Dog sitter with Mad Paws

The timeframe:

I’ve been dog sitting for two years.

The reason:
I started Mad Paws sitting to pat more dogs! I am always travelling for work and wanted a dog of my own but couldn't commit. Now I get to see my favourite little doggos regularly when they come and stay over holidays and weekends.

I quickly realised that along with the joy of having dogs to hang out with on the regular I was also making a pretty good side hustle income. When you own your own business it is always great to have other streams of income too.

The Mad Paws app is very easy to use, so I can just block out on my calendar when I am away and when I am home. I don't have children so I like to take my holidays outside of the typical school holiday periods, so I am usually around when pet owners need a place for their dogs to stay while they are away.

The money:
I've made about $6000-$7000 so far. Running a business is a tough slog and cash flow is often up and down. I think it is very important as a small business owner to have other streams of income to support these quiet periods.

I have found that quiet periods in my work with PIP+COOP in the styling industry are often school holidays, which is when my Mad Paws pet sitting side hustle is the busiest. With this extra money, I am able to not only enjoy some holidays away but also relieve some stress.

Transferable skills:
Patience and laughter, ha ha. I spend a lot of time behind the computer so the dogs get me out and about walking two times a day!

If I was starting from scratch I would:

At the beginning, it’s all about testimonials and sitting your first few dogs until you get your regulars. I use to leave little notes and photos in their food bags for the owners when they get home to stick on their fridge. If you love the dogs they are always so excited to come back.

Hardest time:

I had a little puppy over Christmas one year for seven weeks and it was so hard to give him back, but I know they will always come back and stay again when their owner goes on holiday.

Best side hustle moment:

I had a rescue dog here for two weeks once who had just been rescued from a bad situation and I got to give her lots of love and she was like a changed dog in the end. I was so happy. I ended up giving her to her new forever home and they still send me pictures of her today, it was so rewarding.