Millenial paralegal makes thousands of dollars per month dog-sitting as a side hustle

CHICAGO (TND) — A 29-year-old paralegal in Chicago has been making thousands of dollars per month dog-sitting as a side hustle, according to a report from CNBC.

Two years ago, law school graduate Alison Chan was looking for a way to make more money while studying for the bar exam. She had a host of monthly expenses, including a car payment, rent for her one-bedroom apartment, and food and vet visits for her dog Addy.

Chan began using the pet care platform Rover and boarding dogs in her apartment while she studied. She earned a whopping $32,000 in 2022 from pet sitting alone, CNBC says.

She's on track to earn around $3,750 per month this year from the side gig.

“When I did my taxes last year, I realized [my side hustle] was like a second salary,” Chan told CNBC.

Chan said it took around a year and a half to establish a business model. She used to charge roughly $35 for overnight stays but realized that was lower than competitors nearby. She also had to take into account things like out-of-pocket costs for food, dog beds and toys. Rover also takes a 20% service fee out of every sitter transaction, according to the site.

“I didn’t realize at that time you can set your own rules and expectations with your clients,” she said.

Now, Chan charges around $80 per night and boards up to three pups in her apartment.

Chan currently has a full-time job as a remote paralegal and uses her Rover earnings to pay monthly expenses. She deposits the money from her salaried role in a savings account.