Pet Sitting: 6 Rules To Take Care Of Someone Else’s Dog
Just as the term baby sitting exists to refer to the care of babies and young children, in exchange for financial remuneration, while their parents or guardians are absent for a short period of time; there is the term pet sitting to refer to a similar activity.
Instead of babies or children, pets are taken care of. Above all, dogs and cats, since they are the most common, although there are also those who hire pet sitters for their rabbits, rodents, birds, turtles or fish.
Generally, the caregiver usually moves to the place where the pet lives, although there is also the option for the guardian to transfer his pet to the caregiver’s place, either his personal residence or a premises (in the case of a care institution, like a boarding house or pet hostel).
To care for someone else’s pet,
Knowledge in ethology is highly valued
The pet sitter must know that, unlike the guardian, they do not have as much knowledge of the animal and, therefore, must seek methods to interact with it effectively. That is, it must be handled in such a way that coexistence is positive.
Take the example of a dog.
In addition, they know in which situations some kind of problem can arise. For example, if during walks the dog does not smell the ground, he will pull a lot on the leash or he may have a reactive attitude towards other dogs or people.
The guardians can transmit this information to the pet sitter so that he knows how to handle the dog, but even so, he must have some knowledge about the ethology of the animal he cares for to avoid problems.
In countries like Switzerland, there are online platforms where tutors place ads looking for pet sitters and, in turn, those interested in caring for animals create a profile to search for job offers. When creating the profile, knowledge in ethology and related areas is highly valued.
The tasks of the pet sitter
A guardian may hire a pet sitter to take your pet to the vet. In these cases, the person must know how to help the animal to remain calm and well behaved during the journey and, later, the appointment.
In addition to caring for the pet at home (that is, feeding, drinking, playing, brushing, and toileting), the guardian may request other services, such as:
- Take the pet to the vet (this is usually agreed in advance, as the guardian must ensure that the pet sitter has a vehicle and availability to perform the task).
- Give the pet medication.
Perhaps giving a pill may not be too difficult, although it all depends on how the animal has been educated. For these types of issues it is important that the pet sitter has some training.
Diabetic pets must receive their insulin dose through a small injection, like human patients. The pet sitter must know how to position it. And if the animal suffers from epilepsy, the keeper must know how to act correctly in case of a seizure.
For these reasons, not everyone can be a pet sitter . Even if you have good will and you like animals.
Playing with the pet is part of the service
It is very important that the pet sitter takes time to play with the dog. Of course, everything will depend on the age of the animal and its habits.
One of the most important games that can be carried out with the dog is the work of smell.
Legal protection is important in pet sitting
A pet sitter must legally protect himself for very simple reasons: he is not caring for his own pet and, in many cases, he will have to move to other homes to provide his services.
It is important to make a contract with the dog’s guardian and, also, acquire civil and professional liability insurance. Above all, if it is intended to carry out the task regularly, by way of employment.
Some considerations
They can get sick at any time.
Most likely, you will end up having multiple clients who need your services on the same day. Make sure to make everything clear in plenty of time to avoid misunderstandings.
