Pet sitters, like professionals in any field, may face potential risks. Unfortunately, domestic animals are still animals and may react instinctively to defend themselves when they feel threatened.
How can you avoid danger? Here are some key points to help ensure your safety as a pet sitter:
- Ask pet owners for detailed information.
Make sure the owner provides a clear picture of the pet's daily routine, how it reacts to stressful situations, its attitude towards children and other animals, whether it has ever shown aggression, and how it copes with being alone.
- Ask open-ended questions.
These encourage owners to share more details about the pet’s behaviour and needs, helping you better understand the animal you’ll be looking after.
- Invest in your education.
The more you know about animal behaviour, the better equipped you’ll be to handle challenging situations. It also makes you more confident during discussions with pet owners, positioning you as an expert in their eyes.
- Maintain hygiene.
Wash your hands after contact with the pet, its waste, or food. Zoonotic diseases are quite common and handling unfamiliar pets without proper hygiene practices can expose you to illnesses or parasites.
- Accept only vaccinated and dewormed animals.
This helps protect you and other animals under your care from preventable diseases and health risks.
- Respect the pet’s personal space.
If you notice that a pet avoids your touch, don’t force interaction. Encroaching on their space might make them feel threatened, which could result in injury. Give the animal time to adjust to the new situation and surroundings.
- Be aware of potential dangers.
