Professional pet sitting companies are still relatively new and folks who apply are usually curious about how it works. Truth is, we are looking for the best possible match for our company and culture, so take the time to learn about us and see if we will be a good match for you!

How Does Being a Pet Sitter Work?

When you join our team we learn all about your skills.

• What kinds of animals you have worked with in the past.
• Are you good with a special behavior concern or personality: shy cats, large dogs, dog aggressive dogs, etc.
• What experience you have with unusual species: parrots, horses, pigs, etc.
• What medical experience you have: administering medications, giving insulin shots, giving fluids, etc.
• Where you live. We try not to have sitters drive too far from their homes.
• What your schedule looks like. Some sitters are part-time, some are full-time, some prefer not to do overnight stays.

When we have a new client, or an existing client that is in need of a new sitter, we will take a look at all of these factors and assign a sitter that we believe is the best fit.

• The visits are added to your schedule and you are sent an email notification.
• If the visits are last minute, or outside the your realm of normal care, we will contact you first to discuss the household and see if it is a good fit.
• About a week before your first visit, you will receive a reminder to contact the client and set up a meeting. This will happen within the next few days at a time that works for both of you. You are paid for these meetings, even though the client is not charged for them.
• At the meeting, you will learn all the details about the client and care of their pets. You will update their online profile with anything they have not entered previously, to make sure we have all the information in case of an emergency.
• After the meeting, you can let us know about any questions or concerns. We will also check with the client and answer any last-minute questions.
• Go out for the visits and update the client!

Basically we handle the back-end work and provide back-up, while you are the primary care provider for the pets and update the clients.

What is the Application Process?

We have a pretty lengthy application process, so it is good to know upfront how it works.

1. Submit your application online. There are questions about your animal experience and a few situational responses.
2. Come in for an interview. We have you fill out a personality survey first, then an interview. It takes around 1 hour in total.
3. Return for a 2nd interview. This has recently changed to be also on Zoom (this is different than stated in the video). We will ask you follow-up questions to your personality survey as well as other questions about your experience.
4. Reference check.
5. Ride along on trial visits with another sitter. We get permission from the client for this, or we do visits in one of our homes. This is a good chance for us to see you interact with animals and gives you a chance to ask more questions about pet sitting.
6. Background check and hiring set up.

Do I Get Time Off?

YES!!! One of the major advantages of working for a professional pet sitting company is that you get to take time off without worrying about the animals. They will receive wonderful care from another sitter on our team.

A few years ago we even started making time off mandatory for sitters, especially during busy seasons. Since pet sitting is a 7 day a week job, it is very common for sitters to get burned out by not taking enough time off. We want our sitters to stay with us for years, so we want to make sure they get those breaks and can recharge. We do encourage our sitters to take time off during the slower times, and we offset sitter vacations so that we always have enough sitters around.

How Do Sitters Get Paid?

Wet Noses Pet Sitters are employees and are paid a percentage of the amount that we charge the clients. Since the cost to our clients can vary based on length of visit, number of pets and a few other factors, we felt this was the fairest method of compensating sitters.

• Sitters make an average of $11-14 a visit
• Overnight stays average $35-55 a night
• Sitters also receive tips that go directly to them

What Does a Normal Day Look Like?

One of the fun parts of pet sitting is that no two days look alike! They vary quite a bit and that is what keeps it interesting. If you are looking for a 9-5 job, then this is not the position for you. If you are excited by the idea of an ever-changing schedule, then read on!

• Sitters can be part-time or full-time.
• The number of visits per day varies greatly depending on the time of year and how long the visits are.
• Full time sitters may go to 4-8 visits a day during slow times and 8-13 visits a day during busy months.
• Most commonly our sitters are doing morning, lunch and dinner visits, with some overnights. This usually leaves them with breaks mid-morning, mid-afternoon and in the evening.

What Happens in an Emergency?

One of the largest advantages, for sitters and clients, of using a professional pet sitting company is that we always have back-up. Wet Noses Pet Sitting has 2 full time managers who can be reached 24/7.

• If there is ever an emergency with the sitter, a manager steps in to take over the visits and reach out to the clients and keep them up to date.
• If there is an emergency with the animal, a manager will be there to help with the animal and make the hard decisions.
• Sitters can also reach out to other sitters to ask for advice if they are familiar with the animal.
• Some examples of emergencies in the past:
  • A sitter was in a car accident between visits. A manager stepped in and took over the visits and contacted the clients to keep them updated.
  • A sitter became very ill. A manager gave some visits to other sitters who knew the pets already and did the rest herself. The manager was in touch with the clients to keep them updated.
  • A dog became very ill. The sitter transported the dog to the emergency clinic where the manager met her to take over care. The manager stayed with the dog for the rest of the day, communicated with the owner and transported the dog home after treatment was finished.
  • A sitter had a landscaper hanging around the property after dark. A male sitter went out to check on her, the manager spoke to the owner about the concern. In addition, the next day we installed a camera in the home (with the client’s permission) so we could check on the safety of the home during our stay.

Having a manager there to make the tough decisions and help out is invaluable when you are working with other people’s pets. We take care of the hard stuff so you can focus on providing excellent care.

What is the ONE Thing You Should Know?

Before making these videos I asked my sitters, what is the one thing you wished you knew before starting to work as a pet sitter, and they were unanimous!

• Every day is different and the schedules are always changing!
• If you are in search of a 9-5 job, this is not a good match for you.
• Clients sometimes cancel at the last minute.
• Clients sometimes schedule last-minute appointments (we always check with you first).

If you are able to roll with a changing schedule and a different day every day, then this may be a good match!

Now What?

So now you have learned some of the basics on how it is to work for Wet Noses Pet Sitting. If you believe you are a good match for us then fill out our application. When we hire sitters we are often looking for a specific area, so it never hurts to try a second time. Thanks so much for taking the time to learn more about us!

A dog walk service is a person or company that provides dog walks when you and your pup need them! There are a ton of reasons why you may need a dog walker and all companies work a bit differently. You need to know the options and find a company that works for your schedule and goal for dog walks.

Reasons You May Need a Dog Walk Service

1. You work long hours
2. You have a puppy
3. You have a high energy dog

Read up on 8 Times When You Need a Dog Walker

Benefits of a Dog Walk Service

Having a dog walk service ready to help you out can be invaluable for peace of mind. Here are some of the many benefits:

• Even if you just need them occasionally, having a dog walk service ready to help out when you get busy can be a lifesaver.
• A dog walk service can help socialize your puppy.
• A dog walk service will often provide pet sitting when you go out of town, so you do not need to find another sitter.
• Dogs that are tired are much better behaved. It has been shown that most dogs need at least 30 minutes of walks per day to be healthy. High energy dogs will need longer walks.
• A highly trained animal professional can offer tips on dog behavior and training when the need arises.

What Does a Dog Walk Service Do?

A dog walk service will come to your home and pick up your dog for a walk.

• Walks can vary in length. Some dog walk services allow you to pick the length and some have a set walk time.
• Some companies do group walks, meaning they pick up a bunch of dogs and take them all out at one time.
• Some companies provide hikes where they pick up your dog and transport them to a local park for a hike, then drop them back off.
• Usually they will leave a note or send an update, refresh water and give your dog a treat.
• Dog walk companies can also play with your dog in your yard should you prefer.

How to Choose a Dog Walk Service

There are a lot of different options when picking a dog walk service and you want to ensure you make the right choice. Here are some questions to consider:

• Do you want a professional or a kid down the street? Learn more about the advantages of a professional dog walk service.
• Does your dog get along well with other dogs? If not, then steer clear of group dog walks and hikes.
• Does the dog walker have bonding and insurance?
• Does the dog walker have experience dealing with a variety of dog personalities?
• Younger puppies may need some simple playtime in your home, instead of a full walk. Make sure the dog walk service has that option.

Download our complete Checklist For Hiring a Dog Walk Service.

How Does Wet Noses Pet Sitting Dog Walk Service Work?

We provide flexible dog walk services for dogs in northern Colorado. Take a look at our service area!

• We believe dogs deserve their own individualized attention, so we only walk one household at a time.
• Dog walks can be arranged at any time of day, depending on your schedule and your dog’s needs.
• We provide dog walks from 15 minutes to 1 hour long, depending on how energetic your dog is.
• We can come for multiple walks a day.
• We are also able to feed dogs, change water and settle your dog in for the day.
• We always leave a note and a text or email update so you know your dog is cared for!
• Take a look at 8 Times When You Need a Dog Walker for ideas on dog walking schedules.
• Puppies need a special schedule and considerations. Learn about Dog Walks for Puppies.

If you are interested in learning more about our dog walk service, Contact Us to find a schedule that is perfect for you!