Tips on Being a Dog Sitter at My Home

There are various types of dog sitting services, from the sitter who visits the client's home once a day to feed and walk his dog, to the plush doggy hotels where an owner can board his pet overnight. But for dog owners who have an aging pet or one that is nervous in strange surroundings, the best solution is often to have a dog sitter live in the home while they are away. And for dog lovers, this is a good way to earn money.

  1. Getting the Work

    • Many people work as dog sitters and seem reliable, but the careful pet owner wants to ensure his dog's safety. The service you offer should be licensed, insured and bonded if you employ staff. Membership in a professional organization like Pet Sitters International (www.petsit.com) or the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (www.petsitters.org) and a certificate in animal first aid will establish your credibility. Provide contactable references for your potential client to reassure him that you will take good care of his dog and his home while you are in it.

      Visit the client's home and meet the dog before taking the job. Get a full list of the tasks the owner expects you to do, with details of the amount of time you should spend at home and with the dog, feeding quantities, frequency of walks and contact details for the vet.

    Providing the Service

    • Be scrupulous about feeding the dog the right amount at the right time. If medication must be administered, follow the instructions to the letter to ensure that the pet remains healthy. If you go out, make sure that the dog is safely crated or confined to those areas of the home that it is used to, and don't stay out for longer periods than the pet is accustomed to being left alone.

    Look After the Home

    • While you are staying in the owner's home, be respectful of his space and possessions and use only those areas and supplies that have been agreed upon. Don't invite more than one visitor over at a time, and then only if this has been discussed with the owner. Secure the home properly when you leave, and ensure that the client's absence is not obvious as a result of any action of yours.

    Keeping a Record

    • Keep a log of everything you do. If possible, take photos of the dog being fed and walked, with the date and time stamp. If you can send the owner the occasional photo, it will reassure him that his beloved pet is being cared for. Leave a copy of your log and photos in the house for viewing on his return. Confirm that he has returned as expected and all is well before you consider the job complete. Follow up with a request for an evaluation so you can find out if he is satisfied with your services. Get a written reference and ask him if you can provide his contact details to potential clients.