Overnight pet and house sitter

Owners going on holiday or business trips, especially those with anxious pets, several animals or older pets that don't cope well in kennels.

A nightly rate, often higher for multiple pets, medication or holidays like Christmas and summer long weekends. Bookings are fewer but bigger than drop-in visits.

• Calm and patient with animals
• Responsible and trustworthy
• Flexible with your schedule
• Good at handling pet routines and minor problems

• Liability insurance that covers pets and client property in your care. Ask your insurer
• Be clear in your agreement about what happens in a vet emergency and who pays
• Check your lease or home rules if you sometimes need to bring a pet to your own place
• Demand is strongly seasonal, so income can be uneven across the year
• Winter storms can affect travel and your ability to get to a client's home

Startup costs are typically around $150 to $1,000, depending on your insurance, supplies and how you find clients. Treat this as an estimate and ask your insurer what cover you would need.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $600 to $3,000, depending on how many stays you book. The estimates assume at least 10 hours a week, and demand is strongly seasonal, so income can be uneven.

Check for liability insurance covering pets and client property, and agree in writing what happens in a vet emergency and who pays. Also check your lease or home rules if you might bring a pet to your place, and plan for winter storms.