Pet care for outdoor pets: A pet sitting guide

When you think of pets, we bet dogs, cats, and other indoor furries come to mind. But pets can also live outside (duh!). If you’ve landed yourself a house sitting gig with a crew of outdoor pets, here’s your guide to ensuring they’re just as cared for as their indoor counterparts, no matter who’s fluffing their feathers or hopping around out there.  

Getting to know outdoor pets

Pet care for outdoor pets varies depending on who you’re looking after. As a pet sitter, you might come across one or more of the following outdoor animals:

• Chickens
• Ducks 
• Tortoise
• Goats 
• Horse 
• Birds in an outdoor aviary 
• Rabbits and guinea pigs

Feeding outdoor pets 

While the following serves as a guide to feeding outdoor pets, pet parents will give you more specific information on their pet’s dietary requirements and feeding schedules.

Feeding chickens

Chickens typically eat specially formulated pellets, sometimes mixed with a small amount of corn. 

Duck feeding tips

Ducks are also fed a specially formulated feed (although it's different from chicken feed), along with fruits and veg like leafy greens and non-citrus fruit.

Tortoise diet and nutrition

Tortoises love nibbling on anything they’d eat in the wild - fresh, washed herbs and weeds like rocket leaves, grated carrots, and dandelions. They may also need calcium and vitamin supplements.

Feeding goats outdoors

While goats would quite happily munch on the sleeve of your coat, a nutritious diet for them consists of high-quality hay and grass along with cereal grains and protein-rich supplements.

Feeding horses

Horses eat a mixture of grass, hay, and grains, and contrary to popular belief, apples are not recommended. 

Feeding aviary birds

Specially formulated pellets are usually recommended over seed mixes, as they’re far more nutritious. Some birds might also enjoy eating things like mealworms.  

Feeding rabbits and guinea pigs

Both furry friends enjoy dining on good-quality pellets and clean leafy greens. 

As well as following feeding instructions, pet sitters must ensure their pet friends have access to water at all times.

Making outdoor habitats safe and comfortable 

Whether furry, feathered, or hoofed, your pet friend will need a safe, comfortable outdoor space to call home. 

Their haven should be big enough for them to stretch out comfortably, but small enough that it remains warm and cozy. It should be kept warm and dry, and protect them from cold winds in the winter and provide them with shade in the summer. 

Always double-check that their door is securely fastened and fix any safety issues immediately to keep their home safe and secure.

Daily and seasonal pet care routines

Pet parents love that choosing a pet sitter means their furry or feathered family members can stick to their usual routine. Sitters temporarily fill the pet parent’s shoes, ensuring the pets are fed, their living spaces are clean, and they get all the care and attention they’re used to.

Here are some of the tasks a sitter may be asked to do daily:

• Refill food and water bowls, and keep an eye out for other outdoor animals sneaking in for a free meal. 
• Check bedding isn’t dirty or wet, and replace it if necessary. 
• Clean enclosures and remove uneaten food. 
• Check duck and chicken coops for eggs.
• Open up areas for exercise - let chickens, ducks, and goats out in their designated areas, and ensure rabbits and guinea pigs have access to their outdoor enclosure. Always check the area is secure before letting them out. 
• Certain animals also need handling and social interaction, and you may even take horses out for a ride.
• Groom pets if necessary. 
• Monitor their health in general.

Pet sitters should pay extra attention when caring for outdoor pets in extreme cold: 

• Keep food and water topped up as pets may need additional calories to maintain body temperatures.  
• Check their supplies regularly to make sure they have access to unfrozen water and food. Plastic dishes work better than metal ones during freezing temperatures. 
• Make sure they have access to a dry, draft-free shelter that protects them from the wind and wet weather. 
• Provide them with extra insulation and bedding (towels, blankets, wood shavings, and straw). 
• Watch out for signs of frostbite and hypothermia. Cold weather can also worsen illnesses and medical conditions such as arthritis.  

 It’s also important to take extra care during the summer months:

• Make sure outside pet friends have access to shade.
• Top up their water regularly (you might even add ice to it to keep it cool).
• Pet parents may suggest giving them cooling treats, such as frozen fruits and vegetables.
• Monitor pets for signs of heatstroke, which can include excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, and uncoordinated movements.  

Pet exercise 

Outdoor pets need playtime too!

While chickens are pretty independent souls, pets like rabbits and guinea pigs need to be taken out of their cages and handled, and also given a small, secure space to run around under supervision. 

Pet parents will let you know how often to let their pets out, and you should always make sure the area is safe and secure, with no possible escape routes. 

Health and preparing for emergencies

As a pet sitter, it’s your responsibility to keep a close eye on the pets during your stay. 

Pet parents should give you a detailed explanation of any health conditions their pets may have and provide you with clear instructions on how to administer medication. Outdoor pets face a higher risk of catching diseases and illnesses, and you may need to treat them for parasites like fleas, ticks, worms, or ear mites. 

Watch out for signs of illness in pets and any unusual behavior, and promptly communicate any concerns with the pet parents. Ensure you have the veterinarian’s contact details on hand for emergencies, and it’s also a good idea to have a list of numbers for friends and family in the area.