Dog sitting is a big responsibility for those who take it on. You’re caring for someone else’s dog, which is intimidating. But if you think about it, this isn’t all that different from caring for a child. There are some apparent differences between dog sitting and babysitting, but many similarities.
First, let’s start with what it isn’t:
- Dog sitting is not the same thing as dog walking. Dog walking services focus on exercise and socialization. In contrast, dog-sitting focuses on providing care for animals who need attention, training, and other forms of support when their owners are away from home.
- It is not a job or task you do mindlessly. Dog sitting might seem like a simple task, but it’s a big responsibility. You’re caring for someone else’s pet, which means you need to make sure they’re safe and happy while they’re away.
Dog sitting is a great way to earn extra money and bond with your furry friends. But it can also be a lot of work, and knowing what you’re getting into before starting is key.
Here are some basics about dog sitting:
Dog sitting is a service where a person watches over another person’s dog (or pets) while away from home. The client is the person who hires you to watch their dogs while they’re out—they’re usually away for a few hours or days at most.
Your job is to make sure your client’s dog has everything they need while out and about. Dog sitting includes taking care of them, providing food and water bowls that are always full, plenty of toys to keep their mind occupied, cleaning up after them, taking them for a walk, and any other supplies that could make you and the dog bond well together.
It’s also essential to check in on the dog several times a day. Dogs tend to get anxious when left alone for too long—Regularly checking up on them will help them feel secure and comfortable when their owners are gone.
Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Your client should give you instructions before they leave so you know what kind of food they like their dog eating, how much water they should have every day (and when), what toys they prefer playing with anything else that might be relevant! If there’s anything else you don’t understand or aren’t sure about, then ask them about it, so there won’t be any misunderstandings later on down the road when things start getting hectic (which is bound to happen at some point).
And lastly, but most importantly—it’s essential that you love dogs! Without this passion for canines, it’ll be difficult for you to do your job well and genuinely care about what happens to your clients’ beloved pets while they’re away from home.
Have fun with them! Dogs love attention from new people, so get down on their level and play around with them! They will feel more relaxed around you if they’re having fun!
