Pet sitting and dog walking are classic neighborhood side hustles that consistently show up in lists of the best ways for a teenager to make money. They require a small upfront investment—often under $100 for good supplies—are in steady demand, and offer flexible hours that fit around school. This long-form guide explains how to start safely, pick the right supplies (I recommend a few specific Amazon items below), price services, manage bookings, and build a repeat customer base while protecting yourself and the animals in your care.

Whether you’re walking dogs before school, checking on pets during the day, or providing overnight pet-sitting while families travel, your reputation for reliability and clear communication will be the biggest driver of long-term earnings. Below I cover safety and vetting, sample scripts for contacting neighbors and parents, what to include in a basic care checklist, and recommended starter products you can buy on Amazon with your affiliate tag.

Why pet services are a great fit for teens

Pet care has several features that make it ideal for teenagers:

  • Low overhead: basic supplies like a leash, collapsible water bowl, bags, and a treat pouch typically total under $50–$80.
  • Repeat business: dog walking and regular check-ins often become weekly recurring gigs.
  • Flexible scheduling: morning, after-school, and weekend slots are in demand.
  • High perceived value: owners prefer reliable, consistent care and will pay a premium for peace of mind.

Important safety reminder: Always involve a parent or guardian when you’re under 18. For first-time clients, arrange an in-person meet-and-greet with the owner present and make sure you have emergency contact information and the pet’s vet details.

Getting started: supplies, skills, and training

Buy a few core items to look professional and keep pets comfortable. A few well-chosen purchases make a big difference:

Beyond supplies, basic canine knowledge—how to read body language, leash handling, and safe recall/recapture techniques—is essential. Local humane societies often offer short volunteer orientations or low-cost workshops on handling dogs and cats; these are helpful to attend. If you plan to sit animals overnight, basic pet first aid and CPR training (Red Cross or a local organization) is strongly recommended.

How to vet clients and pets safely

Proper vetting protects you, the pet, and the owner. Here’s a simple process that works well for teens:

1. Meet-and-greet

Arrange a 10–15 minute meet-and-greet while the owner is home. Observe the pet’s temperament, ask about routine, feeding schedule, known triggers (fear of other dogs, thunderstorms), and whether the pet has aggression history. Ask for the vet’s phone number and any emergency instructions.

2. Emergency plan

Get written permission to seek veterinary treatment in an emergency and an authorization for payment (parents/owners typically cover vet costs). Keep the vet’s phone number and the owner’s emergency contact saved in your phone and on paper.

3. Insurance & liability

Small-time teen sitters rarely need formal insurance at first, but if you scale up consider a basic pet sitter liability policy through providers that offer teen-friendly plans or work through a parent’s homeowner policy. Clear client agreements that list responsibilities and limitations (e.g., no unsupervised off-leash play) reduce misunderstandings.

Pricing, packages, and examples

Rates vary by region and service. Common local pricing examples for teen sitters:

  • Dog walk (30 minutes): $10–$25
  • Pet check-in (20 minutes): $10–$20
  • Overnight pet sitting (stay at home): $40–$80 per night
  • Drop-in feeding + walk (30–40 minutes): $15–$30

Offer subscription discounts for recurring clients (e.g., 10% off for regular weekly walks). Create clear packages and state cancellation policy (e.g., full refund if canceled 24 hours ahead) to avoid disputes. For payments, use parent-approved Venmo, PayPal, or cash; always provide a receipt and keep a record of dates and services provided.

Booking, scheduling, and basic operations

Keep a simple booking system: Google Calendar is free and works well. Create time blocks for walks and check-ins and never double-book. Use short confirmation messages and a checklist template for each visit to ensure consistency (see sample checklist below).

Sample pet-sitter visit checklist

  • Arrive on time, greet pet calmly, note any new behavior
  • Feed per owner instructions (measure portions)
  • Take dog for walk, pick up waste, offer water
  • Play/brush if requested, check litter box for cats
  • Secure property, leave a short note or photo for owner

Send owners a short visit report after each check-in—one or two sentences and a photo is often enough. These quick updates build trust and increase repeat bookings.

Marketing: how to get your first clients

Start local and leverage community trust:

  • Post a flyer with a photo and short description at neighborhood grocery stores, community centers, and dog parks (ask for permission).
  • Use neighborhood apps (Nextdoor) and local Facebook groups—include your availability, a short list of services, and a phone number.
  • Ask family and neighbors for referrals and offer a small discount for the first month to build testimonials.

Be honest about experience; offer to do a free short meet-and-greet so owners can decide. After a few paid jobs, ask for a short written or photographed testimonial to post in your listing.

Handling common issues and emergencies

If a dog pulls on the leash, stay calm, stop moving, and use a recall or treat-based approach rather than jerking the leash. For lost pets, notify the owner immediately, check common areas, and call local animal control or the vet if needed. For vet emergencies, follow the owner’s emergency instructions and take the animal to the designated vet if you have authorization.

Sample scripts & templates

Initial message to a neighbor (Nextdoor / FB)

Hi — I’m [Your Name], a reliable teen pet sitter/walker in [Neighborhood]. I offer 30-min dog walks ($15) and 20-min check-ins ($12). References and a parent contact available. Reply or text [phone] to schedule a meet-and-greet.

Visit report example

Hi [Owner Name], just finished the 30-min walk with Max — he was happy, drank water, and we met two friendly dogs. Left him with fresh water and his favorite toy. — [Your Name]

Recommended Amazon starter items (affiliate links)

Resources and references

For general information on caring for dogs, see the Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dog.