Pet sitting tips, 14 years in the making: an expert opinion

It’s officially the Season of Pet Happiness here at Trusted HQ  - so just a normal day for us - naturally!

To celebrate all things wagging tails and contented purrs, we’re here with pet sitting tips from Karen Schuppert - global house and pet sitter, and fur mom to 17-year-old Aussie, Ellie.

A nutritionist by trade, when Karen’s not teaching on sustainability, healthy eating and wellness, she’s jet-setting around the world, and caring for the pets in it through house sitting.

And as a pet parent herself and sitter with over 50 sits under her belt, Karen sure knows a thing or two when it comes to pet sitting. 
So without any further ado, let’s keep furry families across the globe happy with Karen’s top tips for pet sitting for both sitters and pet parents.

Explore my guide filled with pet sitting tips to help you as a pet sitter find your dream house sitting assignments, and how to find the perfect pet sitter as a pet parent with TrustedHousesitters.

Pet sitting tips for sitters

Pet sitting ranges from caring for an energetic puppy to tending to a senior cat with medical needs. The level of care you provide should align with your capabilities and preferences. Here’s how to enhance your profile and approach as a pet sitter:

1. Crafting your pet sitter profile

Your profile is your opportunity to make a great first impression. It should reflect your dedication to animal care and convey trustworthiness.

• Show your passion: Highlight your love for animals and commitment to their wellbeing.
• Detail your experience: Include any relevant experience in pet sitting, dog walking, medicine applications, and varied critter care.
• Certifications: List any relevant certifications, such as pet CPR or animal behavior courses.
• References: Provide references to reassure pet parents of your credibility.
• Personal touch: Add details about your interests, home life, and your care for the house and garden.

2. Profile picture

• High-quality photos: Use clear, friendly images with pets, downplaying travel or unrelated photos.
• Professional appearance: Ensure your photos convey personality and trustworthiness.

3. Title and introduction

• Catchy title: Use something engaging like “Karin’ for Your Pets” or “Providing Peace While You Play Away.”
• Introduction paragraph: Write a brief, engaging introduction about your love for animals, experience, and unique qualities.

4. Experience and qualifications

• Detail your experience: Include past pet sitting assignments, volunteer work, and relevant personal experiences.
• Certifications and training: List any relevant certifications or training.

5. Services offered

• Types of pets: Specify which animals you’re comfortable with (e.g. dogs, cats, birds) and any preferences you have.
• Special needs: Note if you can handle special requirements, like administering medication or dealing with aggressive pets.
• Availability: Provide your general availability and any scheduling preferences.

6. References and reviews

• Client testimonials: Include quotes or reviews from previous clients if available.
• References: Offer to provide references or include contact information of past clients.

7. Personal touch

• Your story: Share why you’re passionate about pet sitting and what you enjoy about it.
• Fun facts: Add personal anecdotes or information about pets you’ve cared for and/or your own pets as well.

Applying for pet sits

When applying for a pet sitting assignment, emphasize your love for animals (cats or dogs, and everything else in between!) and tailor your application to the specific needs of the pet owner. Here are my pet sitting tips on how:

• Express enthusiasm: Start with a positive note about their listing and explain why you’re interested.
• Personalize your response: Address the pet owner and their pets by name, and detail how you meet their specific needs.
• Highlight experience: Mention relevant pet and house-sitting experiences, showing you know exactly how to care for a cat, dog, or other furry friend.
• Discuss logistics: Confirm any travel details and be honest about your location and availability.
• Schedule a meeting: Arrange a call or video chat to discuss details. Prepare questions about routines, special care, and home tasks.

Questions to ask during the application process

Questions for all pet parents of cats, dogs and other pets:

• Feeding: Where is food located? Feeding times? Any food allergies? Possession issues? 
• Veterinary information: What is the vet’s contact information? Is there a 24-hour service available? Is an account already established with the vet?
• Medications: Are there any medications that need to be administered? If so, what are the instructions?
• Health issues: Are there any medical conditions the pets have which you’ll need to monitor, be careful with or pay extra attention to?
• Restricted areas: Are there any rooms or pieces of furniture that pets are not allowed to access?
• Sleeping arrangements: Where do the pets sleep?

Questions before dog sitting:

• Daily routines: What are the dogs' daily routines? What types of exercise and activity do they need? 
• Leashes and poop bags: Locations? 
• Local amenities: Are there any dog-friendly walking areas or nearby attractions?
• Neighbor interactions: Are there any neighbor dogs to avoid? Are there any favorite playmates?

Questions before cat sitting:

• Litter box: Where is the litter box and how often should it be cleaned or changed?
• Outdoor access: Does the cat go outside? If so, how often?
• Treats and toys: Does the cat receive treats or play with toys? If so, what are the preferences? Do they have any favorite toys?
• Behavior: Has the cat ever shown signs of aggression? If the cat is shy, will they come out during mealtimes?

Home care and house sitting checklist

Follow these top tips for pet sitting to make sure the home is looked after to the pet parents’ expectations, and you have everything you need.

• Transportation: Is the home accessible by public transport? If not, will a car be available for use? (This is a huge bonus for attracting pet sitters out of the area.)
• Household duties: What tasks need to be completed, such as watering plants or caring for the pool?
• Cleaning and laundry: Are cleaning and laundry services provided? Specify any wishes for washing bedding and linens after your stay. Where are the cleaning supplies located?
• Internet information: Establish internet reliability. What is the internet speed and password? Where is the router located?
• Appliance manuals: Ensure you know how to operate appliances like the coffee maker and TV. Ask where to find the manuals if needed.
• Security system: Is there an alarm system? If so, how does it operate? Are there outdoor cameras? (Note: Indoor cameras are prohibited by TrustedHousesitters.)
• Visitors: Are visitors allowed? This is a crucial detail that should be approved in advance to avoid any misunderstandings.
• Communication: How often would you like updates? What is your preferred method of communication (e.g. messaging, WhatsApp)?
• When to expect a welcome guide: These details will provide further info and helpful care tips during your sit.

Tips for pet sitting: during the sit

Effective communication is crucial. Provide regular updates and photos to reassure pet parents and alleviate their anxieties. For more advice, explore my pet sitting tips for during the sit below.

• Start with a summary of the first day: Pet parents appreciate knowing their pets are stress-free and their routine is being followed.
• Share photos: Capture moments during walks or playtime to show that all is well.
• Updates along the way: Depending on the requested frequency, provide details of home care and any notable occurrences.
• Leave a lasting impression: Depending on the length of your stay, consider leaving a small prepared meal for the owners' return, such as a frittata, to make their arrival home a bit easier (and be sure to check any dietary preferences!) - most often the refrigerator is bare so any type of edible gift is much appreciated after a long trip. It’s not essential, but if you’re looking to make an extra special lasting impression, make a note of this pet sitting tip!

Pet sitting tips for pet parents

Successful pet sitting arrangements hinge on clear communication and understanding between both parties. Ensure your listing is accurate and comprehensive to attract the perfect pet sitter. For more advice, follow my pet sitting tips for pet parents below.

Creating your owner listing

• Photos and description: Use a catchy title and provide clear, engaging photos of your pets and home.
• Home description: Include details about the layout, neighborhood, and amenities. Be honest about any special requirements.
• Include a bit about you and your family: Your lifestyle, interests, etc.
• Sitter responsibilities: Clearly highlight the tasks required, including any special care for pets or home maintenance.

Securing the right sitter for your home and pets

It’s vital the sitter you welcome is right for your home and pets - finding someone  who knows how to care for a dog or cat like yours is so important.

Follow my house sitting tips for pet parents below, before securing someone to care for your home and furry friends.

• Advance planning: Post your listing as early as possible to find the best candidate without pressure.
• Response time: Quickly acknowledge applications to show appreciation and maintain interest. Communicate decision timeline and be sensitive to their schedules (they might be applying for more than one pet sit.) After reviewing, kindly notify all applicants within 24 hours.
• Selecting the right sitter: Reviews are another way of vetting your potential pet sitter.  Also consider details such as transportation and schedule compatibility. A video walk-through and interview can help you make an informed decision about your dog sitter, cat sitter, (or other).
• Welcome guide: Provide the “Welcome Guide” within 48 hours of securing your sitter. This helps avoid any last-minute questions or concerns.

Tips for pet parents during the sit

• Welcoming your sitter. You may wish to meet up before the sit begins to cover any last minute details, such as whether you’ll be leaving behind money for pet essentials top ups, and to introduce your sitter to your pets.
• Reassurance: Enjoy peace of mind, knowing that your pets are well cared for. Establish a comfortable communication frequency with your sitter.
• Upon return: Confirm arrival plans and departure details with the sitter. If they’ve left before you arrive, notify them of your return and express gratitude for their services.

By following these tips for pet sitting, you’ll enhance your listing, communicate effectively, and provide exceptional care for your pets, ensuring a smooth experience for both pet sitters and pet owners.

Urban pet sitting tips

Going house sitting soon, or welcoming a pet sitter to your inner-city pad? Explore these tips for pet sitting in urban areas to make sure everything goes smoothly.