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Be a pro pet sitter!

 

Need some extra holiday cash? While all your friends are making extra bucks babysitting, try going a different route. Sure, kids are fun, but if you can’t get enough of your furry friend or simply can’t resist cuddling the pups from the store windowpet sitting may be your calling. But before you dive in to the world pet-sitting head first, here are a few tips 'n' tricks to keep in mind. 

Say no to table beggars

Even if you’re comfortable with feeding table scraps to your own animals, don’t assume it’s okay to do so for other peoples’ pets. We may not always consider it, but animals have allergies too. You never know what foods could harm or irritate the pet, and it’s just best not to risk it.

Always pick up the poo

Picking up poop during walks is a given, but what about at home? It’s important to clean up after the pet has been let out in the backyard. The last thing you want is for the owners to come home and step in the mess later on. This trick will keep you in the owners’ good graces, it’s little tricks like this that will have them asking you to sit again and again.

Stick to the schedule

Most pet owners will give their sitter a list or packet with all the times the animal should be fed, walked or whatever. This list is your BFF! Keep a print copy at hand and a digital copy available on your phone. Try to stay on track with the schedule as much as possible. The pet is probably used to this schedule, and changing it could have bad effects, for example: if a pet is used to being taken to the bathroom at a certain time, make sure they are taken out right at that time. Mixing the pets schedule up could leave you with a messy cleanup (which is no good, or fun!).

Don’t invite your friends

Most of the time pet sitting also means house sitting. Whether you’re staying the night or just checking in everyday, the pet owners trust you to not only watch their dog, but also to respect their property. Don’t take advantage of the situation by inviting over friends or guys. Trust us—neighbors talk, and you better believe they’ll tell the owners anything and everything they saw while you were sitting. 

Do you pet-sit? What are your best tips? Share in the comments below!  

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by Laurise McMillian | 2/1/2016
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