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Create a schedule with basic information for every client, so you know exactly the pet you're sitting, where and when.
If you work through a company, you might have some of the marketing covered by it. But if you’re self-employed, then it’s important that you market yourself. This usually includes creating a website and social media profiles.
Sources: (Indeed) (CareerAddict)
See also: Definitive dog walking dos and don'ts
Show up on time, and do what you’re supposed to, when you’re supposed to do it. It’s not much to ask for a professional pet sitter.
In this day and age, being flexible is a must-have skill for any occupation. For instance, if a pet gets sick and you need to stay at the vet's for another few hours outside of your contracted time, it’s a good idea that you show some flexibility and do so.
Sometimes, when pet owners go on vacation, they ask pet sitters to perform other tasks (e.g. water plants). It’s important that you’re open to this, within a certain limit, of course.
This is also quite useful when you spot them trying to eat something (other than their regular food). Dogs and cats do this all the time, so being aware of these situations can help you be better at your job.
This skill also comes in handy to decipher any signs that something is not quite right with the animal. If you don’t observe the pet and his behavior, you won’t be able to detect these signs.
Consistency is key for many pets. They have schedules and routines that need to be respected. This includes meal times, going for walks, etc.
Being a professional pet sitter usually means several animals with different needs, various house keys, etc. This requires a great deal of organization.
A cat might do his business outside the litter box, a dog might not stop barking; there are just so many scenarios where a great deal of patience is required.
This is about identifying any potential threats to the well-being of the pet you’re responsible for. For instance, during a dog walk be aware of other animals that may be aggressive towards the animal you’re sitting.
Empathy is also an important aspect in the life of a professional pet sitter. For some people, it’s really hard to leave their dogs behind, even if they are being taken good care of. So it’s important to show empathy towards pet owners.
This is not just a skill required for office jobs. As a pet sitter, you will also have to possess this skill. This includes being attentive and cleaning up any mess before it leaves a stain, for example.
Being in charge of an animal means you’ll have to use your judgment all the time. And this includes when things go wrong.
Patience is a virtue, and one that pet sitters should have to spare. Animals can be hard work, and many of them do test our patience. Your job is to never run out of it.
After all, you’ll most likely have access to someone’s home, their pet, and sometimes even their cars. Pet owners are putting the lives of their beloved animals, and their valuable possessions, in your hands.
For example, if there is a medical emergency, you should just take the pet to the vet and then contact the owners. The animal is your responsibility and you should make decisions based on that.
Reliability is a great trait to possess, and for pet sitters this is no exception. Pet owners must have total trust in you and your capabilities, so it’s up to you to prove to them you can get the job done.
An example would be you taking a dog for a walk and the pooch getting covered in mud. Perhaps you can be proactive and give the animal a bath, before he gets the whole house dirty.
This is essential to deal with pretty much everyone you encounter. While your main responsibility will be to care for an animal(s), there are people involved, namely on the street, other pet owners, and, of course, the owners you’re working for.
The pet owners are your employer, and they must feel like they can trust you, so keeping them updated might be a good idea while they are away. Make sure you ask about all the details, including diet and any medications the animals might be taking. This is why good communication is so important in this job.
Let’s be honest: there are plenty of things that can go wrong when you’re pet sitting. But you don’t want to bother the pet owners about every single thing that happens. Not if you can solve it yourself that is.
There are different regulations for pets on both private and public property. Things such as leash use may differ depending where you work.
This will help you understand certain reactions the animals might have and how they interact with other animals, as well being able to identify signs of trust, fear, and aggression.
Being prepared to deal with small injuries is also a great skill to possess. Learning how to treat wounds can be a major first step until you get the animal to a vet.
Dealing with animals requires being ready for medical emergencies. Dogs, for instance, are more susceptible to suffering from heat strokes. Knowing the signs of these can save an animal’s life.
If your job is dealing with animals, then it makes sense that you acquire as much information as you can about animal behavior.
There's more to being a good pet sitter than just loving animals. While it certainly helps, to care for other people’s pets professionally you need to have a certain skill set. If you’re already working as a pet sitter and are looking to boost your skills, or are currently considering a career in the field, then this gallery is for you.
Click through and get to know the must-have pet-sitting skills for a successful career.
It’s important to know and stay up to date with pet laws and regulations. Many communities also have additional regulations, and as a pet sitter you should be aware of these.
Physical fitness is important, especially if you’re dog walking. Though tasks such as carrying heavy cat litter bags, moving crates, etc. can also demand a good level of fitness.
Not to mention that you should feel empathy towards the animals, too. They can’t speak, so you will have to go by feel and signs, and do what you can to make sure the animals are safe, comfortable, and happy.
Must-have skills for a successful pet-sitting career
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There's more to being a good pet sitter than just loving animals. While it certainly helps, to care for other people’s pets professionally you need to have a certain skill set. If you’re already working as a pet sitter and are looking to boost your skills, or are currently considering a career in the field, then this gallery is for you.
Click through and get to know the must-have pet-sitting skills for a successful career.