What's expected of you as a pet sitter? Cat and dog sitting responsibilities

If you love animals and exploring new places, then becoming a dog sitter or cat sitter could be a way to satisfy both of these passions. But how do you become a dog sitter? And what exactly are the dog sitting expectations?

As a dog sitter or cat sitter with TrustedHousesitters, you’ll have the chance to discover unique places with an adorable furry friend by your side. But you’ll be tasked with the important role of caring for someone's beloved pet, so naturally this comes with a few responsibilities. Read on to find out how to be a pet sitter – or to discover more about how TrustedHousesitters works, take a look at this guide.

What’s are the cat and dog sitting expectations? 

1. Firstly, you must be a pet lover!

Sure, it sounds obvious. But in our pet-loving community, being a bonafide animal lover is one of the most important steps in being a pet sitter. It’s why most people want to become a pet sitter in the first place.

The TrustedHousesitters community is made up of hundreds of sitters who genuinely love spending time with animals, which is why our trust-based, money-free exchange works so well. And what better way to explore somewhere new than with an adorable dog by your side?

Trusted tip: let your love for pets shine through in your profile to increase your chances of securing a great dog or cat sit! 

2. Be responsible, respectful and reliable

Many sitters house and pet sit because they love the unique travel experiences that it offers, but with that comes big cat and dog sitting responsibilities.

When joining TrustedHousesitters, all members are asked to accept our code of conduct. Here, sitters agree (among other things) to follow the pet owner’s instructions, be available for the entirety of the agreed sit dates and, of course, make every effort to ensure extra love and care is taken with the owner’s pets and home.

When a pet owner hands over the keys to their home, they're trusting you with their beloved pets and most prized possession. So while you will get the chance to discover new and exciting destinations, remember: looking after the pets and the home should be your number one priority.

3. Keep up the pet's regular routines

Routine is important for any pet, and one of the main reasons an owner will choose an in-home cat or dog sitter is that, unlike traditional catteries or kennels, it keeps their pet at home and in its usual routine. That means the cat or dog is much less likely to feel stressed or disrupted while their owner is away.

The pet owner should include everything you need to know about the pet's routine in their handover and Welcome Guide, but you should also ask them questions about anything you're unsure of ahead of your first day as a cat or dog sitter. Things you might want to keep in mind are what time the pet usually has its breakfast and dinner, when they usually go for their walk, what time they usually wake up/nap, and whether they need to take any daily medication.

4. Communicate well (and often) via the app

One of the key pet sitting responsibilities is communication - it's key when it comes to being a successful cat or dog sitter. As well as helping to build trust and put the pet owner’s mind at ease, good communication will help you to set and manage expectations. Plus, the more you chat with the owner and ask questions, the better equipped you’ll be to care for their four-legged family members. 

Most pet owners love to receive photos and videos of their pets while they’re away. Some owners prefer a daily update, some weekly and others are just happy to hear from you if there are any emergencies they need to be aware of, so it's best to discuss in advance how often updates should be sent.

We recommended downloading the TrustedHousesitters app, where you can communicate via our secure and private messaging system, both before, during and even after a sit. 

5. Look after the pets and the home as if they were your own

Just as you’d expect someone coming into your own home to treat it with love and respect, you should do the same when venturing off to become an in-house cat or dog sitter. 

The pet is the main reason you’re there, so be sure to give them lots of extra love, care and cuddles while their owner is away, and carry out all the cat and dog sitting responsibilities. Likewise, be sure to take good care of the home and the owner’s belongings, and aim to leave the home as clean as, if not cleaner, than when you arrived. 

After all, what better way to welcome the owner back home than with a clean, sparkling home and a happy, healthy pet? 

6. Learn how to handle an emergency

If an emergency occurs during a sit – whether it’s to do with the pet or the house – it’s important that you contact the pet owner as soon as possible. Try to call them on the phone first of all, and leave a message using the TrustedHousesitters app if you can’t get hold of them. If it’s a serious emergency, like a fire, contact the relevant authorities immediately.

If the dog or cat suddenly becomes ill, you can contact our 24/7 Vet Advice Line after letting the owner know of the problem. A trusted team of veterinary nurses will be able to provide unlimited advice.

Finally, please get in touch with TrustedHousesitters to tell us about the situation. This allows us to provide any necessary help and support to all members involved.

7. Ask about any special care or medication the pet might need

Make sure to talk with the pet owner about any special care or medication that their pet might need. If their dog requires daily worming tablets, for example, then it will be up to you as a dog sitter to make sure the poorly pooch gets its much-needed medication.

Chat with the pet owner before your visit about how exactly any medication should be given. For example, does it need to be mixed with food? If so, what kind of food? Make sure to check when and how often the medicine is required, and try to stick to the pet’s usual routine as much as possible.

8. Bond with the pet

The best part about being on a house sit is getting the chance to bond with your new cat or dog friend - it's a cat and dog sitting expectation. Spend lots of time together, providing lots of strokes and belly rubs (if the pet will let you), and play games using the pet’s toys.

The dog or cat may be a little wary of you at first, and worried about the absence of their owner, but if you put in a little bit of time to gain its trust, you’ll soon be having a great time together. Take a look at these articles on ways to make your cat happy and ways to make your dog happy for more ideas on fun times.

How to become a dog sitter or cat sitter

So, you now know what’s expected of you – but how do you become a pet sitter? 

TrustedHousesitters gives you the chance to stay in unique places around the world in exchange for house and pet sitting. For just a one-off membership fee costing less than an average night in a hotel room, sitters get unlimited worldwide house sits caring for adorable animals in places they’ll love.

Ready to begin your pet sitting adventure? Join today and explore thousands of house sitting opportunities caring for adorable pets in places you'll love. 

And don't forget to look in on our Community Forum — the perfect place for those sharing a love of pets and travel to come together. Chat with like-minded individuals and get advice or support as you begin your house and pet sitting journey.