Pet sitter jobs in Chicago offer flexible work with competitive pay—experienced sitters earn $25–$65 per visit or $40,000–$60,000 annually if working full-time. The city's high pet ownership and dense neighborhoods create strong demand year-round.
How to Start Pet Sitting in Chicago
- Get certified: Complete pet first aid/CPR course ($50–$150, one-day class)
- Background check: Pass criminal background screening (required by platforms)
- Create profiles: Join Tails, Rover, Wag, or local agencies with detailed bio and photos
- Set competitive rates: Start at $25–$35/visit, increase with experience and reviews
- Gather references: Ask friends, family, or volunteer experiences for initial testimonials
- Offer meet-and-greets: Free initial meetings build trust and secure bookings
- Get insured: Liability insurance protects against accidents ($300–$500/year)
Chicago Pet Sitting Income Potential
Part-time sitters (10–15 visits/week): $15,000–$25,000/year. Active sitters (20–30 visits/week): $30,000–$45,000/year. Full-time professionals (30–40 visits/week + overnights): $45,000–$65,000/year. High-demand neighborhoods like Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Gold Coast, and West Loop support higher rates ($35–$65/visit).
Building Your Pet Sitting Business
Start with platform clients (Tails, Rover) to build reviews, then transition regular clients to direct booking to avoid service fees. Specialize in niches like senior dog care, exotic pets, or medication administration to command premium rates. Most successful Chicago sitters maintain 15–25 regular clients who book repeatedly.
Join the Tails pet sitter network or read our complete guide to pet care careers.