Make money on the weekends
Most of us spend on our days off, but these smart women have figured out ways to rake in serious cash in their downtime
“I make up to $600 a weekend
as a pet sitter!”
“After my divorce, I needed a second job I could do on the weekends that was flexible. When a friend told me she worked as a pet sitter, I knew it would be a great way to make extra money.
“I read about Thumbtack.com, a site that connects people looking for help with various tasks, and I decided it would be an easy way to find clients. I filled out a profile, and now when a pet-sitting opportunity becomes available, Thumbtack notifies me and I respond to the clients to set up a time to meet them and their dogs. I also send the clients my background check and proof of insurance—the insurance isn’t necessary, but I got it (for $25 a month) because I realized if I were hiring someone to come into my house, I’d want her to have insurance.
“When I meet clients, they give me their keys and tell me what they need me to do, like how much to feed their pets or how often to walk them. Sometimes the pets need medication too. When I’m working, I send my clients photos of their pets so they know everything is okay.
“I charge a flat fee of $25 to start, and $10 for each time I return. If a client wants me to stay overnight, I charge $50. And if they have more than two dogs, my rates are a bit higher. I’ve had up to six families per weekend, so I can earn up to $600.
“I enjoy pet sitting because I love animals and helping other people. It’s also a flexible, easy way to make money for extras, like getaways with my kids.”