What does an exotic pet sitter do?

From turtles and tortoises to geckos, snakes and other beginner reptile pets, exotic animals are stealing the hearts of pet parents all over the world. Many of these fascinating creatures are a little more low-maintenance than their furry counterparts, but that doesn’t mean they can be left to fend for themselves when you’re away! An exotic pet sitter (sometimes known as a reptile pet sitter) will step in to take on the job of caring for your precious pets when you can’t be there, but what does an exotic pet sitter do? Let’s take a look…

What does an exotic pet sitter do? 

As each animal comes with its own unique needs, the day-to-day tasks of an exotic pet sitter vary depending on the type of pet they’re looking after. Here’s an overview of what you can expect from them:

Feed pets

Whether they’re chopping up fresh veggies for turtles, dishing up crickets for geckos, or preparing earthworms for their snakey friend, exotic pet sitters will feed their critter companions according to pet parents’ instructions. 

Clean enclosures

Exotic sitters are also responsible for keeping the pet’s environment clean and safe. This might mean removing waste, refreshing bedding, and sanitizing food and water dishes. 

Maintain the environment

Temperature and humidity levels often need to be monitored closely to ensure they match the pet’s natural habitat requirements. Maintaining the environment might involve misting to increase humidity or adjusting the temperature on heat lamps.

Handle pets

Some exotic pets can be handled and love receiving attention whereas others may be too dangerous to hold. Pet parents should give their reptile pet sitter clear instructions on whether or not to handle their animal and how to do it safely.

Continue with the daily routine

One of the biggest perks of having an in-home pet sitter is that they can stick to your precious pet’s daily routine. Feeding, cleaning, and playtime will all happen at the same time each day, meaning your pet will hardly even notice you’re gone – sorry!

Keep an eye on health and wellbeing

Exotic pet sitters will be there to keep an eye on your pet and check on how they’re doing each day. It’s important for pet parents to provide sitters with the contact details of the local vet for exotic animals in case things go wrong, plus a phone number for a friend or family member who lives in the area. For added peace of mind when you’re away, if the sit is arranged through TrustedHousesitters, your sitter will also have access to a 24-hour vet advice line, which they can call at any point during the sit.

Personalize care

A seasoned reptile pet sitter will be equipped to provide your pet with specialized care, just as you’ve instructed. 

Keep in touch

Just because you’re away, that doesn’t mean you’ll be completely off the radar! Your exotic pet sitter will keep in touch as much or as little as you’d like, sending updates and snapshots of your beloved pet so you feel connected and reassured while you’re away. 

As well as pet care, exotic pet sitters often complete odd jobs around the home such as watering plants or taking in the mail. It will be your job as a pet parent to explain to your exotic pet sitter exactly what they need to do, and by providing them with clear, detailed instructions, you’ll help ensure everything at home stays just the way you like it. 

Feeling in awe of all the things an exotic pet sitter can do? While many sitters simply call in for a few minutes each day, at TrustedHousesitters, our sitters stay with your pets in their own homes to make sure they get the very best, around-the-clock care. That being said, we understand that leaving your precious pets with a sitter can still feel a little daunting, and that’s why our Premium and Standard members are covered with our Home & Contents Plan in the unlikely event something goes wrong during the sit. 

Looking for a trusty roommate for your reptile, someone who’ll really ‘get’ your cold-blooded companion? Discover thousands of reptile sitters who are ready to provide the specialized care your scaly sidekick needs.