Make money with your pets
From pet sitting to blogging and baking dog treats, these women have turned their passion for animals into moneymaking gigs. Learn their secrets so you can start earning too
“I make up to $3,000 a
month caring for pets”
“I have two dogs of my own, and as a single mom, I’m always looking for more ways to make money. When I learned about Rover.com, a site that connects you with pet-sitting jobs, I was thrilled.
“To get started, I set up a profile, listing my availability and services I provide, which include dog walking, doggy day care and overnight boarding in my home. When a new client contacts me, I meet them and their pets and explain my services. I take care of dogs, including elderly, blind and disabled dogs, as well as cats, hamsters and guinea pigs. When I care for the pets at my home, I send photos so my clients know their pets are okay.
“After I provide services, my clients leave ratings and reviews on my page (Rover.com/sit/heidiho). I have a perfect, 5-star rating. Rover also gives me promo codes that I can offer as an incentive for new customers. I can also buy T-shirts, window decals, bags and business cards to market my services. Rover gets 20 percent of my earnings, which covers insurance.
“I love walking dogs and caring for pets because it’s such a happy, positive experience and I have the flexibility to be with my daughter, who is learning how to be an entrepreneur too!
“I work 40 hours a week, but you can put as little or as much time as you want into it. I make between $500 and $3,000 a month, enough to pay the bills and set aside some for my daughter’s college savings!”
“I bring home a full-time income blogging!”
“I’m so passionate about cats and I have two of my own. After working in corporate and managing a veterinary hospital for many years, I was ready for a change. Although I wasn’t a professional writer, I decided to write a book about cats. I also started a blog, ConsciousCat.net. When I found out I could make money
Name off the blog, I was Age so happy.
“Setting up tC he it by, lSotg aw teas simple. I purchased the domain name and used WordPress, which made it simple to design. I write about feline health, nutrition and behavior. Some of my most popular blog posts are about the best foods for your cat, the unique attributes of tortoiseshell cats and there are even posts my cats ‘write’ themselves. When I first started, I posted three days a week on a consistent schedule, but now I blog every day.
“I market the blog through social media, including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. I also attend petindustry trade shows and send out an email newsletter. I make money from ads on my site and sponsored posts—blogs that companies ask me to write for them. As a result of the blog, I received two book deals and I get paid to speak.
“Blogging about cats is so much fun! I enjoy educating people about what makes their cats happy and I get to be my own boss. The money I make—a full-time income—pays the bills and for trips to some of my favorite places, like New York City!”
“I earn $15,000 a year baking dog treats!”
“I enjoy baking, and since I didn’t like the artificial ingredients in storebought dog treats, I started baking my dogs’ treats at home. Then a few years ago when my husband and I went to a beerfest, I learned about a company that sold homemade dog treats. It seemed like a no-brainer for me, so I launched my own company, Barking Dog Beer Bones (BarkingDogBeerBones.com).
“To start my business, I had to get approval from the Department of Agriculture, which cost $75 and $25 for each additional product. They analyzed the nutritional information and told me how to label the treats. I then adapted a cookie recipe, got the grains from a local brewer, purchased silicone molds and started making the treats in my home kitchen. I picked flavors my own dogs liked, such as pumpkin and peanut butter. I had to experiment a bit until I found the right blend of ingredients and consistency.
“I hired someone to design a website and logo and set up my website with Shopify, which is easy to manage. As my business grew, I rented a commercial kitchen, but I still make the treats, about 1,000 a week, by hand. The treats have no additives or preservatives and since they’re made with grains, peanut butter, eggs and flour, even pet parents can eat them. I also make grain-free, gluten-free dog bones.
“I market my business with flyers and Facebook ads and in person at beer fests and farmers markets. My products are also sold in stores. The money I make—$15,000 a year—pays for trips to Utah and Mexico.”