Pet Sitter Job Description – 16.10.2023
We are expanding our areas and looking for staff across Staffordshire.
We are looking for someone who wants to help owners provide the highest level of care for their pets when they can’t do it themselves. You should have experience working with animals and be knowledgeable about the general needs of dogs, cats and small animals (essential), as well as horses and livestock (desirable). You will be responsible for offering general care for a range of animals, along with walking and cleaning up after dogs of every breed and size. You should love the outdoors and enjoy playing with pets who are energetic. Our pet sitting service strives to provide high-level care while offering our employees a flexible schedule and great benefits, which include uniform and holiday pay.
Pet sitter responsibilities
o Travel to customers’ homes and care for their cats, dogs, birds or other pets based upon client instructions, which may be very detailed and must be followed exactly as given.
o Feed and water pets according to customer instructions regarding preparation, quantity and time of day.
o Exercise pets with on/off lead walks and/or play and ensure safety of the pet.
o Administer supplements and/or medications to pets in food or otherwise.
o Collect and dispose of pet waste (cleaning/refreshing cat litter, changing cage paper for birds, picking up waste on walks with dogs, mucking out horses etc.)
o Document pet care with dates, times and services rendered in a neat and professional manner for owners to see (send by text or online portal).
o Meet with potential clients to secure business, advertise services provided and explain the details of how pet sitting works.
o Report any injuries or illnesses to owner and manager as soon as possible.
o Respect clients’ homes and personal property when on-site offering pet sitting services.
o Provide additional customer service as requested by clients, which may include picking up post, watering plants and opening and closing blinds or curtains.
o Check and follow schedule provided by your manager and report any conflicts or issues to manager as soon as possible but at least 24 hours in advance of scheduled sitting appointment.
o Post professional content and photos to our social media channels.
o Promotion – including social media, giving out leaflets, putting posters up.
Job Skills & Qualifications
Pet Sitter Job Specification
Required:
o Must love animals.
o Must passionately care for animals of all types.
o Must demonstrate a history of reliability.
o Pass criminal background check (DBS).
o Experience in pet care required (pet ownership and previous pet sitting experience are both acceptable); experience with dogs, cats, horses and livestock preferred.
o Be at least 18 years old.
o Have a reliable vehicle and valid driver’s license for home visits.
o Ability to work varying schedules.
o Required ability to follow detailed instructions to the letter.
o Have a professional written and spoken manner.
Preferred:
o Previous experience working with animals, especially large dog breeds.
o Experience with horses and live stock.
o Ability to work weekends and holidays with occasional overnight hours.
Hours
Starting on a 0 hour contract with a review to go up to 10 or 20 hours per week to suit. This can be spread over 2-7 days. Overtime will be available at busy times and contracted hours will be reviewed and increased as needed.
(If hours cannot be filled with pet sitting the candidate may be required to undertake other tasks related to the business, such as: promotion, admin, errands, assisting other staff.)
Pay
Starting at £11.50 per hour including paid travel time.
Benefits for 0 hours contract
o Uniform.
o DBS when needed.
o Insured under Staffordshire Sitting Services.
o You’ll be paid your hourly rate to travel to bookings.
o Holiday pay.
o Extra pay for some bank holidays.
Benefits for salaried contract
o Uniform.
o Phone.
o Training and CPD when needed (e.g. first aid, canine behaviour).
o DBS when needed.
o Insured under Staffordshire Sitting Services.
o You’ll be paid your hourly rate to travel to bookings.
o Holiday pay.
o Extra pay for some bank holidays.
