As we approached the one-year anniversary of having to say goodbye to our beloved family dog, I found myself overwhelmed with a yearning for the joyful companionship that only a dog can provide. I longed for a furry friend to bring a bit of silliness into my life, to lighten the burdens of the world I felt pressing down on my shoulders. I wanted that familiar presence napping peacefully behind me as I worked on my tasks. However, despite my desire, I hesitated.

When we had said our heartfelt farewell to our Very Good Boy, I was in the midst of battling my health issues. The absence of a dog meant that I could focus more on my recovery without the responsibilities of walking, cleaning up after, and constantly worrying about a pet. Although I was gradually feeling better, a nagging concern remained: what if my health declined again? Additionally, owning a dog involves considerable expenses and time commitments, and I wasn't sure I was ready to dive in completely.

To navigate my ambivalence, I decided to embark on an experiment: I would become a dog sitter. Our home was already set up to accommodate dogs, and this arrangement would allow me to stay in my state of indecision a little longer. Even better, instead of the monetary outflow typically associated with pet ownership, dog sitting would provide a cash inflow. I took the plunge and created a profile on Rover, a popular online platform that connects dog owners with sitters and walkers, announcing my availability to care for furry companions.

Business is Booming

In my Rover profile, I made sure to highlight my experience as a dog owner, mentioning that I have two school-age children who would help out. I clearly stated that I would only accept one dog at a time, promising that the dog would be treated as a part of our family during their stay. Each guest pup would enjoy two short walks every day, a longer walk every few days, and regular potty breaks in our small, fenced backyard. I also chose to be a bit selective about the types of dogs I would care for, preferring medium to large dogs that were over a year old, spayed or neutered, good with kids, and crate-trained.

Since I began my dog-sitting adventure in January, business has been consistently thriving. In fact, I havent experienced a single week without a dog guest in the last four months. I currently charge between $50 to $65 per day, which is quite competitive for my area. As a result, Ive been able to bring in around $600 monthly. Notably, during February, with the influx of dog guests over a holiday week, my earnings soared to nearly $1,000, even after Rover deducted its 20% fee. This financial boost has allowed me to indulge guilt-free at Starbucks and treat myself to a mini-shopping spree at Athletas spring sale.

More Than Just Extra Cash

Unsurprisingly, the dogs have given me far more than just additional income; theyve also filled my life with immeasurable joy. Theres something delightful about being greeted by a wagging tail whenever I enter the house, and the frequent antics of my canine guests never fail to make me chuckle.

What took me by surprise was how this experience transformed into a family hobby. My kids have embraced the responsibility of ensuring that all our dog guests feel comfortable, loved, and entertained. These pups are showered with affection, engaged in playtime, and occasionally even treated to leftovers from my childrens plates.

With each new dog that arrives, our household is infused with an infectious energy, reminiscent of the excitement one might feel with a new puppy, regardless of the dogs actual age. Look at their adorable floppy ears! Just see how fluffy they are! What tricks can they perform? We revel in brainstorming fun nicknames for our guests, observing which rooms they choose to settle down in, and allowing them to playfully lick our feet, even if a bit stinky.

One memorable morning, we were hosting a dog we affectionately nicknamed Cyborg due to his striking one blue eye. I woke up earlier than usual because he had nudged me awake, which coincidentally overlapped with my 12-year-old sons waking time. As Cyborg whined and pranced around with a stray sock, my son and I realized that if we left right then, we could enjoy a quick stop at the coffee shop for hot cocoa before he had to catch the bus.

While I wont claim our foggy morning walk was a life-altering moment, it felt special nonetheless, as moments like these are rare for us. It was an experience made possible only because of our furry guest. Someday, we may decide to adopt a forever dog, but for now, we are all relishing this delightful family side hustle as we create cherished memories with our temporary furry companions.