Remember when I said that you can create a side hustle from baking pupcakes? Well, that’s not the only pet industry side hustle out there. Whether you’re looking to pay off debt, save for a big purchase, or simply get ready for the holiday season, a side hustle is a great move.
In this blog post, we’re exploring 20 pet industry side hustles to help you make some extra money.
WHAT’S A SIDE HUSTLE
A side hustle is a flexible, part-time business or activity that generates extra income outside of a primary job. As a dog mom, having a side hustle provides additional financial stability and the opportunity to generate extra income to cover unexpected expenses.
The pet industry has a lot of opportunity to create a niche side hustle. The American Pet Products Association reports that Americans spent $143 billion on pets in 2023 and is estimated to spend $150.6 billion on pets in 2024. This presents 150.6 billion opportunities to turn your talents in dollars in the pet industry.
The key is finding a side hustle that works for you. Here are 20 ideas to help you brainstorm.
PET CARE SERVICES
Pet Sitting & Dog Walking – Pet sitting and dog walking are flexible, in-demand side hustles requiring minimal investment. You can start by joining platforms like Rover or Wag, or building a local client base. Pet sitters can earn approximately $16 per hour, and dog walkers average of $17 per hour.
Pet Grooming – Pet grooming is a popular side hustle for those who enjoy working with animals. Offering mobile services, partnering with local pet businesses, or working at a local pet shop is a great way to earn some extra money. Groomers can make approximately $23 per hour.
Dog Waste Removal Services – Dog waste removal involves cleaning up and disposing of pet waste from clients’ yards. This side hustle requires minimal investment and can be done on a flexible schedule. Dog waste removal services can charge $10 to $25 per visit, depending on the size of the yard and the number of dogs.
Pet Daycare Services – This side hustle caters to the growing demand for pet care. Set up a pet-friendly space with toys, beds, and outdoor areas. You can market your daycare to busy pet owners in your area. According to Dogster, the average cost of pet daycare services can range from $35 to $51 per day, per pet.
Pet Training Services – Pet training helps owners address behavioral issues and improve their pets’ manners. With certification, you can offer group or private sessions. Trainers earn around $188 per session, with an average annual income of $44,910 in the U.S.
Pet Taxi Services – A pet taxi service provides transportation for pets to vet appointments, grooming salons, daycares, or travel. It’s a flexible side hustle, ideal for urban areas. With a pet-safe vehicle, business insurance, and proper setup, rates typically start at $45 per ride.
CREATIVE & ARTISTIC VENTURES
Pet Photography – Pet photography is a creative side hustle for people who love to take photos. Invest in a DSLR camera or use your smartphone. Pet photographers can make approximately $240 to $290 per session. However, the prices will vary depending on experience, packages, and location.
Handmade Pet Accessories – Making handmade pet accessories like collars, leashes, or clothing can be a profitable side hustle. Choose a niche (e.g., eco-friendly materials, custom designs). Sell your products on platforms like Etsy or at local craft fairs.
Pet Clothing Designer – Designing and selling pet clothing is a creative and profitable side hustle. Many pet owners love dressing up their pets in fashionable clothing or accessories. Develop a line of pet clothing that stands out (e.g., custom designs, seasonal collections). Sell your clothing online, at pet boutiques, or through social media.
Pet Portrait Artist – Creating custom pet portraits is a rewarding side hustle for artists, with steady demand from pet owners. You can partner with pet boutiques or online platforms to sell your work. The average cost for custom pet portraits ranges from $50 to $500, depending on the size and complexity.
Pet Event Planning – Pet event planning involves organizing events like pet birthday parties, adoption events, or pet-friendly festivals. You can offer a range of services, from small birthday parties to large community events. The rate for a pet event planner varies based on experience, services offered, location, etc. However, the average hourly rate for an entry-level event planner is approximately $31.
Pet-Friendly Interior Design – Pet-friendly interior design focuses on creating stylish, functional, and safe spaces for pets and owners. The cost for a pet-friendly interior designer varies depending on experience and complexity of the project. However, the average cost of an interior designer is $100 per hour according to Forbes.
PET WELLNESS & SPECIALIZED SERVICES
Pet Nutritionist – Pet nutritionists create balanced diets for pets, addressing needs like allergies or weight management. With certification, offer personalized meal plans or consultations, and partner with vet clinics. Pet nutritionists typically charge $50 to $150 per consultation.
Pet Massage Therapy – Pet massage therapy is a growing field that focuses on improving pets’ well-being through therapeutic touch. This side hustle requires certification and specialized training but can be a lucrative niche. You’ll have to complete a certification program in pet massage therapy. Once completed, you can partner with vet clinics or pet spas to offer your services. You can offer in-home or mobile massage services as well. Pet massage therapists charge an average of $35 to $50 per session.
Pet Behavior Consulting – Pet behavior consultants help pet owners address issues like aggression, anxiety, and destructive behavior. This side hustle requires experience and training in animal behavior. Obtain certification in animal behavior consulting. Offer in-person or virtual consulting sessions. Specialize in specific issues, such as separation anxiety or aggression. Behavior sessions can range from $30 to $120 per hour.
Pet Travel Services – Pet travel services cater to pet owners who need assistance planning trips with their pets. This could include arranging pet-friendly accommodations, transportation, and activities. You can build relationships with pet-friendly hotels, airlines, and other travel providers. Offer personalized travel planning services for pet owners.
Pet Adoption Consultancy – Pet adoption consultants help prospective pet owners find the perfect pet for their lifestyle and needs. This side hustle involves researching available pets, matching them with owners, and guiding them through the adoption process. Offer consultation services to help clients choose the right pet. Provide ongoing support after the adoption to ensure a smooth transition. The average annual salary of a Pet Adoption Counselor/Consultant is a little over $50,000.
PET-RELATED CONTENT & PRODUCTS
Pet Blogging & Vlogging – Pet blogging or vlogging is a creative side hustle that shares your passion for pets while earning passive income through ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing. Choose a niche, create valuable content, and monetize your platform, with earnings varying by audience size.
Pet Gift Boxes – Pet gift boxes have become increasingly popular as pet owners seek curated, convenient options for their pets’ needs. This side hustle involves sourcing products and creating themed boxes that are delivered to customers as gifts. Pet gift boxes can work for as individual gifts or company gifts. Identify a niche or theme for your gift box (e.g., eco-friendly toys, gourmet treats). You can even partner with local suppliers to source products at a discount. The average pet gift box can range between $15 to $50 per delivery with an average cost of approximately $30.
Pet Tech Services – Pet tech services include developing apps, gadgets, or websites that cater to pet owners. This side hustle requires technical skills but can be highly lucrative, given the increasing demand for pet-related technology. Identify a gap in the market or a problem that needs solving. Develop a product or service that addresses this need. Income varies widely based on the product or service, but successful pet tech ventures can generate significant profits.
AND, WHAT ABOUT THE PUPCAKES
If you love to bake, selling pupcakes is a great side-hustle idea. Pupcakes are dog-friendly cupcakes. These pupcakes can be sold at pet events, online, or through local pet stores. And with the rising trend of dog parties, barkcuterie trays, and other pet celebrations, you can even create gourmet pupcakes as a special order.
Baking pupcakes as a side hustle not only allows you to earn extra income but also gives you the opportunity to share your passion for baking with other dog moms. Pupcakes can sell for $2 to $5 each, depending on the ingredients and packaging.
Now, we’d love to hear your pupcake story. The pet industry offers a wealth of opportunities for side hustles that can boost your income while doing something you love. What skill could you contribute to the pet industry? Stay connected and share your pupcake stories with us @pupcakesugar.
Check out our pupcake recipe eBook, Sugar’s Dish: My Start from Scratch Story & 10 “Easy As Pupcake” Recipes to Try at Home. This eBook includes 10 beginner pupcake recipes for you to try at home with your dog.
You’ll also get a chance to step into Sugar’s world. I love my dog, Sugar, and her daily shenanigans make me laugh. So, I created an illustrated character inspired by her and her love of pupcakes. Sugar’s character is a “pupcakepreneur” that owns and operates her own pupcakery called Pupcake Sugar. It’s a tongue twister, but it’s amazing what you can create when you let your imagination lead the way
