Pet sitting for puppies & kittens

Bringing a new puppy or kitten home is an exciting time for any pet parent, but young animals need a lot of care and attention! Whether it’s work commitments or a planned vacation, the truth is there are many times in life where we can't help but be away from our pets. Luckily, that’s where pet sitting comes in. 

Pet sitting provides a less stressful alternative to kennels and catteries if you have a planned trip or need to be away for a while. Vets around the world agree that most pets are happier staying at home and in their much-loved routines while their owners are away. But how does pet sitting work if you have young puppies or kittens?

When can I leave my puppy or kitten at home with a pet sitter?

Before you consider getting a pet sitter, your puppy or kitten will need some time to get familiarised with their new home and surroundings. Most experts agree that you should wait until your puppy is at least 12 weeks old before leaving them with a pet sitter for any extended amount of time. They should also have received all their necessary vaccinations.

As well as allowing your new puppy or kitten time to feel comfortable in their new surroundings, it’s also important that you allow enough time for you and your new pet to bond with one another.

Bonding is important to your pet's early development, but it also means you'll be more aware of their behaviour traits and personality. This not only helps to manage your sitter expectations, but also means you’ll be better equipped to find your pet their perfect sitter.

How much does a puppy or kitten sitter cost?

There are many different types of pet sitting services, and similarly, different costs and fees. But most professional pet sitting services charge by the hour.

In our blog post How much do dog sitters charge? we sniffed out the price of the average pet sitter. In the US, pet sitting costs around $20 to $40 a day, whereas in the UK it’s around £25 per day. This also varies per level of care — for example, an overnight sitter might charge more than a drop-in sitter.

On the other hand, a TrustedHousesitters owner membership starts from just $129 per year. Costing around 77% less than the average price for one-week pet boarding, it includes unlimited pet sitting, and there are no extra costs involved — sitters on TrustedHousesitters offer their pet sitting services for free.

They sit for free simply because they love animals and the unique travel experiences that pet sitting offers. Since they’re genuine pet lovers (who aren't motivated by money), you can rest assured you'll find a sitter whose number one priority is to care for your home and pets. That’s particularly reassuring if you have young puppies or kittens. 

How to find a puppy or kitten sitter

It can be daunting to leave your puppies or kittens alone for the first time. That’s why it’s important to find a pet sitter who has previous experience of caring for young pets.

TrustedHousesitters makes this easy with thousands of verified and reviewed sitters from all walks of life. You can list your pet’s specific needs or requirements in your homeowner listing, and can even specify your wish for an experienced puppy or kitten sitter.

Why not begin by taking a look at some of the pet sitters on TrustedHousesitters who could be caring for your pets? You can filter by location, availability, pet type experience, and explore their references and reviews from other owners. 

Pet owner, Claire, found her perfect sitter on TrustedHousesitters:

"What a fantastic idea TrustedHousesitters is! We found a lovely sitter for our dog, Alfie. She came to meet us a few weeks before our date so she could get to know Alfie and we could tell her what we wanted from her. When it came to the sit everything went smoothly and Alfie was very well looked after. Can’t recommend TrustedHousesitters enough!"

Trusted tip: don't forget to fill in your Welcome Guide so you can set off knowing your pet has everything they could need.

Routine is important for any pet, but particularly so for puppies and kittens. Puppies and kittens need consistency, so it's important that your pet sitter knows how to keep up your pet's routine as best as possible. Before you head off on your trip, arrange to chat with your sitter and be sure to ask them any questions you have. If possible, try to arrange for them to meet your pet beforehand. While this is an important step in any pet sitting arrangement, it’s particularly important for young puppies and kittens to become familiar with their pet sitter before you leave them fully in their care.

Pet sitting and socialisation

Puppies and kittens thrive off human interaction, particularly in the first few weeks and months of their lives, and it's during a pet’s younger years that they are most open to experiencing new sights, smells, sounds and people.

Pet sitting can be a great way to socialise your pet. Through pet sitting, your puppies or kittens will meet new people, which can help them to develop their character and confidence. All in all, more socialisation leads to a happier, healthier pet. 

And of course, the pet-loving community of TrustedHousesitters would be more than happy to help in that department!

Tips for puppies and kittens 

• Make sure to provide plenty of toys for your puppy or kitten to play with. Playing with toys also helps the pet sitter and pet to bond during the sit.
• Detail your usual routine in your Welcome Guide for the pet sitter. It’s important for puppies and kittens to have a regular routine so they feel safe and secure.
• If your puppy or kitten requires any special care or medication, make sure to mention this in your owner listing and let your pet sitter know all of the details. They can ensure that they get everything they need while you’re away.
• Keep in touch with your pet sitter while you’re away using the TrustedHousesitters app. You can even organise a video call with your pet!
• Make sure you stock up on your puppy or kitten’s favourite food. Let the pet sitter know any special dietary requirements and mealtime needs.
• Pet sitting provides the perfect opportunity for your puppy or kitten to continue with their socialisation skills. You could even leave your pet sitter with a list of commands or behaviours they have already learned, for them to practice while you’re away.

In-home pet sitting, with love

Providing one-to-one care in your pet’s happy place, TrustedHousesitters is the pet care solution preferred by pets, owners, and vets alike. So, it’s no wonder we’re trusted by over 130,000 pet lovers worldwide! 

Whether you’re an owner or a sitter, there’s a TrustedHousesitters membership to suit you. Join today and find a free verified and reviewed pet sitter from our pet-loving community, or stay free in pet owners' homes worldwide.

Need some advice? Join our Community Forum and connect with like-minded pet owners and pet sitters. Share advice, find support, or simply pull up a (virtual) chair and come and join the conversion.