This post has been sponsored by pawTree. Keep reading to find out how you can start your own pet-centric business working with animals for just $1.
Animal lovers are a special breed. (pun intended) There’s something special about the connection between a human and an animal, and some of us are so passionate about that “special something” that it becomes a goal to make working with animals a regular part of life.
If you love the idea of working with animals and you want to start making a side income from it (maybe even with the goal of turning it into a full-time income down the road), there are so many options for you. Some of them are online, others are in person, and some are truly what you make of them.
These are some of the best options for getting a side job working with animals:
1. Start a Pet-Sitting Business
Pet-sitting is a great way to spend some time with your furry and feathered friends without having the ongoing demands of other side hustles. It’s work you can do with real animals, so you’re getting that delicious quality time while also getting paid for it. Pet-sitting is a great way to get your “pet fix” when you aren’t able to have your own pets, too. You can do it in your home or the client’s home — successful businesses have been built using both methods.
2. Be a Dog Walker
Being a dog walker is a lot like being a pet sitter, but the workload is structured differently. Most dog walkers spend a little bit of time each day with their animal clients and can have a steady, on-going gig for several days of the week, whereas pet sitting may be a bit more sporadic but involves larger chunks of time. The potential for consistency is one of the very real benefits of this gig.
3. Write for Animal-Oriented Businesses
Of course, I’m going to mention freelance writing because it’s one of my favorite side jobs out there. Freelance writing is an ideal side job because you can set your own hours, choose your own clients, and even set your own rates (within the realm of reason, of course). Not sure how to get started? Here are a few ideas:
- Talk to your local veterinarian offices, stables, pet shops, or other animal-related service providers (like trainers, groomers, or instructors) to see if they need a writer for their newsletter, email list, or social media.
- Visit your favorite animal-related brands online and see which ones have active blogs. You may be able to start writing for them!
- Do a Google search for [write for us] + pets (or whatever topic you want) and see what results pop up. Not every opportunity will pay, so be sure to check out the contributor guidelines.
4. Start a YouTube Channel about Animals and Monetize It
Animal videos are incredibly popular. Whether they’re inspiring stories, instructional tips, and pointers, or just funny things animals do, YouTube channels can be really popular. If you’re interested in starting your own channel and monetizing it, this can be a fun way to create a side gig out of your animal interests on your own schedule.
5. Start an Animal-Related Blog
Similar to starting a YouTube channel and being a freelance writer is my other favorite way to work from home, blogging. You could even tie all three ventures together!
Blogs are a great way to share your love for animals in a way that is helpful for others while helping you increase your own knowledge… and get paid to do so. It takes time to build a solid income from blogging, but it’s possible to start making money fairly quickly if you’re smart about it.
6. Animal Groomer
Grooming requires a specific skill set, but if that’s a skill you already have or are able to acquire, you can make a decent side income from grooming. Whether you rent a stall at a grooming shop, work for a kennel, stable, or vet, or you set up your own traveling grooming shop (people love it when you can come to them), grooming can be a fun way to spend time taking care of your favorite animals and bringing in some side income while you’re at it. Plus the shampoos smell really nice!
7. Obedience Trainer
If you’re really into dog behavior, you might have a great “in” as an obedience trainer. Whether you strike out on your own or join a certified program like Bark Busters, obedience training programs can be highly profitable while you’re also doing an extremely helpful service for your clients and their pets: making life better for everyone. Some trainers focus on equipping the families in their own home, others will have dogs come to a new site for classes, and there are even obedience trainers who will have their clients’ dogs come and live with them for however long it takes to get rid of problem behaviors. No matter how you do it, being an obedience trainer makes a noticeable, positive difference in the lives of your clients and their pets, and that’s a great way to make some side income.
8. Pet Photography
If you’re good with a camera and you know how to charm your way into the hearts of the animals around you, pet photography could be a really fun way to earn some side income. You can visit your clients in their homes, set up your own studio, or focus on taking pictures outside — photography can be incredibly flexible once you’ve mastered the basics. And your reward (in addition to your payments) is giving your clients the gift of lasting memories of their beloved animals.
9. Become a pawTree petPro
petPros represent a line of all-natural food, supplements, and treats. pawTree not only provides customized nutrition plans for pets but even offers pawPairings Superfood Seasonings that add a boost of delicious nutrition and variety to every meal. You don’t eat the same thing every meal, why should your pet? pawTree petPros simply talk “pet”, share samples and ask people to try the products. You can work part-time or full-time and have complete flexibility. pawTree even provides online training. You can have fun and make money from home all while helping pets live happier healthier lives.
And, there’s never been a better time to try pawTree. Join for $1 during the month of March. At just $1, what do you have to lose?
What’s Right for You?
The most important thing to consider when you want a side income is how you want to go about making it. When you know your niche (like animals), you just need to decide whether you want something online or offline, skill-based or not, and how much time and resources you have to devote to getting it off the ground.
These ideas offer a wide range of possibilities for you! Which one would you choose? Let me know in the comments!
Cori Ramos says
Thanks for these ideas Angie. My daughter is going to school to become a Vet and this would be perfect for her to get started. I’m sharing this with her for sure and of course in the socialverse. 🙂
Have a great day and weekend!
Cori
Angie Nelson says
I’d love to work with animals, Cori. Wish her best of luck!