Pet Sitter Job Description
A pet sitter cares for pets while their owners are away. This care can be in the sitter’s or owner’s home for periods from hours to weeks. Pet sitters provide food and water, grooming, exercise, clean cages and litter boxes, give medications, and notify owners if pets get sick or hurt.
Independent contractors and pet sitting businesses employ sitters. Pet sitters need to love animals, but also need diverse skills like understanding animal behavior to succeed. First steps to become a sitter are researching the job and getting certified to aid reputation and credibility.
Sitter responsibilities are basic animal care, feeding, grooming, exercising, administering medicine, and contacting owners and vets if issues arise. Good communication, problem solving, and customer service skills are vital. Duties depend on agreements between sitters and owners made beforehand. Pay varies based on location and client numbers. House sitters also care for homes – water plants, keep things clean and tidy, mow grass. House sitting usually includes accommodation but may offer less pay than pet sitting.