8 Things to Know While Pet Sitting

Being a pet caregiver might seem like a fairly easy task, but it’s actually not. Professional pet sitters like the ones at https://www.happyhousesitters.com.au/ have to keep a lot of things in mind while taking care of the tiny-little furry being.

After all, there’s a reason why the demand for pet sitters is expected to rise by a CAGR of 8.7 percent between 2020 to 2027.

Instead of hiring an expert randomly to take care of your pet, pet owners often contact the agency from which they adopted their pet. The agency connects them to professional pet caregivers who will commit to their job roles.

So, if you’re willing to opt for a pet sitting job, there are some things that you must know, including:

1. Pet Grooming

A professional pet sitter, when given the duty of watching over a person’s pet, is responsible for every aspect of a pet’s life, and that includes grooming too.

Tasks like fur trimming, cutting their nails, giving them a proper bath, and so on are a few of the most important tasks you have to master while you take up this job. Grooming is required for a pet’s healthy growth and if that’s not done properly, they can fall sick frequently.

2. Pet Diet

This is the most important part of being a professional pet sitter. Diet constitutes the main aspect of a pet’s life, and it’s important for you to know the right nutritional combination for a particular pet.

You must have a thorough knowledge of what the animal likes, dislikes, and what are the items that cause allergies and other diseases. You can also ask for the diet chart and weight management plan from the pet owner, and supervise the pet’s diet accordingly.

3. Pet Exercise

The pet must be healthy and fit at all times, and you as a professional pet caregiver should make sure of that. Generally, maximum information about their health and lifestyle are provided in the diet chart and you should accordingly ensure that the pet stays active.

Other than that, you must also check out various parks and open spaces near the locality and make sure to take your pet (if it’s a cat or a dog) on daily walks. Allow them to socialize with other pets.

Playing in the open can point out various underlying problems in the pet and if there are any, you can contact a vet accordingly.

4. Pet Medication

Many pets are born with various health problems due to which they’re prescribed medications. If that is the case with the pet that you’re sitting with, then you need to be ultra-cautious and keep yourself educated about the pet’s condition.

5. Emergencies

I am sure you don’t want it, but emergencies don’t come knocking at the door. So, in case, the pet meets with a sudden mishap, you should have a planned strategy that ensures maximum safety for the pet. Always keep the vet’s contact number on the speed dial so that you can reach out to him in an emergency.

6. House Rules

Every pet owner has their own set of house rules laid down for the health and safety of their pets. Even if you’re a professional, make sure to abide by these regulations so that you don’t offend the pet owner. Apply your knowledge in the areas such as diet and exercise, but make sure to take the house rules into consideration.

7. Communication

You’re a pet sitter, who is given the duty to take care of the owner’s pets in their absence. So, it’s normal if the owners try to contact you at frequent intervals to know about their pet’s whereabouts. Understand the importance of good communication with the pet owner, as this will facilitate them being content with your service.

8. Pet Behaviors

Being able to study a pet’s behavior is also another important quality that you should possess as a professional pet sitter. Behavioral changes in the pet often indicate that something is wrong, and if you’re able to study them effectively, you’ll be able to identify the problem and make them feel at ease.