The Ultimate Guide to Professional In‑Home Dog Pet Sitting (UK)
- Tori Lynn Crowther
- Jan 24
- 6 min read
The Ultimate Guide to Professional In‑Home Dog Pet Sitting (UK)
In‑home dog pet sitting is often described as “just staying in someone’s house with their dog”. In reality, it is one of the most complex, responsibility‑heavy roles in the dog care industry. You are caring for a living, feeling animal and occupying someone’s private home, often for days or weeks at a time.
This blog is written from inside the dog house – from the perspective of dog professionals who understand behaviour, welfare, boundaries, and the realities of working with real dogs and real humans.
If you want to be a professional pet sitter (or hire one), this is what you need to know.
What In‑Home Dog Pet Sitting Really Involves
In‑home dog pet sitting usually means living in or regularly attending a client’s home while they’re away. This may include:
Feeding, watering, and routine care
Walking and lead handling
Medication and health monitoring
Overnight stays
Emotional support for dogs missing their people
Managing behaviour changes
Light, agreed home tasks (bins, post, security checks)
What it does not automatically include is:
24/7 supervision
Training or behaviour modification
Deep cleaning or house management
Caring for additional animals or people
Clarity here prevents burnout, resentment, and unsafe situations.
Why Dogs Often Behave Differently When Owners Are Away
This is something experienced sitters understand and inexperienced ones are blindsided by.
When owners leave, dogs may:
Eat less (or more)
Become clingy or withdrawn
Show increased reactivity on the lead
Guard spaces or resources
Struggle to settle at night
This isn’t “bad behaviour” – it’s stress, change, and loss of routine. A good pet sitter doesn’t punish or panic; they manage, adapt, and support.
This is also why professional sitters warn clients in advance that behaviour may change.
What Clients Expect (Even If They Don’t Say It)
Most clients expect:
Reliability
If you say you’ll be there at 7pm, they expect you there at 7pm. Not “around”, not “ish”. Reliability is safety.
Competence
They expect you to:
Walk their dog safely on the lead
Recognise stress or illness
Make sensible decisions without constant instruction
Respect
Their home is private. That means:
No guests
No social media posts showing the house
No rearranging or snooping
Communication
They want reassurance, not silence. Regular updates matter – especially if something is slightly off.
Professionalism: Where Good Sitters Become Great Ones
Written Policies Are Essential
You should have clear written policies covering:
Payments and deposits
Cancellations
Emergencies
What is and is not included
Boundaries around tasks and supervision
Verbal agreements fail under pressure. Written ones protect everyone.
Meet & Greets Are Non‑Negotiable
A proper meet & greet allows you to:
Observe the dog’s behaviour
Check lead skills and reactions
See the home environment
Discuss routines honestly
Red flag: clients who say “they’ll be fine” but won’t meet beforehand.
Record Everything
Professional sitters keep records of:
Feeding routines
Medication instructions
Vet details
Behaviour notes
Emergency contacts
This isn’t overkill – it’s risk management.
Boundaries: When Clients Are Asking Too Much
This is one of the biggest reasons pet sitters burn out.
Examples of unreasonable or unsafe requests:
Expecting the dog to be left alone never
Asking you to “fix” behaviour issues
Heavy housework or gardening
Caring for additional pets not agreed
Ignoring safety concerns on walks
How to Handle It
Refer back to your agreement
Explain calmly what your service includes
Offer paid add‑ons if appropriate
Say no without apology
Boundaries are a sign of professionalism, not lack of care.
Safety First: Protecting Yourself and the Dog
Personal Safety
Always trust your instincts
Avoid unsafe walking routes
Do not walk dogs you cannot physically control
Never tolerate aggressive behaviour towards you
You are not required to put yourself in danger to “be nice”.
Dog Safety
Use secure leads and harnesses
Avoid dog‑dense areas if reactivity is an issue
Stick to known routines
Do not introduce new dogs or people
Management keeps everyone safe.
Emergencies: What Prepared Professionals Do
Before the Booking
You should always have:
Registered vet details
Out‑of‑hours clinic info
Written permission to seek treatment
Agreed spending limits
Emergency contact person
Medical Emergencies
If a dog is injured or ill:
Stay calm
Contact the owner
Seek veterinary care if needed
Document everything
Delaying care to avoid “bothering” owners is not professional.
Behavioural Emergencies
If a dog becomes aggressive, panicked, or unsafe:
Prioritise your safety
Reduce triggers
Use management, not punishment
Contact the owner immediately
The Law: What UK Pet Sitters Need to Know
Pet sitting is a business activity.
You may need to:
Register as self‑employed with HMRC
Declare income
Check local council licensing rules
Comply with animal welfare legislation
You owe a legal duty of care to the dog.
Insurance: Absolutely Non‑Negotiable
Minimum recommended cover:
Public Liability Insurance
Covers injury, damage, and accidents.
Care, Custody & Control
Covers incidents involving animals in your care.
Key Cover
Highly recommended for in‑home sitters.
No insurance = no business.
Pricing: Charging Properly (Without Guilt)
Underpricing leads to:
Burnout
Resentment
Unsafe decisions
What Your Price Should Reflect
Overnight responsibility
Skill and experience
Behavioural risk
Lack of personal freedom
Travel and time
Pricing Tips
Charge per 24‑hour period, not per night
Add supplements for:
Puppies
Medication
Behaviour issues
Constant supervision
Do not match hobby sitters’ prices
You are offering peace of mind, not just presence.
Warnings and Disclaimers You Should Always Give Clients
Clients should be informed that:
Dogs may behave differently
Routine changes may be necessary
Illness or stress can occur
You will act in the dog’s best interest in emergencies
Clear warnings prevent conflict.
Red Flags: When to Walk Away
Think carefully if:
Aggression is minimised
Instructions constantly change
Insurance or contracts are questioned
Your safety concerns are dismissed
You are allowed to say no.
Final Thoughts
In‑home pet sitting is a position of enormous trust. The best sitters are not just dog lovers – they are organised, educated, insured, and emotionally intelligent.
Professional boundaries protect dogs, clients, and you.
If you want longevity in this industry, act like a professional from day one.
Pets deserve it. And so do you.
A note on professional pet sitting
This content is written with one clear assumption: pet sitting is a professional service, not a casual favour.
Pet sitters are entrusted with animals’ safety, routines, health, homes and wellbeing. That responsibility requires skill, judgement, preparation and accountability.
Pet sitting deserves:
Clear pricing that reflects responsibility and risk
Firm boundaries and professional policies
Mutual respect between sitter and client
Recognition as skilled, paid work — not “help”
Sustainable pet sitting businesses are built on professionalism, not goodwill. And professionalism benefits everyone — sitters, clients and pets alike.
About Tori Lynn C. & The Dog House
Welcome to The Dog House — my cosy corner of the TLC Canine Crusaders Business Hub. I’m Tori Lynn C., the founder of TLC Dog Walking Limited, mentor to professional dog walkers, and lifelong advocate for dogs and the people who care for them. Before building my own dog walking company, I worked as a dog trainer and held corporate roles at Pizza Hut’s Head Office in London and at PricewaterhouseCoopers, based at Embankment Place. Business, structure, and people management have been part of my life for a very long time.
With full time, hands-on experience in the dog industry since 2007, my mission is to guide you through the realities of running a successful, sustainable dog walking business — from client care and safety to wellbeing, confidence, and professional growth.
The Dog House is where I share the honest, behind-the-scenes conversations we all need: the tricky moments, the funny bits, the business lessons, and the mindset work that keeps us thriving rather than merely surviving. Whether you're just starting out or scaling up, you’ll always find support, guidance, and a friendly nudge forward here.
You’re never alone in this journey — you’re part of a community of canine crusaders.
Legal Disclaimer
The information provided on this website is for general information and educational purposes only. It is intended to support pet care professionals in understanding common legal considerations when operating a dog walking or pet care business in the UK.
This content does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for advice from a qualified solicitor or legal professional. Laws, regulations and local authority requirements may change over time and can vary depending on location and individual circumstances.
While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date at the time of publication, no guarantees are made regarding completeness or applicability to your specific situation.
By using this website, you acknowledge that:
✓ You are responsible for ensuring your own business complies with all relevant UK laws and local authority rules
✓ You should seek professional legal advice before drafting, using or relying on any contract or legal document
✓ The website owner accepts no liability for loss, damage or legal issues arising from the use of this information
If you are unsure about any legal obligations, contractual terms or liabilities, it is strongly recommended that you consult a solicitor experienced in small business or consumer law.
Comments