Dog Sitter Checklist

Dog Sitter Checklist For New Clients
By Ben Waterworth
 
So you've started your very own dog sitter business and you are about to get your first client. Well it's important for you to always go through all the relevant points to ensure that each dog sitting experience goes as smoothly as the one before, so use this handy pet care checklist in order to make sure things go well whilst looking after the dog.

1. Become familiar with their dog and your new client as it helps to work with animals better. Try to visit their home as much as possible in the lead up to your stay to allow yourself ample opportunity to become acquainted with their house as well as their dog. If you feel uncomfortable in anyway, then maybe reconsider taking such pet jobs as dog sitters.
2. Ensure you both know what the rules are. Come up with a list of do's and don'ts for each other as well as making sure you know what the owner of the house and pet dog expects of you. Be this you living in their house for the time of the dog sit or travelling there a certain amount of times a day, you need to both be on the same page when it comes to the terms of your services as an animal care provider.
3. Come to an agreement on money. This is a good idea to do so before the stay commences, and both agree on a suitable rate and have it written down and signed. This will prevent any issues at the conclusion of the stay. Often dog walking is a good way to earn money for a dog walker. However, dog sitters cum house sitters get free accommodation and food as part of their jobs with animals.
4. Ensure the owner has written down clear and easy to understand instructions on every little detail of looking after the pet. It's best to have these separated into the following categories:
5. Food: make the owner write down as detailed instructions as possible when it comes to feeding time. Have them write down everything from what food to feed the dog, how much, what times and even where the bowl should be placed.
6. Medication: if the dog requires any form of medication it is essential to have clear instructions on what they need to take and how frequently. It is even a good idea to get a demonstration as sometimes certain medication needs to be given in a specific way
7. Exercise: have the owner tell you how much exercise they expect the dog to have and what is the best method to do so
8. Have all other household duties that you are required to undertake as as a house sitter written down clearly and as detailed as possible. Are you required to clean the backyard of dog poo? Water the plants? Clean the kitchen? Ensure you both come to an agreement before commencing your stay.
9. Have the owners write down contact details in case any emergencies happen. Ensure that they give you:
   -  Where they are going and the contact details for their place of stay. Even get them to give you a copy of their itinerary so you know exactly where they are on specific days
   -  Contacts for people nearby who may be of assistance. This may be their relatives or family friends who are willing to come over should you need assistance
   -  The number of the dogs vet. If the worst happens you want to make sure you can take the dog to the vet with no hassle and questions being asked that you won't know the answer to
10. Confirm all dates and times for the stay of your visit and know how long exactly your services will be required. You should give the owners your contact details as well so that they may reach you should there be a change in schedule.
11. Any other concerns or issues should be written down and agreed upon at the commencement of your stay.

With these in mind, you will soon be able to have a nice, safe stay with your client's dog and hope that everything runs smoothly for the duration of your visit!

There are many TAFE courses offered at many colleges in Australia that offer specialized career-oriented pet jobs. You can study, travel, and work in Australia, pick convenient jobs in Australia that invite sitters for working with animals.