Professional Pet Sitter Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In a world where pets are often considered family, the need for professional pet sitters is more essential than ever.

As lifestyles evolve, the demand for skilled individuals who can provide, enhance, and ensure a safe and loving environment for our furry friends grows.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a professional pet sitter?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the heart of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the everyday life of a pet sitter,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable professional pet sitter job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Professional Pet Sitter Duties and Responsibilities

Professional Pet Sitters offer a range of services such as dog walking, feeding pets, administering medication, and providing companionship.

They have to cater to the individual needs of pets and ensure their safety and comfort while their owners are away.

Professional Pet Sitters are primarily responsible for directly assisting pets, with daily duties and responsibilities including:

• Meet with pet owners to discuss their pet’s needs, routines and personality
• Provide food and fresh water for pets at scheduled feeding times
• Walk pets as required, ensuring their physical activity needs are met
• Administer any necessary medication as instructed by pet owners or vets
• Monitor pets for any signs of illness or distress and report concerns to the pet owner or a vet
• Provide companionship and playtime to pets to keep them engaged
• Clean up after pets, including cleaning out litter boxes or picking up waste during walks
• Ensure the safety of pets by preventing them from dangerous situations or substances
• Report to pet owners on their pet’s behavior and any noticeable changes
• Perform basic grooming tasks such as brushing fur or cleaning teeth

 

Professional Pet Sitter Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate professional pet sitter to take care of our client’s pets.

The pet sitter’s responsibilities include feeding and giving medication to pets, taking them on walks, and providing companionship.

The ideal candidate should be reliable, have a deep love for animals, and have experience handling pets.

Ultimately, a successful pet sitter will ensure that the pets under their care are happy, healthy, and behave well during their owner’s absence.

 

Responsibilities

• Providing care for pets in the client’s home.
• Feeding and giving water to pets at prescribed times.
• Administering medication to pets as needed.
• Exercising dogs and ensuring pets have adequate playtime.
• Cleaning up after pets.
• Providing companionship to pets.
• Observing and monitoring pets for health concerns and reporting any changes or concerns to pet owners.
• Providing updates to pet owners on their pet’s well-being.
• Ensuring the pet’s environment is safe.

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a professional pet sitter or similar role.
• Passion for animals and their well-being.
• Ability to manage unruly pets and deal with emergencies.
• Excellent understanding of pet behavior.
• Good physical fitness to walk and handle pets if required.
• Ability to adhere to pet owner’s specifications in caring for their pets.
• Good communication skills to provide updates to pet owners.
• High school diploma or equivalent qualification.

 

Benefits

• Flexible working hours
• Training and development opportunities
• Travel reimbursement
• Paid time off
• Opportunity to work with a variety of pets

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Professional Pet Sitter
• Work Environment: Client’s home. Travelling to different locations will be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Pet Sitting Supervisor or Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $15 to $30 per hour
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if multiple locations)
• Employment Type: Part-time or Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Professional Pet Sitter Do?

A Professional Pet Sitter provides care for pets while their owners are away.

This can range from short-term periods such as during work hours or for extended periods like vacations.

They are responsible for feeding the pets according to their specific dietary needs and schedules.

They also ensure the pets have a constant supply of clean water.

Part of their job is to provide exercise and playtime to the pets, which can involve walks for dogs or playing with toys for cats.

They also are responsible for cleaning up any messes the pets may make, including litter box maintenance or cleaning up after a walk.

Professional Pet Sitters may also administer any necessary medication, following the owner’s instructions closely.

In case of any health emergencies, they are expected to contact the pet’s veterinarian and the owner immediately.

Some Pet Sitters may also provide basic grooming services such as brushing the pet’s fur or teeth, depending on the pet’s needs and owner’s request.

The role also involves ensuring the pet’s environment remains safe and comfortable, which could involve adjusting room temperatures or providing cozy bedding.

In addition to caring for pets, some Professional Pet Sitters may also perform other tasks such as collecting mail, watering plants, or providing general home care, as requested by the pet owner.

This makes them a valuable asset for pet owners who are away for extended periods of time.

 

Professional Pet Sitter Qualifications and Skills

A professional pet sitter should have the skills and qualifications that meet the requirements of the job, such as:

• Animal care knowledge to provide appropriate care to a variety of pet species including feeding, grooming, and administering medication.
• Patience and understanding to manage pets with diverse temperaments and energy levels.
• Physical fitness to manage active pets and carry out duties such as walking dogs and cleaning litter boxes.
• Detail-oriented to adhere to specific instructions for each pet, including dietary restrictions, medical needs, and routine.
• Excellent communication skills to interact effectively with pet owners, understand their requirements, and provide them with regular updates about their pets.
• Problem-solving skills to handle any emergencies that may arise, such as unexpected illness or injury of a pet.
• Reliability and trustworthiness as they will be entrusted with the care of beloved pets and often have access to clients’ homes.

 

Professional Pet Sitter Experience Requirements

A professional pet sitter typically starts by gaining experience with animals, either through owning pets personally, volunteering at animal shelters, or working part-time at a pet store or vet clinic.

This initial experience provides an understanding of basic animal care, behavior, and health.

In addition to this general pet care experience, a professional pet sitter may also go through more specific training programs or internships.

Some might pursue a certification from a pet sitting association, which often requires completing courses on pet first aid, behavior, and business management.

Candidates with 1-2 years of experience in pet sitting often have a good understanding of the responsibilities and challenges that come with the role, such as managing different pet personalities, administering medication, and responding to emergencies.

More experienced pet sitters, with 3-5 years of experience, often have a broader range of skills.

They may have experience with a wider variety of animals, from cats and dogs to birds and small mammals.

They may also have experience handling more complex situations, such as caring for elderly or special needs pets.

Those with over 5 years of experience in the field may have developed strong client relationships and gained a reputation for reliability and expertise.

They may be ready for more managerial roles within pet care organizations or may consider starting their own pet sitting business.

 

Professional Pet Sitter Education and Training Requirements

Professional Pet Sitters typically do not require a specific degree, but a high school diploma or equivalent education is generally recommended.

An educational background in animal science, veterinary technology, or a related field can be beneficial, providing a comprehensive understanding of animal behavior, nutrition, and health.

Additionally, Pet Sitters should have extensive experience with animals, either through volunteering at animal shelters, owning pets, or previous work in a pet-related field.

Many professional Pet Sitters choose to obtain certification from a recognized organization, such as the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS) or Pet Sitters International (PSI).

These certification programs offer coursework in animal behavior, pet care, first aid, health and nutrition, and business management.

Pet Sitters are also encouraged to become certified in Pet First Aid and CPR.

This training, offered by the American Red Cross and other organizations, equips pet sitters with the necessary skills to handle emergencies.

Continuous education and training are important for Professional Pet Sitters.

They can attend seminars, workshops, and conferences to stay updated on pet care standards and best practices.

Having a certification and/or continuous training may also indicate a Pet Sitter’s commitment to providing the best care for the pets they are responsible for.

 

Professional Pet Sitter Salary Expectations

A Professional Pet Sitter earns an average salary of $33,858 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings may vary based on experience, location, the number of pets being cared for, and the specific services provided.

 

Professional Pet Sitter Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Professional Pet Sitter need?

A Professional Pet Sitter should have strong interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with pet owners.

They should have a deep understanding and empathy towards animals and be able to manage different pet behaviors.

They also need to possess practical skills such as basic pet grooming, understanding of dietary requirements, and ability to administer medication if required.

 

Do Professional Pet Sitters need a qualification?

No specific qualifications are required for a Professional Pet Sitter, however, certifications in pet first aid, animal behavior, or similar fields can be advantageous.

They must have substantial experience in handling pets and must be knowledgeable about the needs and behavior of various breeds of pets.

 

What should you look for in a Professional Pet Sitter’s resume?

You should look for a history of pet care experience, whether it’s personal, volunteer, or professional.

Check if they have any certifications related to pet care or first aid.

It’s also important to look for references from previous pet sitting jobs or other related experiences that demonstrate reliability and trustworthiness.

 

What qualities make a good Professional Pet Sitter?

A good Professional Pet Sitter is patient, caring, and calm, even in stressful situations.

They should have a genuine love for animals and enjoy spending time with them.

Good pet sitters are also observant, able to notice changes in a pet’s behavior or health, and act accordingly.

Reliability and trustworthiness are also crucial as pet owners are entrusting their beloved pets to their care.

 

How can one become a successful Professional Pet Sitter?

To become a successful Professional Pet Sitter, one must have a genuine love for animals and a keen understanding of their behaviors and needs.

Building a good reputation through word-of-mouth referrals and positive reviews can also contribute significantly to their success.

Staying up-to-date with pet care trends, attending relevant courses or certifications, and being adaptable to handle different types of pets can also enhance their profile.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unlocked the secret of what it truly means to be a professional pet sitter.

And guess what?

It’s not just about playing with pets.

It’s about providing specialized care and companionship for beloved family members, one wagging tail at a time.

With our comprehensive professional pet sitter job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready to leap into action.

But why stop there?

Venture further with our job description generator. It’s your key to creating precision-crafted job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every interaction with a pet is part of a greater responsibility.

Let’s embark on this journey. Together.