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Beth Stultz-Hairston | March 15, 2019   

    

As the need for pet-care services grows, so does the number of articles touting the opportunities to earn extra cash in the gig economy as an occasional pet sitter or dog walker. I used to simply roll my eyes when I saw these articles and think, “Wow…do they really think pet sitting is some new, trendy idea? Let me introduce them to professional pet-sitting businesses that have been offering top care for decades.”

But now, these articles elicit more than an eyeroll—they scare me, and I wonder about the impact this mindset is having on pets across the country—and around the globe.

While the idea of a side hustle playing with puppies is alluring and the convenience of quickly going online to book someone a few streets over to come walk your dog seems convenient, is pet sitting as a side hustle the safest option for pets?

The answer is unequivocally “NO.”

I’m not against side hustles—quite the opposite. I’ve bought leggings, candles, five-dollar jewelry, essential oils and kitchen gadgets from friends, family members and strangers on the internet alike to support those looking to earn extra cash. I’ve even on occasion, when in a new city, used an app to find a ride to and from the airport.

But leave my precious pets and the care of my home in the hands of someone looking to earn a quick buck—or someone I found online but have never met? No, thank you.

When it comes to finding pet sitters or dog walkers, pet owners should not prioritize convenience over quality. Just because you can quickly find and book the services of a pet lover with a profile on a pet-sitting or dog-walking app doesn’t mean you are choosing a qualified pet-care provider.

That’s why Pet Sitters International (PSI) advises pet owners to take the time to select local, professional pet-care businesses to care for their pets.

Is it possible to find a nice, responsible pet lover online to offer a quick dog walk or cat-sitting visit? Absolutely. But, will the individual have the proper business license, maintain customized pet-sitter insurance and possess the pet-care knowledge to handle emergencies? Not as likely.

The good news is there are thousands of professional pet-sitting and dog-walking businesses operating across the country and abroad. 

These aren’t pet lovers looking to earn a quick buck. These businesses are owned by pet lovers who have obtained the necessary business licenses, carry pet-sitter insurance and bonding customized to their services, pay taxes, pursue pet first aid training and continuing education, are involved in their local communities—and whose very livelihood depends on offering the absolute best pet care.

Isn’t that the care your pet deserves?

Your pet deserves…

Not just the “pet sitter” who can quickly check on your cat and scoop the litter box—but the pet sitter who can also identify a possible urethral blockage and contact the emergency veterinarian.

Not just the “dog walker” who can come at a minute’s notice and take the dog around the block—but the dog walker who’s familiar with canine behavior, recognizes signs of anxiety in your dog and will alter the path of the dog walk to avoid potential triggers.

And—as a pet owner—you deserve…

Not just the “dog walker” who sends a quick text and photo when the walk is through—but the dog walker who can also notify you of slight changes in your dog’s behavior and send you veterinarian and trainer referrals if needed.

Not just the “pet sitter” who you can quickly book and pay through an app—but a pet sitter who becomes a trusted pet advisor and makes the care of your pet and the security of your home a top priority when you’re away.

Whether searching online or considering recommendations from friends or family, PSI advises pet owners to take the following steps to ensure they are hiring not just a pet lover looking to earn extra cash, but a pet lover who operates a true professional pet-care business:

Schedule an in-person meeting with any potential pet sitter. While a phone call or a review of a pet sitter’s website or online listing may provide important information, there is no substitute for an in-person meeting at your home—with your pets present.

Make sure you ask the right questions. Pet owners can download a free pet-sitter interview checklist from the PSI website, which provides details about the seven important questions pet owners should ask any potential pet sitter.

Side Hustlers, Beware:

And, it’s not just the pets and pet owners impacted by this side hustle mentality. Those who sign up to pet sit as a side gig believing the hype that it’s an easy, fun way to earn extra money may soon find themselves in over their heads.

Making 10 or so bucks for walking a dog for 30 minutes sounds like easy money—until the leash is jerked from your hand by a dog with a high prey drive that’s just spotted a squirrel, or you find yourself in a life-threatening situation when an aggressive stray dog is headed right in your direction.

Nothing seems easier than making money by filling up the food and water bowls and scooping litter for a cat whose owner is on a business trip—until you arrive to find blood in the litter box, or encounter a cat whose hisses and forward lunging ensure you will not be able to get into the house.

Loving pets is easy. Creating an online profile is easy. Handling the various potential scenarios you may face while caring for a dog, cat, bird, rabbit, etc.? Not so easy—and without the proper knowledge, training and insurance coverage, you put the pets, their owners and yourself in harm’s way.

Is every person pet sitting as a side gig a horrible option? Of course not—with thousands of people doing it, there’s bound to be some good ones. Does every pet-sitting situation that involves someone who’s simply doing it as a side hustle end in tragedy? No, but there are many stories where it does.

There are some areas in my life where I’m willing to gamble—I occasionally make purchases on the Wish app and I’ve placed orders without looking at the sizing chart on Amazon one too many times. But when it comes to pets, that’s where I’m not willing to take any chances—especially when there are experienced, professional pet-sitting and dog-walking businesses ready to care for my pets just as I would.

My pets are worth more than relying on a side hustle—and I hope you agree that yours are too.