Are you one of those who run towards people with their pets so you can spend time with them? Do you love the idea of caring for other’s pets? Well, Pet-sitting might be the perfect thing for you! Pet-sitting is basically taking care of another person’s pet for a bound time. As pet owners cannot always be available for their pets, they would always love an extra helping hand.
In most cases, people require pet sitters when they are away for a short while for various reasons. While pet-sitting is undoubtedly one of the most fun things you can spend your time doing, it also requires a little seriousness and responsibility while taking it up. Pet sitters are usually expected to fulfil roles of feeding the pet, helping the pet exercise (like dog walking) and providing companionship for the time the keeper is gone. All this sounds fairly easy, especially when you love pets, but a few things need to be kept in mind when it comes to the job.
- What kind of pet? –
Start by learning what pet you will be dealing with, because that determines how much expertise and skill you will need. For example, if you are a teenager with no prior experience, you could definitely handle a fish or a hamster and yet difficulties might arise when it comes to other animals.
- Are you suitable? –
The answer to this question is really important to ascertain both as a pet-sitter and as someone hiring a pet-sitter. Apart from having the basic skills, you will also need to be trustworthy, caring, have lots of patience and be physically able to take the strain the pet may put you through.
- Know the pet –
Meet and get comfortable with the pet you will be taking care of. When you are pet-sitting, have the keeper’s phone number, plenty of food, treats and preferably written instructions which can be referred to anytime. Focus on the pet entirely when you are with them and give them all your love and attention.
- Handling the pet –
As a pet-sitter, you might feel the need to please the pet constantly. But avoid practices like overfeeding the pet or giving them treats as and when they ask. Follow the schedule given to you by the keeper. It is also advisable to completely avoid keeping the pets in kennels or cages and give them all your care.
- Special requirements –
Know the pet completely. Get a list of the pet’s allergies, diet plans, routine and their behavioural tendencies from the pet keeper. Get their vet’s number and preferably have one other contact of your own in case of emergencies.
Pet-sitting can either be a breeze or an arduous task, depending on how well you handle it. Primarily, pets require care and attention. When their owners leave them with a near stranger, they might take a little time to get used to it, which is why patience becomes extremely vital. Pets that are clinically or chronically ill will have special requirements of their own, which not everyone might be equipped to deal with. Communicate openly with the owner about their expectations and ensure you have all the resources to meet those requirements.
For the most part, as a pet-sitter, you ought to know that they might not always be the perfect pet you want them to be. Love the pets, have the desire to care for them, shower them with lots of attention and affection, and you are good to go!