Additional Coverage:
- I’m a retired farmer. I make up to $1,500 a month renting out my fields for dogs to play in. (businessinsider.com)
Local Retiree Finds Unique Side Hustle
Michaele Blakely, a 71-year-old retired organic farmer in Washington, has found a unique way to supplement her retirement income – renting her 31-acre property to dog owners. After a 40-year career in farming, Blakely sought a less physically demanding pursuit.
Health challenges, including several autoimmune conditions and long COVID, led her to transition into retirement. Now, she enjoys a comfortable income stream through Social Security, a reverse mortgage, and her dog-friendly fields.
Blakely charges $18 per dog per hour, offering a private space for dogs to run, play fetch, or even explore the local wildlife. This low-maintenance side hustle allows her to earn between $500 and $1,500 per month. She connected with the dog park rental service through a local Facebook group a few years ago, becoming one of the first hosts in the area.
The minimal interaction required for this venture is a perfect fit for Blakely’s introverted personality. While she enjoyed interacting with customers at farmer’s markets during her farming years, she prefers a more hands-off approach in retirement.
Her responsibilities include providing water for the dogs, maintaining the fields, and occasionally checking for dog waste. This relaxed approach even allows her to travel, as her fields remain open for bookings even during her absence.
While other landowners on the platform offer additional amenities like agility courses and swimming pools, Blakely prefers the simplicity of her current setup. After four decades of hard work, she is content with this unique and low-effort source of income.