How To: Volunteer to Be a Pet Walker or Sitter

Some pet owners just don’t have time to walk or play with their pets as much as they would like to, or they may need someone to take care of their beloved critters while they're away on vacation. That’s where you come in - skilled and caring pet sitter/walker extraordinaire. Considering donating your fees to a local animal shelter - you'll be helping out animals while having fun too!

1. Get experience. Pet sitting is a lot like babysitting - most people won’t let you in the door if you don’t have any experience. Make this your first priority. Volunteer at an animal shelter, ask a neighbor if you can play with their pet every week, or volunteer to teach a pet care lesson at a pre-school in your area.
2. Look it up. Research certain breeds of dogs and cats and how they normally behave. This will impress people and you’ll know what to do in a sticky situation. This is especially important if you are walking many dogs at once. You don’t want any fights.
3. Spread the word. Once you have some experience caring for animals (besides your own pet/s), start marketing yourself around town. You can make up a name for your service, like “Best Pet Care There” or advertise just by using your name. Hand these flyers out on a busy street nearby and post some signs in parks, where people walk their dogs, and in local pet stores…just ask first. Whatever you decide, create some colorful posters and flyers for your service. Be sure to include:
   • Your name and experience
   • An email address and/or telephone number
   • The rate you charge (this can be donated to a local animal shelter or rescue group)
   • Hours you’re available
   • What area/s you serve
   • Photos of animals (animal lovers always stop to look at things with animals on them)
4. Be honest. If something happens to a pet while you are watching it, always tell the pet owner about it. Sometimes accidents can’t be prevented and most owners would want to know if little Fluffy ate a piece of chocolate you accidentally left out.
5. Know the no-no’s. You should really only feed an animal it's regular food, but some things are definitely off limits, as they can cause serious stomach problems. Never feed a dog or cat the following, even as a snack:
   • Alcoholic beverages (duh!)
   • Chocolate
   • Coffee
   • Grapes & raisins
   • Moldy or spoiled food
   • Onions, garlic & chives
   • Poultry bones
   • Salt & salty foods
   • Tomato leaves, stems & unripe fruit
   • Yeast dough
6. Get rated. This is great for you and your customers. Create a rating card that pet owners can quickly fill out after you have done your job. This will help you perfect your skills and will show your customers how serious you are about the service you are providing.
7. Always be clean! If you are pet sitting, always make sure you clean up after yourself AND the pet. Leave the home exactly as you found it and if Sparky brings mud in after a walk, clean that up too. It shows that you are considerate and professional.



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