Are you wanting to learn how to pay off $20K of debt by pet sitting? Today’s money making idea and side hustle is a great one for anyone who loves animals. You really can make a nice and decent side income from pet sitting, dog walking and other various pet care needs.
This gal started this side hustle, while working full-time, made an extra $20,000 to pay off her college debt. It’s a great idea to add to the growing list of side hustles and extra ways to make extra income as you follow the 2% rule to become debt-free!
“What is this 2% you speak of,” you ask? Well, be sure to review our article on the 2% rule – the secret to how we became debt free. Also, check out the growing list of over 130 ideas to make extra income.
Chantelle Wallace started her pet sitting and dog walking operation as a side gig in 2009 to pay off college debt. Three years later she was debt free.
Pet sitting helped Chantelle pay off over $20,000 in college debt. She stumbled upon pet sitting in 2009 when a friend’s pet food business said they were getting inquiries about pet sitter referrals. Ms. Wallace volunteered extensively as a dog walker at the city animal shelter, which earned her a reputation as a reliable sitter. After securing a few clients who then referred her to many more clients, she had established a booming pet sitting and dog walking business. It was only a side hustle to her day job, but she would visit people’s pets before work, during lunch, after work, and on weekends. Because she was a marathon runner, Chantelle filled a needed niche by taking people’s high-energy pups on 30-minute runs for $25. This was a great way to get her marathon training runs in while making money.
Once her undergraduate debt was paid off, Ms. Wallace began to put the income towards her retirement savings. She hopes to transition to full time pet sitting once her time in the corporate world is over, because it combines three of her favorite things – animals, exercise, and the outdoors.
If you’re interested in becoming a pet sitter, Chantelle recommends that you first volunteer at your local animal shelter, and gain experience with all types of animals. It’s a great way to contribute to your community, and could lead to you becoming a go-to reference for pet sitting around town.
Now it’s up to you to start a side hustle taking care of people’s pets! I even know of a personal friend whose 12 year old daughter offered to take care of small pets like hamsters, guinea pigs and other caged animals for $2 a day. What a great idea, even for a budding, young entrepreneur!
Thanks to Chantelle Wallace for sharing her idea!
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