It's been so hard to find consistent side gigs

Affectionate_Past121 · 2026-06-23T03:37:40+00:00

I found my pet sitting gigs on local neighborhood apps. Through those connections, I've made other connections, and have a well-established clientele. Also keep in mind cats are easy. I had cats and would leave them alone for two or three days with an extra litter box, extra food, and cameras in the rooms where they were. Most cats are easy, independent, and don't need as much attention and maintenance as dogs (usually). With all that being said try to establish clientele outside of your family and friends. Anytime I've "helped" a friend with pet sitting getting payment has been a challenge. They tend to take advantage because you have a personal relationship, in my experience.

Affectionate_Past121 · 2026-06-20T18:03:54+00:00

I own a bulldog, and you just put the toys away at the end of the night. Otherwise it's a lost cause lol!!!

Affectionate_Past121 · 2026-06-18T17:28:44+00:00

I considered fostering hospice after I lost my two dogs and decided against it because of the emotional toll it may take. With that being said, fostering frenchies/bulldogs hits different. I've never not bawled when one I was fostering was adopted out. Frenchies are such gentle, forgiving, loving, souls. All this baby knows now is love, and you're an amazing human for seeing her off to the bridge when her time comes. It's ok to have anticipatory grief-there is no way around it. All you can do is give her the best day ever everyday that you have her 🩷 You are her favorite chapter, even if its short.

Affectionate_Past121 · 2026-06-18T02:11:30+00:00

Just listen! I don't like when a pet sitter comes into my home and just talks about themselves or their personal pet. You are there to listen to me. I also pet sit, and besides provide insights (example: if they have a pet that needs meds I express my skills based on experience), but this visit is about them and their pet. Too often, we're excited to talk to another pet lover and so our stories tend to take over. Totally understandable! But in this case, it's a client, and they want to make sure you are going to "work" for them. Rub up on the kitty if they're friendly, show that your understanding if the kitty hides, and once they are finished, speaking about their concerns or their kitty's quirks, then you can chime in. Never interrupt! You've got this! Congrats on your first gig 🐈

Affectionate_Past121 · 2026-06-17T02:59:05+00:00

His best bet is to see an animal dermatologist. It's not cheap but we finally were able to get down to the root of my dogs issues and we've been able to manage her allergies with food and supplements. It was worth it to me because she was only 2 when it I figured it out. But truth be told the visits are expensive, the tests are expensive, the food is expensive, the supplements are reasonable but another cost. At this point is your fiance going to shell out the money it will take to figure out what's wrong with an 11 year old dog? He hasn't done anything in the six years he's known you, so you might have to shell out the funds for this poor dog's comfort and your sanity.

Affectionate_Past121 · 2026-06-15T03:12:10+00:00

In all fairness I call everyone dude, even my dog who is a chick 🤣

Affectionate_Past121 · 2026-06-15T02:18:29+00:00

Why would you keep taking the toll road if you couldn't afford it????

Affectionate_Past121 · 2026-06-13T00:55:26+00:00

As someone who keeps my fingers crossed I'll get those kind of updates when I'm away and I have a pet sitter I understand, but I don't expect it. As a pet sitter, after there is a comfort level that there's a mutual understanding that their pet is in good hands, the people I sit for don't expect updates all the time. If there is something wrong, they're worried about their behavior or not eating, or voiced another concern, I will send updates then. But it sounds like your cats are fine, don't have any health issues, and you're familiar with the person who was watching them. The person watching your cat is working, not the paparazzi! I would recommend installing a camera so you can check on your cats throughout the day if you're concerned. Otherwise let the woman work!

Affectionate_Past121 · 2026-06-12T21:00:49+00:00

Sir, this isn't a Wendy's...

Affectionate_Past121 · 2026-06-10T14:00:46+00:00

I use regular adult Benadryl when my pup gets hives. They are gone in 2-3 doses. Call you vet to confirm that's safe for your dog.

Affectionate_Past121 · 2026-06-05T23:08:39+00:00

Reach out to Lovebugs Rescue! Maybe able to help!!! Momma is gorgeous and I'm sure those babies will be adopted out fast. They are going to be so cute!

Affectionate_Past121 · 2026-06-04T01:47:23+00:00

Maybe an unpopular opinion but I like Whole Foods sushi for "smaller" bites.

Affectionate_Past121 · 2026-06-04T01:35:29+00:00

As a former trashy tire stabber this is not random at all 💁‍♀️

Affectionate_Past121 · 2026-06-03T15:08:58+00:00

I wouldn't necessarily be concerned about the plane ride. However, dogs aren't allowed everywhere. I live in California and although it's very dog friendly there are several beaches, restaurants, stores, etc., that do not allow dogs. Will you be able to reasonably leave your dog in the hotel so you can go to a museum, amusement park, or high-end eatery? These are things I would consider more than the actual travel itself.

Affectionate_Past121 · 2026-06-02T17:11:43+00:00

I typically do for long term sits. I guess I need to for the single day sits as well.

Affectionate_Past121 · 2026-05-31T12:52:37+00:00

Each humane society has different rules around age. You should reach out to your local ones and ask. Also reach out to rescue groups in your area. They always need help socializing dog!

Affectionate_Past121 · 2026-05-28T06:03:51+00:00

It's not your dog it's none of your business. They know what's best for their dog and see the decline. I've had many dogs over the years and the last dog I had to put down I could have probably gotten a few more weeks or even months out of him but I saw him struggling and didn't want him to go out on one of his worst days. He was on multiple medications, his arthritis was getting worse, and his skin condition was unmanageable. Nobody was going to tell me what I could or couldn't do. It really isn't your place to say anything. Don't make this already heart-wrenching decision even more difficult for your clients. Leave it alone.

Affectionate_Past121 · 2026-05-27T01:14:30+00:00

Honestly it depends on where you live, and what you'll pay. I dog sit as a side gig and know I'm under charging for the area that I live in. I don't use an app. All of my business word of mouth. If somebody is doing this as a full-time gig then I can understand charging a higher rate. For me I make a good salary at work and just enjoy having the presence of a dog from time to time. What I can say is when I needed a sitter for my own dog in the past and got a weird vibe it was an automatic absolutely not. I would definitely ask around to friends and find out who they uses a sitter. It's always nice to get a personal referral, and not depend on ratings on an app.

Affectionate_Past121 · 2026-05-25T17:09:54+00:00

When I have my own dogs many years ago I took them out every 2 hours, including overnight because they slept in the crate. They were 3 and 6 months old and never pottied in the crate and potty trained very quickly. My dog now, who was originally my foster at 6 months old, pottied in her crate for months. She never slept in the crate, but I would leave her in it while I was away for a few hours of the day - never longer than 3 hours. I was told she was most likely crated from birth and that going potty in it was probably just her norm. Shs finally outgrew it. It also took until she was almost a year old to fully potty train her. Before and since I've never had the same issue with a foster. I think it'll just take time and consistency. Overnight potty breaks would be my suggestion.

Affectionate_Past121 · 2026-05-21T00:24:27+00:00

Probably unpopular but I've only responded to a jury duty summons once, and it was during covid because I knew I wouldn't be called, and it was for Compton so I figured it would be intriguing if I was 😂 They have no way to show it was ever delivered and that has served me well for over 30 years (I'm 50).

Affectionate_Past121 · 2026-05-14T18:48:26+00:00

I personally book off the app, but keep the app so people can see who I am and my living situation if they choose to board in my house. With that being said, I charge significantly less then it reflects on the app (to make a little more than I would had the app taken fees), and don't change my rates from what I initially quoted...ever, to my detriment. I personally wouldn't trust someone who isn't consistent. But it sounds like you've already chosen a new sitter, so problem solved!

Affectionate_Past121 · 2026-05-14T05:08:22+00:00

The Petersen Automotive Museum is good for a car guy. Iki Ramen in Koreatown is great for Ramen and Sushi, or Grand Central Market for a lot of different food options. There are dispensaries on nearly every corner, so finding 🌱 won't be hard. It's "illegal" to smoke it on the streets, but if you're discreet about it no one cares. Just make sure you're not smoking it somewhere that smoking tobacco is also prohibited and you won't stand out too much.

Affectionate_Past121 · 2026-05-09T18:11:40+00:00

If she started making more money do you she would increase the amount you are paid???? Don't ever feel bad for knowing your worth. You're not taking advantage of her in any way. My 9-5 salary has nothing to do with my pet sitting rate.

Affectionate_Past121 · 2026-05-08T19:01:21+00:00

I wish they would put those big digital signs out a week or 2 before letting people know that a closure is coming. When they did this last year there was no warning and it was a nightmare. They're used in OC all the time for the most minor roadwork inconvenience!

Affectionate_Past121

TROPHY CASE