A Job for Kids That Pays Well and is Safe: Pet Sitting

Pet sitting is becoming more and more popular as people begin searching for more personalized care for their pets. For some pets and owners, daycares and boarding kennels are not an option. Before you start printing business cards, there are some things to think about. Pet sitting can be great, but it may not always be peachy.

As a sitter, there are certain qualities and certifications you should have. Bottom line, you should love animals. If the thought of cleaning up a hairball or picking up after a dog bothers you, then you should not become a sitter. You should enjoy spending time with animals. You can specialize in certain pet sitting, or you can be a jack of all trades and sit rabbits, guinea pigs, and birds. Decide what type of animals you are willing to sit early on; although, you can change your mind. Whichever type of animals you choose, it is important that you take certification classes. You will be responsible in handling pet emergencies, so you should have basic knowledge of pet first aid. You should also be able to recognize and treat a sick animal. Instruction in behavioral, obedience, and pet-handling classes, will make your resume look even better. Before you take on a client, even if it is a best friend, you need to be properly insured. A prepared pet sitter will have insurance to cover claims of theft, accidents, and negligence.

Don’t be confused and think that you will only drop by someone’s house and feed their pet once a day. Pet sitting responsibilities can be much like those of a housekeeper. Some owners will want their plants watered and their mailed taken inside. It is up to you what types of services you offer, but you should be prepared to spend as much time as needed with the owner’s pet. At the least, you should feed and water the pet, play with the pet, take the pet outdoors for exercise, and clean up the pet’s environment. Cleaning up is not for the weak of stomach, so be prepared for anything.

Taking care of a pet can be a great joy, but don’t put on your rose-colored glasses, yet. Much of the time, a pet is left behind because it is unable to travel. The pet may be disabled or suffering from a severe health problem. Taking care of a disabled or unhealthy can be just as (if not more) satisfying as taking care of a healthy one. However, you must devout extra time, love, and attention to these pets. You can never get angry at an older animal for using the bathroom indoors or get irritated with a whining dog. You should also remember that the pets probably miss their owners. They may not want to listen to you or go outside and play. A sitter must be gentle and loving to all animals.

Before the owner leaves you with the pet, there are numerous things that need to be taken care of. If the owner asks for an interview, then agree. Just like a babysitter, the owner wants to make sure that you are willing and qualified to take care of the family pet. Remember that, in pet sitting, business is most often generated through word-of-mouth and referrals. You should enter into a contract with the owner that specifies your duties, cost, and how much time you will spend with the pet daily. It is important that you follow the owner’s instructions when taking care of the animal. The animal needs to stay on its normal routine to keep the departure process less stressful. Needs can include leaving the house with their pet carrier and securing them safely in their pet crate. Make a template for the owner to fill out that includes the preferred vet, meal times and requirements, favorite games, contact information, etc. Make sure that the owner leaves enough food and treats for the length of the trip. You should have no questions when taking care of the animal.

Pet sitting can be a wonderful job, but it may not be easy. A pet sitter should love all animals, and be willing to clean up after, play with, and take care of them. You may not always be sitting the most well-behaved or healthiest animal, but you should show all animals the same amount of love and care. An owner will want to choose the perfect pet sitter, so don’t be reluctant to schedule an interview. After all, your next job may depend on the previous one!