You've got a trip coming up, and the boarding facility search has begun. But if you've ever dropped your dog off at a kennel and spent the whole vacation wondering if they're alright, you already know there's got to be a better way.

Lots of people start pet sitting as a way to spend time with animals, but they quickly learn that there’s a lot more to the job than just walking dogs. What sets you apart and books more clients are skills like resume building, marketing, and clear communication. 

If you’re in the middle of planning a vacation or a busy work week, you might wonder if using an automatic dog feeder could make your travel a little easier. But do they really work? Will your dog use them? And can you use one to replace a pet sitter for short trips?

Have the kind of dog that can’t go 10 minutes without trying to eat the couch or a cat that needs their glucose monitored? You might need more than just a regular pet sitter. 

Your pet might need “constant care.”

Watching out for signs of illness is just one of the many ways that a good pet sitter takes care of their charges. While your clients don’t expect you to be a vet, they do expect you to know the general signs that an animal may need to see one.

San Francisco and the Bay Area is an incredible place to live. There’s incredible scenery and something fun to do every weekend. But what about your dog! Shouldn’t they get to enjoy SF too?

You probably became a pet sitter so you could enjoy a flexible career working with animals, but as you probably know, there's a lot more that comes with the job. Part of being a responsible sitter is taking good care of your client's keys and entry codes, too.

Part of being a good pet owner is taking them to their various vet appointments, trainers, groomers, and maybe even to visit grandma. But are your pets allowed to take public transit with you? And is it safe for them to do so? Let’s take a closer look:

The first thing to keep in mind when creating your profile is that the people who will be reading it are busy. Keep your information short, sweet, and to the point. They may only spend 30 seconds looking at it, so lead with a headline that makes them want to keep reading.

As you might guess, a dog nanny is a caregiver for your dog. They’ll handle the day-to-day chores, freeing up your energy for playtimes and the rest of life. While a similar job to a dog sitter who may stay with your dog while you're on vacation or a work trip, dog nannies are typically a longer-term and more active position.

Just like in humans, diabetes affects how your pet’s body processes glucose and uses energy. Proper treatment involves daily monitoring of glucose levels and regular administration of insulin, which can be managed without too much trouble in your day-to-day life. But how can you make sure they get the care they need when you’re on vacation or need to travel for work?

Showing up with a fully stocked “go-bag” is a great way to set yourself apart as a professional pet sitter, but if you’re not sure what all goes in one, don’t worry! We talked to our expert pet sitters, and here’s what they pack to ensure happy clients and happy pets. 

If you're new to cat ownership or to using cat sitters, you probably have a lot of questions about how and when a sitter should be caring for your cats. If so, then you’re in the right place.

We always recommend in-home sitters over multiple drop-ins per day, as in-home sitters can provide the same level of individualized care your pets expect.

Writing a pet-sitting resume and not sure where to begin? You’re not alone. Resume-writing can feel overwhelming, and it’s hard to know what kind of experience is applicable to a niche industry like pet-sitting.

While it may seem counterintuitive, giving a dog a crate isn't a form of punishment; crate training can actually help your dog build confidence and trust. Just like you value your bedroom as a peaceful retreat, the crate can also be a restful place for them.

Regular walks are an important part of a dog’s health, and as a pet sitter, you’ll need to go on two to three of them every day. Talk to the dog’s owners before your first sit or drop-in to get a thorough understanding of how and when the dog is usually walked…

The pet care market is now flooded with more products than ever. As a pet parent who wants to do the best they can for their dog, it can be hard to know what’s a gimmick and what’s actually good for your pet.

Leaving your pets at home with a stranger can be as nerve-wracking for you as it is for them — maybe even more so. You want to find the best care possible for them, but hiring for your pets is different than hiring for work. How can you tell who will be the best fit for you and your pets?  

Picking a name for your new puppy or dog is a big part of the fun, but it’s not always easy! Worry not, our professional pet sitters have heard some of the best and have all the inspiration you need. 

We’ve collected over 400 of the best names and broken them up into categories for Vintage, Elegant, Nature-loving, Quirky, and inspired by San Francisco.