How many and what type of pets will I be taking care of? It is very important for pet sitters to know the pets they will be looking after beforehand. Some pet sitters have allergies to cats and others don’t particularly like reptiles. As well, pet sitters who look after more than one pet should charge a higher salary. Here is a list of the types of pets most in demand to be looked after: Dog (9%) Cat (7%) Fish (2%) Small Mammals (2%) Birds (1%) Lizards/reptiles (1%) 2. Will I be expected to provide extra services? Some households expect pet sitters to perform certain tasks while they are away. Again, a pet sitter’s salary should reflect the types of service provided, especially for more challenging tasks. For example, petsitters who pet groom usually charge 9% more than those who don’t. Here is a list of some common requirements: Pet Feeding (43%) Dog Walking (34%) Overnight Care (34%) Boarding (17%) Pet Grooming (5%) Training (4%) Behavioral Training (3%) 3. How do you deal with bad behavior? All pet owners have their own ways of dealing with bad behaviors. Ask your client what they usually do when their pet misbehaves. What expectations do they have for you? Are there certain commands or words you should use? Is the pet supposed to be relegated to a specific area of the house? Be clear about how you are supposed to deal with poor behavior. 4. How do you reward good behavior? Similar to dealing with bad behaviors, all pet owners have a certain way of rewarding their pets for good behavior. For some, it’s as simple as giving them a treat. For others, it’s a specific treat, or it may be some extra affection. There may also be certain words or commands that are used to reinforce positive behaviors. 5. Is your pet allergic to anything? This is extremely important information to be aware of. Just like when babysitting children, as a pet sitter, you need to be aware of anything that could cause an allergic reaction. Is the pet allergic to certain foods? Are there certain foods or treats that cause stomach issues? What about plants or other things around the house? Are there things that could make them sick? Knowing this information is very important. Similarly, it’s important to have specific information about administering medicine to pets. Know when, how much, and how often. 6. Is there anything I need to keep an eye out for? A pet’s behavior changes over time. This is why it’s a good idea to ask about anything you should keep an eye out for. Is there anything the pet is extra interested in lately? Is there a specific area of the yard they frequent? Has your pet been trying to get out when the door opens? Is there anything else you need to pay more attention to? 7. What should you do in case of a medical emergency? Being prepared to deal with a pet emergency is very important. How you will react will be based on the pet owner’s instructions. If they are only out for the night or are in town, a call to them will often be all that is required. However, if you are watching the pet for an extended period of time and the owner is out of town, it’s important to have vet information, who you should call if they have pet insurance and other instructions. 8. What are your pet’s triggers? What are they scared of? What will they react to? All pets have unique triggers or certain things that set them off. They may be scared of the vacuum cleaner, thunderstorms, or even something kooky like shoes or a household plant. The key is to know what these triggers are and how to deal with them. 9. Can the pet be left alone? For how long? Some pets can be left alone and others can’t. If you do leave them alone, some can be left alone for hours, while others can only be left for very short periods of time. Know the rules for leaving pets alone so you don’t disrupt their normal schedule and behaviors. 10. Does your pet have any quirks I need to be aware of? Pets have quirks. Some dogs are terrible with walks, while some cats have a witching hour where they go squirrely. Whatever the quirk is, you need to know about it – so you can deal with it and so it doesn’t catch you off guard when it happens.

1. Go on a walking tour of your city. Soak up your city just like a tourist would but with a much better sense of direction. If you plan your route, you can make pit stops at all of your city’s pet-friendly haunts for treats and attention. All the tourists will be so jealous. 2. Spend a day swimming and exploring a beach or lake. Some dogs are more like mermaids, so let them be part of that world! But before you do, make sure the beach or lake is dog-friendly and that you bring a doggy life vest. (Not all dogs can swim!) 3. Go on a bike ride together. It’s harder than you might think to ride a bike while your dog is on a leash, so get a little practice in before hitting the bike trail. Some dogs are more bike-basket than ride-beside, so it’s wise to consider your dog’s physical fitness and start out slow. Once you both get the knack for it, you’ll be on a roll. 4. Run or jog together. Nothing tires out a pup with lots of energy like a long run. Some dogs are better suited for longer distances than others, so consider your pup’s health and the temperature outside, and always bring fuel, like treats and water. If you have a real runner on your hands — as in, a dog that’s prone to running off — it’s key to get a leash specially made for running. If this becomes a regular activity for you both, see if you can consistently beat your previous time. 5. Visit an off-leash dog park where your dog can romp with other dogs. Impromptu parties are the best, especially the canine kind. Find your nearest off-leash dog park and let your pup do some mingling. They just might turn out to be the life of the party. 6. Make a puzzle for your dog to solve. Dogs with lots of energy need diversions. The internet overflows with brain teasers you can make with items in your very own home, from materials you’d typically throw away. A DIY dog boredom-buster game with old tennis balls and treats or a homemade dog tug toy fashioned out of an old T-shirt could be just the challenge your dog craves. So get your dog toy crafting on! 7. Take an agility or obedience training class. Dogs with a wild streak tend to need focus, so choose a goal to work toward. Agility or obedience training will give them a chance to show their mad skills (if they have any!). But at the very least, it’ll help make your owner-doggy bond even stronger. A doggy trophy at the end of your semester makes a nice touch and an even nicer Instagram post! Medium energy: Dogs who enjoy good fun, followed by a nap 8. Stock up on toys together at your favorite pet-friendly store. Attention shoppers: It’s time to let your dog steer the shopping cart! Surprises can be overrated, so take your pal to the store so they can do the choosing. Warning: Dogs can’t read price tags. 9. Take your dog on a boat ride. Get ready to make a splash — just make sure you have the all-important life vest with you when you do, as swimming doesn’t come naturally to all dogs. Some dogs were bred specifically because they make great first mates. So, why not see if your pup has the chops for sea life? Easing your dog into activities like these — and having a cool friend with a nice boat — is recommended. 10. Teach your dog a new trick. Old, young, no matter the age, dogs like to learn new things, so give them a challenge by teaching them awesome new ways to impress you (and your friends). Look up dog tricks on YouTube, grab some treats and start practicing some tricks. Your pup’s stunts will be the talk of your next house party. 11. Play in a sprinkler, leaves or snow. No matter what season you’re in, there’s always fun just outside your door. Run through a sprinkler, play fetch with snowballs after a snowstorm or jump in a pile of leaves. (Don’t forget to check for ticks after!) Sometimes the simple pleasures in life make the best memories. 12. Enjoy a stay at a pet-friendly hotel or bed and breakfast. Dogs are welcomed guests at some of the most exciting accommodations across the U.S. So if your pup travels well, plan a mini vacay for the two of you. Splurge on luxury amenities like pet-pampering packages — or just bring your favorites treats from home. Simply search for pet-friendly places to stay on Expedia, Airbnb, VRBO and most other popular travel sites. Both you and your dog can enjoy the adventure involved in exploring somewhere new. 13. Throw a puppy party. You have friends with dogs on speed dial, and now’s the time to invite them over. Whether it’s your dog’s birthday or National Dog Day (Aug. 26), set a date and go all out. Check out these Instagram-worthy dog party ideas. 14. Find a unique spot for an Instagram photoshoot. A graffitied wall, your favorite city fountain, a famous statue or a quiet park bench — pose your pooch at a spot with a little character, and you’re bound to get all the Instagram hearts. Don’t forget to reward your subject with treats! Low energy: Dogs who just want to be with you 15. Netflix and nap. Reserve the most comfy spot on the couch for at least three hours. Watch a canine-friendly flick together — like “101 Dalmatians,” “Best in Show” or “Marley & Me” — and snuggle up for a nap. We can’t think of anything more dreamy. 16. Take your dog to work. National Take Your Dog to Work Day may be June 24, but if you work in a pet-friendly environment, why not make it a regular occurrence? Medium-to-low-energy dogs can be good at helping to ease office stress, and there’s nothing more soothing than taking a coffee break with your cutie. 17. Give your dog a mani-pedi. You can leave clipping to a professional, but nail color? That’s all you! Pet-friendly nail polish comes in a wide variety of colors — in a polish pen and traditional bottle-and-brush form. So why not give your dog a pop of color on those claws? The Instagram paw-sibilities are endless. 18. Book a “doga” session. Just breathe. A dog-friendly yoga session will help with that and more (like stretching) and, most importantly, bonding with your pooch. Doing downward dog with your best friend by your side has to be on every dog-lover’s bucket list. 19. Sing to your dog. Can you think of a better audience? No one loves the sound of your voice more! Go a cappella or call on Alexa for some background music. You’re guaranteed a standing ovation or at the very least a paw to the mouth, willing you to stop. 20. Practice patience by balancing treats on your pet’s nose. The hashtag #StuffOnMyDog yields a treasure trove of adorable pics on Instagram of dogs carrying lightweight amounts of cuteness on their heads and snouts. If you want to get in the game, start small with treats and get ready for some serious smiles.