What is Pet Sitting?

Any devoted pet parent knows the struggle of leaving their fur baby behind. But what if an exciting job opportunity or the vacation of your dreams takes you somewhere your pet can't come? A reliable, caring pet sitter can solve this problem and ensure your furbaby is fine when you're away. But what is a pet sitting, and how does it work? 

This blog post covers everything you need to know from A to Z. We’ll discuss everything from finding a reliable person to the services you can expect. We’ll also share tips on safety and communication with candidates. But let’s start with the basics.

Understanding the Role of a Pet Sitter

Here's an easy rule: you can leave your puppy alone for about as many hours as their age in months. For instance, a four-month-old pup shouldn't stay alone for more than four or five hours. Older dogs, after eating, exercising, and a potty break, usually manage six to eight hours solo.

Cats are a bit more independent but still need care. While they can manage a night alone, leaving them alone for more than 24 hours isn't ideal. Fish are much easier to take care of but still need attention every day. You must ensure they're fed within 24 hours and check their tank conditions – like temperature and cleanliness – to keep them healthy.

But life happens. Whether it's a long workday, a last-minute business trip, or a reunion with friends in another city, who looks after your pet? Sure, your family or neighbors might help you, but they're not always available. That's where a pet sitter comes in – a reliable and caring person ready to give your furry friend the love and attention they need.

Key Responsibilities of a Pet Sitter

So, what does a pet sitter do? Every furbaby is unique and may have special needs. Still, you can typically expect a few standard things from a pet sitter:

• Makes sure your pets are fed and have plenty of fresh water.
• Plays with them and keeps them company.
• Grooms or brushes their fur to keep them comfortable.
• Keeps litter boxes or pet areas clean.
• Provides basic health care, like giving medication.
• Most importantly, gives them love and attention so they feel secure while you're away.

For dogs, this often includes daily walks to keep them active and happy. If that's on the schedule, a pet sitter can also take your dog to training classes. And yes, be sure to ask for regular updates and photos.

If you're hiring someone for a long time or a live-in arrangement, you can ask them to pick up mail or packages, take out trash, water plants, and supervise the house. Sitters are usually happy to help with little extras, but these are often considered additional services. Just discuss their responsibilities beforehand.

Benefits of Choosing Pet Sitting Over Boarding

Yes, you can choose a boarding, a kennel, or a pet hotel. Most likely, the staff there are educated, experienced, and genuinely caring. Yet, pet sitting is a better choice. Why? A dedicated pet sitter offers benefits that are hard to match:

• Less Stress. Your pet stays in its house, surrounded by familiar sights, smells, and comforts. No more stress adapting to a new space or sharing territory with other animals.
• Personal Attention. A pet nanny focuses entirely on your fur baby, giving it all the care and affection it deserves.
• Health and Safety. Your pet won't be exposed to the illnesses that can sometimes spread in boarding facilities.
• Consistent Routines. From meals to walks to playtime, a sitter keeps your pet's daily routine intact.
• Medication Management. A pet nanny will give your furbaby meds on time, just as prescribed, and bring them to the vet if needed.
• Quality Nutrition. Unlike boarding facilities that often rely on standard pet food, your sitter can ensure your pet enjoys the specific food they love.

Still hesitating whether to find a pet sitter now or consider boarding? With a pet nanny, you can discover a person you trust on multiple occasions. This allows you to build a consistent relationship, reducing stress for you and your furbaby over time. Plus, many sitters offer extra services apart from pet care. For instance, you can ask them to pick up your mail and adjust lights or curtains to make your home look lived-in.

How to Ensure a Safe Pet Sitting Experience

Trusting your kitten or puppy to someone else is hard. However, a bit of preparation can simplify things and make this experience smoother. Knowing that the person caring for your furry friend is experienced, loving, and well-prepared makes the difference. Here are some tips:

• Choose. Look for candidates with verified credentials and reviews. On Flatrover, you will find detailed profiles as well as genuine ratings and references that will help you make an informed decision.
• Communicate. Describe your pet's needs, health conditions, routines, and quirks. The more your pet nanny knows, the better they can care for your fur baby.
• Interview. Arrange an in-person meeting to observe how the pet nanny interacts with your pet. You will see if they come along and the candidate is a good fit.
• Provide A Checklist. Create a comprehensive instruction with feeding schedules, medication instructions, favorite toys, and essential contacts, such as your vet's number.
• Secure Your Home. Show your sitter how to lock up properly and provide instructions for any alarms or security systems. Leave spare keys in a designated place, and if they’re from another country, provide emergency numbers for your area.
• Check References. Follow up with references to hear about other pet parents' experiences. Yet, don’t undervalue the newcomers. Just ask for references from someone who can vouch for them.
• Stay Connected. Be in touch with your pet nanny and get daily updates and photos. This way, you stay in control and can guide caring for your pet.

At Flatrover, we take care of your security, manually verifying all profiles and offering a transparent review system. Find a perfect nanny for your fur baby and stay calm while away. Your pet will be well-cared. Also, follow us on social media to get advice from our community and support from the Flatrover team.

How to Find a Trustworthy Pet Sitter

Finding the right caregiver for your furry companion might initially feel overwhelming, but it's easier than you think. With a bit of effort and a thoughtful approach, you'll find someone you can trust very soon. Here's how:

Start With Your Network

Here are your first-choice options: 

• Ask Friends and Family. Ask someone in your social circle for recommendations. Someone can help or already knows a verified pet sitter whose services they have already used.
• Check With Your Vet. Many vet clinics have connections to experienced caregivers, and some vet technicians offer pet-sitting services on the side.

Also, if you have neighbors who love pets and have them themselves, ask if they can take care of your furbaby for a while.

Explore Options Online

What if everyone in your social circle is not available? Check out online platforms like Flatrover, designed to connect you with professional and amateur pet sitters. Here's how you get started:

• Register. Sign up and set up your account. Tell about your pet's needs, personality, and routine. Add a photo of your furbaby to make your ad more appealing!
• Search for Candidates. Filter candidates based on location, ratings, and reviews. Look for sitters with positive feedback.
• Don't Overlook Newcomers. While reviews are helpful, sometimes, a newbie is a perfect fit. Be sure to ask for more details.
• Interview. Arrange a video call to get a feel for the pet sitter's personality. Follow up with an offline meeting.

And, of course, take your time and choose wisely. Listen to your gut and pay attention to how your four-legged baby treats each candidate. Finding a good pet nanny requires patience, but it's totally worth it. 

What Makes Flatrover the Best Pet Sitting Service?

What is the best pet-sitting service? There are many seasoned platforms and services. But sometimes, newcomers bring the most exciting innovations. At Flatrover, we're not just another platform – we're committed to delivering a safe, enjoyable, and seamless experience for pet parents and sitters alike. We offer:

• A Growing Community. Our platform is buzzing with a dedicated network of pet-loving caregivers and responsible house sitters.
• Dual Benefits. You can find sitters for your pet and house with a single account.
• User-Friendly. Flatrover is intuitive and simple: fast sign-up, smart filters, top-notch security, simple navigation, and more.
• Reliable Support. We are always here to assist you, even on weekends and at night. 
• Affordable. We keep our membership fees moderate without compromising quality.

In addition, you can subscribe for updates to stay ahead in your search for a pet nanny. We will notify you about new sitters and send exclusive tips that save you time and effort. And we're only getting started – there's so much more on the horizon. 

FAQ

What's the difference between pet sitting and pet house sitting?

Pet sitting means a responsible person will feed, walk, groom, and comfort your fur baby while you're away. But what is pet house sitting? It's a similar service that also includes basic home upkeep, like watering plants, collecting mail, or ensuring your home looks lived-in while you're away.

How can I trust a pet sitter with my pet?

Trust is built through careful selection and communication. Search for sitters with verified credentials, reviews, and experience. But most importantly, trust your gut. Meet your pet nanny beforehand to see if you and your baby click with them. Checking references, reviews, and ratings on Flatrover can also be helpful.

What should I provide to a pet sitter?

In addition to the pet’s food, prepare a checklist to make their job easier:

• A feeding schedule and dietary preferences.
• Medications with instructions.
• Your vet's number and emergency contacts.
• Favorite toys and comfort items.
• Detailed information about routines and quirks.

Be as thorough as possible – clear communication helps avoid confusion. Stay in touch so that your sitter can reach you if there are any questions.

How do I become a pet sitter on Flatrover?

Are you a passionate and caring animal lover? Welcome to the Flatrover community! Setting up your profile quickly and easily – it only takes about 30 minutes. Share your story, showcase your experience, and upload any references or certifications. Once your profile is complete, start contacting pet parents.

Can pet sitters take care of multiple pets at once?

Yes, they do! Many pet nannies are experienced in handling several cats, dogs, or a mix of both at once. However, please discuss your specific requirements with the candidate during the interview. Due to the extra responsibilities, caring for multiple pets may cost more.