Being a camp host isn’t the only job RVs can do. You can earn money in motorhome as an animal sitter! Here’s how…
I have written several articles on how to make money in VR. Most direct you to these great resources that help you find work camping jobs or seasonal jobs.
Well, I just learned of a new job opportunity that seems to be one of the most enjoyable ways for RVers to supplement their travel budget. Pet sitter!
As dog lovers ourselves, Jennifer and I travel everywhere with our dog, Bo. I know countless other people travel with their pets as well. So, it’s fair to say that MANY RVers are animal lovers.
If you are one of them and want to earn some extra cash, check out the following! I’ll walk you through what pet sitting entails and which pet sitting apps you can use to get started.
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What is pet sitting?
Pet sitting is generally used as an umbrella term for several different pet care services. Depending on the pet sitting platform you use, the services you can offer are one or more of the following:
- Boarding (the animal stays with you)
- House sitting (you stay with your pet at home)
- Daycare (the animal stays the day with you)
- Visits without appointment (you come to check the animal at home)
- walk the dog
- dog training
House sitting, walk-in tours, dog walking and dog training services are probably the best options for RVers. Many owners may not feel comfortable babysitting or daycare in an RV.
However, some pet owners may be open to it. You will probably need to do a bit of persuasion to assure them that they would be safe and that they would get some exercise.
What skills do you need to be a pet sitter?
Pet sitting, for the most part, does not require any special skills. (Unless you offer dog training). Much of the work involves feeding, playing and cleaning up after the animal. If you are or have been a pet owner, you already have the basics.
However, being able to care for a pet and being a successful pet sitter are two different things. To do your job well, you will need to have good relationships with clients and build their confidence in your abilities.
Owners are looking for additional traits beyond your ability to meet the most basic needs of their pets. Pet sitters must be or have:
- Safe
- Reliable
- Raised
- Good communication
- Basic understanding of animal behavior
Some pets need extra care, like administering medication, carrying them if they have mobility issues, or calming them down in stressful situations. You will usually know about these special circumstances before accepting the job.
Knowledge basic animal first aid would also be beneficial not only to provide the best care but also to get jobs over your competitors. It’s a good idea to have a pet first aid kittoo.
If you really want to stand out from the competition, you can become a certified pet sitter.
Challenges for caravanners wishing to become animal sitters
Becoming a pet sitter is a great way to make money RVing. However, caravanners meet certain challenges that the guardians who stay behind do not.
Primarily, you won’t be able to establish a steady clientele unless you frequently camp in the same area. Thus, you will always be looking for new customers, each time having to convince them of your merits. Once you accumulate excellent customer reviews, it will become easier.
Additionally, many pet owners might be wary of your unconventional situation working from an RV. It may be more difficult for them to trust a stranger who is just passing through. It will get easier once you get a few jobs and great customer reviews, but you’ll probably have a harder time getting things done.
Admittedly, you don’t have to announce that you are a nomadic caravanner, but you still want to be transparent about your situation. It is always best to be honest as this type of employment is built on trust. So if it’s work-relevant and shows up, be upfront about your VR lifestyle.
Despite these challenges, becoming a pet sitter is a great way to make money in VR.
Become a Pet Sitter on these pet sitting apps
The easiest way to become a pet sitter is to sign up on popular pet sitting apps. Every site or app is different, but for the most part the sign up process is the same. You create a profile, write a biography, select the services you offer and the types of animals you take care of.
Once you’ve created a pet sitter account, you’ll either be listed for owners to find you or connected to potential customers. The matching method depends on the application.
The most popular pet sitting apps and websites are:
Most platforms are for dog-sitting and cat-sitting, but some specialize in certain species. Meowtel, for example, is the #1 cat sitting app.
You’ll want to compare the different platforms, including their fees, insurance coverage, and method of matching. Then decide which one is right for you. Or, you may want to register on multiple platforms to provide you with the most job opportunities.
Other jobs for RVers
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At the start, I mentioned that I had several articles on how to make money in VR. Instead of keeping pets (or in addition), you can learn more about RV job opportunities from the following:
Now I have to add pet sitting to all of these articles! If you’re a traveling pet sitter, please share your tips in the comments below.
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