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Make Extra Money Dog Sitting!

by Eva 7 Comments

Dog-sitting is an awesome job for responsible teenagers who love to be around animals and can work independently. Plus, it’s perfect to work around your school or work schedule. I had my first dog-sitting experience (with a super cute Australian Labradoodle), and now I’m convinced this may be the most perfect first job for teens looking for a little extra cash. Don’t forget to check the pics to see the cute dog snaps I took!

Recently I had the opportunity to earn some extra money dog sitting. I’ve only done it one other time but this was a whole different experience. The first time I ever did any dog sitting I simply drove over to the persons house every morning and night, let the dog out, fed him, played with him for a little while and went back home.

This time the dog came and lived with me for 4 days!

Togo is an Australian Labradoodle. I thought he was Australian shepherd, labrador, and poodle mix but I was wrong. He is a labrador and poodle mix. The Australian part is just because the breed originated in Australia and you can read more about them here if you like!

IMG_5910

It was a little nerve wracking to have him over. He’s still a puppy and had never been away from his family so I thought that he might whine all night, have accidents all over the house, or do other things that would make my mom super cranky. She had made it very clear that she was NOT going to be taking care of a puppy.

I am happy to report that this is the best puppy EVER. He never whined, slept all night, not one accident and he loves to cuddle! Best job ever!

Dog-sitting is an awesome job for responsible teenagers who love to be around animals and can work independently. Plus, it’s perfect to work around your school or work schedule. I had my first dog-sitting experience (with a super cute Australian Labradoodle), and now I’m convinced this may be the most perfect first job for teens looking for a little extra cash. Don’t forget to check the pics to see the cute dog snaps I took!

Of course my cat Tommy wasn’t too happy with our new resident and I didn’t see much of him while Togo was with us. But he survived. Barely.

dogsitting

I was supposed to take Togo on a walk several times a day. Sometimes I got the feeling that he didn’t want to go…

There are a lot of things to do when taking care of a dog and it’s really important to follow the directions that the owners give you. Especially if the animal needs medication or special food or anything like that. Here’s a list of things to consider before accepting a dog sitting job:

1 – Do you have time to spend with the animal? Obviously, cat’s don’t necessarily need the same amount of attention that a puppy needs, but you need to make sure that you are doing more than just feeding the animal. I cleared my calendar so that I could watch Togo.

dog sitting

And still I stand here as he refuses to get up and go on his walk…

2 – It’s a good idea to meet the animal before their family leaves so that they can get to know you a little bit. It should help them (and you) feel more comfortable. If it’s okay with their owner be sure to have a treat of some kind to give them when you meet them and the first time you seen them when their family is gone.

3 – Take them on a long walk several times a day. I figure that if they are tired they are less likely to get into trouble around the house. Every night before bed I took Togo on a long walk and I think that is one reason that he slept so well even though he wasn’t at home.

4 – Make sure that the dog is always secure and can’t get away. I can’t imagine anything worse than losing the dog you are supposed to be watching! I had to keep Togo on a leash at all times because he was small enough that he could get out of our backyard under the gate.

dog sitting

I finally get him outside and then he lays down in the grass in the front yard!

5 – Make sure to have the owner leave a written list of instructions so that you don’t forget anything. It’s also good to make sure you have an emergency contact number in case there is a problem. You definitely want to know things like when they should eat, how much food they get, how often you need to take them out to potty, and their veterinarians name and number.

6 – Help with training. If the dog isn’t allowed on furniture at home then you shouldn’t let them get on the furniture at your house either. If the owners are working with the puppy so that he won’t jump on people, then don’t let him jump on you. In other words, don’t send the dog home with bad habits the owner will not appreciate!

7 – Don’t pet sit if you don’t like dogs, or whatever animal you are responsible for. It isn’t fair to the owner or to the pet. Take it seriously and do a good job!

dog sitting

See? I kept him busy so when we would get home he would sleep and not get into trouble!

So what should you charge for dog sitting? It’s really up to you but I would recommend doing a little research in your area. Check and see how much it would cost to put the animal in a kennel. It’s actually pretty expensive and not easy for most pets to be in an unfamiliar cage with lots of other animals around. Most people pay between $30 and $40 dollars per day at a boarding kennel for EACH pet they have.

dog sitting

Togo with his family about 2 months ago. He has grown SO much!

As I did a little research I read all sorts of advice. Some people said that teenagers should pet sit for free because it’s fun. (Don’t get me started.) Some people said $5 dollars a day. (Really?) Most of the articles that I read suggested between $20 and $40 per day. Considering the amount of work it is to really take good care of a pet I think those numbers are reasonable.

I had a wonderful time with my puppy for those few days. He was such a teddy bear and I loved watching him. Making the extra money was a huge blessing as well. Here’s hoping our friends go out a town a lot more in the future so I can take care of Togo again!

dog sitting

Isn’t he adorable? And yes, I will use more sunscreen on my face the next time I go to the beach…

Here’s to making extra money this summer!

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Comments

  1. Hellena Smejda

    June 9, 2014 at 2:21 pm

    HI, Eva – Just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed your column and the photos. I’m an ex-editor, and I can tell you that your writing was much better than many of the adults’ articles I edited. I’m a friend of Karen Kennedy’s (she bred Togo) and get to play with her Labradoodles all the time! Lucky me. – Hellena

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    • Eva

      June 9, 2014 at 11:25 pm

      That is so nice of you Hellena! My mom is my editor so I have an advantage! 🙂 I really did enjoy watching Togo. He is such a great dog and I love the breed!

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      Reply to Eva" aria-label=' Reply to Eva'> Reply
  2. Sicorra

    June 11, 2014 at 1:11 pm

    Excellent tips Eva, and the dog is so CUTE!

    We have two cats and when we have hired a sitter to come in twice a day to look after them she has charged us $50 a day. I think that price is very reasonable. After all, you know that your pets are getting personal attention and are well looked after, and when you are away the stress of worrying about your pets can be huge, so knowing that they are well looked after is worth the 50 bucks, if not more.

    If you choose to make pet sitting your new business I am sure you will do very well.

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    • Eva

      June 11, 2014 at 3:59 pm

      He is adorable isn’t he! Thanks so much – I don’t often get the opportunity to pet sit but I am certainly willing!

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      Reply to Eva" aria-label=' Reply to Eva'> Reply
  3. Sher@KNSFinancial

    June 14, 2014 at 11:01 pm

    I’m glad you had a good time while working! I love that picture with you holding the leash, he definitely looked like he wasn’t feeling it. Pet sitting is a great hustle for a lot of people. One friend recently started a pet sitting business, she did get insured and has a pretty extensive questionnaire for all her clients.

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    Reply to Sher@KNSFinancial" aria-label=' Reply to Sher@KNSFinancial'> Reply
    • Eva

      June 16, 2014 at 5:11 pm

      Thanks Sheriann! It can be pretty good money even for adults!

      3.1
      Reply to Eva" aria-label=' Reply to Eva'> Reply
  4. Imani

    August 27, 2017 at 2:12 pm

    I love your 🐕 can I take care of your 🐕 please

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    Reply to Imani" aria-label=' Reply to Imani'> Reply

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Hi guys, I’m Eva!

Welcome to TeensGotCents, my name is Eva Baker and I founded this site when I was sixteen. I'm a complete money nerd and I love helping teens learn how money works. Also, I watch too much Netflix. Although I still have a lot to learn about personal finance I hope you will use my successes and failures to help reach your own goals whether you want to go to college debt free, get a part time job, work on a fun DIY project that will save you money or just read about ways you can learn to manage your money well as a teen. So glad you're here! Read more about my story here.

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