Before caring for someone’s pet, you need a clear picture of their normal behavior, quirks, and boundaries—because every animal has its own personality, and missing a detail can lead to stress or even safety issues. Here’s what you should always ask about and understand: ⸻ 1. Temperament & Personality • Is the pet friendly, shy, anxious, or aggressive? • How do they react to strangers (like you at first)? • Do they warm up quickly, or need space? Some pets may seem calm with their owner but act very differently when they’re gone. ⸻ 2. Triggers & Fears • Are they scared of loud noises (thunder, fireworks, vacuums)? • Do they have separation anxiety? • Any history of biting, scratching, or running away? Knowing triggers helps you avoid situations that could cause panic or defensive behavior. ⸻ 3. Social Behavior • How do they behave around other dogs, cats, or people? • Can they go to dog parks or should they avoid other animals? • Are they territorial in the home? This is especially important for walks or if others might visit. ⸻ 4. Feeding Habits • Do they eat everything immediately or are they picky? • Do they guard their food? • Any food aggression or special feeding routines? Food-related behavior can be a common source of conflict if misunderstood. ⸻ 5. Energy Level & Exercise Needs • High-energy (needs lots of play/walks) vs. low-energy (mostly naps) • Any destructive behavior if they’re bored? A bored pet might chew furniture, bark excessively, or act out. ⸻ 6. Bathroom Habits • Are they fully house-trained? • Do they signal when they need to go out? • Any accidents when stressed? This helps you prevent messes and recognize when something’s off. ⸻ 7. Medical or Special Behaviors • Do they take medication? How do they react to it? • Any physical limitations (e.g., can’t jump, sensitive areas)? • Signs of illness or discomfort to watch for Some pets hide pain well, so behavior changes matter. ⸻ 8. Routine & Comfort Habits • Usual daily schedule (feeding, walks, sleep) • Favorite toys, sleeping spots, or rituals • What helps calm them down? Keeping their routine consistent reduces anxiety. ⸻ 9. Boundaries & Training • Commands they know (sit, stay, come) • Things they’re not allowed to do (furniture, certain rooms) • How the owner corrects behavior Consistency is key—mixed signals can confuse the pet. ⸻ 10. Escape or Mischief Tendencies • Do they try to bolt out doors? • Can they open cabinets, gates, or crates? • Any history of getting into trash or chewing things? This is crucial for keeping them safe.

A typical day of pet sitting can be surprisingly full—equal parts routine, responsibility, and a bit of unpredictability depending on the animals you’re caring for. Morning usually starts early. Most pets are used to a schedule, so you’ll begin by feeding them, refreshing water bowls, and taking dogs out for a walk or letting them into the yard. Cats might need litter boxes cleaned, while smaller animals (like rabbits or birds) may need cage tidying. This is also when you check for anything unusual—changes in behavior, appetite, or health. Mid-morning to afternoon is more flexible. After the essentials, you spend time with the pets so they’re not lonely—playing, brushing, or just keeping them company. If you’re staying in the client’s home, you might also handle small household tasks like bringing in mail or watering plants. For drop-in visits, you may travel between multiple homes, repeating similar care routines for different animals. Walks and exercise are key. Dogs especially need physical activity, so at least one longer walk or play session (fetch, tug-of-war) is usually part of the day. High-energy pets might need multiple sessions. Evening mirrors the morning. Another round of feeding, walks, cleaning, and attention. Pets often get more relaxed at night, so this can be a quieter bonding time—sitting on the couch with a dog or having a cat curl up nearby. Before bed (if overnight sitting), there’s a final check: letting dogs out one last time, making sure all animals are settled, and ensuring the home is secure. Throughout the day, you’re also: • Sending updates or photos to the owner • Following specific instructions (medications, diets, routines) • Staying alert for emergencies or behavioral issues