Sitters Are Doing It For Themselves: what I provide for my dog-sitting clients

What I provide to my dog-sitting clients:

As a sitter, I ask my clients to bring essentially everything their dog will need. See my “Practically Perfect Puppy Packing Plan”. Of course, I keep some handy items of my own around, too.

1. Carpet shampooer: my secret weapon in the dog world! Makes pee accidents so easy to clean up. Fortunately, I haven't had to test it on poop (fingers crossed!) but I bet it would work ok. Works great on dirty paw prints as well. I use a Hoover Spot Scrubber Multi-Surface Cleaner and love it.

2.     Drinking and eating bowls. I have indestructible flat-bottomed soup bowls, Corelle Livingware Super Soup/Cereal Bowls. They work excellently for dog water, dog food, and oh yeah, humans. Dishwasher safe, so they are super easy!

3.     Basic small slicker brush. Your clients might not provide a brush, and for long-haired dogs like golden retrievers you might want to brush them out for your own sanity.

4.     Plastic bags from the grocery store if my client forgets poop bags or I run out.

5.     Old towels, for wiping off on wet days and putting under water bowls for splashier dogs.

6.     Paw wipes. I bought a multipack and keep a pack by the front door.

7. DIY dog toys. If the owner did not provide any toys, I'll knot up some old t-shirts or socks from our rag bag and make an improvised tug/toss toy.

If you have a dog-sitting secret weapon, let me know! opdogblog{@}gmail.com

Rachel's Practically Perfect Puppy Packing Plan

The packing list

            As a sitter, I ask my clients to bring essentially everything their dog will need. This has two benefits for clients, myself, and the dogs. First, it keeps my costs down, which keeps my rates down. Second, dogs are much happier with their own toys/crate/food, etc. And happy pups are our goal!

Essentials:

1.     Food: Obviously, dogs need food! An extra day of food is great just in case of emergencies. I am a big fan of doling out dry kibble as “treats” for good behavior throughout the day rather than all at once in a “meal”, as recommended by Dr. Ian Dunbar in his book Before and After Getting Your Puppy: The Positive Approach to Raising a Happy, Healthy, and Well-Behaved Dog.

2.     Treats: If the client says that their dog should get them as part of their total caloric intake, then I’ll give treats. If the client doesn’t bring them, I don’t give them!

3.     Leash/collar/harness/dog tags.

4.     Poop bags!

5.     Crate or bed: If the dog sleeps in a crate at home, they should have their crate at your house. I’ve had normally-crated dogs come to me without their crate, and it’s a hot mess. If they are used to a crate as their “safe space”, they should have it on overnights or even day visits.

6.     Toys: Not all dogs come with their own toys, but it’s better if they have even one. A tug toy plus a toss toy is nice. Even if they aren't that into toys at home, a toy is great in a new environment, plus it gives you, the sitter, an easy way to connect with a dog.
7.   Medicine, if the dog is on it. It's up to you to decide how comfortable you are dispensing meds. Personally, I have professional zoo experience, so I feel ok with pills, injections, etc., but be honest about what you can handle.

Depends on the dog:

7.     A shirt that belongs to their owner: This can be nice for dogs that are a little sadder about missing home.

8.     Paw or fur wipes

9.     Brush, for the shedders among us.

10. Rain coat or cold weather coat

11. Thundershirt, for anxious pups.

Coming up next, a list of what I will provide to complement the owners' items.
To get $20 free on Rover.com, whether or not you need a sitter in the Seattle area, use my code BESTBALLARD20. Happy sitting!

Welcome to Other People's Dogs!

Dog sitting: so much more than just picking up poop... or is it?


Allow me to enlighten you to the tricks of the trade, the dog sitting and dog walking essentials. With a little planning, your dog sitting experience can be fulfilling and lucrative for you as well as fun for your fluffy friends!


Questions? Comments? Want to sponsor Other People's Dogs? Email me at opdogblog@gmail.com.

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