When people imagine being a pet sitter, they picture endless puppy snuggles, playful cats, and leisurely walks in the sunshine. And while those moments do happen (and they’re truly wonderful), the reality is that it’s hard, physical work and long hours. No two days ever look the same, but that variety is exactly what I love the most. Every day feels fresh, and every pet brings something new and heartwarming to the experience.
At Claws & Paws Pet Sitting, our days often begin early and stretch into the night, because pets don’t take weekends or holidays off. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at what a “typical” day looks like for me, as both owner and pet sitter.
Morning: Wagging Tails and Purring Greetings
Our official start time is 8:00 am, but I try to wrap up my morning tea and head out a bit earlier when possible. First up: the dogs. I take them out for potty breaks, serve up breakfast, administer meds if needed, and make sure they’re ready to start their day with wagging tails and big smiles.
Once the dogs are settled, I shift focus to the cats. Most kitties get one visit per day, typically late morning or early afternoon, but those on medication get seen twice daily, 12 hours apart. They may not always greet me with a meow, but they definitely notice when everything happens right on schedule.
Midday: Office Hustle and Return Visits
Late mornings are often when I switch into “boss mode” and catch up on the business side of things. That means scheduling, replying to client and staff messages, checking in with my staff, chatting with my business coach, and tackling marketing. Owning a pet-sitting business means wearing a lot of hats, and my office hours are just as busy as my time in the field.
Then, it’s back out for second rounds: another wave of walks, play sessions, potty breaks, and quality cuddles. Midday is prime time for visiting puppies, seniors, or pets with special needs who require extra attention or medication.
Evenings: Dinner, Snuggles, and Soft Landings
Late afternoons through evenings are full of more visits, including dinner time, cleanup, medications, evening walks, and winding down routines. On ideal days, I’m home by 5:00 pm, but on busy days, I might not wrap up until 10:00 pm.
I often am most busy during school breaks, summer and holidays with overnight or live-in care. Overnight means staying from 8:00 pm to 8:00 am. It’s like turning the night into one long snuggle fest. Live-in service means I’m at the client’s home for up to 24 hours, which offers comfort, consistency, and peace of mind for pets who thrive on routine and companionship.
Keeping Pets Happy, Comfortable, and Safe
Routine is everything for pets. Dogs know when it’s time to eat or go outside, and cats absolutely know when dinner’s served. Sticking to their schedules helps them feel calm and reassured when their families are away.
But every pet is unique. Some older or less mobile pets prefer quiet snuggles over play time. Others are anxious or shy and need a gentle, patient approach. That’s where my Fear Free Certification really comes in handy. It helps me work with nervous animals in a way that builds trust at their pace. Sometimes it’s treats, sometimes it’s quiet time together. Whatever helps them feel safe and secure.
Never a Dull Moment
Pet sitting is full of surprises. Some moments I’ll never forget:
- David, one of our sitters, once safely removed a scorpion from a client’s home.
- On another day, he rescued an Amazon package that had been left on top of an anthill and was swarming with ants. He made sure to clean it up before bringing it inside.
- I myself once saved two cats during a New Year’s Day fire at a client’s home. I grabbed a fire extinguisher, put out a small kitchen blaze, called the fire department. The house was smoky but the cats were safe.
- Loose dogs and coyotes are real hazards in our area. We’re always watching, steering clear, and putting safety first during walks.
- Compassion is a core value here. Many of us, including me, regularly care for elderly and sick pets, providing comfort, patience, and dignity when families need it most.
These unexpected moments keep us on our toes, and we’re deeply grateful for the trust each family shows us. It’s not just a pet sitting job, it’s caring for family members lives and their homes.
Why I Love What I Do
Pet sitting is more than just filling bowls or letting dogs out. It’s about building trust, ensuring safety, and making pets feel truly loved while their families are away. It’s long hours, physical work, and often no real days off, but it’s so rewarding.
At the end of a full day, my favorite moment is collapsing onto the couch with my husband, cozy on the couch with Netflix playing. We both recharge and savor the quiet knowing tomorrow brings more wagging tails and purring greetings.
At Claws & Paws Pet Sitting, no day is the same, but every day is worth it.
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