Farm animal pet sitting: A pet sitting guide

Old McDonald had a farm but had a two-week vacation booked in April so needed to find a farm sitter. Luckily, Old McDonald is a TrustedHousesitters member, so he can easily find some farm animal care from one of our pet-loving sitters! Although we love to talk about our many cat and dog friends, we also have a great variety of other pets. 

Have you ever fancied pet-sitting farm animals? Do you have previous experience with horse pet sitting, rounding up hens, or caring for other outdoor animals? Perhaps you’re keen to learn more about an animal farmyard and stretch your barn legs a bit more? Whatever you’re sitting situation, it’s good to be as prepared as possible pet sitting farm animals. Here are some key farmyard facts and tips to help with farm animal pet sitting.

1. Know your animals

Sometimes stating the obvious is necessary. If you’re looking to provide animal care whilst farm sitting it’s important to know exactly what you’re signing up for - the last thing you want is to presume you’re spending a few weeks with a couple of donkeys, only to find out there’s also a herd of cows and barn full of goats. Well, maybe that’s a bit dramatic, but you know what we mean!

Try to visit the farm before your scheduled sit. This way, you can meet the animals, run through their routines, ask as many questions in person as possible, and generally understand the layout of the farmyard. Larger farms may include outside help, so if you’re able to meet the farmhands too, that could also be very helpful.

If you’re not able to make an in-person visit before your sit, make sure you’ve asked as many questions as possible about farm animal care, and security, and you’ve talked to the owners on several separate occasions. Ask them to leave you a list of instructions alongside their emergency contact and vet details.

2. You must be able to stick to a strict routine

So, so important! Even the smallest hobby animal farms need to stick to a strict routine of feeding, cleaning, and grooming. Not only will this keep the animals cared for, but it will also help keep them safe. A constant human presence keeps away potential predators, particularly if you’re caring for poultry or waterfowl.

You don’t need to be marching around the farm 24/7, but be sure to incorporate a few additional checks throughout the day to make sure everyone’s happy and safe.

3. If possible, visit the farmhouse and animals before you sit

Farms are big. Fact. Even a hobby farm still requires some daily TLC and cleaning. Whilst some farmhouses can be modern structures with modern fittings, modern plumbing, and modern heating, some are a little more traditional. Not only this, but you’re also pet-sitting for a load of outdoor animals. Suddenly, the responsibilities start adding up!

We recommend taking a trip to the farmhouse and farm animals to make sure you are as prepared as possible. Check with the farm parents about how the electricity and plumbing are sourced to the house - the older the property, the more complicated it may be, so be sure to ask them questions!

Similarly, it’s a good idea to meet the farm animals beforehand. This will help you to introduce yourself to the farmyard flock, run through their routines, and ask those all-important care queries before their parents leave you in charge.

4. Farm care requires more than meal times

Similar to the point above, farming animals can’t be fed and left. Many of them need some TLC time too. Aw! Herd animals - cows, sheep, goats, horses - also benefit from gentle human interactions. Not only will this help the animals to familiarize themselves with you, but it’ll keep them calmer during feeding and grooming times.

Most farm animals will be let out into a pen or field for exercise each day. You can use this time to simply watch them so they can become used to your presence. As well as keeping the animals calm, this will also keep you safe too.

It's important before signing up to a farm sit that you understand the commitment and responsibilities. Some of these farm animals may be quite big - if you struggle with mobility or heavy lifting, you might need to think if you’re able to care for a horse daily. If you’re a remote worker, for example, with a busy schedule, be sure to have a clear plan of what your farmyard routine will be and whether it’ll fit around your work.

5. Keeping the animals safe

Not all farm animals are as pocket-sized as piglets, some of them are big and very strong. Many farm families will require their sitters to have some larger animal handling experience beforehand. If you’re a keen bean and desperate to muck out a stable or two, make sure you have some farm volunteering under your belt. Otherwise, there are loads of farm animal care courses that can be done locally and in a short amount of time.

Make sure you run through any safety procedures before the pet parents leave and ask them the best call of action in the case of an emergency. Checking gates and stable doors is also vital - you don’t want to be in the situation of running around trying to round up 15 different animals.

6. Keep yourself safe

Your safety is just as important as the animal care. If you ever feel unsafe or scared by a situation - especially with larger animals like horses and pigs - remove yourself from the area and contact the pet parents immediately. Never put yourself at risk in a scenario that frightens you. If anything should happen, be sure to call for help straight away.

7. Keep in contact with the farm parents

This is a must for any pet sit, and one we’re sure you’re very familiar with. All pet parents want to know how the other half of their family is doing while they are away, so be sure to send regular updates every day. Some pictures, videos, and daily roundups can help farm parents stay reassured. It also opens up the opportunity to ask any extra questions that may crop up.

If you have the time and capacity, sitting in a farmhouse with animals is a hugely rewarding and fun experience. Although it can be hard work with a lengthy daily to-do list, you have the chance to enjoy a beautiful home and cuddle some unique pets. Farmyard animal experience and farmhouse care are an awesome opportunity for adventure-loving pet pals!

Remember, always contact a vet if you’re ever concerned or unsure about your furry friends. Our Standard and Premium members have free access to our 24/7 vet advice who are there to help with any type of creature. Not a member yet? What not take a look at our current house sits and see if there’s a farm family in need of a sitter?