Pet sitting – volunteering opportunities section

Pet sitting is the act of temporarily caring for another person’s pet for a given period of time. It usually occurs at the home of the pet owner, but can also occur at the home of the supplier or at a pet seated workplace or organization.

8 pieces of advice for an ideal pet sitter:

1. Experience comes first!

Knowing animals is not so simple and immediate and it is often easy to confuse the knowledge of one’s animal as knowledge of the animal world.

2. Questions? Yes, thanks!

Before accepting a pet sitting service, you need to know as much as possible about the furry you will take care of. His story, his habits, the animals with which he does not agree and his state of health. Knowing means taking care of an animal at its best and guaranteeing quality care.

3. It’s the ‘quality’, not the quantity

Yes, it is the quality of the service that makes the owner satisfied and not the quantity. If you decide to accept a pet sitting task, it is important to understand if the house is crowded at that time. The more animals you host, the greater the risk of quarrels. The same thing applies if you decide to do the dog walker: walking too many dogs means exposing yourself and exposing them to greater risks.

4. Photos, videos and messages

Send photos, videos and messages to reassure the owners about their pets’ condition.

5. Respect the animal’s habits

An animal entrusted to a pet sitter, just like its owner, experiences anxious states. Respect all of the animal habits: nutrition, lifestyle, free time. Every animal has its own story and a good pet sitter takes everything into account!

6. Eyes always open

Never leave an animal at home alone for many hours. If we are on the street or in the park never leave it free. Maximum attention and constant supervision are needed to reduce the risk of accidents.

7. The mantra of  NO PANIC!

Every time you choose to take care of an animal you take the risk that something may happen even when working carefully. And when something happens, one must not panic but manage the situation with rationality. Promptness of reflexes and calm: go to the nearest veterinary office if the animal is sick, or immediately notify kennels, veterinarians and police if the animal is lost. It is true, easier said than done, but a pet sitter must act quickly … the only time for our animals is NOW!

8. Is it time to say goodbye? 

The moment always comes when the pet sitting service ends. Often it coincides with a bit of sadness because becoming attached to an animal is the simplest and most natural thing for each of us. It is important not to transmit our anxiety to the furry but to accompany them serenely in the arms of the owner. If we were good, we will definitely come back to take care of them!

Pet Sitting Opportunities Around the World:

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