Dog Sitting For 15 Year Olds

How old do you have to be to pet sit? Here’s what to know, according to pet experts.

For many animal-loving kiddos, dog sitting sounds like the ultimate way to make a little money (while logging hours with their favorite four-legged friends). But when it comes to the “right” age for dog sitting, there are a few things experts recommend.

Unlike the babysitting age in some states, there isn’t a minimum age in which kids can legally become pet sitters. However, “kids are usually ready to dog sit between the ages of 10 and 12,” according to Dr. Britta K. Ostermeyer, chief of psychiatry service at OU Health, University of Oklahoma, who adds that “for bigger dogs who are harder to watch, kids should be at least 12.”

Pet sitting, according to Ostermeyer, is lower stakes than babysitting, but even so, pet sitters need to be “ready to assume responsibility for the pet.” “The child needs to be able to direct the pet, feed them, and needs to be able to recognize when the dog is not well and needs to be taken for help,” she explains. “In that case, the child needs to know where to call to arrange for the pets to see a vet.”

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Signs a dog may not be an ideal first client for a kid

In addition to the child, there’s the dog to consider. Here’s what Latimer and Bernal say to keep in mind on the pup’s end:

The breed size and/or number of pets. “A larger breed size or greater number of dogs could imply that a child needs to be a little older or physically more mature to manage them, especially if out on a walk,” notes Bernal.

The dog’s demeanor. “Parents and kids should consider and know whether the dog has a history of any behaviors that might present risks to the child, others or themselves,” Latimer says. “For instance: Do they play well with other animals? How do they walk on a leash? Do they have any triggers, such as noise sensitivities?”

The care required. “Even some of the smallest dogs can be quite the handful,” Bernal says. “If the dog is challenged or needs additional care like medication, it may make more sense to wait a few more years or choose another dog to pet sit. It’s important that every child feels just as safe as the pet does.”

What Does a Teenage Pet Sitter do?

As a pet sitter, you’ll spend the majority of your time taking care of a pet, or pets when their owners have left their home for quite a bit of time. A homeowner can either give their pet to the pet sitter, or the pet sitter can come to their homes to check on the pet every so often. A pet sitter will ensure the overall health of pets when the owner is away, and this includes feeding, grooming, and taking care of their general needs. You will be spending a lot of time with animals, so it’s good to be a fan of animals and you are not allergic or sensitive to animals. This will also help you take the job more seriously, as if you are a fan of animals, you can sympathize better with the pet owner. If you do not take this job seriously, and forget to care for the pet, they can easily die and you will be in huge trouble with the pet’s owner.

FAQ

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