There are things to assess before you decide to take on pet sitting:

• What types of services do I want to offer?
• Do I own and know how to use a smart phone? Am I willing to learn?
• Where do I want to offer those services? In my home or in the client’s home?
• Would I enjoy the duties of a Pet Sitter?
• Does my schedule allow me enough time to be responsive to clients and care for their pets needs?
• Is my property fully fenced, safe, and escape-proof for pets?
• Is my home suitable for pet toilet accidents? Or is it all carpeted?
• Are my own pets socialised and compatible with other pets?
• Are others I live with going to be healthy and safe around visiting guest pets?
• Is my home calming for visiting pets?
• Am I physically fit?

Key responsibilities and duties:

• Daily Feeding, putting out fresh water every morning and evening
• Brushing pets
• Taking dogs on walks, and providing exercise through play
• Cleaning litter boxes
• Additional services may include giving medications, vacuuming up pet hair in the house, or collecting the client's mail or newspaper
• Pet sitters are also responsible for notifying owners and taking pets to the vet if they should become sick or suffer an injury while under their supervision
• Prepared to pick up dog poop every time? Taking poo bags with you is also an important part of being a responsible Dog Walker.

The ideal candidates will have:

• A love for animals and a Connection to Pets
• Flexible
• Calm - Do you use common sense, and think well under pressure
• Are you a person with a ‘take charge’ attitude if a situation calls for it?
• Trustworthy & Safety Conscious
• Excellent time management skills.
• Good communicator? Responding to clients within 1-2 hours of an inquiry is a MUST.
• Sensitive to the needs of the pet ie. Mindful enough to recognise when its a hot day to ensure a dogs paws don't get burnt or ensure they don't overheat, and ensure they get enough water.
• Experienced & Prepared
• Consistent and reliable
• Are you able to be reassuring to Pet Owners and reliable?
• Are you patient with pets who may not be toilet trained?
• Willing to investigate different local councils about their local bylaws and whether or not you need a permit.
• Do you have attention to detail?

Attitude:

• Committed to providing a high standard of quality care to animals
• Friendly and outgoing to clients
• An expert at reading canine body language or willing to learn
• Willing to devote research time prior to taking a new breed of pet on to learn their temperaments

• Diligent – does a job well the first time.
• Are you good at building rapport?

If offering Pet Sitting from your own home:

• Do you have a secure fenced property?
• Is your garden free of plants that are toxic to pets?
• Do you own pets that are socialised and get along with other pets?
• Are bodies of water fenced?
• Are you reliable and able to keep good records of appointments to show up on time?
• Are you willing to research pet breeds and their care needs?
• Observant – knows when a pet has missed a wee and poo
• Physically fit to walk several hours a day and handle dogs of all sizes and strengths and temperaments
• Familiar with basic training commands

Types of People we Look For:

• The ideal pet sitter or pet care provider would be flexible and independent. They should be able to think on their feet and be an animal lover.
• An ideal candidate will have another source of income, even temporarily, while building up their client base with PetCloud.
• Go-getters should apply.
• Multi-taskers should apply.
• People with veterinary experience should apply.
• Animal Shelter Volunteers and Animal Foster Carers should apply
• People that are starting their next phase of life as an empty-nester or retiree should apply.