12 Dog Business Ideas You Can Start This Week

Who doesn’t need some extra money? This is especially true when you’re a pup parent. With food, vet bills, grooming, supplies, etc, etc., pups aren’t exactly easy on the wallet.

So, if you love dogs and are looking to make some side cash, here is a list of 12 dog business ideas you can start this week. Who knows, it could turn into a new fulfilling full-time career!

1. Pet sitter

   A great way to quickly make some extra money, and have a ton of fun in the process, is to start a business as a pet sitter. As a dog owner, you already have to take care of one dog (or two, or three, or more) so what’s an additional one?

   Sites like rover.com and dogvacay.com are a great way to get started. You can quickly build up your clientele and have a regular group of dogs you work with.

2. Dog walker

   Another business you can start ASAP is a dog walking service. This is such a helpful thing for busy dog parents who can’t leave work to walk their dog at lunch or are too tired after a long day, or for those who physically can’t give their dog the exercise they need. (Case in point, I was on crutches for six weeks after a major knee surgery. I’m sure my husband could have used an extra hand to exercise Toby!)

   The great part about this side gig is that you also get a good workout! To get started, check out sites like care.com or rover.com to advertise your service.

3. Grooming

   Opening a business as a pet groomer can be a great side hustle or even a full-time career. It’s physical but rewarding work that needs to be done. To get started, check and see what licensures are required for your state, if any. You can learn grooming skills through classes or serving as an apprentice for another groomer. Here’s more info.

   Wondering if dog grooming is for you? Read this article from Top Dog Tips and see what you think.

4. In-home cleaner

   My husband and I both have busy careers, plus side projects (like this blog!) so it can be tough to keep up with housework. And, quite frankly, it’s not my favorite thing in the world. So I’ve debating hiring a cleaner to help us out at least every other month.

   But, I am very, very self-conscience about the dog issue. Toby sheds constantly. And with a 110-lb body, there is a LOT of fur around the house. In nooks and crannies I didn’t even know our house had.

   If I found a pet-focused house cleaner, that would be the holy grail. It’s definitely a way to differentiate yourself. Homes with dogs have unique challenges, and if you position yourself as a pet-cleaning expert, this sets you apart from the competition.

5. Blogger

   Another great side hustle idea is to start a blog. If you love to write, this is a fun, relaxing way to connect with other dog lovers and make some extra cash through advertisements, affiliate marketing, or selling products and services.

6. Yard cleaner

   Alright, let me start out by saying this isn’t the most savory of jobs. But there is a need for this service. That’s right, we’re talking about being a poop scooping specialist.

   I write about this as I look outside and see mounds of number twos emerging from the melting snow. (Remember that scene in Jurassic Park where they exam the triceratops droppings? That’s what it feels like.)

   There are many other people with this issue, so if you can stomach the job, you will definitely have clients.

7. Etsy store

   Are you a crafty person? If so, have you ever thought about opening an Etsy store?

   People LOVE Etsy because it’s a chance to get a personalized product no one else offers. Ideas for dog products include collars, clothing, accessories, bedding toys, memorials and more.

   If you have a crafty, creative mind, this could be a blast.

8. Pet bakery

   Or, if you have a knack for cooking, you could try your hand at making pet food and treats. This could include delicious homemade treats people love to give friends and family with pets or that dog parents enjoy giving their pups on special occasions. Another angle is to focus on making food and treats for dogs with specialized diets.

9. Pet photographer

   Another business you can start right away is pet photography. If you have skills with a camera and a special touch with dogs, it seems like a no-brainer. Getting dogs to sit still and pose for the camera isn’t easy, which is why pup parents would gladly pay for some extra help if it meant high-quality photos of their beloved furbabies.

10. Delivery service

    Delivery services are all the rage. Instacart. Grocery delivery. Amazon Prime Now. As far as I know, however, there isn’t a service yet for pet products. This could be your calling! You could help busy pup parents pick up food, medicine and other supplies your dog needs.

11. Clothing designer

    If you know your way around a sewing machine and have an eye for style, this could be a super fun side business. Sometimes people like dressing their dog up for fun, other times it’s a necessity with the cold weather. Either way, people love specialty dog clothing.

12. Pet trainer

    Becoming a dog trainer requires some education and practice, but once you get those qualifications, you can quickly go on to teach classes or work with private clients. Here’s more info on how to get started.

Jessi Larson

Jessi is a marketing strategist for Fortune 50 companies who loves to research and write about all things dog. She is the proud mom to Toby, a giant Labrador Retriever who thinks he’s a lapdog. He inspires her to be a better pet parent and to share advice with other dog owners.