If you're a pet parent planning to leave your pup with a sitter—or someone stepping into the role of a pet sitter—you've come to the right place. This two-part guide has everything you need to make the experience smooth and stress-free for both dogs and humans alike.
Want to know more about being a pet sitter? Jump to section.
Why Choose a Pet Sitter? A pet sitter ensures your dog stays comfortable in their routine and environment, reducing stress while you're away. A sitter can provide one-on-one attention, maintain your dog's habits, and help keep your home secure.
Ask for Recommendations
Start by asking friends, family, or your vet. Platforms like Mad Paws are perfect for finding trusted pet sitters in your local area. Their sitters are reviewed, and you can even filter by services like overnight care or medication administration.
Check Experience and Reviews
Make sure your sitter has experience with dogs, especially if yours has specific needs. Read reviews and check for certifications or ask for a police check to give you peace of mind.
Meet in Advance
Always arrange a meet-and-greet where your dog can interact with the sitter before locking anything in. This helps you assess their connection and ensures the sitter understands your expectations.
Stock Up on Supplies
Leave enough food, medications, toys, treats, and cleaning supplies for the entire sitting period.
Create a Detailed Routine
Dogs thrive on consistency. Outline feeding times, walk schedules, and bedtime habits to help the sitter maintain their usual routine.
Leave a Detailed Leave Behind
Make sure your sitter has all the essential information:
Stay in touch with your sitter by requesting regular updates, photos, and videos. Seeing your dog happy and well-cared for will give you peace of mind, allowing you to relax and enjoy your time away. Whether it's a quick text or a picture of your pup on their walk, these small moments can ease any worries.
Pet sitting isn't just about feeding and walking a dog—it's about becoming a part of their routine, ensuring they feel safe, and providing companionship and love in their pet parent's absence.
If you're interested in becoming a pet sitter but need help figuring out where to start, you can check out Mad Paws to connect to pet parents in need of sitters.
Organise a Meet-and-Greet
A meet-and-greet is essential to ensure the dog, pet parents, and sitter are the right fit for one another. It allows you to understand the dog's personality, observe their comfort around new people, and ask the pet parent about expectations and routines. This step builds trust and sets the foundation for a positive, stress-free pet-sitting experience.
Gather Key Information
Before starting, ask questions like:
Or, is the pet staying with you instead? Be sure to ask for all their essentials (food, toys, medication etc), and take a moment to check that your property is secure and safe for your new visitor!
Once the pet sitting begins, your priority is to make the dog feel safe and comfortable in your care. Building trust takes time, but with the right approach, you can create a positive experience for the dog and their pet parent.
Start Slow
Let the dog approach you at their own pace. Speak softly, move calmly, and avoid making sudden movements. Use treats sparingly and only if they are approved by the pet parent, as unfamiliar treats could upset the dog's stomach or cause allergies.
Stick to Their Routine
Dogs thrive on consistency. Follow the pet parent's instructions closely, following their usual feeding, walking, and play schedules. Maintaining their routine helps the dog feel secure and minimises stress.
Reward Positive Behaviour
Reinforce good behaviour with gentle praise and pet parent-approved treats. Positive reinforcement strengthens your bond and encourages the dog to feel more at ease.
Provide Regular Updates
Keep the pet parent informed with updates throughout the day. Share photos, videos, or quick messages to show how the dog is doing. Not only does this provide peace of mind for the pet parent, but it also helps build trust in your abilities as a sitter.
As your time with the dog comes to an end, it's important to leave a positive and lasting impression on both the dog and their pet parent.
Give the Pet Parent an Update.
When the pet parent returns, give them a brief summary of how everything went.
Providing this information reassures the pet parent and shows that you've cared for their dog thoughtfully and responsibly.
Leave the Space Clean and Organised
If you've stayed in the pet parent's home, tidy up the areas you've used and ensure the dog's space is clean and set up as they left it. Wash any used bowls, clean up toys, and dispose of waste properly.
Share a Positive Goodbye with the Dog
Saying goodbye can be bittersweet, but make it a happy moment for the dog.
For Pet Parents:
Leave comprehensive instructions, clearly communicate expectations, and ensure the sitter has emergency contacts.
For Pet Sitters:
Keep the dog's space clean, follow the routine, treat the home respectfully, and provide regular updates.
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