The Joys and Challenges of Pet Sitting

When a friend asked if I would consider pet sitting for her while she went away for a long weekend, I didn’t have to think twice. My answer came within seconds: a resounding, yes! This household was blessed with three small dogs, two cats and a fun-loving ferret. What could be better? I would bring my little dog to join in the fun, making the canine count four. As self-described animal lover (freak), this was my kind of assignment.

Upon first thought, pet sitting is ideal for a person who earns to be around animals. Our sort connect with them on a deep level. Whether covered in fur or adorning webbed feet, this is our kind of heaven.?As fun as spending time with animals is, the responsibility is enormous. In order for a person to be successful in a pet sitting situation, precautions, planning and forethought need to come into play.

Since my initial taste of caring for someone else’s pets in their home, I’ve learned a few things–– some unexpected. If you’re considering pet sitting as a way to earn extra income or make it a profession, I encourage you to research the field, educate yourself on the nature of the business and affiliate with a professional organization who will offer resources and first-hand knowledge.?

What is pet sitting?

According to Pet Sitters International, pet sitting is characterized by in-home care for a pet while the owner is away. Pet sitters visit their clients’ homes either once per day or multiple times per day to provide exercise, offer fresh food and water, change litter boxes, clean out cages, administer medications and provide companionship. Many times overnight stays are involved. Although dogs and cats are the most popular recipients, birds, fish, turtles, tortoise and ‘smallies’ like guinea pigs, hamsters and rabbits. Don't forget farm animals.?

Having a trusted person come into your space is often a great option to boarding. Staying in familiar surroundings is less stressful for the animals, their routine is not interrupted and they are most often happiest and comfortable in their own homes.?

Hobby or business?

I have a full-time life and consider this a hobby, something I enjoy. It gives me a change of scenery while allowing the homeowner peace of mind that their beloved pets are well cared for. For those who are considering making this their livelihood, in-depth questions need to be asked:

Do you have compassion and empathy for all animals?

Is a license required in your state? Are you insured/bonded?

Do you have a contact/agreement?

Are you able to provide glowing references?

Are you a member or affiliated with a professional association??

What happens during a typical pet-sitting visit?

During an overnight or extended stay, the petsitting offers the advantage of giving the home a lived-in look. Simply having a vehicle in the driveway is a deterrent from would-be intruders. Duties may include bringing in the mail or packages, opening and closing shades or drapes, watering plants and taking out the trash at the end of the visit. A quick sweep of the tile and vacuum of the carpet is always a pleasant sight upon return from a holiday. It’s small acts of extras that make coming back for the homeowner even more welcoming.

Daily visits would include feeding the animals, changing the water, providing playtime (either walks and/or exercise in a secure area), cleaning litter boxes/enclosures, disposing of pet waste and providing medications. If you’ve never had the experience of administrating liquid medication by way of a syringe to a cat or bird, you don’t know what you’re missing! Milo, an elderly feline, was my first introduction. She (yes, a boy’s name for a girl cat) was a professional taking her meds twice a day. She’d jump up on her feeding stoop and open wide as I embraced her in a feline hug. The first few times were messy. By the third, she had taught me to skillfully administer every drop. We humans can learn a lot from our animal friends.?

Tools for success

You don’t need to be a professional trainer to be a successful pet sitter. However, having a general body of knowledge of health, nutrition, behavior, physical needs and care are important. Knowing basic anatomy and development stages are also valuable insights.?Equipment such as leashes, collars, and harnesses are not a one-size-fits all solution. Different canine breeds require different gear. Keeping an extra leash and treats in the car can come in handy. Bring a fully-charged phone when leaving the house. Have emergency numbers programed and at the ready. Think ahead for the best outcomes.

When meeting with the owner, having a clear, concise list of questions is vital. If they are opposed to a choke collar, by no means should one be used. If a cat has allergies, best to leave your kitty treats at home. If the turtle always has he heat lamp on like my friend Seymour did, leave as is. Always honor the wishes of the pet parent.

Be prepared!

Things are great until they’re not. Be prepared when the best-laid plans go wrong. What happens if a water pipe breaks? A storm knocks out power and the medication needs to be refrigerated? The cat sneaks out an open door? The dog pulls out of her harness when walking on a busy street or when a chicken flies the coop? I admit that I’m an over thinker, an over preparer––not always a deterrent when pet sitting. Prepare for the worse and hope for the best.

Have a plan to answer the ‘What if’s.’ Upon initial interview with the pet parents, go over these and any other possible situations that may arise. Together, formula a plan of action. When an unexpected event happens, after the initial scare, you’ll have a formulated course action to follow.?

Homeowners are encouraged to notify neighbors that a pet sitter will be at the residence. Having an unfamiliar vehicle in the drive is something that is sure to draw attention. A spare key can be left with a trusted neighbor.?

Lessons learned

I arrived one afternoon to an exciting barking dog ready for my arrival. When using the key, the lock wasn’t budging. As I wiggled the key and prayed for the click, none was to be forthcoming. The owner was out of state and I had no way of entering the home. What to do? After a walk around the yard, remaining calm on the outside, feeling like a squirrel in traffic on the inside, I tried the key again––no luck. I ended up driving to the police station, stating my dilemma, pleading for help. A sympathetic officer drove up in his marked car (oh, what the neighbors must have been thinking!). With a flustered explanation I told him of my plight. I was secretly hoping the officer would have the same outcome as I (silly out of towner can’t use a key!).?

The key was not to work—either for me, a rookie or a seasoned law enforcement official. As the dog continued to bark, the officer gained entry with other means and I was in! Lesson of this story: always try the key prior to arriving.?

Another tidbit: keep keys in separate labeled bags or containers. It’s much too easy to convince yourself that one key matches one house, when indeed, it doesn’t. This has happened, too.?

Get to know each animal

Animals, like people, are unique. When speaking with the owners, ask questions to encourage conversation to gain knowledge of personalities and quirks. Andy, a kitty I had the pleasure of caring for, is a master of opening the cabinet door where the trash is kept. He’s been known to help himself to all sorts of delicacies. To ‘Andy proof’ the trash, an elastic is needed to wrap around the handles, securing the door and above drawer, hindering curious paws. Once known as “Chunky Andy,” Andy also helps himself to any food on the counter. It’s not uncommon to find fruit and kitty treats stored in the microwave. As funny as this is, it’s vital information in order to keep Andy safe (and fit).?

Upon the initial meet and greet, have a candid, honest dialogue. For the safety and well-being the animal’s triggers and preferences should be disclosed. Has the animal bitten or shown any aggressive or threatening behaviors? What are nutritional guidelines? Are their medications? Can you bring your own treats to share? Are they on a restricted diet? Allergies?

Paper

Entering into an obligation to care for another’s animal or home is a contractual agreement. As such, each party needs to be protected. A Service Agreement, Emergency Veterinary Care Permission and Indemnity Agreement are the minimum a pet sitter should have available. Templates can be found on-line for customizing. Professional pet sitter organizations such as Pet Sitters International and the National Association of Pet Sitters offer several documents, as well as resources, membership and courses for continuing education.??

Vaccinations are key in keeping animals healthy, especially if you will be bringing your own animal for the duration of the stay. Ask to see veterinarian records or contact the vet’s office (with prior approval from the owner) to verify. Review all medication dosages with the owner prior to the first visit.?

Common Sense

Be extra smart when exiting the safety of the house. Know when the weather is too extreme for long walks. If the payment is too hot for your bare feet, the same rule applies to sensitive pads on pup’s feet. Frostbite can occur quickly—rethink that walk around the neighborhood. Latch the leash to both collar and harness. Think safety first. Minimum risk by planning ahead. Cats are expert stalkers and can zip thought an open door in a flash.?

Communicate and Document

A daily update by way of text message is a quick, thoughtful way to let the homeowner what’s happening. Add photos. Use this method for informal updates. For any serious issue, phone immediately. If the pet parent can’t be reached, get in touch with the secondary contact while continuing to attempt reach the owner.?

Keeping a daily log of activities is helpful—either written or typed. Note any out-of-the ordinary circumstances or sweet and funny moments. Having a record of your stay is another layer of commitment and one the owners will appreciate.?

Declining

If you feel the situation is not safe, either with an aggressive animal or questionable neighborhood, declining the assignment is in your best interest. Listen to your instinct. If something doesn’t seem right, it most likely isn’t.?

A rogue chicken

One of my first chicken-tending assignments had me involved in a situation no one could have forecasted. It was summer, a hot day. I had arrived early in the morning to let the hens (11 of them as I would count and recount numerous times throughout my stead) out of their roost. Prior to unhooking their ramp, I refilled the water and scattered a good amount of scratch (that’s chicken-speak for food) and grain around their enclosure. They slowly clucked their way down to enjoy the breakfast and warm sunshine. I left with plans to come back later in the day.?

While at the grocery store, I bought them a watermelon. On my way home, I stopped in to say hello and give them the hydrating treat (cut into little triangles, of course). All were accounted for; on my way I went. Later that day, the temperature and humidity rose creating a sweltering July day. The flock’s owners had a small pool set up for their kiddos. I donned my conservative bathing suit and trekked over to beat the heat. The water was a relief, cool and refreshing.

As I’m lounging in the pool, from the corner of my eye I notice a flurry, a movement. My head turns to see a hen, out of her enclosure, prancing on the lawn without a chicken care in the world.?My first reaction was panic; my second: I’ve got to get this hen back where she belongs. My solitary zen-moment gone in a second, I, in my fit-for-a-middle-aged-woman bathing suit, jump out of the pool. With traffic driving by, my mind tells my brain to grab the pool scooper thing.?

My next memory is running toward the rebel chicken with the scooper. The closer I got, the quicker she became. Around the lawn we went, me in my wouldn’t-be-caught-dead in public?swim suit, her, happy as a free-spirited chicken could possibly be. I have a vague recollection of traffic slowing to watch the show of a lady attempting to catch a chicken with a pool net.?

After what seemed like an eternity, when in reality it was only a few minutes, I caught that clever bird, netted her with a tennis-like swoop. Got her back in the enclosure and told my heart to slow down. Once again, all birdbrains were accounted for.?

I later learned this particular girl does this renegade behavior almost every day. She always returns for bedtime. That would have been nice to know. We do our best to ask all the right questions, but even for the most astute, responsible of us, we’re sure to miss something.?

Is pet sitting right for you?

Having empathy and compassion (and a sense of humor––see above chicken memory) for animals are good starts for those interested in pet sitting. Being a educated professional creates an extra level of trust.?Rates vary depending upon situation, location, time period and number of animals. Do your own research. Become well-versed.?

We love and care for our pets as our own human family members. Making the decision to leave them in someone else’s care is not an easy decision. Often suggestions are made from friends and family. This is often the most sincere recommendation as the person has made a connection or has had experience with a certain pet sitter.?

Being in the company of animals is a privilege. Caring for them for another’s home is a responsibility. Melding the two is a serious commitment. With forethought and planning, a pet sitting experience can be beneficial and a learning adventure for all participants—just ask that disobedient hen.