18 Side Hustles For Veterinarians [2024]
Are you a veterinarian looking to diversify your income stream in 2024?
While the veterinary profession is undoubtedly rewarding, it can also be incredibly demanding. Finding a fulfilling side hustle that complements your skills and passion for animal care might just be the perfect solution to balance your workload and boost your income. But what are the most effective and profitable side hustles for veterinarians today?
We've scoured the industry to bring you some of the top side hustle opportunities tailored specifically for veterinarians. In this article, we'll not only reveal these exciting options but also provide real-life examples of veterinarians who have successfully ventured into them. Get ready to explore new horizons and discover how you can make the most of your expertise beyond the clinic.
Here's the full list:
1. Start a pet company ($344K/month)
Starting a pet company could be an excellent side hustle for veterinarians, allowing you to leverage your expertise and passion for animals in a new way. With your knowledge and experience, you could offer a range of products and services, such as specialized pet food, toys, grooming services, and even wellness consultations. This venture could easily fit around your existing work schedule, providing flexibility for you to manage it from home or another preferred location.
You could begin on a small scale, making it easier to get started without a significant initial investment. The beauty of this side hustle is that it doesn't require a massive time commitment; you could operate mainly in your free time, helping fellow pet owners care for their beloved animals more effectively. Plus, your reputation as a veterinarian could lend instant credibility to your new business, attracting clients who trust your professional background.
How much you can make: $400 — $1,833,333/month
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Furry Fellas Pet Service LLC is a successful pet sitting and dog walking business that brings in over half a million dollars in sales per year, boasts 3,500-4,000 social media followers, employs 42 individuals and has been voted in the top 3 pet sitting/dog walking companies in the RI/MA area for eight years in a row.
2. Start a pet care business ($92.7K/month)
As a veterinarian, starting a pet care business could be a seamless complement to your existing expertise and passion for animal welfare. Given your medical knowledge and experience, pet owners are likely to trust you more than a typical pet sitter, making it easier to build a clientele. With the increasing trend in pet ownership, providing day and overnight care services could ensure a steady stream of customers looking for reliable and knowledgeable care for their pets.
You could operate this side hustle with flexible hours to accommodate your schedule. The startup costs are minimal, primarily involving a safe, comfortable space for the animals and basic care supplies. This venture requires relatively low effort, especially considering your existing skills, but offers substantial rewards both financially and in terms of client trust and satisfaction.
How much you can make: $8,000 — $250,000/month
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Woofie's founders share how they launched a pet care business from a $10 dog walk into a company that brought in over $3M in revenue in 2019, offering services such as mobile pet grooming, pet sitting and dog walking, and have expanded their business into franchises.
3. Start a dog treat business ($635K/month)
As a veterinarian, you could supplement your income by starting a dog treat business, which naturally aligns with your expertise in animal health and nutrition. This side hustle is easy to get started with and doesn't require a significant amount of work, especially if you enjoy baking and have a passion for creating healthy and natural treats for dogs.
Your background allows you to ensure that the treats meet the nutritional requirements and are safe for canine consumption, giving you a unique selling point. You could diversify your offerings with specialty items like custom birthday cakes and holiday gift boxes, adding a personal and lucrative touch.
By leveraging both online and local markets, you could transform homemade dog treats into a thriving and rewarding enterprise, seamlessly integrating this side venture with your veterinary practice.
How much you can make: $400 — $1,833,333/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Toronto-based Treats Happen saw a gap in the market for healthy dog treats, and now makes roughly $15K per month. Their biggest lesson? As a brand, they don't just sell on their website but want to be available on as many profitable channels as possible.
4. Start an educational blog ($63K/month)
Starting an educational blog could be a practical and rewarding side hustle for veterinarians. By sharing your expertise and experiences in animal health, pet care, or veterinary medicine, you could educate a wide audience while supplementing your income. It's straightforward to get started: you could use free platforms like WordPress or YouTube to create quality content, focusing on a niche you’re knowledgeable and passionate about.
This side hustle works well with a busy veterinary schedule because it doesn’t require a significant upfront investment or extensive hours. Promoting your blog on social media and employing SEO techniques could boost your visibility, and once you have a steady audience, you could monetize it through affiliate marketing or selling digital products like e-books or online courses. Consistency and providing genuine value to your readers would be key to your success, making it an ideal entrepreneurial venture.
How much you can make: $50 — $830,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $170 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
A one-man business teaching people how to use Microsoft Excel effectively has gone from getting ~15k pageviews a month in 2014, to more than one million pageviews every month as of today, generating an average monthly revenue of ~$10,000, with the majority of the money coming from online course sales and a newsletter, which has 40k+ active subscribers.
5. Start a travel recommendation business
As a veterinarian, you could channel your love for travel into a profitable side hustle by starting a travel recommendation business. This venture involves creating personalized travel itineraries and recommendations, leveraging your research skills to pinpoint the best destinations, accommodations, activities, and dining options tailored to your clients' interests.
Because this business can be managed remotely, it’s a perfect fit for your busy schedule. You could start small by assisting friends, family, and colleagues with their travel plans, and then expand by utilizing social media marketing and collaborations with travel influencers. With minimal startup costs and the flexibility to work from anywhere, this side hustle offers a low-effort way to supplement your income while indulging your passion for travel.
How much you can make: $50/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
PlanIt is a travel recommendation and planning platform that has seen compelling growth in database coverage and user growth, covering every country in the world with several thousand users and a large SEO focus as well as a growing interest from travel and lifestyle businesses to list their details.
6. Start a therapy business ($74.8K/month)
As a veterinarian, starting a therapy business could be a smart side hustle that aligns well with your existing skills and expertise in handling stress and emotional challenges, albeit in a different context. Your understanding of the emotional bond between humans and animals positions you perfectly to offer pet loss therapy or Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT), where animals are included in therapy sessions to help patients. This niche can be easily integrated without requiring a full-time commitment, allowing you to maintain your primary veterinary practice.
Starting a therapy business is relatively straightforward and doesn't demand a great deal of work up front. By obtaining the necessary certifications and licenses, you could begin offering therapy services either in person or online, providing flexibility and the potential for a steady supplemental income. This entrepreneurial venture taps into your compassionate nature and professional skills, making it a fulfilling and lucrative side hustle.
How much you can make: $10,000 — $250,000/month
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Professional cuddler, Sam Varnerin, developed her successful one-to-one cuddle service, Snuggle with Sam, as a result of recognising the universal human need for connection and touch, which also led to her opening Sam’s Snuggle School, a course for aspiring professional cuddlers.
7. Start a freelance writing business ($65.5K/month)
Starting a freelance writing business could be an excellent side hustle for veterinarians, leveraging your specialized knowledge and strong writing skills. This venture allows you the flexibility to define your work schedule and work from home at any time, making it easier to balance alongside your regular veterinary duties. You could write for various niches within the pet and animal care industry, such as articles, blog posts, or even educational materials for pet owners and veterinary professionals.
With your expertise, you could provide unique insights and information that are highly valued in the pet care content market. This side hustle is relatively easy to get started with, requiring minimal upfront investment and offering opportunities to grow your clientele over time. As a self-starter with proper communication skills and the ability to meet deadlines, you can smoothly transition into this flexible online job and supplement your income without overwhelming your existing responsibilities.
How much you can make: $700 — $500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 56 days (?)
How David Tile turned a freelance writing gig into an $80k/month business, discussing lessons learned through managing growing demands and maintaining a remote team operation.
8. Start a film set rental business
As a veterinarian, starting a film set rental business could be an exciting and lucrative side hustle. Given the unique aesthetic of veterinary clinics, your existing workspace could serve as a unique and captivating backdrop for film, television, or photoshoots. This opportunity allows you to leverage your existing resources without demanding extensive effort or time commitment, making it ideal for your already busy schedule.
You could start small, registering your clinic with local production companies or film location platforms. This doesn't require substantial capital investment, and the process is relatively straightforward. Plus, the extra income from rental fees could provide a significant financial boost, helping you maximize the value of your existing practice space.
9. Start an online newsletter writing business ($596K/month)
As a veterinarian, you could leverage your unique expertise to create an online newsletter that provides pet owners with valuable insights, tips, and updates on animal health and wellness. Writing a monthly or weekly newsletter would allow you to share your professional knowledge while building a loyal subscriber base. This side hustle is particularly feasible because it utilizes your existing skills and can be managed in your spare time, requiring minimal effort once you have a clear strategy and efficient tools in place.
Starting an online newsletter is relatively straightforward. You could select an email newsletter tool, establish your content goals, and customize a template to suit your audience's needs. With consistent, high-quality information, you could not only supplement your income but also enhance your reputation as a trusted expert in your field.
How much you can make: $500 — $4,100,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
College student, Whitney Bowen, launched Fem 'n STEM during the COVID-19 lockdown selling STEM boxes for kids between the ages of 8-12 and has earned $1.5k in monthly revenue within the first month of launch using social media to advertise and using WIX to create an online store.
10. Start an educational technology product ($48K/month)
As a veterinarian, you could leverage your expertise to create an educational technology product that caters to animal health and veterinary science. Imagine designing an app that helps veterinary students learn complex topics through interactive simulations or a platform that provides pet owners with essential care tips and diagnostic tools. This kind of side hustle aligns perfectly with your professional knowledge, ensuring you’re making a meaningful contribution to both education and animal care.
Getting started with an edtech product is relatively easy and doesn't require massive time commitments. With a clear vision, you could collaborate with developers to turn your idea into reality, and as a side hustle, it allows you to work on it during your off-hours, ensuring that it doesn't interfere with your primary practice. Plus, the growing demand for educational resources means your product could find a ready market, giving you the potential to supplement your income significantly.
How much you can make: $50 — $120,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 67 days (?)
UpBrainery Technologies, founded by Ghazal Qureshi, revolutionizes STEAM education by providing hands-on learning experiences in the form of education kits, virtual tutoring, and online curriculum, while also offering their services to organizations such as the Girl Scouts, Girls Inc., and the Houston Rockets.
11. Start a podcast ($97.9K/month)
Starting a podcast could be an excellent side hustle for a veterinarian, combining your expertise with a platform for sharing your passion and knowledge. You could create episodes on pet care tips, animal health, industry trends, or even fascinating case studies from your practice. Given the growing popularity of podcasts, there's a significant audience eager for this information, and your unique perspective as a veterinarian could set your podcast apart.
Starting a podcast is relatively easy and doesn’t require much work on your end. With some basic recording equipment and a free or affordable hosting platform, you could begin recording and publishing episodes in your spare time. By promoting your podcast through social media and online communities, you could attract a dedicated audience and even potential sponsors, turning your side project into a lucrative venture.
How much you can make: $400 — $1,020,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 2 hours/week
A successful podcast production company that grew from one client making $15/hour to a team of 10 contractors producing over 30 shows per week with revenue of over $10k/mo, primarily through referrals and with a focus on providing high personal touch and being picky about working only with clients who are a good fit.
12. Start a tech blog ($91.6K/month)
Starting a tech blog as a veterinarian might sound unconventional, but it's a highly feasible side hustle that could supplement your income without requiring extensive work hours. If you have a passion for the latest technology trends and strong writing skills, you could easily delve into this field by covering topics such as new products, startups, and industry news. The demand for this information ensures a steady readership, and the long-term success could translate into a substantial supplemental income, with the potential for handsome profits.
Since you likely already possess the analytical skills and detail-oriented mindset critical for both veterinary medicine and tech analysis, you could leverage those abilities to create compelling and informative content. The initial setup for a tech blog is relatively easy and allows for flexibility, making it an ideal side project. Enriching your blog with consistent, quality content could pave the way toward earning an extra $37,073 per year, providing a lucrative and intellectually stimulating complement to your primary career.
How much you can make: $150 — $700,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $275 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Seedtable is an authentic weekly newsletter on European tech, business, and politics, with 10,000+ subscribers and 50,000+ monthly visitors to its startup rankings, providing an insight into the European tech industry for investors, founders, and employees of leading Euorpean tech companies and funds.
13. Start a tech magazine
As a veterinarian with a keen entrepreneurial spirit, you could leverage your medical expertise and interest in technology to start a tech magazine focused on the latest veterinary technologies and innovations. This niche yet growing field is ripe with opportunities as more practices adopt advanced tools and equipment. Even with a busy schedule, you could manage this on the side since producing a monthly or quarterly digital issue doesn't require extensive ongoing work.
The barriers to entry are relatively low, thanks to digital publishing platforms that simplify content creation and distribution. You could start small by curating articles, reviews, and interviews with leading experts in both tech and veterinary sciences. Over time, this side hustle could generate passive income through subscriptions, advertisements, and sponsored content, all while allowing you to stay at the forefront of technological advancements in your field.
14. Start a house financing business
Starting a house financing business could be a lucrative side hustle for veterinarians, leveraging your analytical skills and attention to detail honed in your primary profession. The housing market always has demand, and with your ability to manage finances, you could supplement your income without much overhead. Given your experience in handling detailed records and delicate matters, diving into home financing is relatively straightforward and can be managed alongside your veterinary practice.
The beauty of this side hustle is its flexibility; it doesn't require you to commit a lot of time or energy outside of your existing work hours. You could start by offering consultation services, partnering with local real estate agents, or even assisting clients in securing better mortgage rates. With minimal initial investment and the potential for substantial financial returns, house financing is an accessible and practical avenue for veterinarians looking to diversify their income streams.
15. Start a security uniform business
Starting a security uniform business could make sense as a veterinarian if you're looking to diversify and supplement your income. The beauty of this side hustle is that it doesn't require a substantial amount of time or initial investment, making it feasible to manage alongside your veterinary practice. Your experience in sourcing quality materials and working with suppliers for veterinary supplies can translate seamlessly into sourcing durable fabrics and reliable tailors for manufacturing security uniforms.
Moreover, your client-centric mindset as a veterinarian aligns well with understanding and meeting the needs of various security personnel, from guards to bouncers. The ability to customize uniforms can attract a wide range of clients, including schools, hospitals, and security companies, creating multiple revenue streams. With a thoughtful approach, starting a security uniform business could be a manageable and profitable side venture that leverages your existing skills and discipline.
16. Start an audio producer
As a veterinarian, you could supplement your income by becoming an audio producer, a side hustle that allows you to bring stories to life through sound. This role involves creating and managing the soundscape for various media projects such as podcasts, audiobooks, and films. With your unique perspective and storytelling ability, you could seamlessly blend technical skills with creativity, offering a niche service that stands out.
Starting as an audio producer on the side is easy and doesn't require a lot of work. You would need some initial investment in quality equipment and software, along with a quiet space for recording. By leveraging platforms like Upwork and Fiverr, you could quickly find initial clients and start growing your portfolio. This side hustle offers flexible hours, making it ideal for balancing with your veterinary practice while diving into a booming industry.
How much you can make: $30,000/month
Audivita Studios, a podcast and audiobook production company, was founded by David Wolf and is rapidly growing with $400k annualized revenues in 2021, a team of a dozen freelance contractors and some 300+ clients, with a core team of four independent contractors.
17. Start a burial at sea service business
As a veterinarian, you could leverage your compassionate nature and understanding of animal loss to start a burial at sea service business. This side hustle can be particularly rewarding as it provides a unique and meaningful way for pet owners to say goodbye to their beloved companions. It's also relatively easy to get started, requiring minimal initial investment and no need for extensive additional training.
You could manage this side business alongside your veterinary practice without overwhelming your schedule, handling arrangements during weekends or after clinic hours. Given your professional background, your clients might trust you more to handle their pets' final journey, adding a unique touch to the service. With the right approach, this side hustle could not only supplement your income but also deepen your connections within the community.
18. Start an online courses business ($118K/month)
Starting an online courses business could be a great side hustle for veterinarians looking to supplement their income and share their specialized knowledge. You could create courses focused on niche areas like exotic pet care, advanced surgical techniques, or managing veterinary clinics. By leveraging your expertise, you can help both aspiring veterinarians and pet owners looking to deepen their understanding of animal care.
Creating an online course is relatively straightforward and doesn’t require a significant time investment. You could start by recording a few video lectures, creating simple assignments, and compiling helpful materials that your audience will find valuable. Additionally, promoting your course through social media and email marketing can help you reach a broader audience without much effort, allowing your side hustle to grow organically as people discover and recommend it.
How much you can make: $2,500 — $500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Solopreneur Justin Welsh built a knowledge business through social media with over $2M in annual revenue and no full-time employees, offering flagship digital courses with a monthly revenue of $80K and $45K respectively, through LinkedIn and Twitter growth as well as organic and affiliate marketing.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
