For many animal-loving kiddos, dog sitting sounds like the ultimate way to make a little money (while logging hours with their favourite four-legged friends). But when it comes to the “right” age for dog sitting, there are a few things experts recommend.
Like babysitting, there isn’t a minimum age at which kids can legally become pet sitters. However, at 10 to 12 years old, children are usually ready to assume the responsibility of taking care of a pet. For bigger dogs who are more demanding to handle, they should be at least 12.
Even though the stakes are lower than they are for babysitting, children that are dog sitting need to be mature enough to direct the pet, feed them and recognize when they’re unwell and need to be taken to be checked up.
Wondering how old you should be to dog sit? Here’s what the experts say.
Is there a general age when kids are ready for dog sitting?
A veterinarian we consulted agrees that kids 12 and up are generally ready for dog sitting, but adds that it might be a good idea to wait until the child is a teenager depending on the dog’s size and energy level.
If the dog sitter in question is still too young to be by themselves, you should introduce your dog to the child’s family members too, since they will also be around when your dog is being looked after.
What are signs a kid is ready to dog sit?
Before taking on a dog sitting gig, kids should show that they’re responsible and mature. Here are a few indicators a child may be up to the task:
- They help out with their own pets. Having pets in their own home that they do a good job caring for is a sign that a child is ready to dog sit.
- They’re passionate about animals. Even if a kid doesn’t have a pet themselves, being passionate about animals is a great place to start.
- They’re a good student. Doing well in class is a sign that a child could be ready to dog sit, so long as they can balance their time well.
- They do their chores. If the child is mature and self-sufficient, i.e. they do what needs to be done without being asked when completing their chores, they may be ready for dog sitting.
- They have common sense. While in most cases, dog sitting refers to feeding and making sure the animal gets exercise, pet sitters still need the maturity and common sense to know if something is off. Kids who are pet sitting should always have an adult they can immediately ask for a second opinion.
- They’re physically strong. If a child is watching a big dog, they need to be strong enough to manage it.
If the pet sitting job takes place out of the home, an adult should accompany the child or teen to help or take over if needed.
Signs a dog may not be an ideal first client for a kid
In addition to the child, there’s the dog to consider. Here’s what to keep in mind on the pup’s end:
- The breed size and/or number of pets. If the breed is large or there are multiple dogs that need to be taken care of, the child may need to be older or physically stronger.
- The dog’s demeanour. If the dog has any triggers or a history of difficult behaviour, the child and their parents should know so that they can adapt to the dog’s needs.
- The care required. Some dogs, even tiny ones, have special needs, such as medication, that can make them quite a challenge. In these cases, it may make more sense to wait a couple more years or choose another dog to look after.
Types of dog sitting kids should and should not do
Not all dog sitting jobs are created equal. Here are the types of dog sitting tasks kids can feel confident taking on, along with more demanding types of dog sitting jobs they may want to avoid.
Dog sitting tasks kids can do
Here’s what kids can feel comfortable with when it comes to dog sitting:
- Feeding the dog.
- Making sure the dog has water.
- Cleaning up after the dog in the yard.
- Giving the dog some exercise.
Having an adult around is always a good idea when younger children are dog sitting to make sure that the pet is safe. More mature teenagers with a greater amount of experience may be okay on their own, but pets may get anxious without their owners around, so an adult being available for additional support can be a good idea.
Dog sitting jobs kids should avoid
Dog sitting is nuanced, and there are often increased risks when there are mismatched scenarios. Here are a few situations in which certain kids should not pet sit certain dogs:
- Big dog, small kid. Dogs that are too big for a small child to handle, for example, when they get excited and pull on the leash, can be dangerous.
- Aggressive dogs. Pet sitting a dog with aggressive behaviour is always a concern, and in these cases, it’s better for pet parents to board.
- Sick dogs. Depending on the child’s experience and maturity, taking care of a sick dog that needs extra observation and understanding of its condition may be too much of a challenge.
Also, it should go without saying, kids should not be staying overnight at anyone’s house on their own. During dog sitting scenarios where the pet needs to have someone there at night, the child’s parent or guardian should always be present.
Dog sitting skills to *bone* up on
A responsible track record and passion for pups can be great indicators of a budding pet sitter, but doing a little homework on the front-end is important, too. The following skills are helpful when starting out as a dog sitter:
- A general knowledge of dog behaviour. Kids who want to dog sit should be familiar with how dogs behave. They should be able to read their body language, know how to handle them and detect when they’re showing signs of sickness.
- Basic animal training knowledge. Knowing the commands on how to get a dog to behave is important.
- Road sense and caution if taking the pet out on walks. An adult should accompany younger kids on walks and help older kids plan out a safe route for walking and/or playing.
When hiring a professional dog sitter is a better option
Pet sitting can be a great way for kids to earn some money, but whenever there’s a risk to the care of the pet or the safety of a child, it’s best to leave it to professional dog sitters.
Other times a professional dog sitter is a better option:
The pet sitter doesn’t have enough time. It’s better to engage a professional dog sitter if a pet needs frequent visits for reasons such as medication or extra playtime, and if the child’s time is restricted due to school. And if the pets’ parents plan an extended absence during which the animal needs to be attended to every day, this may be hard for a child to accommodate.
The child doesn’t feel comfortable yet.
It’s advisable to stop and look for a professional to step in if a pet parent or child ever feels uneasy. This doesn’t mean that the child will never be a good dog sitter. All it means is that this time around, a different solution is needed.
The bottom line
The most important things are that the pet owner, child and their family keep safety in mind and make comfort a priority for everyone. And for kids who are on the younger side, getting help from parents or guardians is a great way to get started with dog sitting.
How old do you have to be for Care.com?
While there’s room for interpretation when it comes to determining the appropriate age for dog sitting, there’s not when it comes to joining Care.com as a pet sitter. In order to enroll, you need to be at least 18.