Have you ever scrolled through pet sitting websites, carefully crafted your application, and then… nothing? Just crickets. That’s what usually happens when families apply for pet sitting gigs. When we first decided to try family pet sitting, this silent rejection became all too familiar. On the rare occasion we did get a response, it was typically a quick ‘we’ve selected another sitter’ message. Even more uncommon was the honest reply: ‘Sorry, our home isn’t suitable for families.’ It felt like an unspoken rule that families with kids couldn’t possibly be good pet sitters.
I remember our first application rejection. The homeowner straight-up told me, “We just don’t think a family with a child can give our pets the attention they need.” I was crushed, but also kinda fired up to prove them wrong. Three years and dozens of happy homeowners later, I’m here to bust some myths about family pet sitting.
Myth #1: Kids and pets don’t mix well
Let’s be real. Some homeowners picture your kids chasing their cat around the house or feeding chocolate to their dog. I get it – I’ve seen some questionable kid-pet interactions at the park too!
But here’s what actually happens at our house sits: my daughter reads books to anxious dogs. She sits quietly while shy cats slowly approach her. She knows more about proper pet handling than many adults because we’ve taught her from day one.
Last summer, we cared for an elderly golden retriever named Max who was on medication. The owner was worried about our daughter being around during medication time. By day three, she was texting me about how impressed she was watching my daughter sit calmly with Max after his pills, gently petting him and making sure he was comfortable.
Kids who grow up respecting animals often become their biggest advocates and most gentle caregivers.
Myth #2: Families are too busy and distracted
“You won’t have time for our pets with kids to look after!”
I hear this one a lot. But think about it – what do pets need most? Regular feeding, exercise, playtime, and lots of company. You know who excels at providing constant company? Families!
When my husband and I pet sit, there’s almost always someone home. We tag-team responsibilities. When I take the dog for a morning walk, my husband is home with our daughter. When he needs to run errands, I’m there. The pets we care for actually get more attention than they would with a single sitter, who might need to leave for hours at a time.
During a recent sit, we cared for a pair of cats who were used to their owner working from home. The previous sitter (a single person) had gotten complaints from the neighbour that the cats cried all day while the sitter was out. With our family, one of us was always around, and the cats were perfectly content.
Myth #3: Kids will stress out the pets
This concern makes sense on the surface. Some pets, especially those not used to children, might find kids overwhelming.
But here’s where family pet sitters have a secret advantage: we screen carefully. Before accepting any sit, we have detailed conversations about the pets’ temperament and experience with children. If a pet is easily stressed or has never been around kids, we might pass on that opportunity.
We also set clear rules. My daughter knows that some pets need space. She understands “yellow light pets” (approach slowly and carefully) and “red light pets” (admire from a distance). These boundaries protect both the pets and her.
One of our favourite sits was for a kid-shy cat named Oliver. The owners warned us that Oliver usually hides when their nieces and nephews visit. We prepared our daughter for a pet she might barely see. But you know what? By implementing quiet voices and slow movements, Oliver was sleeping on my daughter’s bed by night three. The owners couldn’t believe the photos!
Myth #4: Families will damage your home
Some homeowners worry that adding kids to the mix means more potential for household mishaps.
I won’t lie – kids can be messy. But as family pet sitters, we’re extra careful precisely because we know this concern exists. We have family clean-up time before leaving any sit. We take “before” photos when we arrive and make sure everything is exactly as we found it – or better.
Last Christmas, we stayed in a home with lots of fragile decorations. The homeowner was hesitant but needed someone last-minute. Not only did we keep everything intact, but when a winter storm knocked out power, we were able to quickly move all her fish tanks to areas with emergency power. Having multiple people to help during that crisis was a huge advantage!
Myth #5: Kids don’t understand pet responsibility
Some people think children just want to play with pets like toys and don’t understand the responsibility involved.
In reality, pet sitting has been one of the best ways to teach my daughter about responsibility. She helps with feeding routines, notices when water bowls are empty, and even helps spot when pets might not be feeling well.
During one sit, it was my daughter who noticed the dog wasn’t finishing his food – something the single sitter before us had missed for two days. It turned out to be an early sign of a minor issue the vet easily treated. Kids often pay incredible attention to animals they care about.
The Family Advantage
Beyond busting these myths, I’ve found that being a family pet sitter comes with some real bonuses:
- Multiple pairs of eyes and hands: More people means more help during busy pet times or emergencies.
- Round-the-clock company: Pets used to family homes typically feel more comfortable with the natural sounds and activity of a family.
- Learning opportunities: Children who pet sit develop empathy, responsibility, and confidence around different animals.
- Safety in numbers: Having multiple adults means someone can always stay with the pets while someone else runs errands or handles emergencies.
- Happy memories: The bonds we’ve formed with pets during our sits have become some of our favourite family memories.
If you’re a family thinking about pet sitting, don’t let these myths discourage you. Start small, be honest about your experience, collect great reviews, and watch your pet sitting opportunities grow.
And if you’re a pet owner considering a family to care for your furry friends, keep an open mind. That family with kids might just provide the most attentive, loving care your pets have ever experienced.
I know I’ll never forget the message we received after one of our early sits: “We were nervous about having a family stay, but our pets have never been happier. Thank you for proving us wrong!”
