Dog sitting

I really was interested in canine care. I was not really sure which area I wanted to specialize in. With my canine specialist training I learned a little bit about a lot of different areas of dog care. So the latest thing I’ve tried out is dog sitting.

I first started out with fostering dogs which is very different. A rescue or shelter is different than an owner. A lot of times with fostering. Dogs of course have came from bad environments, usually need medical care, so you’re taking care of a lot of physical needs rather than just enjoying time with the dog. Especially if it’s a short term foster which is mostly what I had.

You’re responsible in both situations but I feel like expectations are probably lower with fostering especially with the overpopulation of dogs.

Harder

Dog sitting is a huge responsibility there’s a lot of liability involved. Also dog owners expectations for the dog sitter can be extremely high sometimes even unreasonable and you’ve got to make sure you can meet the expectations of the owner.

I would highly recommend of course talking to the owner a lot it would be best if you start out with someone you know. Not to mention if you have anyone else who has met the dog. Get their ideas of what the dog is like. Of course do a meet and greet with the dog and owner before hand. I was very fortunate I was able to talk to the previous dog sitter in my first dog sitting job and that was great.

Of course make sure everyone in the home is on board with dog sitting especially your other dogs. No your dogs personalities well and make sure the dog you were sitting gets along with other dogs. You learn a lot of you go fortunately I had been a person who fostered dogs so I kind of knew what kind of dynamic was good for my household and what kind of dogs I would be able to take.

Establish boundaries know what you’re comfortable with what your dogs are comfortable with and do not stray from that because if you start taking on things you’re not comfortable with that leads to disaster. Also talk to the dog owner about your boundaries and limitations. Make sure everybody is on board. Example the person that I dog sit for does not allow her dog on the bed but she’s OK with the dog sleeping with the dog sitter. Like I said I spoke to the previous pet sitter so I knew this ahead of time. If she would’ve not been OK with her dog sleeping on the bed at my house I would’ve made other arrangements.

Talk about crate training I worked with foster organizations that required pre-training. I am more comfortable with dogs being in crates when I’m not home to supervise. I’m not a stickler for dogs sleeping in crates or being in crates any other time but I do want dogs to be able to be in crates even for short periods of time. There are people in the world that do not want their dog in a crate at all. I am able to make an accommodation if the dog is not destructive and is housebroken they can be confined to a bedroom when I’m not home but the dog Hass to be able to be housebroken and well behaved when left alone. Otherwise they have to stay in a crate.

I personally am finding that I prefer to use my own leashes my own blankets things like that. Less stuff to have around and keep up with not to mention I do have dogs and I wouldn’t want a stain or tear to get on someone else’s property. If the person really insist that their dog use their things I will work with that as well but I don’t mind providing leashes or blankets or things like that especially if their dog is not particular.

Feeding time

Feeding time should probably be separate especially when you’re feeding your foster dogs or boarding clients. You don’t want any accidents to happen and you do not want your dogs to eat their food or vice versa. Also I recommend letting them bring their own food, feeding another dog is expensive and you don’t want that responsibility if they were to get sick or have a reaction.

I would take extra precautions with any dogs that are not yours. Example I have a fenced in area but for the first few times I still take them out on a leash. You don’t know what kind of crazy antics dogs that you’re not familiar with can get into such as climbing fences or digging holes.

Adventures

I like to take my dog to the dog park but I know dog parks are controversial. When I was fostering one of the rescue said no dog parks so when I took my dogs to the dog park I left the Foster Dog‘s at home. I am picky about who I take to the dog park. It Hass to be dogs that I trust and know a lot about. If I’m not sure I do not take the dog to the dog park and I especially do not take the dog if I do not have the owners permission. Keep in constant contact with the owner and if you can’t, I would have another family member or trusted friend to step in and make decisions in their absence.

Have an information packet on the dog you’re keeping things like veterinarians phone number address and name. Age of the dog shot records allergies any information that the owner thinks is important. Have that written down and put it somewhere safe so that you will know I would also tell the owner that they are responsible for paying any veterinarian bills and make sure the veterinarian takes credit cards or payment over the phone. That way you are not stuck with any medical bills.

Payment

I would highly recommend a deposit especially on long-term boarding clients. If you’re going to have the dog more than a night or two I would definitely recommend a deposit. Also check rates in your area every town is different. I would check to see how much boarding kennels and pet sitter is charged. Make your prices accordingly I would start at a little less when you first begin and then when you build up clientele experience and references you can raise prices.

I would highly recommend taking care of a dog for someone you know first whether it’s fostering, or taking care of a friends dognot without acharge. you’re familiar with. That way you can work out all the kinks, figure out how much work is involved. Also decide whether you want it as a side job or primary job. You might find that you love it or you might find that it’s way too much work. This will help you decide what to charge as well.

If you do decide to keep dogs in your home on a regular basis I would suggest stocking up on some things extra bowls, leashes, blankets, dog shampoo brushes, toys, even treats. Yes in a perfect world the owner would bring all these things but you might find it’s easier to have some of them on hand.

You might want to have a special area for dogs that are not your own. Such as a room or just a special crate that you keep cleaned out. Of course wash everything that the other dog uses that’s yours. Blankets, it might even be nice to wash some of their things that they use at your house if you have the dog for a long-term stay.

Decide if you’re going to require vaccinations. I would at least require what the state requires. Every state is going to be different. Maybe even see if there’s some regulation on what you need to require. Also if you do require vaccinations make sure you check out paperwork and make sure everything‘s current. Another thing think about flea preventative, make sure that these dogs that are not your own are not bringing parasites to invade your home or dog. I would also have some extra parasite preventatives in your home such as flee spray for your yard, home, dogs, and of course bedding. Make sure everything is clean before and after your borders arrive and make sure your borders aren’t bringing guests of their own in the form of parasites or worms.

Decide if you’re comfortable giving out medication. Whether it’s an anabiotic or allergy med or if you’re comfortable taking care of dogs with seizures or diabetes. I am comfortable giving out minor medications but not comfortable taking care of dogs that are terminal or seriously ill with diabetes or seizures.

You also need to decide how available you need to be for the dogs that you’re caring for. Are you able to go to work or go out for a short period of time or is it a dog that needs constant care. I’m not really sure where I stand when it comes to this I would imagine I don’t want any dog that I need to be with 24 seven but I’m OK with having to be home within 2 to 3 hours.

What kind of dogs are you willing to take? I personally want small dogs under 25pounds, no puppies but loves seniors. Larger dogs do not work well with the size of my home yard and other dogs. Smaller dogs are going to work better for me. You might prefer puppies and large dogs which is fine there’s enough dogs to go around for everyone. Just know what you’re comfortable with. Also consider temperament I will not take an aggressive dog whether it’s aggressive to me or my other dogs, so I am going to state that at front.

You also need to consider how long you want to take a dog on for a boarding. I don’t mind even 2 to 3 weeks, but you might prefer short term. You might want to block off times of the year that are not going to work for you such as holidays, where I’m pretty much home all the time so it really doesn’t matter.

Do you have a lot of guest? Guess might let a dog out or be careless or something might happen. I do not have that many people coming over to my house so that’s not something I need to think about. I don’t entertain or have parties or anything like that but if you do you need to have a special area for your dogs that you’re caring for or possibly not schedule any parties or entertaining times during the time you are watching a dog.

How many hours a day are you away from the house. I’m not away very long so I don’t have to worry about that but if you work, or have other obligations such as day trips or maybe just have evenings out with friends you either need a back up which is some thing you will need to cover with the dogs owner, or postpone any of these things during the time you were watching a dog.

Yes I know this sounds like a lot to think about but dog sitting is a huge responsibility. Definitely take it seriously and be sure it’s the thing for you and your household. Before embarking on this journey.