In recent years, pet sitting has emerged as a popular way for teenagers aged 16 and under to earn extra income. This opportunity helps give them the responsibility they crave, while giving them the chance to bond with their four-legged counterparts. Here are a few key tips for pet sitters and pet owners alike. Keeping these factors in mind will go a long way toward ensuring that pets receive smart, safe, and effective care.
In order to launch a new pet sitting venture, the new sitter needs to introduce themselves to the pet in advance. An adult should be with them on this first introduction. This initial introduction allows the sitter to gauge the animal’s mood and temperament. It ensures that the pet is comfortable with an unfamiliar person. Sitters may not use, or arrange for, sitters to provide services to hostile or dangerous animals. This method significantly reduces the exposure to the hazards presented by potentially volatile or hard-to-control companion animals.
Guidelines for Pet Sitters
That said, pet owners should take care to evaluate whether their chosen pet sitter has the maturity level needed to handle the big responsibilities. This evaluation is very important, because the duty of caring for another individual’s pet can be weighty. While sitters are not expected to care for children under six, the level of maturity is a determining factor. It has a profound impact on how safely and where they can care for pets.
Moreover, it is wise for pet sitters to have a trusted neighbor or friend available should any emergencies arise while they are on duty. This precaution adds another layer of protection and security for both the sitter and the pet owner, creating peace of mind on all sides. Having a plan for the unknown is an important aspect of high-quality, professional pet sitting services.
An equally critical part of being a young pet sitter involves knowing your limits when it comes to working hours. Pet sitters could not start work before 7 am or end after 7 pm. They can’t work more than 3 or 4 hours a day. On school days the time limit is often two hours, but children enjoy greater chances to labor during weekends and public vacations. These limits are protections that allow young sitters to fulfill their roles as caregivers and students simultaneously.
Setting Rates and Understanding Insurance
Child and teen pet sitters benefit by having the freedom to establish their own payment system for services rendered. They can do each job for an average of £5 to £10 charged. The exact figure varies based on their age, experience and how long the care will be needed. This range allows them to tailor their pricing based on their individual circumstances and the specific needs of the pet.
Pet parents should have the freedom to decide who looks after their beloved furry family members. They are free to choose not to hire an unsafe contractor without insurance. Insurance isn’t available to sitters under 16. Younger sitters need to be honest about their lack of formal coverage. All the while, they need to be sensitive that pet owners are concerned about their animals receiving responsible care.
Pet sitting provides years-round lucrative potential. Sitters set their own rates, typically ranging from £5-10 an hour depending on age, experience, location and other factors. This income is especially important to teens who want to be able to save money for things they want to purchase or fund their future pursuits.
Essential Tools and Skills
In order to ensure the success of young pet sitters, these young sitters must be sufficiently prepared. Be sure to bring a backpack or rolling cart to carry your materials. Make sure to pack warm gear when it’s cold out so you can be comfortable working outside! Being properly equipped promotes the professionalism of their image and allows young babysitters to deliver a higher quality service.
In short, you need a deep passion for pets to make it as a pet sitter. An equally vigorous sense of accountability is just as critical. Add in a can-do attitude and eagerness to learn and they become even more attractive to potential firms. Often, young people begin pursuing pet sitting and other jobs like these from as young as 14 years old. This flexibility makes it a great option for anyone looking to start working sooner.
