The Role & Expectations
The work is visiting or staying with pets, feeding them, walking dogs, cleaning up, giving medication where needed and giving them attention and company. Reliability, a genuine love of animals and trustworthiness matter, since owners hand over their pets and often their home keys and trust you to follow their routine.
Most pet sitters are self-employed, fitting visits or stays around the day, including weekends and holidays when owners travel, with income built up from regular clients. You cover your own travel, and the work can mean early starts, late finishes and looking after anxious animals.
No qualifications are needed, but insurance, references and pet first aid build trust, and a good way with animals is essential. Most people start by sitting for friends and neighbours and grow through word of mouth.
Daily Responsibilities
- Visit or stay with pets as agreed
- Feed pets and refresh water
- Walk dogs and play with animals
- Give medication if needed
- Clean litter trays and tidy up
- Give pets company and attention
- Update owners and manage bookings