Professional Pet Sitters Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In a world increasingly embracing pet parenthood, the demand for professional pet sitters has never been greater.

As our lives become more hectic, the need for reliable, compassionate individuals to tend to our furry family members escalates.

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

Whether you are:

• A job seeker looking to understand the scope of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the day-to-day responsibilities of a professional pet sitter,

You’re in the right place.

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

Let’s dive right into it.

Professional Pet Sitters Duties and Responsibilities

Professional Pet Sitters provide care for pets while their owners are away.

They are responsible for ensuring the well-being of these pets, which can include feeding, grooming, medication administration, exercise, and companionship.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Meeting with pet owners to discuss their pets’ needs, habits, diet, and exercise routines
• Feeding and watering pets according to the owner’s instructions
• Walking dogs or providing outdoor play time for pets that require exercise
• Monitoring pets for health issues and reporting any concerns to the owner or a vet
• Administering medication or special care to pets as needed
• Grooming pets by brushing their fur, trimming nails, and giving baths
• Cleaning up after pets, including cleaning litter boxes and picking up waste during walks
• Providing companionship to pets by playing with them and giving them attention
• Communicating with pet owners about their pets’ behavior and any issues or concerns

 

Professional Pet Sitters Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a professional and dedicated Pet Sitter to join our team.

The Pet Sitter’s responsibilities include traveling to clients’ homes, feeding and exercising pets, ensuring pets’ living spaces are clean, and providing companionship.

The ideal candidate loves animals, has experience with various types of pets, and is reliable and trustworthy.

They should be able to handle emergency situations and have a flexible schedule.

 

Responsibilities

• Visit clients’ homes to look after their pets while the clients are away
• Feed and give water to pets according to the clients’ instructions
• Walk dogs and provide necessary exercise to pets
• Clean litter boxes or other pet waste
• Monitor pets for health problems and notify owners if needed
• Provide companionship and comfort to pets
• Administer medications if required

 

Qualifications

• Prior work experience as a pet sitter or related role
• Knowledge of different breeds of dogs, cats, and other common pets
• Able to handle emergency situations and remain calm
• Capable of managing pets of various sizes and energy levels
• Flexible schedule, including availability for overnight stays
• Reliable and trustworthy with strong references
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation

 

Benefits

• Paid time off
• Pet care discounts
• Flexible schedule
• Opportunity for gratuities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Professional Pet Sitter
• Work Environment: Clients’ homes. Travel between clients’ homes is required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Pet Sitting Services Manager.
• Salary: Pay is typically per visit and varies based on length and type of visit.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
• Employment Type: Full-time, Part-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 experience with pets to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Professional Pet Sitters Do?

Professional Pet Sitters typically work for pet sitting agencies or operate independently, offering their services to pet owners who may be away from home due to travel, work or other commitments.

Their primary responsibility is to care for pets in the absence of their owners.

This includes tasks such as feeding the pets, providing them with fresh water, taking them for walks, and engaging them in play activities to keep them physically active and mentally stimulated.

Pet sitters may also be required to administer medication or perform simple grooming tasks such as brushing fur, cleaning ears or clipping nails, depending on the needs and requirements of the pet.

In addition to daily care, professional pet sitters are also responsible for maintaining the pet’s routine and ensuring their environment is safe and clean.

This might involve tasks such as cleaning litter boxes, tidying up after the pet, and making sure the pet’s living area is free from potential hazards.

Professional Pet Sitters provide regular updates to the pet owners about their pets’ behavior, eating habits, and overall health.

Some pet sitters are also trained in first aid and emergency procedures to ensure the well-being of the pets under their care.

It is crucial that professional pet sitters have a genuine love for animals, as they are responsible for providing comfort and companionship to pets when their owners are not present.

They often need to build a rapport with the pets to gain their trust, which requires patience, kindness, and understanding.

 

Professional Pet Sitters Qualifications and Skills

Professional Pet Sitters should have a combination of practical skills, personal attributes, and specific knowledge, such as:

• Animal handling skills and experience to provide care for a range of animals including dogs, cats, birds, and small mammals.
• Empathy and patience to deal with pets that may be anxious, sick, or elderly.
• Physical fitness and stamina to walk dogs and engage pets in physical activity.
• Knowledge of animal behavior, signs of distress, and basic first aid.
• Communication skills to effectively interact with pet owners, understand their pets’ needs, and provide them with regular updates.
• Reliability and responsibility to ensure all tasks, such as feeding, walking, and medication administration, are performed on time.
• Problem-solving skills to handle unexpected situations such as pet illness or injury.
• Customer service skills to build relationships with pet owners and ensure their satisfaction with the service.
• Ability to manage time effectively when caring for multiple pets.

 

Professional Pet Sitters Experience Requirements

Professional pet sitters often gain their initial experience through volunteering at animal shelters, working at kennels, or pet sitting informally for friends and family.

This provides them with basic skills in animal handling, understanding pet behavior, and responding to emergencies.

Most professional pet sitting companies require their pet sitters to have at least 1 to 2 years of hands-on experience with a variety of pets.

It is essential for the pet sitters to be comfortable and confident around different breeds and species, as the job often involves caring for dogs, cats, birds, and sometimes even exotic pets.

Those with more than 3 years of experience are likely to have developed specialized skills such as administering medication, grooming, or dealing with pets with special needs or behavioral issues.

They may also be experienced in providing overnight care for pets, as well as care for pets over extended periods of time when their owners are away.

Pet sitters with over 5 years of experience are often ready to take on supervisory or managerial roles within a pet sitting company.

They may also consider starting their own pet sitting business.

Many professional pet sitters enhance their credentials by obtaining certification from pet care organizations, which may require additional training and experience.

 

Professional Pet Sitters Education and Training Requirements

Professional Pet Sitters typically do not require formal education, however, a high school diploma or equivalent is often beneficial.

In-depth knowledge about different kinds of pets and their specific needs is crucial.

This could be gained through personal experience, volunteering at animal shelters, or working in pet stores or veterinary clinics.

While not required, potential pet sitters might consider obtaining certification from a reputable organization such as Pet Sitters International (PSI) or the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS).

These programs provide training on pet care, health and nutrition, business and office procedures, and additional specialized courses such as pet first aid.

It is also beneficial for a pet sitter to have a basic knowledge of animal behavior, as well as emergency protocols for potential health issues.

Training in pet CPR and first aid can be advantageous and such certification courses are often offered by the Red Cross.

Some pet sitters may choose to pursue further education in animal behavior, veterinary sciences, or animal training to increase their knowledge and expertise.

Lastly, many pet owners prefer pet sitters who are insured and bonded, which provides a level of security and trust in the service being provided.

 

Professional Pet Sitters Salary Expectations

Professional Pet Sitters can expect to earn an average of $14.87 (USD) per hour.

However, this wage can vary greatly based on factors such as the sitter’s level of experience, the location of the job, and the specific requirements of the pet owner.

 

Professional Pet Sitters Job Description FAQs

What skills does a professional pet sitter need?

Professional pet sitters should have strong interpersonal skills as they interact with both pets and their owners regularly.

They should have excellent time management skills, be reliable, and trustworthy.

Additionally, pet sitters should have a genuine love for animals, be patient, and have knowledge about different animal behaviors and needs.

 

What qualifications does a professional pet sitter need?

No formal education is necessary for a pet sitter, however, training or certifications in animal care or animal first aid can be advantageous.

Furthermore, experience with handling animals, whether personal or professional, is often preferred by clients.

 

What should you look for in a professional pet sitter’s resume?

On a professional pet sitter’s resume, look for evidence of prior experience with pet care.

This could include previous pet sitting jobs, experience working at a veterinary clinic, or even volunteering at an animal shelter.

Certifications related to pet care or animal first aid can also be a plus.

References from previous clients can provide insight into the pet sitter’s reliability and expertise.

 

What qualities make a good professional pet sitter?

A good professional pet sitter is compassionate, patient, and attentive to the needs of the pets they care for.

They should be able to handle unexpected situations calmly and efficiently.

Additionally, they should be reliable and trustworthy, as they often have access to clients’ homes in their absence.

 

How can one become a professional pet sitter?

Becoming a professional pet sitter usually involves gaining experience with pet care, whether through owning pets personally, volunteering at animal shelters, or working in pet care roles.

It can be beneficial to gain a certification in pet care or animal first aid.

Building a reputation through word-of-mouth or online platforms can also be helpful in attracting clients.

 

Conclusion

And so, we conclude.

Today, we’ve let you in on the secrets of what it means to be a professional pet sitter.

Surprised?

It’s not just about petting cats and walking dogs.

It’s about nurturing the bond between humans and their furry companions, one wagging tail at a time.

Armed with our comprehensive professional pet sitter job description template and authentic examples, you’re ready to venture forth.

But why halt your journey here?

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating finely-detailed listings or polishing your CV to a mirror shine.

Keep in mind:

Every wagging tail is a piece of a much bigger puzzle.

Let’s nurture that bond. Together.