(From "Start a Farm-sitting Business" by Cherie Langlois)
If you decide to pursue a career as a pet or farm sitter, your chore list will generally include the following, although services offered or needed vary from business to business and job to job (our list doesn’t include the business/marketing side).
- Provide animals with fresh food and clean water.
- Clean litter boxes, kennels, stalls, any accidents, dishes, etc.
- Carefully observe animals for signs of sickness or injury.
- Keep notes of unusual behaviors or occurrences.
- Administer any needed medications.
- Provide exercise and play: dog walking, kitty games, horse turnout, etc.
- Groom animals.
- Pick up mail and newspaper.
- Put out garbage and recycle bins.
- Water plants and vegetable gardens.
- Adjust house lights, shades, etc., to give a “lived-in” look.
- Check the security of fence lines, pens, coops, etc.
- Double-check gates, doors and locks.
- Give animals quality time and loving attention.
For a great overview of this profession, consult Pet Sitting for Profit, by Patti J. Moran (Howell Book House, 2006).