How to Make $500 a Week Snuggling Dogs
Kellie Nicholson started pet sitting for fun, but soon she was making enough money to quit her day job. Here’s how she did it!
“After my husband and I had semi-retired, I was working part-time as a personal trainer. But it was stressful.
“Our dog had just passed away when I heard about someone using a service called Rover.com to find pet sitters. My ears perked up. Maybe this was a way to have a pet in my life without the commitment.
“So I went online and created a profile to be an overnight dog host. I set my own prices at $45 per night per dog, hosting one or two at a time. Rover keeps 20 percent.
“When the client arrived for my first weekend job, I opened the door to the cutest goldendoodle! I thought, I can’t believe they’re paying me to spend time with this guy!
“After a while, I was making more money boarding dogs than at the gym — and it was more relaxing. So I quit the gym.
“I’ve enjoyed every part of this job, and it’s become a family affair: My husband loves having a lapdog to watch TV with, and my 28-year-old daughter stops by to play with our guests. Even my parents, who are in their 80s, come over to meet the dogs!
“An unexpected perk has been the friendships I’ve made. Great pet owners tend to be great people!”
This story originally appeared in our print magazine.
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