Pet sitting is a fun way to get to know a new pet, earn some money and learn new skills. Rewarding and exciting, it can also be a real challenge. Here’s how you can pet-sit like a professional.
MyDeal Pro Tip:
Get your home ready. Whether you have a pet already or not, you need to make sure that you have space for the little fur baby to run around, eat and sleep. It’s very important that you make the pet feel like they’re home by adding a comfy pet bed from MyDeal, giving them a lovely spot to sleep and relax. If you’re cat-sitting, make sure there is somewhere for them to entertain themselves, whether it be with a fun cat scratching post, or with some mouse toys. There’s nothing worse than cat-sitting and ruining your furniture at the same time!
Tanya Selby | Koly’s Dog Treats
“Always ensure that you hold a ‘Meet and Greet’ with your prospective doggy clients and their humans. By doing this you can easily avoid disaster striking, by only accepting doggy clients which are a good fit for you, your own pets, neighbours and household in general. I couldn’t think of anything worse than pet sitting a dog who would upset my own dogs! This also gives you the chance to meet their humans and discuss any issues or concerns that they may have about leaving their beloved fur baby with you.” Find out more about Koly’s Dog Treats by following them on Facebook.
MyDeal Pro Tip:
Discuss all expectations and needs with the owner before you begin. Make sure you have the correct feeding times, any medical requirements down pat and how often treats should be given out. This is crucial, as you don’t want the little fur baby to get sick.
Sharon Moore | PetCarers
“First ask yourself if you have the skills and knowledge required. If not, an Animal Studies course at TAFE or online, volunteering at an animal shelter and completing a pet first aid course would be a good place to start. Secondly, do you have the energy and motivation to work seven days a week and for how long? Thirdly, who will fill in for you if you are sick or injured & do they have the skills necessary? Once you decide this is the life for you set up your standardised contracts and pet forms to capture all of the information you will need. You can email these to clients to fill in and have ready with the spare key when you meet for your instruction visit. Have policies and procedures in place for things like extreme weather conditions e.g. dogs not walked over 28 degrees, medical emergencies & OH & S and so on. A uniform shirt with your logo on it will look professional. Set office hours are important. Be fit, energetic, caring, disciplined and have down time so you don’t burn out. Above all else, a love of animals is an absolute must.” Find out more about PetCarers by following them on Facebook.
MyDeal Pro Tip:
Get all of the necessary contact information before the owner leaves. This includes the owner’s phone number, the vet’s contact number and any other contact details needed just in case of emergencies.
Catherine Tucker | PetCloud
"To ensure for a suitable match between you as a pet sitter and the visiting pet it is key to find out as much information about each to make sure the pet will compatible with your personality, lifestyle and living arrangements and other pets you may live with. For example, if the pet is very energetic and requires regular exercise, then they need to be matched with a pet sitter who is active, has a large backyard or access to walking tracks. A meet and greet before the pet stay to ensure your home and yard are suitable for the pet. PetCloud has a property guide and encourages pet sitters and owner to use during this process. During the stay it is a pet sitter’s responsibility for all basic animal care while the pet parents are travelling for business or pleasure, but it also helps to be able to think on your feet and be resourceful. The number one priority of a pet sitter is to not let a pet escape.
A pet sitter routine duties include:
- Daily feeding, putting out fresh water every morning and evening
- Brushing pets
- Taking dogs on walks, and providing exercise through play
- Cleaning litter boxes
- Additional services may include giving medication, vacuuming up pet hair in the house or collecting the owners’ mail (if you’re house sitting at the owners’ home). Pet sitters are also responsible for taking pets to the vet and notifying owners if the pet become sick or suffer an injury while under their supervision." Find out mroe about PetCloud by following them on Facebook and Instagram.
