The Ultimate Guide to Professional Dog Pet Sitting in Clients’ Homes (UK)
- Tori Lynn Crowther
- Sep 17, 2025
- 5 min read
The Ultimate Guide to Professional Dog Pet Sitting in Clients’ Homes (UK)
Pet sitting in a client’s home is one of the most trusted roles in the dog care industry. You’re not just looking after a dog – you’re responsible for someone’s beloved companion and their private space. Done well, in‑home dog sitting can be incredibly rewarding, build long‑term client loyalty, and set you apart as a true professional.
This guide covers everything you need to know: how to be professional, what clients expect, where boundaries should sit, how to handle emergencies, legal and insurance considerations in the UK, and how to become the kind of pet sitter clients rave about.
What Is In‑Home Dog Pet Sitting?
In‑home dog pet sitting involves staying in (or regularly visiting) a client’s home to care for their dog while they’re away. This may include:
Feeding and watering
Walking and enrichment
Medication administration
Overnight stays
Maintaining routines
Basic home care (bins, post, lights)
For many dogs, this is far less stressful than kennels or unfamiliar environments. For owners, it offers peace of mind – if the sitter is professional and prepared.
What Clients Expect From a Professional Pet Sitter
Most clients won’t say this outright, but they expect:
1. Reliability and Consistency
You arrive when you say you will
You stick to agreed routines
You don’t cancel last minute unless there’s a genuine emergency
2. Clear Communication
Updates while they’re away (photos, messages)
Prompt replies before and during the booking
Honesty if something goes wrong
3. Respect for Their Home
Clean, tidy, and respectful behaviour
No unauthorised guests
No sharing photos of their home on social media
4. Competent Dog Care
Understanding dog body language
Safe handling on the lead
Ability to manage common behaviour issues
Calm, confident decision‑making
Clients are paying for peace of mind, not just dog care.
How to Be a Truly Professional Pet Sitter
Professionalism is what separates a hobby sitter from a trusted service provider.
Have Clear Policies (and Stick to Them)
Your policies should cover:
Cancellations
Payments
Emergencies
House rules
Boundaries around additional tasks
Put these in writing and share them before booking.
Always Do a Meet & Greet
A proper meet & greet should include:
Observing the dog’s behaviour
Discussing routines and rules
Clarifying expectations
Touring the home
Emergency contact details
If a client refuses a meet & greet, that’s a red flag.
Keep Records
Feeding instructions
Vet details
Medication schedules
Behaviour notes
Signed agreements
This protects you as much as the client.
Being the Best Pet Sitter (Not Just a Good One)
Great pet sitters go beyond the basics:
They notice small changes in behaviour or appetite
They maintain enrichment, not just exercise
They keep dogs mentally settled, not just physically tired
They adapt calmly when things don’t go to plan
Understanding canine behaviour, stress signals, and routine disruption is a huge advantage – especially for dogs who struggle when owners are away.
When Clients Are Asking Too Much
This is a big one in in‑home pet sitting.
Examples of unreasonable requests:
Expecting 24/7 supervision without discussing it
Asking you to train the dog without agreement
Heavy housework unrelated to pet care
Caring for additional animals not agreed in advance
Ignoring your safety boundaries
What to Do
Refer back to your written agreement
Clarify what is included
Offer paid add‑ons if appropriate
Be prepared to say no politely but firmly
Boundaries aren’t unkind – they’re professional.
Handling Emergencies Calmly and Professionally
Emergencies happen. Preparation makes all the difference.
Before the Booking
You should always have:
Vet details (including out‑of‑hours)
Emergency contact person
Written permission to seek veterinary treatment
A spending limit agreed
If the Dog Is Ill or Injured
Stay calm
Contact the owner immediately
Follow agreed instructions
Seek veterinary care if needed
Keep written notes of what happened
Behavioural Emergencies
If a dog becomes aggressive, panicked, or unsafe:
Prioritise your safety
Remove triggers if possible
Use management, not punishment
Contact the owner and, if needed, a professional
Never put yourself at risk to “be nice”.
The Law Around Pet Sitting in the UK
Pet sitting in a client’s home is a business activity.
Key Legal Considerations
You may need to register as self‑employed with HMRC
Income must be declared
Local councils may have licensing requirements (varies by area)
You owe a duty of care to the animal
You are legally expected to act reasonably, competently, and in the animal’s best interest.
Insurance: What You Must Have
Insurance is non‑negotiable.
At minimum, you should have:
Public Liability Insurance
Covers:
Injury to the dog
Injury to third parties
Damage to the client’s property
Care, Custody & Control Cover
Essential for anyone responsible for animals.
Key Cover (Recommended)
Covers loss or theft of clients’ keys.
Without insurance, one incident could end your business.
Important Warnings You Should Give Clients
Protect yourself by being upfront.
Clients should be informed that:
Dogs may behave differently when owners are away
Routines may need adjusting
You cannot guarantee outcomes (illness, behaviour changes)
You will act in the dog’s best interest if emergencies arise
Clear disclaimers reduce misunderstandings and conflict.
Red Flags to Watch For
Think carefully before accepting bookings where:
Owners minimise aggression or anxiety
Instructions are vague or constantly changing
There’s resistance to contracts or insurance
Your concerns are dismissed
You are allowed to decline work.
Final Thoughts
In‑home dog pet sitting is a position of enormous trust. The best pet sitters are not just dog lovers – they are organised, knowledgeable, insured, and emotionally intelligent.
When you combine professional boundaries with genuine care, clients don’t just book you once – they stay with you for years.
If you want to be taken seriously in this industry, act like a professional from day one. Dogs – and their humans – deserve nothing less.
If you’re building a pet sitting or dog care business, this level of professionalism isn’t optional – it’s the foundation of long‑term success.
See The Dog House Resources for templates you can use.
About Tori & TLC Canine Crusaders Business Hub
I’m Tori, founder of TLC Canine Crusaders Business Hub and The Dog House, where I help dog walkers and dog owners build confidence, clarity, and success. With years of hands-on experience running a busy dog walking company and training academy, my mission is to make the industry easier to navigate. Whether you're growing your business or supporting your dog at home, you’ll find practical guidance, community support, and resources designed to help you thrive.
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