Welcome to the Pet Lounge family! As a pet sitter, you are a professional peace of mind provider. Your goal is to ensure that while the humans are away, the pets have their best time ever in a safe and cozy environment.
Keep your availability calendar up to date.
When a booking pops up, jump in! Have a pleasant, warm conversation. Think of it as a first date, but with more fur and less awkwardness.
Check your schedule, and if it is a match, accept!
Before the stay, you will meet the owner and your new bestie. This is where trust is built.
Check if the pet is a rescue or a senior, as they may have separation anxiety or need a gentler approach.
If the dog is jumping for joy, match their energy, but keep it controlled.
If the dog is anxious, take it slow. Let them come to you. Don't take it personally. They just haven't realised how cool you are yet!
The human needs to feel as safe as the dog. Share your story! Why do you love animals? Tell a funny pet story.
Before the stay, the Pet Care Questionnaire must be fully complete. This is your cheat sheet.
Record the microchip number and confirm the pet insurance details.
Verify vaccinations (rabies, DHPP and so on) and do a quick flea check before the owner leaves.
Learn the commands the pet knows (sit, stay, leave it) so you can communicate effectively.
Use durable throw blankets on sofas and door protectors to prevent scratching.
Secure hazardous liquids, choking hazards and toxic plants, like lilies.
Keep human food far out of reach.
Confirm feeding times, medicine doses and walk routines with the owner a second time.
Take a photo of all the dog's belongings laid out on the floor.
Why? Because trying to remember which blue ball belongs to Buster at seven on a Monday morning is a game you will lose. Pack it back exactly as it came!
Be aware that even house-trained dogs may mark a new home. Keep an eye out for territorial marking during the first few hours.
Minimum four walks a day. Let them sniff and enjoy nature. Match their pace, fast for the runners and patient for the seniors. Always pick up after the dog.
Send three photos per walk, for all four walks, for the first two days. After that, two photos every other walk is enough to keep the owner smiling without spamming them.
Send short, cute updates like "Buster found a stick today that he is convinced is a sword. He met a Golden Retriever friend and was a total gentleman!"
If you see another dog, change your route. If you can't, shorten the leash, be firm and keep walking. No quick hellos unless the owner explicitly said it is okay and the other owner agrees.
Always leash the pet before opening a door to prevent sudden escapes. In a fenced park, check for gaps under gates or fences where a small dog might dig or squeeze out.
If it is dark, reflectors on! Safety is stylish.
Never touch or approach a dog while they are eating. Some pets are protective of their food.
Don't take a familiar toy away suddenly. The pet may feel threatened in a new environment.
If you live in a high-rise, never leave a pet on the balcony where they could slip through the bars or jump.
Set up a dedicated indoor area with a tray or pee pads for emergencies, especially for dogs with small bladders.
Not every dog is a "good boy" a hundred percent of the time.
Any form of physical punishment or shouting is strictly forbidden. At Pet Lounge we use treats and distractions.
If a dog chewed a shoe or had an accident on the rug, tell the owner immediately. We appreciate honesty more than anything!
At Pet Lounge, pets can sleep wherever they feel comfortable.
Check with the owner whether you should give a bath or take the pet to a professional groomer if they are with you for a long stay.
Clean bowls and floors regularly and keep the home safe and tidy. Pets have natural oils and glands that leave a scent on furniture, so regular cleaning and vacuuming are essential to keep your home fresh.
Rinse or wipe paws after every walk and dry them thoroughly after rain.
If a potty accident happens indoors, immediately blot the area dry with absorbent pads to soak up as much liquid as possible, then treat the spot thoroughly with an enzyme-based cleaning spray and disinfectant to remove odours.
Never feed pets chocolate, raisins, garlic, onions, grapes or any human food other than what the owner has approved.
Keep the regular vet's and the emergency vet's numbers handy, and know who the backup contact is and how they relate to the pet.
In an emergency, the chain is owner first, then Pet Lounge, then the vet. Always have the address of the nearest 24-hour clinic ready.
Keep a record of feeding, walks and any "unusual" behaviour to share with the owner.
Use biodegradable poop bags and explore nature in your local neighbourhood to minimise transport. Use reusable containers for treats to avoid single-use plastic.
If the dog's towel gets muddy or a toy gets filthy during the stay, clean it before the owner arrives. Returning a clean dog with clean gear is what turns a one-time customer into a lifetime subscriber.
When the owner arrives, return all belongings (check your photo!) and share a highlight of the stay, like a cute habit or a new friend they made.
Apply to join Pet Lounge as a sitter, or browse the guides and agreements written for sitters.
