Looking for a side hustle that gets you outdoors, keeps you active, and lets you hang out with furry friends? Dog walking and pet sitting in Australia is a rewarding way to earn extra income while helping pet owners care for their beloved companions. Whether you’re a student, a stay-at-home parent, or someone seeking flexible work around your main job, this gig can fit seamlessly into your lifestyle.
How Much Can You Earn?
Earnings vary depending on your location, experience, and availability. Here’s a realistic breakdown:
- Dog Walking: Most walkers charge between $20–$35 per 30-minute walk. In major cities like Melbourne, Sydney, or Brisbane, rates can reach $40+ for premium services or multiple dogs.
- Pet Sitting (In-Home Visits): Expect to earn $25–$50 per visit, depending on duration and tasks involved.
- Overnight Pet Sitting: Staying at a client’s home can bring in $50–$100+ per night, especially during holidays or peak travel seasons.
- Weekly Income Potential: If you walk 2 dogs per day, 5 days a week at $30 each, that’s $300/week. Add weekend pet sitting and you could easily earn $500–$800/month part-time.
Some experienced sitters earn over $1,000/month by building a loyal client base and offering premium services like grooming, training, or pet taxi.
What Does the Job Involve?
Dog walking and pet sitting go beyond cuddles and strolls. Here’s what you’ll typically do:
Dog Walking
- Pick up dogs from their homes
- Walk them for 30–60 minutes in safe, pet-friendly areas
- Ensure hydration and basic care
- Provide updates to owners (photos, messages)
- Handle basic leash training or behavioural reinforcement if requested
Pet Sitting
- Feed pets according to owner instructions
- Clean litter boxes or cages
- Administer medication if needed
- Play and interact to reduce stress
- Water plants, collect mail, and maintain home security (for overnight stays)
You’ll need to be reliable, punctual, and comfortable with different breeds and temperaments. Some pets may have special needs or anxiety issues, so patience and empathy are key.
Pros of Dog Walking and Pet Sitting
- Flexible Schedule: Choose your hours and availability. Great for fitting around study, parenting, or other jobs.
- Low Startup Costs: No formal qualifications required. Just a love for animals and basic gear (leash, poop bags, treats).
- Healthy Lifestyle: Stay active while earning. Walking dogs is a great way to boost your fitness.
- Emotional Rewards: Build bonds with pets and enjoy the satisfaction of helping owners feel at ease.
- Scalable Income: Start small and grow your client base. Offer add-ons like grooming or training to increase earnings.
Cons to Consider
- Weather Dependency: Rain, heatwaves, and cold snaps can make outdoor walks challenging.
- Irregular Income: Demand may fluctuate seasonally or based on your availability.
- Responsibility: You’re caring for someone’s beloved pet. Mistakes can be costly or emotionally distressing.
- Physical Demands: Walking strong or energetic dogs can be tiring or risky if not handled properly.
- Travel Time: You may spend time commuting between clients, especially in spread-out suburbs.
Requirements to Get Started
You don’t need formal qualifications, but these essentials will help you succeed:
- Police Check: Many clients and platforms require a clean background check.
- Pet First Aid Knowledge: Basic understanding of pet emergencies and how to respond.
- ABN (Australian Business Number): If you plan to operate independently, register for an ABN for tax purposes.
- Insurance: Consider public liability insurance to protect yourself in case of accidents or property damage.
- Reliable Transport: Especially important for pet sitting or multi-location dog walking.
Optional but helpful:
- Pet care certifications (e.g. from TAFE or online courses)
- References or testimonials from previous clients
- Social media presence or a simple website to showcase your services
Where to Find Work in Australia
You can find clients through platforms, local networks, and social media. Here are the top options:
Online Platforms
- Pawshake: Australia’s leading pet sitting and dog walking marketplace. Create a profile, set your rates, and get reviewed by clients.
- Mad Paws: Similar to Pawshake, with a strong presence in major cities.
- PetCloud: Backed by RSPCA, offers pet sitting, walking, and transport services.
- Airtasker: Post your services or respond to pet care tasks in your area.
Social Media & Community
- Facebook Groups: Search for local pet sitting or dog walking groups (e.g. “Melbourne Dog Walkers” or “Sydney Pet Sitters”).
- Nextdoor App: Connect with neighbours looking for pet care.
- Local Vets and Pet Stores: Leave flyers or business cards. Many pet owners ask staff for recommendations.
Word of Mouth
- Tell friends, family, and colleagues. Offer a referral discount to encourage sharing.
- Ask satisfied clients to leave reviews or recommend you to others.
Tips to Grow Your Side Hustle
- Offer Packages: Create bundles (e.g. 5 walks for $120) to encourage repeat bookings.
- Build Trust: Send daily updates, be punctual, and treat pets like your own.
- Ask for Reviews: Positive testimonials boost your credibility on platforms and social media.
- Stay Professional: Use contracts or written agreements for overnight stays or long-term bookings.
- Upskill: Learn basic grooming, training, or pet nutrition to offer more value.
Final Thoughts
Dog walking and pet sitting in Australia offer a flexible, low-barrier way to earn extra income while doing something meaningful. With the right mindset, a bit of hustle, and a genuine love for animals, you can turn this side gig into a reliable source of cash—and maybe even a full-time business.
Whether you’re strolling through Melbourne’s leafy parks or caring for a cat in a cozy Brisbane apartment, this side hustle brings joy, freedom, and financial rewards. So grab that leash, set up your profile, and start walking your way to extra income.