Pet sitting - 11 things every pet sitter must know

Thinking about becoming a pet sitter? Or actually considering getting a pet sitter to look after your furry friends in the comfort of your home while you’re away? You’ve definitely landed on the right page. We’ve teamed up with Sydney vet Eloise Bright to put together a list of all the things every pet sitter needs to know. No excuses.

Top things to consider when you become a pet sitter

Read on because whether you’re a pet sitter or a pet owner, we’re breaking down all the must-know things to know when you are taking care of cuddly pets. Like that, you'll be perfectly ready to tackle anything that happens (and you’ll know what to look for in a good pet sitter). 

1. How to do dog grooming

Did you know that dogs with a longer coat may need regular trims around the face as well as nail trims and baths? Find out what products should be used and if there's a preferred groomer, whether you should take the dog in during the pet sitting time. For long-haired cats grooming can be important too, so just check if you have all the equipment you need to keep the pets looking their best.

In case you need some help, we’ve got this handy dog grooming guide for beginners.

2. How much does the pet need to exercise

For dogs, regular daily exercise is incredibly important. Check out the local dog parks and find out how the dog walks on the lead. Also check if there are any problems with socialising with different dogs and that the vaccinations are all up to date. For larger dogs and working dogs a good couple of hours of ball chasing, walking and games may be needed every day. For smaller dogs, sometimes shorter walks and more one-on-one attention, brushes and cuddles is the main requirement for happiness. Just remember, a tired dog is a happy dog!

Read this if you want to know how often should you walk a dog or this one if you’re curious about how much exercise do puppies need. 

3. What to feed the pets

Knowing what food you need to give the pets, and at what time and how much of it, is one of the key things any pet sitter needs to know. Pets that are on special diets are often eating that food for a reason. Check what the policy is regarding bones and treats and try to avoid overfeeding. As we all know, weight loss is difficult so if you are not sure if you are feeding too much, check the weight at your local vet and compare it to a previous weight. Often the amount of food needed varies with exercise, so if you are walking more or less you may need to adjust accordingly.

Since we’re talking about food, these guides may help you prepare for your next pet sit: 

• What to never feed a pet
• What can and can’t dogs eat
• Why fresh food is the best for a happy and healthy cat
• What do small pets eat?

4. How to provide emergency care for pets - and what to do in a pet emergency

Do you know where the nearest emergency vet hospital is? Do you have transport, or do you need to look up a pet ambulance service or house call vet? Ask the pet owners what their wishes are should something happen, do they want to spend $10 or $10,000 on their pets medical care? You can also ask them to let her local vet know their wishes in this regard. Knowing how to react in case of a pet emergency is one of the most important things a pet sitter must know. 

You can find more information about pet emergencies here: 

• What to do in a pet emergency
• What if there’s an emergency during a sit?

5. What are the health needs of the pets you’re sitting?

Do the pets have any health problems? If so, make sure you have enough supplies, repeat prescriptions and an understanding of what to look for with the particular condition. Try to get a copy of any vaccination certificates, worming and flea schedules just in case and to keep everything up to date. It will also be handy to get a detailed list of all medications and dosages so the pet care is correct and consistent. 

TrustedHousesitters members have full access to 24/7 Vet Advice Line, a service that allows house sitters to speak to qualified veterinary nurses while on a sit. Available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

6. How to keep a cat happy

For cats, a regular play session every day at roughly the same time each day when the cat is most active is the key to a contented feline. Ask what the cat's favourite toys and games are, as they all tend to like different things. Some cats need a regular brush, while others dislike being touched. This is all of the information you need to find out before you go in for a cuddle.

7. Know that the pets are your first priority

Do you have time to walk the dog regularly? Are you home in the evenings? Working out what your schedule will be versus what the pet is used to will help identify any gaps. Pets will often feel very vulnerable when their regular carer goes away, so try to free up your time to reassure them they are not alone too much. Ask the owner if the pets are used to being alone and for what periods so you can plan accordingly. And always remember, you’re pet sitting because you love pets, so it’s only fair you give them all the time and care they need. Pet sitting is not a holiday, it’s a lifestyle. 

8. Know what to expect

Whether you’re a newbie pet sitter or a veteran, when you start a new pet sitting assignment you need to know, first and foremost, what’s expected of you in terms of everyday care: 

• How often should you send updates and photos to the owner? Every day? Several times a day? 
• How often do you need to take the dog for a walk? How often does the cat need to be groomed? 
• Are your pets peculiar about anything? 
• Are there any parks nearby? Any good places for dog walks? Where’s their vet? 

These are all the basic things you should know to make sure the pets you’re looking after are happy and safe. 

9. The House Rules

Another of the most important things a pet sitter needs to know before committing to a sit is the house rules. That goes from knowing whether the cats are allowed outside or if you can give treats to the pets. Ask if the doggo can sleep on the couch, if the cats are on a diet, if barking is ok - or not. Basically, all the house rules that are in place when the owner is there. Clear guidelines and consistency are key. 

10. How to bond with pets

We wrote about how to win a dog’s trust before but this is Pet Sitter 101. If you want to be a pet sitter one of the things you need to know is how to bond with pets, of any type. 

Each pet has a different personality and preferences. Some will prefer a calm and patient approach, whilst others will enjoy a game of ball or a belly rub. Whatever it is, ask their owner and always let them come to you first. 

11. Recognize and understand normal pet behaviours

Any good pet sitter needs to be good at recognising and understanding normal pet behaviours. It’s vital. If you’re going to care for pets, you need to understand how they communicate, what they need, why they do certain things when they do them. So, yes. We’d say you need to be well versed in the language of pets. 

With these things covered, we’re confident you’ll be a  pet sitting extraordinaire in no time. Just gather as much information as possible from the owner and you’ll fit right in with your new furry friend. Do you think we’re missing anything a pet sitter should know? Visit our Community Forum and let us know.