Mastering the Art of Pet Sitting: 70 Tips to Become the Ultimate Pet Sitter

Finding a Sit:

a. Conduct a Thorough Meet and Greet:

19. Schedule a Comprehensive Meeting:

• Plan a face-to-face meeting with both the pet and the owner before the scheduled pet-sitting period.
• Choose a convenient location, ideally at the pet’s home, to familiarize yourself with the environment.

20. Online Meeting as an Alternative:

• If a face-to-face meeting is not feasible, propose an online meeting through video conferencing.
• I do all my meetings using the video call option, either in WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger.
• Ensure a stable internet connection for a clear and effective discussion.

21. Purpose of the Online Meeting:

• Use the online meeting to introduce yourself, discuss your experience, and address any initial questions.
• Establish a connection with the owner and get an initial sense of the pet’s behaviour and needs.

22. Follow-up Online Meeting:

• Schedule another online meeting closer to the pet-sitting date.
• Use this opportunity to clarify any remaining questions and confirm any additional details that may have arisen.

23. Provide Advance Notice:

• Ensure both the owner and yourself have ample time to prepare for the online meetings.
• Notify the owner of the purpose of each meeting and the topics you plan to discuss.

What to ask and discuss during the meeting

24. Understand the Pet’s Environment:

• Ask the owner about the pet’s daily routine, including sleeping arrangements. Ensure you mirror the pet’s familiar environment as closely as possible.
• Inquire about the pet’s preferred sleeping spot and daily habits.

25. Communication Preferences:

• Discuss how often the owner wishes to receive updates during the pet-sitting period.
• Clarify the preferred method of communication, whether it’s via messages, calls, or photos.

26. Health and Medication:

• Obtain detailed information about the pet’s medical needs, including any medications.
• If the pet has existing medical conditions, inquire about symptoms to monitor and emergency procedures.

27. Exercise and Training:

• Understand the pet’s exercise routine, including preferred walking areas, duration, and frequency.
• Inquire about any specific training routines and the pet’s behaviour around other animals, people, and children.

28. Anxiety and Fears:

• Ask if the pet has any fears or anxieties and discuss strategies to alleviate them.
• Inquire about the pet’s comfort level with being off-leash and recall commands.

29. Treats and Preferences:

• Learn about the pet’s favourite treats and any dietary restrictions or allergies.
• Understand the pet’s preferred walking routes, favourite places, and areas to avoid.

30. Alone Time and Special Instructions:

• Discuss how long the pet can be left alone and any specific instructions for solo periods.
• Inquire if any special actions need to be taken in case of extended alone time.

31. Welcome Guide and Detailed Information:

• For TrustedHousesitters, request a welcome guide or any comprehensive documentation the owner might have.
• Ask the owner to provide a detailed written guide with all relevant pet and house-related information.

Gather as many details as you can

32. House-Specific Details:

• Inquire about any specific details regarding the house that you should be aware of.
• If there are cameras inside or outside the house, discuss their locations and ensure you are comfortable with the arrangement.

33. Date Availability:

• Confirm your availability, ensuring you are free one or two days before the starting dates.
• Discuss the possibility of arriving a day earlier if the owner prefers.

34. Emergency Contacts and Insurance:

• Collect emergency contact information, including a local contact and the veterinarian.
• Confirm if the pet has pet insurance and ask for relevant policy details.

35. Clarify Arrival and Departure Details:

• Use the online meetings to confirm details regarding your arrival and departure.
• Discuss any expectations the owner may have for your presence before their departure.

36. Finalize Emergency Plans:

• Ensure that emergency plans, including contact information and veterinary details, are thoroughly discussed and confirmed.
• Address any last-minute concerns or adjustments to the emergency plan.

37. Reiterate Communication Preferences:

• Reconfirm how often the owner prefers to receive updates and through which apps.
• Establish a clear understanding of the owner’s expectations for staying connected.

38. Express Enthusiasm and Gratitude:

• Throughout the online meetings, express your enthusiasm for the opportunity to care for the pet.
• Convey gratitude for the owner’s time and cooperation in ensuring a smooth pet-sitting experience.

b. Prepare a Pet-Specific Checklist:

39. Create a checklist of essential items to bring for each pet.

40. Double-check and confirm any special instructions from the owner.

c. Check Travel Logistics:

41. Driving: If you’re driving to the house, use Google Maps to plan the best route and estimate travel time. Account for potential traffic or road closures.

42. Public Transport: If you’re using public transport, like me, ensure all services are running as scheduled. Check for any disruptions, especially during weekends, bank holidays, or strikes.

Bank Holidays and Sundays:

43. It’s important to keep in mind that bank holidays or Sundays can present some difficulties, particularly in rural areas of the UK where transportation services may be scarce or unavailable.

Download the Uber or Bolt app in case you need a taxi.

44. Plan your travel to avoid inconveniences caused by reduced public transport services.

d. Familiarize Yourself with the Home:

45. Understand the layout of the house and locate emergency supplies.

46. Identify potential risks for the pet.

e. Confirm Emergency Procedures:

47. Obtain contact information for the pet’s veterinarian.

48. Ensure you have access to emergency funds in case of unexpected expenses.

During the Sitting:

a. Establish a Routine:

49. Stick to the Pet’s Regular Schedule:

• Adhere to the pet’s normal routine to minimize stress and maintain familiarity.
• Consistency in feeding, playtime, and walks provides comfort for the pet.

b. Keep Open Communication:

50. Provide Daily Updates:

• Regularly update the owner with messages, photos, or videos to keep them informed. An updated owner is a happy owner!
• Share highlights of the day, emphasizing the pet’s well-being and activities. You want to share with the owner that their furry friend is having lots of fun!

51. Immediate Issue Reporting:

• In the event of any issues or concerns, inform the owner immediately.
• Transparency fosters trust and allows prompt resolution of any challenges.

c. Maintain a Clean Environment:

52. Regular Cleaning Practices:

• Prioritize cleanliness by regularly cleaning food and water bowls.
• Keep the living space tidy and maintain a pet-friendly environment.

53. Treat the House as Your Own:

• Embrace a proactive approach by treating the house as if it were your own.
• Before leaving, conduct a thorough cleaning, including laundry, to leave the house in pristine condition.

54. Photographic Documentation:

• Take pictures of each room before and during the sitting.
• Use these images as a reference to ensure every detail is restored to its original state. This might seem crazy but as my boyfriend says ” It’s better to be safe than sorry”.

d. Be Flexible, Patient, Tidy, and Organized:

55. Adapt to Changes:

• Adapt to unexpected changes in the pet’s behaviour or routine with flexibility.
• Exercise patience, especially when dealing with shy or anxious pets.

56. Maintain Tidiness:

• Consistently keep the living space tidy throughout the entire sitting period.
• A clean environment contributes to the well-being of both the pet and the homeowner.

57. Care for Keys and Security:

• Confirm the location of keys and understand the process in case of loss.
• Always carry the key with you, especially when leaving the house.

58. Trash Collection Details:

• Inquire about the schedule for bin collection, recycling, and general waste.
• Follow the owner’s instructions to ensure proper waste disposal.
• In the UK bin day is a big deal so you better ask the owner when it’s.

59. Key Management:

• Ask for extra keys and understand what to do in case of loss. Don’t rely on it, please be super careful with keys, we don’t want to get in trouble during our stay.
• Develop a routine of double-checking the key’s presence before leaving the house.

60. Parcel Handling:

• Inquire if the owner is expecting any parcels during the sitting.
• Be prepared to receive deliveries and coordinate accordingly.

Remember, a meticulous and attentive approach to both pet care and house maintenance not only ensures a positive experience for the pet but also reflects your professionalism as a pet sitter.

By integrating these practices, you’ll not only leave the owner with a happy pet but also a home in perfect order. And happy owners mean an invitation to sit in the future!