Losing a job unexpectedly can be a catalyst for change, and for Kevin Liu, it led him to discover a surprisingly lucrative side hustle in pet sitting. After being laid off from his tech job for the third time, Liu, a 28-year-old based in Texas, sought ways to diversify his income and build financial security. He recalled conversations about “side hustles” during his college days and stumbled upon a YouTube video about pet sitting, an idea that resonated with him due to its enjoyable nature.
In June 2020, Liu joined the pet-sitting app Rover. While some platforms operate on an unpaid basis, Rover connects users with paid jobs for a 20% booking fee, which includes insurance. Initially, Liu intended to simply supplement his income and limited his service area to a 6-mile radius around his Austin home. His first booking involved looking after a lively puppy, and the owner was reassured by Liu’s ability to stay at the apartment throughout the day due to his remote work.
However, Liu soon realized his initial pricing strategy was unsustainable. He quickly learned that his full-day rate of $26, which translated to roughly $15 after fees and taxes, was insufficient to cover expenses like meals. He began gradually increasing his prices as he gained more experience. Liu also understood the importance of prompt communication, responding quickly to inquiries, which helped him rank higher in Rover’s search results.
His reliable service and appealing profile led to bookings from families on vacation and couples on weekend getaways. Liu found himself not only enjoying the company of the pets but also experiencing some luxurious accommodations, from five-bedroom homes with infinity pools to cliff-top residences with stunning views.
By August 2020, Liu had secured full-time employment in the tech industry again. However, his remote work arrangement allowed him to continue house-sitting. He shifted his focus from offering dog walking and drop-in services, which were too time-consuming, to taking on house-sits that involved caring for multiple pets simultaneously, thereby maximizing his earning potential. While most of his clients had dogs, he also cared for more exotic pets, including a snake and five geckos, finding these assignments surprisingly easy due to their minimal care requirements.
Last year marked Liu’s most successful period in pet-sitting, with earnings of $26,110 before taxes and fees. He already has bookings scheduled six months in advance. While his tech job remains his primary income source, he considers pet sitting a relatively passive side hustle that allows him to earn additional income and help people.
Beyond the pets themselves, Liu encountered an unusual challenge when a tree fell on a house he was staying in. Fortunately, no one was injured, and the homeowner arranged for the necessary repairs. He also learned valuable insights from online communities like Reddit, which informed his approach to pet sitting.
Recognizing the need for better resources for aspiring pet sitters, Liu began sharing his experiences on TikTok in August 2022. His first video, detailing his initial year of pet sitting, garnered over 500,000 views overnight. This unexpected popularity led to numerous inquiries, with some users even offering to fly him to their locations for pet-sitting jobs, though he has declined these due to his full-time job.
Liu now charges $170 per day, and clients often schedule their vacations around his availability, particularly during the busy summer and festive seasons. His longest booking to date was a 28-day stay caring for an elderly Shih Tzu. He prides himself on offering a luxury service, ensuring that clients return home to find their pets well-cared for and their homes in excellent condition, including tidiness, watered plants, and collected packages. This attention to detail contributes to the high demand for his services.
Caring for pets in beautiful homes can feel like a vacation, but Liu emphasizes the importance of maintaining a consistent daily routine to balance his pet-sitting duties with his full-time job. His typical day begins with an early morning routine of feeding and walking the dogs, followed by a gym session. He then attends his work meetings before resuming dog walks and feeding in the evening. He maintains his apartment, located just four miles away, as a home base.
Liu believes the biggest misconception about pet and house-sitting is that it is an easy job. He stresses the importance of transparency in pricing and clear communication with clients, acknowledging that not all pets are well-behaved and not all clients are easygoing. He advocates for a sustainable approach, advising against burnout and noting his preference for avoiding puppies due to their demanding, irregular sleep schedules, which conflict with his full-time employment. For those looking to provide excellent care, options like royal canin digestive care wet dog food can be beneficial for specific dietary needs, and understanding potential health issues, such as checking for hip dysplasia in dogs, is crucial. For owners needing to manage pets with mobility issues, resources on topics like a dog with 3 legs can offer practical advice. Finding the best dog food for healthy weight and exploring options for best joint care for dogs are also vital considerations for maintaining a pet’s overall well-being.