From the Pet Sitter’s Notebook:
One of the questions I hear most often is a simple one:
“What does a pet sitter actually do?”
On the surface, it sounds straightforward. Someone comes by, lets the dog out, feeds the cat, and heads on their way. But like most things involving pets, it’s rarely that simple once routines change and families are away. Every pet sitter works a little differently, and every household has its own rhythm. What matters most isn’t just what gets done during a visit, but how closely the care matches what pets are used to—and how prepared the sitter is when things don’t go exactly as planned.
It Usually Starts With a Conversation
Before any visits happen, there’s typically a meet and greet or consultation. This is less about formalities and more about getting a feel for each other. It’s a chance to walk through daily routines, talk about quirks and preferences. Make sure everyone—pets included—feels comfortable. It’s also when expectations are clarified: how visits work, who will be coming into the home, and what communication looks like while a family is away.
That conversation sets the tone for everything that follows.
Day-to-Day Care Looks Different in Every Home
Most pet sitting visits involve the basics: feeding, fresh water, potty breaks, litter box care, and time spent with the pets. But the details vary widely. Some dogs want a structured walk. Others are happiest wandering the yard and then settling in for a game or a sniff around the house. Some cats hide until the second or third visit, while others appear immediately, ready to supervise everything. Part of a pet sitter’s job is noticing what this pet needs on this day—and adjusting accordingly.
Staying Home Is Often the Best Option
Many pets do better staying in their own environment rather than going to boarding or daycare. Familiar smells, sounds, and routines can make a big difference, especially for pets who are sensitive to change. That doesn’t mean everything stays exactly the same when families leave. Dogs may act differently when a new person comes into the home. Cats may eat less. Energy levels can shift.
A good pet sitter pays attention to those changes, not just the clock.
It’s Not Just About the Pets
Professional pet sitting involves more than caring for the animals themselves. It includes keeping an eye on the home, noticing subtle changes, and being prepared to step in if something doesn’t feel right. Preventing escapes, recognizing early signs of illness, and managing interactions between pets are all part of that responsibility. Often unseen, but deeply reassuring when families return.
Experience Matters When Things Change
No two trips are exactly alike, and sometimes pets throw a curveball. A dog who won’t eat. A cat who doesn’t come out. A medication that suddenly becomes a challenge. This is where experience shows up.
A professional pet sitter has seen a wide range of situations and knows when something is simply a stress response—and when it needs more attention. They’re prepared to problem-solve, communicate clearly, and take action if needed.
Reliability Is Part of the Job
Pet sitting isn’t just about showing up when it’s convenient. Pets depend on consistency, especially when their people are gone. That means visits happen on time, routines are followed as closely as possible, and care doesn’t get skipped because plans change. It’s a responsibility that requires commitment, not just availability.
What It Comes Down To
At its core, pet sitting is about trust.
Families are trusting someone to care for their pets, notice changes, and handle the unexpected with calm and preparation. The best pet sitting often looks quiet from the outside—but it’s built on experience, observation, and attention to detail. Those things make all the difference when families are away.
Your pets are family. Choosing the right sitter matters.
This is the care we offer Kansas City families at Loving Arms Pet Services. Professional, thoughtful pet sitting and positive-reinforcement training you can trust.
Loving Arms Pet Services (LAPS) 