Most college kids will do nearly anything to turn a quick buck. Some people opt for more tame jobs, like tutoring or proofing essays, while others dabble in the "dark arts" of easy money that are slightly more illegal than their parents would approve. Since I was a senior in high school, I have been petsitting, and it's one of the best jobs in the world! There are so many perks to being a sitter, and I've made multiple unlikely and wonderful connections through this job. I've had some hilarious and invaluable experiences in my time as a sitter, and I've been able to make some good money, especially around the holidays and in the summer, through my services. There are so many benefits to being a sitter, but I've narrowed it down to these few. Here are some of the perks of being a pet-sitter!

1. You make money for snuggling furry friends.

The main parts of this job are making sure the pets are loved, fed, and let out to tinkle and poop, but we can all agree that the most important part of the trinity is love. You're literally getting paid to hug a dog or cat multiple times a day! Could there be a better job?!

2. Sometimes, pet sitting leads to housesitting.

Some clients will want you to only come by long enough to let their pets out, feed them, and bring in their mail, but some clients will ask if you're interested in housesitting. If they do pop that beautiful question, you can expect higher pay and more time to cuddle with the fur babies!

3. FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD.

If you do end up housesitting for your pet's owners, you can expect them to either ask if you'd like for them to pick up some groceries for you during your stay or they'll leave you a little extra dough for pizza or takeout. College students: it's literally the dream!

4. Mini vacation, boo.

If you're asked to house sit, you're going to get a small release from your usual grind. I live at home, and the weekends or weeks where I am pet sitting are the most relaxing, it seems. I get to stay in a quiet house surrounded by furry angels and not have to worry about anyone bothering me. Even if you live the dorm or apartment life, house and pet sitting are great ways to escape the loud and rambunctious college life.

5. You build up your references and establish a reliable reputation.

In pet sitting, you get to know people from various parts of your community, and the connections you make with your clients can end up benefiting you greatly in the long run. You'll develop trust with your clients and will definitely become well-known in your area for your services. These great connections can help you more than you'll realize when applying for scholarships, jobs or leadership positions, too.

6. Pets... duh!

Undeniably, the pets are the best part of pet sitting. You get to be around adoptive fur children for a few days to a week! If you don't have pets of your own or can't have them because of your living situation, you'll get your fill of kitty cats or puppy dogs during your visits and stays. There's no such thing as loving too many animals, so pet sitting definitely gives you an opportunity to get to know as many furry friends as you can!