Get ready!

Before the booking, make sure you have all the information you need and you have packed anything specific that you might need. Take a look at our guide on getting ready for a Petcare booking here.
​

Meeting a pet for the first time. Take a moment to introduce yourself. Approach a new furry friend in a friendly and warm manner, allowing them to get familiar with you. You may want to get down to their level and allow the pet to come to you first if they're a little more nervous. Spend some time bonding if you can, before before getting into walks and routines.

Some pets (particularly cats!) may completely ignore you completely until they're used to you. Let them do their own thing and come to you when they're ready. If they're quite territorial, leave them in their own safe space rather than entering it to force affection.
​
​Top tip: Holding your hand out to allow a pet to come to you and give you a sniff can make them feel extra comfortable.
​

Follow the pet's routine. Try to stick to the routine requested by the pet parents as closely as possible, including feeding times, walks, and any other activities the pet is used to. This helps to reduce anxiety and provides a sense of familiarity for the pet.
​

Behaviour. If a pet is being a little cheeky or isn't following your instructions, don't lose your temper or shout, as they won't understand and this will only scare them and you may lose their trust. Stay calm and try a new approach, such as positively reinforcing good behaviour with a treat or a cuddle. The pet parents may have some tips for you on how they manage this.
​

Water bowls. Always ensure that a pet's water bowl is filled and easily accessible, especially in hot weather. Checking the bowl just before you leave is always a good idea.
​

Dinner time. Follow any mealtime instructions provided by the pet parent and avoid introducing new foods without checking with parents first. Keep in mind that some tasty human foods can be toxic to animals so it's best to stick to their usual diet. Treats can be a great way to bond with the pet and reward good behaviour as long as the pet parents are happy with it.
​

Exercise and play. Keep pets active and engaged, if they're up for it! Whether it's a game of fetch, a nice walk in the park, or playing with toys, physical and mental stimulation is great for a pet.
​

Sending updates and photos. Pet parents love to receive updates, just as parents do. These small gestures go a very long way, particularly if it's your first booking with a family. You'll have the pet parent's phone number as soon as the booking is confirmed, so you can send them photos or videos of the pet having a nice time with you or running around outside. This reassures the pet parent that their pet is in good hands.
​

Cleaning up. Depending on the booking, it's a good idea to regularly clean out and replace litter trays or dispose of pets' waste properly. If you're out for a walk and a pet uses the toilet, make sure you have waste bags with you to pick it up and dispose of it correctly. If a pet make a mess inside, try and treat it as soon as you can with the right products to prevent nasty smells lingering!
​

Health and local vet information. Make sure you know where a pet's medicine is kept and how it's administered if needed, and ask the pet parents for the contact details of the pet's veterinary practice in case of emergencies or concerns.
​

Lock up carefully. If you're working in a family's house, ensure that the home is secure before leaving. Check the doors and windows as well as making sure the pet is safe and settled. Follow any instructions provided by the pet parent regarding home security, such as switching on a pet-safe alarm.