The best side hustles combine income potential, something you love or are very good at, and a fair amount of flexibility. For many people, including yours truly, that made pet sitting with the Rover app a near perfect fit.
Like Uber, TaskRabbit and Instacart, Rover connects independent contractors with folks who require their particular services, in this case, vetted pet sitters with needy pet owners. First on the scene in 2011, Rover screens their sitters and charges a nominal fee from every service rendered.
Flexibility is key to a great side hustle. As a Rover sitter you’ll have complete control over what pet jobs you book and when. Customizable options within the Rover app allow you endless ways to adapt pet sitting to your existing lifestyle.
I became a Rover sitter in late 2021 and found the process to be easy and straightforward. Click Become a Sitter on the Rover homepage and the site will prompt you to create an account, add your personal information and experience with animals, and customize your preferences for potential jobs and select which services you’re looking to offer.
Consider your photos as a first impression for potential clients. Select professional photos that convey a trustworthy and friendly nature. Your profile photo should be a clear representation of your face. Other photos should focus on your experience and relationship with animals, with regard to what services you might offer.
This is your chance to brag about your own pets. Talk about the lengths you’ve gone to train them, the relevant books you have read, and how they have changed your life forever. Skip the story about accidentally let your grandma’s Lhasa Apso loose in the 5th grade. Instead share a personal account of how your dog gets you to exercise more, or how your cat provides an endless source of cuddles.