For many kids who happen to be animal lovers, dog sitting sounds like the ultimate way to make a bit of money (whilst spending hours with their favourite four-legged friends). But when it comes to the “right” age for dog sitting, there are a few things to bear in mind.
There isn’t a minimum age at which kids can legally become pet sitters. As a rule, kids should be able to start looking after most dogs from age 10 to 12. It’s a good idea to wait until the end of that age range before entrusting them with bigger pets that are harder to manage.
Though pet sitting is lower stakes than babysitting, sitters have to take on a whole range of responsibilities, from feeding and picking up on a pet’s needs to guiding their behaviour and working out when they’re feeling ill.
Wondering how old you should be to dog sit? Here are a few rules of thumb.
Is there a general age when kids are ready for dog sitting?
Twelve years of age is a good time for kids to begin dog sitting. However, depending on the dog and the child, it might be a good idea for them to embark upon their dog sitting journey in their teenage years. For younger children who can’t dog sit unsupervised, it’s a good idea for the dog to meet all of the family members who might be around when the child is looking after them.
What are the signs a child is ready to dog sit?
A mature, responsible attitude is the key sign that a child is ready to start dog sitting. Here are a few more indications that they may be up to the task:
- They help out with their own pets. If kids are adept at looking after their own family pets, this says a lot about their ability to take care of other pets.
- They’re passionate about animals. Even if a kid doesn’t have a pet themselves, it’s a good sign if they’re an animal lover. Enjoying the company of our favourite four-legged creatures is part of the job description.
- They’re doing well at school. A child who’s happy, comfortable and doing well in other areas of their life, such as school and other activities, could be well-equipped to be a dog sitter. However, it’s important to make sure that they manage their time well.
- They do their chores. Kids who do their chores regularly and responsibly and perform activities unprompted (such as brushing their teeth or following their bedtime routine) may show an aptitude for looking after a pet.
- They have common sense. While dog sitting usually involves feeding and making sure the animal gets exercise, pet sitters still need the maturity and common sense to tell if something is wrong – for instance, if the dog is unwell or acting strangely. A pet that’s anxious and missing its owner may act out and cause trouble. Pet sitters should keep an eye out to ensure that dogs are drinking enough water, going to the toilet regularly and acting normally. Accordingly, when pet sitting, children should always have an adult they can immediately ask for a second opinion.
- They’re physically strong. A child looking after a big dog needs the physical strength to handle them.
If the pet sitting job takes place outside 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 child
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 — Larger breeds or a household with several dogs may require dog sitters who are older, physically stronger or more mature to look after them and take them out for exercise.
- The dog’s demeanour — If a dog has any history of sensitivity triggers, trouble walking on a lead or risky behaviour, such as difficulty interacting with other animals, opting to dog sit requires careful consideration from children and their parents. In all circumstances, safety is paramount.
- The care required — Size doesn’t always matter: even the smallest, cutest dogs can be tough for kids to look after if they need extra care. Every possible step must be taken to stop the child pet sitter from feeling overwhelmed or uncomfortable, even if this means waiting until they are older or looking after a different dog.
What do dog sitters do? 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 garden
- Giving the dog some exercise
Adults should always accompany younger children to ensure the safety of both pet and child, and should pick up on any cues about the dog’s wellbeing that the child is not equipped to discern. Older teens with experience and the right level of maturity might be able to tackle the task alone. However, stressed-out pets missing their owners can always act unpredictably, and it’s a good idea to have grown-ups on hand who can offer advice and support on what to do when dog sitting in a tricky situation.
Dog sitting jobs that children should avoid
Dog sitting is nuanced, and there are often increased risks when the scenario is a mismatch. Here are a few situations in which certain kids should not be a dog sitter:
- Big dog, small child — When large, lively dogs tug on the lead or engage in active play, this can pose a risk to small children.
- Aggressive dogs — Pet sitting a dog with aggressive behaviour is always a concern, and in these cases it’s better for pet parents to take their dog to a boarding kennel.
- Ill dogs — Looking after an animal with health issues may pose a challenge for kids who don’t have a lot of experience in this area. This is a situation that requires responsibility and the ability to pick up on the animal’s symptoms and to decide whether a vet should be involved.
Also, it should go without saying that kids should not be staying overnight at anyone’s house on their own. Parents or guardians should accompany their child in dog sitting scenarios where the pet needs to have someone there at night.
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 your homework on how to dog sit is important, too. The following skills are helpful when learning how to dog sit for the first time:
- A general knowledge of dog behaviour — Understanding doggie body language and being able to pick up on their cues or know when they’re feeling poorly is essential for a pet’s wellbeing.
- Basic animal training skills — Knowing the commands in order to get a dog to behave is also important.
- Road safety awareness and caution — If they are taking the pet out on walks, younger kids should be accompanied by an adult, and older kids should have help planning 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 is 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. If caring for the pet is set to take extra time and a child is busy with homework or other activities, the safest option is to go with a professional.
The child doesn’t feel comfortable yet. It’s important for everyone involved to feel confident about the care arrangements. If the situation appears overwhelming or difficult for the child, it’s best to wait for another opportunity where they can pet sit for a shorter period of time, with help from adults or simply when they feel more ready.
The bottom line
Above all, it’s essential that the pet owner, the child and their family keep safety in mind and make comfort a priority for everyone. And for kids who are on the younger side, dog sitting with help and support from family or trusted adults can be a great way to get started safely.
How old do you have to be to dog sit with a profile on Care.com?
While there’s room for interpretation when it comes to determining the appropriate age for dog sitting, that’s not the case when it comes to joining Care.com as a pet sitter. In order to enrol, you need to be at least 18.