Main Index
In Store
Our Web Store
Miniature Schnauzer Picture Gallery
Latest Dog Blogs
- What Are The Basic Commands To Train A Dog?
- PaySafe As The Most Popular Type Of Deposit
- Everything You Need To Know About Pet Sales
- Dogs Contribute To Our Physical And Mental Well Being
- How To Choose Where To Bet On Greyhounds In 2022
- Volunteer With Animals - How To Help Dogs Around The World
- Basic Understanding Of The House Edge
- Why You Should Get A Dog
- Top 20 Popular Dog Names Around The World
- Constipation in Dogs and How to Find Solutions
6 Skills You Need To Be A Great House Sitter
- 29/09/2018
When it comes to leaving a pet with a stranger, owners can be very fussy, and it's no surprise why!
They love their pets like family, so to entrust a stranger to keep them safe is a big step.
If you think you're the right candidate for the job, then get yourself signed up with a pet sitting agency and make sure you have these six skills that are needed to be a great house sitter.
1. You need to love animals
This may seem like an obvious point, but it's an important one.
If you want to enter the world of dog sitting and pet sitting, you'll need to love pets and showcase that love.
Your host will want to know details about your own pets or animal care experience.
Remember, a true pet sitter will have a genuine concern for all animals and it won't just be about the money.
If a person sees your love for animals, then they're more likely to choose you.
2. Be trustworthy
Trust is the pinnacle of a successful pet sitting relationship.
If there is no trust, there is no job.
A pet is like a child, and when you leave town, the owner is putting a lot of trust in you.
A pet sitter should be someone who can deliver on their promise of comfort and safety.
If you can prove you have passed a background check, that can also be an extra bonus, but not necessary.
3. Practice empathy
Our pets are not able to verbalise how they feel. It, therefore, takes a special type of dog sitter to recognise how an animal is feeling and behaving.
They also need to know how to take the correct actions to walk, feed, soothe or anything else that is needed in dog care and general pet care.
You need to be sensitive to the needs of the animal, just like you would a human.
4. Practice patience
Pets can be a challenge to care for sometimes and being a successful pet sitter requires a lot of patience.
Pets can become uncooperative and misbehave so it's important that you have the patience necessary to deal with this.
If you can demonstrate your patience and empathy, then you'll be on the road to becoming a fantastic pet sitter.
5. Showcase enthusiasm
Ask lots of questions about the pet you are sitting.
Owners love to talk about their pets, and it can really indicate to them that you genuinely care about the needs of their animal.
Ask every question you can think of, including funny stories about their pet.
Don't forget to complement their animal too - owners love that!
6. Be honest
It's important that you avoid lying about your skills or abilities, and it's important that you're honest about your limitations.
If there is something you are truly not comfortable with then let the owner know.
You don't want to put yourself or the pet in an unsafe position or environment, and the owners would appreciate honesty above all else.
Being honest won't mean you don't get the position: if the owners like you, then they can usually shift the job requirements.
If you can demonstrate these six desirable skills and qualities, then you'll be on the road to pet sitting success!
Please Help Us
IrishDogs.ie takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. But we do it because we believe our perspective matters because it might well be your perspective, too.
Our future could be much more secure with your help. Please SUPPORT us by clicking on the Donate Button at the Top Right of your screen.
Quick Search
Donate
Latest Dog Pods
- Tips on How to Stop Your Dog from Biting
- Beware - Not All Advertised Dog Rescues Really Are! How Can You Know The Truth?
- Helpful Tips For Dog Obedience Problems
- How to Keep Dogs From Eating Poop
- Dog Grooming Tips - A General Overview of the Very Basics of Dog Grooming
- Recognising Different Types of Dog Obedience Problems
- 5 Important Tips On Feeding A Puppy