Every year, as the summer holiday season looms, I and other professional house sitters across The Cotswolds, Wiltshire and Dorset begin to receive frantic calls from pet owners desperate to find someone to care for Mable and Fluffy in two week’s time. It’s not that they hadn’t planned ahead. Rather it’s their plans were centred on an informal agreement with a friend or family member to look after the dogs and cats while the pet owner went on holiday. And now the nominated carer has discovered they’re not available after all.
When it comes to pet care, many owners face a familiar dilemma: should they hire a professional pet sitter or ask a friend or family member to step in? On the surface, the latter seems like the easiest and most affordable option. After all, your loved ones know your pet, and you trust them, right?
But relying on a friend or family member can come with risks. What if they cancel last minute? What if an emergency occurs? Are they truly prepared to handle the responsibility of caring for your pet while you’re away?
In contrast, hiring a mature, professional pet sitter offers reliability, expertise, and peace of mind that informal pet care arrangements simply can’t match. Let’s break down eight compelling reasons why investing in a professional pet sitter is the smarter, safer choice for both you and your furry friend.
1. Reliability Matters
Life happens. Your friend might have a sudden work commitment, a personal emergency, or simply didn’t put your holiday dates in their calendar and are now committed to their own plans. When you vet and hire a professional, you’re working with someone who treats pet care as their job. They won’t back out at the last minute, and if an unforeseen issue arises, they’ll have a backup plan in place.
A professional pet sitter is committed to your pet’s well-being, and to your peace of mind from before the sit begins. That’s why I’ll text new clients the day before the house sit begins and just let them know that we’re all ready and looking forward to the job. That one less thing to worry about just before they go on holiday.
2. Trained for Pet Emergencies
Imagine this: It’s late at night and your cat comes inside and promptly throws up on your best rug. Would your friend know what to do? Pet care includes knowing when to escalate and when it may not be necessary.
Professional pet sitters are trained to handle medical emergencies, from recognising early signs of illness to administering medication or seeking immediate veterinary care. Their knowledge and quick action could make all the difference in an emergency situation.
At A-Breed-Apart, we’ve dealt with all kinds of illness and injury. Having grown up on farms, I know that animals, whether farm livestock or household pets, have atrocious timing when deciding to injure themselves or develop an illness. That’s why I have supplemented my human first aid training with pet first aid training. Having a professional on site who can handle the unexpected is invaluable.
3. Insured for Protection
A significant advantage of hiring a professional pet sitter is that they carry business insurance specific to their industry. This means that if anything goes wrong, whether it's an injury to your pet, property damage, or a lost key, you’re covered.
A friend or family member may have the best intentions, but if an accident occurs, who takes responsibility? With a professional, you have legal protection and financial security.
4. Personalised Pet Care Plans
Every pet has unique needs. Whether it’s a special diet, medication schedule, or behavioural quirks, professional sitters take the time to understand your pet’s routine and cater their care accordingly.
Unlike a friend who might simply refill the food bowl and take your dog for a quick walk, a professional will stick to a structured care plan, ensuring your pet’s specific needs are met without compromise.
One of our regular clients has a Labrador that is sadly prone to seizures. If you’ve never treated a large Labrador having a seizure, it’s not pleasant to say the least. Our experience in caring for pets with medical needs means we ensure consistency in their care. This is something a casual pet sitter might not be equipped to handle.
5. No Awkward Favour Requests or Guilt Trips
Asking a friend to pet sit can put a strain on your relationship. What if they feel obligated but don’t actually want to do it? What if they expect something in return? Since this is an industry I am totally invested in, I tend to hear about a lot of unpleasant cases, including major fallouts between friends and family over house sitting arguments.
Hiring a professional eliminates these awkward conversations and potential resentment and fallouts. There are clear expectations, agreed-upon responsibilities, and no unspoken obligations. You pay for a service, and the sitter delivers it. Simple as that.
6. Experience with Different Pet Personalities
Not all pets are easy to care for. Some have separation anxiety, some are high-energy, and others might be seniors with special needs. A professional pet sitter has experience handling a wide variety of pet personalities and behaviours.
We recently cared for a young Mottled Dachshund, a nervous little pup who was wary of new people, especially men. Within a day, she was a fixture at my side (she loved sitting on the back of the couch, chin on my shoulder). This only happened because we know and understand dogs and cats and are able to respond to their signals, while conveying a sense of safety and trust to them. A friend or family member might not have had the experience to ease little Molly’s anxiety.
While a friend might struggle with an anxious dog or a finicky cat, a trained pet sitter knows how to keep your pet comfortable, engaged, and stress-free while you're away.
7. Home Security & Additional Services
A professional pet sitter does more than just care for your pet—they also keep an eye on your home, which is particularly valuable if you live in a rural or isolated area.
Many offer additional services like:
✔️ Bringing in the mail
✔️ Watering plants
✔️ Taking out the bins on collection day
✔️ Checking security alarms and doors
This extra level of care provides added security, giving you peace of mind that both your pet and your home are in good hands.
8. Daily Updates & Photos for Peace of Mind
One of the best perks of hiring a professional are the regular updates. We send photos, and even videos of your pet via WhatsApp so you can see how they’re having their own holiday and being spoiled.
This reassurance can make all the difference, especially if you’re traveling for an extended period. Instead of wondering if your friend remembered to stop by, you’ll have real-time proof from your chosen house sitter professional that your pet is happy, healthy, and well cared for.
A Professional House Sitter: The Smartest Choice for Your Pet’s Well-Being
When it comes to ensuring your pet receives top-tier care, a professional house sitter is the gold standard. Not only do they provide reliability, experience, and emergency preparedness, but most importantly, complete peace of mind while you’re away.
Looking for a reliable, professional pet sitter in the Cotswolds, Wiltshire, or Dorset?
You're in the right place!
At A-Breed-Apart, we provide dedicated, compassionate care tailored to your pet’s individual needs while ensuring your home remains secure. Whether you're planning a holiday or an essential trip, rest assured that your pets will receive the love, attention, and routine they’re used to, with none of the stress of being uprooted.
Secure your dates today – we book up quickly!
To check availability, simply let us know:
✅ Your travel dates
✅ Location
✅ Number & breed of pet(s)
✅ Any special needs (e.g. allergies, anxiety, medical requirements)
If we have availability for your travel dates, we’ll arrange a friendly video call, followed by an in-person meet and greet.
We understand that handing over the keys to your home and the care of your beloved pets to someone new might feel daunting. That’s why we take the time to build trust, ensuring you feel confident and comfortable before you leave.
Ready to enjoy your trip with total peace of mind? Get in touch today and let’s discuss how we can help.
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