Choosing to become a pet sitter is, first and foremost, an act of generosity: caring for an animal means guaranteeing the owner a worry-free departure on every occasion, whether it's a holiday, a work trip or an emergency.

The thought of leaving our pet alone fills us with sadness and anxiety, because we would do anything to have them by our side at all times. Entrusting them to a pet sitter is often the only solution, which is why it's important to choose the most suitable person — the best one for our animal's needs.

What makes a perfect ten pet sitter?

1. Experience first and foremost
Knowing animals is not as simple and straightforward as it might seem, and it's easy to mistake knowledge of one's own pet for knowledge of the animal world at large. Experience with other animals is the starting point for caring for the furry ones in search of an excellent pet sitter.

2. Questions? Yes, please
Before accepting a pet-sitting job, you need to find out as much as possible about the furry friend in your care. Their history, their habits, the animals they don't get along with, and their state of health. Knowing means caring for an animal in the best possible way and guaranteeing them quality assistance.

3. It's the how that makes the difference
Yes, it's the quality of the service that makes an owner satisfied, not the quantity. If you decide to take in a furry guest, it's important to consider whether the house is busy during that period. The more animals you host, the greater the risk of squabbles. The same applies if you decide to work as a dog walker: taking too many dogs out at once means exposing yourself and them to greater risks. Fewer but better looked after — that's the way to ensure adequate supervision for all our furry friends.

4. Photos, videos and messages
When an owner leaves without their faithful companion, rest assured that anxiety will accompany them throughout their stay. How can you truly help? Send photos, videos and messages that reassure them about their pet's wellbeing. If ever technology was a godsend for our peace of mind, it's in moments like these!

5. Respecting their routines
An animal left in a pet sitter's care, just like its owner, experiences states of anxiety. Especially if they are spending days in someone else's home, they will feel disoriented and unsettled. Respect every one of their habits: their diet, their lifestyle, their downtime. Every animal has its own story, and a self-respecting pet sitter welcomes that story without turning it upside down — simply respecting it and adding competence and tenderness to it.

6. Eyes always open
Never leave a guest animal alone in your home for many hours. If you are out in the street or at the park, never let them roam free. An animal entrusted to a pet sitter is an animal you don't know in depth, so the utmost attention and constant supervision are required to reduce the risk of accidents.

7. The NO PANIC! mantra
Only those who do nothing make no mistakes, as the saying goes. Every time you choose to care for an animal, you take on the risk that something might happen. A scuffle between dogs at the dog park. A pet going missing. An accident that results in a broken little paw. These things happen, even when you work carefully. And when they do, you must not panic, but handle the situation rationally. Your first thought must be the animal — do everything to keep them safe or get them treated. Beyond that, contacting the owner in a state of agitation only makes everything harder. Quick reflexes and calm: go to the nearest vet's surgery if the animal is unwell, or alert kennels, vets and the police immediately if the animal has gone missing. Easier said than done, admittedly, but a pet sitter must act promptly… the only time that matters for our animals is NOW!

8. Everyone loves new experiences, but….
You must always make sure they're not harmful! If we want to take our furry guest to the seaside or to our country house, always ask the owner first. What might seem like a great adventure to us could be a source of problems for the animals!

9. Being serious without taking yourself too seriously
A good pet sitter gives their animal the very best and knows that their work is not a "little job" but something more important and valuable. Those who choose to dedicate themselves to animals know that every animal has its own needs and problems, so nothing can be taken for granted. However, there is one thing we can learn from our furry friends… never take yourself too seriously! When we care for them, we follow all the rules but we never forget to play with them!

10. Time to say goodbye? No fuss
The moment when the pet-sitting job comes to an end always arrives. It is often tinged with a little sadness, because becoming attached to an animal is the most natural and simple thing in the world for any of us. It's important not to pass our anxiety on to the animals, but to hand them back to their owner calmly and serenely. If we've done a good job, we'll surely be called upon to look after them again!

Caring for an animal is a little like caring for yourself. It must be done to the very best of one's ability, because animals deserve nothing less.