$20 per visit depending on factors such as yard size and number of pets. This means that with just 10 clients per week, you could earn up to $2000 per month.
But before diving into this business venture, make sure you check with local laws and regulations since some cities may require special permits or have specific guidelines for disposing of pet waste.
10. Pet Transport Service
Whether it’s a trip to the vet or a cross-country move, many pet owners struggle with finding reliable and affordable transportation options for their furry companions.
The demand for professional pet transport services is steadily growing, making it an ideal side hustle for animal lovers. Not only does it allow you to spend time with adorable pets, but it also provides a valuable service to busy or unable pet owners.
However, it’s essential to research the local laws and regulations surrounding pet transportation in your area. Some states may require special licenses or permits for transporting pets professionally.
Once you’ve established the logistics of your service, it’s time to consider pricing. When determining rates, consider factors such as distance traveled, type of vehicle used (if any), and additional services like grooming or feeding during the trip.
11. Pet Event Planning
Pet event planning is a fun and fulfilling side hustle idea for animal lovers. Proper planning, promotion, and execution have the potential to not only bring joy to pet owners but also make a positive impact on the animal community.
From birthday parties to charity fundraisers, pet event planning is a fun and lucrative side hustle idea for animal lovers.
Firstly, when planning a pet event, it’s important to understand your target audience clearly. Are you catering to dog owners, cat owners, or all pets? This will help you determine the theme and activities for the event.
You can also partner with local animal shelters or non-profit organizations for events like adoption drives, where you can provide party supplies to get free exposure.
12. Pet Portraits & Arts
If you’re a fan of animals and have a knack for art, pet portraits, and art are the perfect side hustle. Creating pet portraits involves capturing the unique personality and features of someone’s furry companion through various art mediums such as drawing, painting, or even digital illustrations.
This type of artwork has become increasingly popular as more people seek personalized and one-of-a-kind pieces to showcase their beloved pets.
To get started in this side hustle, first consider what type of medium you are most comfortable with. Creating hand-drawn or painted portraits will be ideal if you enjoy using traditional materials like pencils or paints. On the other hand, offering digital illustrations would be a great option if you are more tech-savvy and prefer working digitally.
13. Pet-friendly Airbnb
Every pet owner knows how challenging it can be to find comfortable accommodations for themselves and their beloved pets. Most travelers opt for a pet-friendly Airbnb because of the potential cost savings. Many hotels charge extra pet fees, which can quickly add up over an extended stay.
Airbnbs may have a one-time cleaning fee or no additional charges, making it a budget-friendly option for travelers with pets. Setting up a pet-friendly Airbnb is as easy as setting up a normal one.
You will need to equip your property with pet-friendly accessories and supplies. Then, you can list your property on hotel listing websites under pet-friendly, for which you can charge a premium.
14. Set up an Online Store
With the increasing popularity of online shopping, selling products through an e-commerce platform has never been easier.
So, if you’re an animal lover with a knack for entrepreneurship, selling animal products online can be a fulfilling and profitable side hustle. But before jumping into online retail, it’s important to have a clear plan in place.
First and foremost, choose a popular and reliable e-commerce platform like Shopify that also suits your needs. These platforms offer user-friendly interfaces and tools to help you set up your store quickly and easily. They also come with various payment options and shipping integrations to make managing orders seamless.
Start Your Side Hustle With doola
No matter which side hustle you choose, building it into a successful business will take time, effort, and persistence. So, if you are ready for this journey, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is how to structure your company.
doola offers you all the tools you need to set up your dream US business with a simple click of a button. Our business-in-a-box solution covers all administrative requirements, including entity registration, bookkeeping, taxation, and compliance management.
Get started with us today and register your new LLC with a few simple steps with doola – the leading platform for small business resources.
