Couple Make $3,500 a Month Letting Dogs Play in Their Backyard

Dianne and Dale Neffendorf make $3,500 monthly just by letting dogs play in their backyard.

It's a surprisingly lucrative side hustle for the retired farmers in Oregon City, Oregon.

They use a platform called Sniffspot that allows them to rent out their land as a safe dog park to nearby neighbors. While the Neffendorfs rent out their outdoor space, dog owners can find hiking trails, dog water parks, indoor parks and plenty of other spaces for their pups.

For the 65-year-old married couple, the side hustle has opened their home to new cashflow, but it's also brought a sense of joy to their golden years.

"It's totally been a life changer," Dianne told Newsweek. "With this income, we can look at retirement without some of the financial restrictions we might otherwise have."

"We look outside and see so many happy people and their dogs playing. It's nice for them to be able to let their dogs run around without being in a public dog park with all the stress, unknown dogs and dog diseases."

The Neffendorfs initially began thinking about renting their farm space during the pandemic. With all the dog parks closed, a neighbor asked if they could rent out their field.

It was at that point that the demand became clear, and the couple realized this could be a true side income.

"I was living on my phone, answering phone calls all the time, looking at my calendar and needing to collect payment," Dianne said. "When I heard about Sniffspot, I started using it because it took care of all the work. It lets me have a life again and it turned out perfectly."

For many Americans who already have the property, a side hustle of this nature could easily uplift their financial reality, especially if the land is just sitting there unused. But there are some considerations to keep in mind.

"Talk to your neighbors before you start," Dianne said. "Be realistic with how much you charge as you set your own rates."

The Neffendorfs are just one example of how millions of Americans have turned to side hustles to help them during a period of economic strife.

With inflation at 3.2 percent for January 2024, Americans are looking at new ways of making their dollar stretch, and having a constant extra stream of income can help them make odds meet amid surging housing, food and gas prices.

Read more: What Is Passive Income?

Retirees, who typically live on a fixed income, are often in even more need of a financial boost when it comes to their monthly payments.

"I think everyone needs to be a little more creative these days for extra income, especially retirees," Dianne said. "There are so many different things people can do if they are creative."

The data reveals the Neffendorfs are not alone in their side gig. A recent report from Zapier found 40 percent of Americans had a side hustle in 2022, and another report from LendingClub predicted at least 50 percent of the U.S. workforce is working at least one side gig.

"The main reason for this shift is the stark realization that purchasing power is eroding due to increasing inflation," Larry Zhong, an investing and personal finance expert who founded YieldAlley.com, told Newsweek.

Read more: How to Invest Money

Artificial intelligence tools also help Americans spend less time on their side hustles while still raking in the extra money, Zhong said. This, coinciding with the fact that many work their full-time jobs remotely, means it can be easier than ever to add a side hustle to your financial repertoire.

"While people have felt secondary income streams are necessary, the feasibility of starting one has never been easier due to automation tools and side gigs like ridesharing and food delivery," Zhong said.

And not all side gigs are destined to only bring in some extra income, Zhong said.

Depending on what side hustle you choose, you could find yourself with a new and more lucrative full-time job, like those who invested in their freelance writing, consulting or e-commerce skills while still maintaining a flexible schedule.

"Many Americans want flexibility while earning an income," Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor for the state of Tennessee, told Newsweek. "With a side hustle, you have customization over where it happens, how long you work, and what you charge. That's invaluable."