Dog sitting for vacationing pet owners

Excited to discover the world of dog sitting for vacationing pet owners? We’re bringing you the low down on how to become a dog sitter as well as tips for before, during, and after the sit. Let’s dig in!

How to start dog sitting for vacationing pet owners 

Becoming a traveling pet sitter with TrustedHousesitters is as easy as 1, 2, 3…

1. Purchase your membership plan. Choose from Basic, Standard, and Premium Sitter plans to unlock a whole year of pet sitting adventures, or opt for a Combined membership to enjoy the best of both worlds - 365 days of pet care and unlimited pet sitting adventures. 
2. Now it’s time to create a profile that stands out from the pack. Share who you are and your experience, add external references, and go through the safety and security checks. Oh, and don’t forget to upload lots of adorable pictures of you and your furry friends! 
3. Once your profile is live, you can start applying for dog house sitting gigs. This is the fun part! Send personalized messages to members looking for pet care while on vacation explaining why you’re the ultimate sitter, and arrange a call with them to chat through your responsibilities and any questions either of you may have. 

If everyone’s happy, both you and the pet parents will then confirm the sit! So what happens next? 

Preparing for your dog sitting adventure

Once everything’s confirmed, it’s time to prep for your pet sitting travels!

• Request a Welcome Guide or dog sitter checklist from the pet parents to make sure you have all the information you need about their home and pets. Feel free to send them a message if you have any questions or doubts.
• Make sure you have emergency contact information for pet parents and the local vet. For extra peace of mind, remember that our Standard and Premium Sitter membership plans give you access to a 24/7 vet advice line, which you can use at any point during the sit. 
• Plan your journey to and from the sit. If the home is a little complicated to get to, it’s worth chatting with the pet parents to find the most practical way of getting there.
• Pet parents and sitters often meet up before the sit starts to make sure everyone’s on the same page. Pet parents might ask you to arrive a couple of hours before they need to leave, or they may even invite you to stay the night before. Take advantage of the opportunity to get to know them and their furry friends a little better before the sit begins!

What to do during the sit 

Keep tails wagging with these dog sitting tips:

• Give your four-pawed pals some time to warm up to you - some pups will roll over immediately for belly rubs while others may need some time and space. 
• Enjoy interactive play sessions to keep your furry friend stimulated and strengthen your bond with one another.  
• Pay attention to signs of discomfort or anxiety in your pooch pal, adjust your behavior accordingly, and communicate with pet parents if necessary. 
• Follow the routine pet parents have outlined to reduce stress as much as possible for the pooch pals - this includes feeding and walking them at the same time each day, and sticking to bedtime rituals and sleeping arrangements. 
• If your furry friend is on any medication, make sure to follow the instructions and stick to the schedule. 
• Check in with pet parents regularly and share updates (and cute pics) as often as they’d like. 
• Whether you’re dog sitting while on vacation or you’re working from home, remember that your furry friends are the number one priority. Make the most of your time with them! 
• Keep things clean and tidy, water the plants, and make sure you leave the home exactly as you found it. 

What happens after the sit? 

Once the sit comes to an end, it’s time to wrap up the loose ends. 

• Leave honest feedback about your experience caring for the owner's home and pets. 
• Receive reviews from pet parents who will (hopefully) sing your praises!
• Join the Forum to connect with our pet-loving community and share tips and advice with our members. 

Why stop there?! Once you’ve got your first dog sit under your belt, it’s time to do another and another… and another! From pet sitting abroad to opportunities right on your doorstep, who knows where your love of pets and travel could take you?