The Do's: Your Path to Pet Sitting Success
Hygiene Practices:
Clean and disinfect your hands or wounds after dealing with dogs to avoid any transfer of bacteria, viruses or parasites that can spread to humans.
Medical and Behavioral History:
Inquire about the pet's medical history as well as its behavioral history, such as if it is a rescue or has a history of violence, resource guarding, or escapism. More over, use your
pet sitting software to lookup these pet profile details as soon as you check-in!
Identification and Safety:
Common checks for pet dogs and cats include
ensuring they are vaccinated (e.g., rabies vaccine, which is required in several US states). If a female pet is in heat, it's not advisable to walk her in a group containing at least one male. Some businesses restrict their services to neutered and/or spayed pets to avoid these issues, while others manage pets in groups based on their documentation. All the above is managed with information filled out in paper forms or via online pet sitting software tools for notification purposes at the time of scheduling.
Communication and Updates:
Provide daily
picture,
video and note (via email and
text) updates and notify the pet owner of any changes in stool or behavior.
Dog Walking:
Avoid walking more than (3) three dogs at the same time, as it can be challenging to manage them effectively and ensure their safety. When choosing which dogs to walk, consider their size and temperament in relation to your own strength and ability to control them. For example, a small, well-behaved dog might be easier to handle than a larger, more energetic one.
Manage Mealtime:
To prevent conflicts between dogs during feeding times, it's best to feed each dog in a separate area of the yard or home. This reduces the likelihood of food-related aggression or competition. For instance, you might feed one dog in the kitchen and another in the backyard to give them space and minimize tension.
Clean Up Responsibly:
Always clean up after the dogs you're responsible for, ensuring that any poop is promptly and properly disposed of. Your software can offer pet owners a way to communicate how they want you to go about this when returning the pet to their home.
Stay Accessible:
Keep your phone charged and within reach at all times during your pet-sitting duties. This ensures that you can be easily reached by the pet owners or in case of any emergencies.
Dog Food And Medication:
Recommend that pet owners provide food and bedding for their pets during the pet sitting period. This helps maintain the pets' regular diet and reduces the risk of stomach issues or diarrhea that can result from sudden changes in diet or environment. For example, you could suggest that owners pack a sufficient amount of their pet's usual food and familiar bedding to ensure the pet's comfort and well-being.
The Don'ts: Avoiding Pet Sitting Pitfalls
Never Abuse A Pet:
Never hit and avoid shouting at your pet under any circumstances. Instead, focus on positive reinforcement through reward-based
training methods.
Respect the Owner's Space:
Always ask for permission before bringing any additional pets or guests into the owner's home, as some pets can be territorial or have allergies.
Honor Your Bookings:
Follow the agreed-upon schedule for visits and feeding times without skipping any, as this consistency is essential for the pet's well-being and the owner's peace of mind. A great way to ensure you are there when needed is to enable your
appointment reminders.
Respect Boundaries:
Respect the pet's need for space and individuality; if they need time alone, provide it to them, as not all pets are instant companions.
Follow Feeding Guidelines:
Adhere to the feeding guidelines provided by the owner when registering with your
pet sitting software. This prevents overfeeding, which can lead to digestive issues or allergic reactions.
Prioritize Safety:
Avoid engaging in activities that might put the pet or yourself at risk, such as off-leash walks in unfamiliar areas, always prioritizing the safety and well-being of the pet. Always keep your dog on a leash when in public areas. This is not only a legal requirement (in most jurisdictions) but also ensures that your dog is under your control and safe at all times. Some pet sitting businesses include a question in their service
agreement forms, asking the pet owner if they would like their dog(s) to be off-leash at any point during the dog walk, hike, or playtime.
Enjoyed the information above? Interested in delving deeper? Check out this
insightful article featuring direct quotes from experienced pet sitters like yourself.
A Professional Pet Sitter
By following these guidelines, you're well on your way to becoming a top-notch pet sitter. Remember, your goal is to create a safe and nurturing environment for the pets in your care. When owners return to find their pets happy and healthy, you'll earn their trust and appreciation.
Pet Sitting = Ensuring Your Pet Is Truly Cared For
Pet sitting goes beyond a job; it combines love and responsibility in a delightful mix. You're more than just a pet sitter; you're a protector, a playmate, and a source of comfort. Embrace your role with enthusiasm, and you'll have heartwarming success stories to share.
