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Summer Pet Sitting: Pro Tips for Hosting Guest Dogs
Virginia shared apost on prepping her dogs for an upcoming pet sitting adventure… Check out that post here. I got to thinking about the other side of the experience, bringing dogs into your home…
Whether you’re helping a friend or expanding your services, welcoming a guest dog into your home can be both rewarding and enjoyable. Here’s how to make the experience smooth and lower stress for everyone involved. ????????
1. Conduct a Meet-and-Greet ????
Before the stay, arrange a meeting with the dog and their owner. This helps you understand the dog’s temperament and allows the dog to become familiar with you.
2. Maintain the Dog’s Routine ????
Stick to the dog’s usual feeding, walking, and sleeping schedule as closely as possible. Consistency helps reduce anxiety and makes the dog feel more at home.
3. Dog-Proof Your Home ????
Ensure your home is safe by removing hazardous items, securing trash bins, and checking for escape routes. This is especially important if the dog is unfamiliar with your environment.
4. Understand Canine Body Language ????
Learn to read signs of stress or discomfort in dogs, such as pacing, panting, or tucked tails. Recognizing these cues allows you to address issues promptly.
5. Prepare for Emergencies ⛑
Have a plan in place for emergencies. Keep the owner’s contact information, the dog’s veterinary details, and a list of any medications readily accessible.
6. Communicate Clearly ????
Discuss expectations with the dog’s owner, including any house rules, feeding instructions, and behavioral quirks. Clear communication ensures a successful pet-sitting experience.
7. Consider Professional Liability Insurance ☂
If you’re offering pet-sitting services professionally, obtaining liability insurance can protect you in case of accidents or injuries.
8. Provide Regular Updates ????
Keep the dog’s owner informed with daily updates and photos. This reassures them that their pet is in good hands and helps build trust.
Hosting a guest dog can be a delightful experience that strengthens your skills and expands your opportunities to offer dog training. ????
Do you offer pet sitting? What other tips can you share?
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5 Replies
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Such great advice, @catherine !
Before hosting a client’s dog at my house, I also pre-screen to discover what the dog’s behavior is like when left alone, knowing my set-up isn’t right for a dog who has separation anxiety.I also want to know that young dogs (who still may have accidents or get into chewing mischief) will calmly accept some form of confinement (crate or x-pen) when left alone in the house, as I sometimes have to leave for a few hours.
Earlier this month, I had to turn away a regular dog visitor who is terrified of fireworks because he would’ve been here over July 4th weekend. A nearby neighbor has a massive fireworks display and it’s like a war zone here.
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Oooh. Great considerations as well, @virginiad – the voice of experience here! It’s important that dogs can be safely left, you are right. And the whole fireworks thing. Ugh, poor pups!
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I sometimes feel like my criteria for boarding is too ‘much,’ but I know my limits and want to be sure it’s a positive experience for the dogs and for me. ????
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@virginiad – Oh that resonates, feeling like we are being too restrictive about the cases we take on, but that choice is what helps us keep the balance so we can keep doing what we do…. (a lesson I learned the hard way!) – Your wisdom in this is practical and I’m grateful you are sharing!
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