Has anyone else had this morph into an inadvertent dog sitting business? We now have so many people asking us to dog sit (and paying us for it) that we have little time for travel. No advertising, all just spread by word of mouth. The solution is obvious (just say no) but I was wondering if this had happened to anybody else.
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Yes, it’s happened to me. People I met on THS sits want my services, and want to pay for it, so I finally jumped on board and started my own business!
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I’ve gotten requests from folks I meet during sits, either neighbors or folks at the dog park. I have a full time job with no interest in pursuing a career in dog sitting so I always refer them to the TH platform but I think I could receive a fair amount of business if I were interested.
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I’ve been trying to start a business in housesitting but no luck recently. How have some of you gotten started? There are a few people who are aware, but no luck yet. It’s a bit more difficult as a nomad, but I have been considering joining a local library to sign up for printer services (no printer for use at current sit).
My opinion has changed over the last couple months and I am really thinking my housesitting service is something that needs to be paid for and would actually feel more comfortable that way. I know others will disagree, however!
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How do you go about charging? By the hour? Are you still staying in their homes?
Well, pet sitting and house sitting have long been businesses. If you’re willing to stay local, there’s no reason why any good sitter can’t develop a business or side gig. But anyone who wants to keep traveling probably will have limited business. That’s because people who pay probably would choose someone local, whom they could hire repeatedly.
For many people, the question is whether they’d want to get into such a business. Many folks on THS are retired, already have remote businesses or jobs, or other income streams that are more lucrative.
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Personally, I would think what I could possibly earn as a housesitter would be both minimal and unsure, if one take into account expenses for health insurance, pension saving, taxes etc.? If that would be the sole income? What would be the rate?
What if something happens and one is unable to «work» - and in an instant has no income - (maybe no place to live if fully nomadic)?
If it is a living - dealing with taxes, insurances, audit etc.? The visa/ border issue, ofc., and taxes in different countries?
What with responsibility for damages/ liability being a «professional»?
It doesn’t seem to be a market in my area for the pop-in visits, which would generate more money - and there are many boarding facilities - then one get the animal welfare requirements.
I have a job, though, but the social benefits is something I think a lot about in this uncertain world. So I would say go for it if it is worthwhile, but take care of your interests longterm also. 
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@Maggie8K Yes, everything you stated is correct. My kids are now 16 and 17 and after we are done with the current leg of our trip in Asia, I will settle them down so that they can get their driver’s permits and get ready for college in a couple of years. I know they really love animals so an option is paid pet-sitting like Rover (not sure of anything else) . I’ve taught them when they were little about income/expenses/assets/liabilities and FIRE concepts, and now they are at an age to start earning their own currency and put these things into practice. Paid pet-sitting will be perfect for 2 of my 3 children.
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Your kids will do great, given the strong foundation and robust life experiences you’ve given them. Lucky kids.
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