The Pet Sitting Life Blog
Enjoy our articles all in one place!
12 Hazardous Conditions for Exploring Dogs
Where I live in Canada, snow covers the ground all winter and spring is the first time we see the earth for six months. When the snow melts, it’s a great time for pet sitters to remember to take stock in safety measures for themselves and the dogs they’re with, too....
Pet Poop Pickup: A Task in the Life of a Pet Sitter
Who but a pet sitter can find so much to discuss about pet poop pickup? (Other than new moms and dads, perhaps.) We have it in our bones and in our un-written code of ethics as pet sitters that, “All poop shall be scooped!” Well. That’s almost true. Let’s have a look...
The Pet Sitting Meet-and-Greet – Part Two
In part one of our "Pet Sitting Meet-and-Greet" article you met the family and kept an eye out for anything unusual about the house or its surroundings. Now it's time to have a closer look at the animals, your schedule, and if there are any hidden surprises..."Oh yes,...
The Pet Sitting Meet-and-Greet – Part One
The pet sitting meet-and-greet visit is a must-do before accepting any new pet sitting client. It’s the time when everyone gets together to learn more about each other, the paperwork is completed, and the service dates are confirmed. Unfortunately, many pet sitters...
What My Canary Taught Me
If you look back at my post on December 30 of last year, you'll see my spotlight article on canaries...and more specifically on Tweet, the canary we fostered for a friend's mother. Well...it turned out we did get to keep Tweet as our own and we had a great time...
Puppy Potty Breaks…Yes or No for Your Business?
Do you offer Puppy Potty Breaks in your pet sitting business? If you're just starting out, you might find several compelling reasons to say yes...or you might think again, and say no. When we first opened our pet sitting business, I couldn't wait for our first puppy...
Pet Dental Health Brush-Up – Part Two
In part one of Pet Dental Health Brush-Up we talked about how gum and bone disease develops and the dangers of the infection spreading to the organs. In this part of the article we’ll look at prevention and care. Although you might have a client who isn’t interested...
Pet Dental Health Brush-Up – Part One
February is Pet Dental Health Month so let’s talk about how to keep a dog or cat’s teeth clean. Even though as a pet sitter, you probably won’t be called upon to brush the teeth of your client’s animals, it does sometimes come up during vacation pet sits and it’s...
Cat Sitting Visits
Cats can be wary during your first cat sitting visit to their home. The kitty who sat in your lap during the meet-and-greet might be in hiding, hissing at you from across the room (or at your leg), or purring and all set to show you exactly where her food and litter...
First Pet Sits with a Nervous Dog – Tips – Part Two
Tips at Winning-Over a Nervous Dog - In part one of this article we talked about arriving at your pet sit, how to recognize the signs of a nervous dog, and a few of the reasons he might be that way. In this half of the article, we've suggested a few ways to bring some...
First Pet Sits with a Nervous Dog – Part One
Often you’ll find a nervous dog sitting behind the door at your first pet sit. Remember the pup who spent the whole meet-and-greet with his head in your lap or showing-off with a toy? Well…he might be inhabited by an alter-ego during your first visit in. This article...
Are You Ready to be a Pet Sitter? – Part Two
In the first half of our article, "Are You Ready to be a Pet Sitter?," we looked at your love of animals, whether pet sitting is feasible for you from a variety of perspectives, and if you are capable of doing the job. Now we'll look at the business aspect. Take...
Are You Ready to be a Pet Sitter? Part One
How do you know if pet sitting is the profession for you? We all come from different backgrounds and industries. Pet sitting might have been a goal of yours or perhaps a sudden inspiration, as it was for me. Some of you choose it because of the six-figure profits many...
Your First Phone Call – Part Two – Who Are You?
February 4, 2015 - "Who are you, pet sitter?" During your first phone call, your prospective client might not be so blunt, but they will have questions. And so they should. With only a few minutes on the phone and a few more at their home, you expect them to hand you...
Get Started! Your First Phone Call – Part One
February 3, 2015 - It has to happen eventually. Your first phone call! You're really in the pet sitting business now. So how do you envision it? Are you talking on your house phone...your cell? Much of your pet sitting administrative work will be done by phone. You'll...
Client Instructions…Beware the Inner Voice to Rebel!
February 2, 2015 - You've been in the business for awhile...or perhaps lived with dogs all your life...so the temptation to loosen-up on listening to your client's requests might be overwhelming sometimes. Maybe it's time to rebel and let the dog or cat have a little...
Anti-Spam Legislation Affects You
Business today relies on email to get our messages across, but what are our limits as pet sitters in contacting prospective new customers? Anti-spam legislation is in place in most countries around the world and it's an important part of your business to understand...
Jack Russell Terrier – The Devil’s in the Eyes
January 30, 2015 - Sugar and spice one minute and mad dog the next...such are a few of the Jack Russell Terriers we've known and loved. Watch for the devil in their eyes! You've seen them on television and fallen for their lovable charm and crazy antics. They can leap...
Tell that Pet Sitting Client, “You’re Fired!”
January 29, 2015 - Some days we'd love to tell a pet sitting client, "You're Fired!" But have you ever done it? What's stopped you? Some people naturally see the world from a loftier (implied) position and despite our best efforts, we'll never do things to their...
Home Made Dog Biscuits – 1 (Because we’ll feature more!)
January 28, 2015 - Let's have a little fun! It's winter and it's time for home made dog biscuits! When we had our own dogs, one of the fun baking things I used to do was make a batch of dog cookies for Christmas. (We'd share with our friends' and family's dogs.) I'd...
Are Your Pets Whispering About You? Animal Communication
Are you aware of what your animals are saying to each other…and about you? Do you wonder how they know when a family member is returning home? The answer is their silent telepathic communication, and science is finally listening!
Does Your Client Have a Cat Burglar in the House?
Could a cat burglar be responsible for some of the messes we, and maybe you too, are blaming on unsuspecting and (maybe even) innocent dogs? Some weeks ago I told you about the Doggy Door Opener dog we had staying with us who figured out how to open magnetic door...
Set Up Your Website – Pet Sitter!
You're moving along with your business! You've thought about the areas of service you'd like to focus your pet sitting on (Let's Talk Marketing.) You've taken time to name your business wisely (Name Your Business - Pet Sitter), and today we'll look at getting that...
Routines for Pets – While at Home or Boarding
January 24, 2015 - We see lots of dogs and follow many routines for them in the course of a week. If we're looking after them at their home while their family is away, or if they are boarding with us...those routines become even more important for us to know. During...
