For animal lovers with a flexible lifestyle, pet sitting can be an ideal full- or part-time job. And the more people travel, the greater the demand for professionals who provide pet care at the pet owner’s home—which tends to be a happier and less stressful experience for the pet than boarding them while the owner is away.
Pet sitting isn’t the trickiest of tasks, but it requires a very specific set of skills. The perfect pet sitter is professional and responsive, transparent with information, and has strong communication skills with people and pets alike. Their manner with animals should be gentle and they should be able to instinctively read their body language.
Here are some questions to anticipate being asked during your pet sitting interview, as well as other ways to prepare in order to land the job.
How to prepare for a pet sitting interview
Going into the job interview, bear in mind these three rules of the road:
- Provide references without being asked.
- Explain your services clearly.
- Listen to and take note of what the owner wants.
It’s worthwhile meeting the pet along with their owner—in their familiar environment, where possible. If you can’t make it to their home, try to schedule a video call and ask for a tour of the house while you talk. This helps you get to know the potential client and the place they call home.
In addition, experts recommend being prepared to answer the following:
Pet sitting interview questions and answers
1. What is your experience level with caring for pets?
Don’t expect to impress potential clients with the fact that you once had a pet when you were young. Be specific in sharing the types of animals you have cared for and their unique situations. Have some relevant examples of how you have managed specific pet-related situations at the ready and be prepared to provide references.
2. Do you have experience dealing with certain breeds and their unique behaviours?
It should be obvious that different types of animals require different types of care, but this can apply to different breeds and personalities as well. Owners with exuberant and lively dogs may seek pet sitters capable of managing their pets’ personality, while people with breeds known for their energy levels, such as pit bulls, may prefer sitters well-versed in their particular variety of furry friend.
3. Do you have basic first aid skills?
Potential clients will want to know that you will know what to do if their pet should find themselves in an emergency situation or require medical attention. They may ask if you know dog CPR or have administered pet medication before, or if you know how to recognise common issues like a urinary tract infection.
4. How much time do you spend with the pet, and what do these interactions include?
Give potential clients a very clear idea of what your services include—and what they don’t. Be sure to discuss the details of how you work, including how you’ll enter the home, where you’ll take the pet (if walks are required), how you’ll handle feedings, and how you’ll ensure that the pet feels safe, happy, and calm.
5. How much do you charge for your services?
Pet sitting rates can vary dramatically based on your location, experience level and the needs of individual pets. But one thing holds true no matter what: The amount of time you spend with the pet is directly linked with how much you should charge. Check out what your local competitors are charging before setting your own rates and consider these expert tips and tricks.
Questions to ask a potential client during your pet sitting interview
In addition to the questions a potential client will ask you, it’s important that you ask them questions as well. Here are a few examples:
- What does your pet enjoy doing?
- What is your pet’s daily routine and feeding schedule?
- How well does your pet do in the car? Am I allowed to take them in the car?
- What training methods do you use with your pet?
- Is your pet on any special foods or medication? Do they have any health conditions I need to know about?
- Would you like me to send updates, including pictures and/or videos?
- Who is the pet’s vet and what are their contact details? Who should I contact in case of an emergency?
It’s also worth your while asking for canine character references. Find out if previous dog sitters, daycare managers or other people who know the pet well can give you a sense of what they’re like. This is particularly useful if you can’t meet the pet before you get started.
Ultimately, taking the time to find out what makes this particular pet tick is crucial to ensuring you’re the right fit for them and their family. Owners with difficult dogs are unlikely to give the game away, so if you have any doubts, politely ask more questions or make sure you arrange to meet the pet before making any commitments.
