Many people prefer their pets to remain in their homes while they travel. Often, people hire a professional pet sitter, but others prefer having someone they know care for their pets. Indeed, watching other people's pets can be challenging and rewarding. Here are some suggestions on how to be a responsible, efficient pet sitter.
What Questions to Ask the Pet Owner
Before accepting any pet sitting gig, ask yourself if you are comfortable with watching the individual's pets. If you know you don't get along with the pets or are afraid of the type of pet, declining can be a good idea. A pet sitter feeling uncomfortable will make the animals more anxious and uncomfortable than they already are with their owners gone.
It's dangerous, when you know people already, to assume that you know their pets, too. People are different around their pets, and all pets have different needs. Treat being a friend or family member's pet sitter as a new relationship with both owner and pet, and act professionally.
If you do choose to accept the pet-sitting job, make sure you ask the owner the following questions.
- How long are you gone?
- How can I reach you while you are gone in case of questions or concerns?
- How frequently do you want me to visit the pet?
- Do you know how to reach me, in case your plans change and I need to watch the pet longer?
- How would you like me to interact with the pet- fed pet, play with pet, sit down and watch TV for a while?
- Does the pet have any health needs- daily pills, special food conditions? What are signs of that condition?
- Does the pet have a veterinarian or animal hospital to contact in case of emergency? If so, how do you reach the vet- name, number, address?
Record this information yourself, or ask the pet owner to prepare an information sheet. Knowing as much as possible about the pet and the owner's schedule is important to prepare in case of an emergency.
How to Prepare for Pet Sitting
Spend some time with the pets before the owner actually leaves. Ask the owner for suggestions in relating to the pet- favorite toy, favorite game, favorite walking path at the park. Engaging the animal in routines it shares with its owners will ease the transition and be more fun for both of you.
Pet or play with the pet, if possible, in the presence of the owner, so the pet sees you as no threat. With sensitive or abused animals, be aware that erratic behavior has nothing to do with you, and ask the owner for suggestions on how to relate to the animal when they are acting up. Knowing what the owners does to control a pet can help keep you safe, too.
What to Expect as a Pet Sitter
Ask the owner how he or she expects the pet to behave after its owners have left, but be prepared for anything. Don't take it personally if the animal does not want to play or interact; pets grieve just like people and isolated behavior has nothing to do with you.
Follow the owner's instructions on how to keep the pet's routine, and be patient. Often, pets need some time to trust a new person and engage them.
If any concerns arise- pet does not seem right, has obvious physical symptoms, or shows signs of a pre-existing condition- do not hesitate to contact the owner or the pet's regular veterinarian for more information. Better safe than sorry.
Follow the owner's instructions to the best of your ability, and leave the areas where pets live as clean or cleaner than when you found them.
As far as compensation goes, decide what you would like in return, though with friends and family it may not involve money. Sometimes, asking if the friend or family member will watch your pet can be compensation. Other times, the owner may make a donation to you.
If you do not know the person well and are obviously watching their pets for money, consider the costs of gas, your time, and rates for the area of the country where you life. Communicate this information to the owner in the initial negotiations, so there are no surprises at the end.
Pet sitting can be fun and rewarding when done responsibly. Ask questions, take action if necessary, and enjoy the honor of being with pets that are not your own.
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