A pet sitter checklist can include the standards: walking your pet, feeding them and playing with them, cleaning up after them and, of course, giving them a lot of love. But often, pet sitters are willing to take on a few extra chores, which allows you the opportunity to get a few things off your to-do list.
Talk to your sitter about the type of duties they are willing to take on and you may be surprised just how much more your sitter can do for you — besides taking care of your four-legged friend, of course. The key is having an open and honest talk with your sitter about what they are — and aren’t — interesting in doing.
For example, see if your pet sitter is able to help you with these common chores:
1. Taking in the mail
It’s never a good idea to let your mail pile up. Overstuffed mailboxes are a sure sign to burglars that no one is home. If you don’t want to put an official hold on your mail, but you don’t want your mailbox to overflow, ask your sitter to collect the mail and leave it in a neat stack inside your home — away from the elements and prying eyes.
2. Housesit
If you’re going away for a vacation or long weekend, who better than your pet sitter to watch the house while you’re gone? They can bring in the newspaper and mail when they take your pup on a walk. If it’s cold out, they can shovel the drive, and indoors, they can water the plants. Just having someone home to turn on the lights, run the water and make sure everything is OK in the house can give you peace of mind while you’re away.
3. Clean the litter box and pet areas
In the same way that nannies and sitters take care of kids, as well as many things related to the kids — for example, doing the laundry, making beds or picking up toys — your pet sitter checklist can include things directly related to your pet. That could include things like cleaning the litter box, washing the food and water bowls, brushing the pets, making sure all the animal toys are clean and checking food supply (to make sure you don’t run low).
4. Make playdates
Playdates aren’t just for kids. If your dog enjoys the company of another dog, your pet sitter can schedule time at the park for an activity with all your canine’s friends. Your pooch doesn’t have to be lonely just because you’re on vacation or at work.
5. Teach your pet tricks
Not only is it valuable to keep pets mentally alert by teaching them tricks, but you can also have your pet sitter work with the kids in the house to allow them to share in this experience. That way, the pet sitter is involved with both the kids and pets, which can free up some of your time.
6. Feed the fish
Your pet sitter should be able to take care of little things around the house — like feeding the fish or light dusting. Some pet sitters want the extra money, so they’ll gladly take on additional responsibilities. Talk to your sitter and see what they are most comfortable taking on.
Looking for a new pet sitter? Check out 10 Things to Look for in a Pet Sitter for tips. Have you asked your pet sitter to take on additional duties in your home? What were some of your recent requests and how did your pet sitter react? Let us know below!
