Student turns passion for pets into a part-time job
Local online student and part-time pet and house sitter Rachel Dannheisser continues to share her love for animals, one home at a time.
Joburg North online student Rachel Dannheisser turned her passion and love for animals into a side hustle that keeps on giving.
The 20-year-old, who is currently studying criminology, spends her free time as a pet and house sitter. Over the past year and a half, she has looked after several pets and homes in the Sandton and Fourways areas.
It all started in her residential complex and being in a close community, Dannheisser had the opportunity to get close to a lot of people and their pets. Many believed in her skill so much that they asked her to house and pet sit while they went on vacation.
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“It started with friends asking if I wanted to look after their pets while they’re away and it has turned into creating adverts on Facebook to get my name out there, expand my offerings and client list,” she said.
Since taking house and pet sitting on as a part-time job, Dannheisser has looked after an array of dogs, cats and even the occasional bird.
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Dannheisser said pet sitting included everything from spending time with the animals to feeding and taking them for walks. In some cases, she stays overnight while in others she only visits during the day to make sure that the pet is doing alright – all depending on what the owner is looking for.
“I just love animals so much, they are always so happy to see you when you walk in the door with their tails wagging and cat meowing. Even if I am only with them for a short period, they [animals] love you unconditionally.”
One of her highlights over the past year was when she looked after a rottweiler.
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“The owners were so worried because people are so scared of rottweilers because he was quite a large dog… He was honestly the biggest teddy bear in the world, he would just look at you and your heart would melt.”
She added that being an online student had helped her juggle her part-time jobs and her degree.
“Because everything is online, I am easily able to set up my laptop anywhere, whether that is at home or a job.”
Are you on the hunt for a friendly house and pet sitter with an immense passion for animals? Contact Rachel Dannheisser on 073 302 5296.
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