Urban pet sitting: suburbs to city centers

Fancy a sit in the city? Urban pet sitting is a great choice for those who love to be surrounded by the thrills and sights of a city. Many cities as awash in museums, art galleries, cafes, theatres, cinemas, and plenty of parks for pups, urban pet sitting can offer more things to do than you can shake a stick at.
So, how exactly does it differ from rural pet sitting? Are there any benefits and do you need any ultimate urban tips to make your sit the cat’s pajamas? Here are some useful, ultra-urban recommendations for your next house sit with urban pets.

What is urban pet sitting?

Urban pet sitting is house-sitting anywhere in or around a city. Actually, National Geographic has a rather handy definition:

“Urban areas are very developed, meaning there is a density of human structures, such as houses, commercial buildings, roads, bridges, and railways… "Urban area" can refer to towns, cities, and suburbs. An urban area includes the city itself, as well as the surrounding areas.”

There you have it, if you can see more buildings and people than fields and sheep, you’re probably in an urban environment.

Differences in house-sitting urban pets vs country creatures

Going for walkies

Now, if you’re a sitter with a car, the only difference with daily dog walks will be the travel time. Having your own car will allow you to go further afield to find, er, fields. You won’t be limited to a city’s green areas.

For those sitters who rely on public transport and walking, dog walks may look a little different. Most cities will have park areas where pups can wander, sniff, and do their business. However, to reach these areas you’ll have to take a concrete route there. Ask the pet parents if they have any favorite local walks for their pooch. Look for paths that are away from busy roads or packed streets to make the experience more dog-friendly. Pups can become overwhelmed and possibly frightened in loud crowds, so make sure you have a walk that’s enjoyable for both of you.

Indoor or outdoor cat?

You don’t need to be an expert on cat-sitting indoor cats to find an urban pet sit. Depending on the home and the city Mr Kitty lives in will depend on whether their parents have them as an indoor or outdoor cat. In large metropolises like New York or London, indoors are more commonplace than in the countryside. Make sure you’re clear on where your feline friend can and can’t go, as well as make sure you know which windows and doors will need to remain closed.

Make sure you know where’s dog-friendly

Whilst you’ll want to explore your new neighborhood with your pooch pal, not everywhere in the big city will be as keen to spend time with Fido. Before you both set out for the day, make sure you’ve done your research - will the cafe you’re heading to allow dogs inside? Does the park allow pups off-leash? A few minutes of browser searching can save you and your furry friend disappointment later in the day.

Tips on sitting for urban homes and pets

If you’re in an apartment, ask about emergency exits

This can easily be forgotten in the rush and thrill of arriving for your sit. Apartments in highrise buildings or large old buildings will have a standard emergency escape plan. Just like on a plane journey, it’s always worth familiarizing yourself with the exits just in case the worst should happen. Ask the pet parents how they would like you to protect their pets and ask for building numbers as part of your emergency contacts.

Find all the local parks and green areas

You can easily do this on your phone or laptop. Search for parks or green spaces within walking distance or that can be accessed by public transport, or else the browser searches for the best green areas to visit in town.

Green spaces aren’t just for pet walks, it’s also good for you too. We humans need to be around a bit of nature every now and again, and finding a park in a concrete jungle can offer some pleasant variety.

It’s easy to connect with new people

The hustle and bustle of a city wouldn’t be possible without its people. And, oh boy, are there a lot of people in some cities! However, this means it’s ideal for meeting new people. See what local meetups are available nearby, either for fellow super sitters like yourself or people with other similar interests to yours. 

For your fur friends, pet parks and hangouts are great social opportunities for pups as well as for you!

Know where to go for urban vet care

Finding an urban vet clinic won’t be difficult to do - if you’re in or around a busy city, there will be more than one urban vet to visit. However, make sure you know exactly which one is used by your fur friend’s pet parents. Their designated vet will have instant access to all their medical history, so should anything happen, they’ll know how to treat them as quickly as possible.

Are you keen to see your next pet-loving adventure in a concrete jungle? Look at all the sits currently available around the globe, from New York to Sydney. Not a member yet? Would you like to join us? Paw-some! Check out our different membership plans to see which one would work best for you and your lifestyle.