When I first started looking for pet sitting gigs, I kept bumping into that “singles or couples only” wall. It felt like having kids automatically disqualified us from the pet sitting pool. But after dozens of successful sits and countless happy pet owners later, I’ve discovered something surprising: many homeowners actually prefer having a family care for their pets. Here’s why:
More Hands Make Light Work
Let’s start with the most practical advantage: there are more of us! With two adults and our daughter, we have three people available to:
- Take turns for early morning dog walks (a lifesaver when one of us wants to sleep in)
- Share pet feeding responsibilities across different times of day
- Ensure someone is almost always home with the pets
- Handle emergencies while still maintaining pet care routines
Last summer, we cared for a household with two dogs, a cat, and four chickens. When one dog had an unexpected vet visit, my husband took him in while I stayed home with our daughter and the other pets. The homeowner later told me that their previous solo sitter had to leave all animals alone during a similar emergency, which had caused them significant stress.
Creating a “Home” Atmosphere
Pets aren’t just looking for food and bathroom breaks – they crave the energy and routine of a normal household. Families naturally create this environment:
- Regular coming and going throughout the day mimics the hustle and bustle many pets are used to
- Meal preparations, conversations, laughter, and daily routines create familiar household sounds
- Family game nights, movie watching, and living room lounging give pets plenty of company even during “down time”
One cat owner confessed she chose us specifically because her three cats got depressed when the house was too quiet. “With your family, I knew there would always be some activity, which is what they’re used to with our family of four,” she explained.
The Child Connection
Kids and animals often form special bonds that adult-only sitters simply can’t replicate. Our 9-year-old daughter brings unique benefits:
- Endless patience for play (seriously, she’ll throw that ball for HOURS)
- A gentleness that shy animals respond to beautifully
- Genuine excitement about spending time with pets
- A different energy that many animals are drawn to
I’ll never forget watching an “allegedly” standoffish cat completely melt for my daughter. While this cat typically avoided the owners’ adult friends, something about my daughter’s calm, non-threatening presence appealed to him. By the second day, he was sleeping on her bed, something the owners said they’d never seen him do with visitors before.
Extra Eyes Notice Details
Multiple family members mean multiple perspectives and observations about pet health and behavior:
- Different family members might notice different behavioral changes
- Children often spot subtle differences adults might miss
- Multiple observers provide better monitoring of eating, drinking, and bathroom habits
During one sit, it was my daughter who noticed that the dog was drinking more water than usual. This small detail led us to discover early signs of a minor UTI, which we caught before it became serious. The vet specifically commented that catching it so early was unusual and extremely beneficial.
Security Benefits
Many homeowners worry about home security as much as pet care. Families offer enhanced security:
- The regular activity deters potential intruders
- Multiple cars coming and going signal an occupied home
- Different lighting patterns throughout the house (as family members use different rooms) create a more natural “lived-in” look
- More people to notice if something seems amiss with the property
A homeowner in a rural area chose us specifically because “having a family there makes the house look properly occupied, not just visited.”
Adaptability and Problem Solving
Families are masterclasses in adaptability. We’re used to:
- Handling the unexpected (it’s basically parenting 101)
- Having backup plans for our backup plans
- Dividing and conquering when challenges arise
- Finding creative solutions to unusual problems
When a storm knocked out power during one winter sit, we were able to implement a family system where one person stayed with the pets, keeping them warm and comfortable, while another handled communication with the utility company, and our daughter kept pets distracted with play. The homeowner later told us that our “family teamwork approach” to the situation gave them incredible peace of mind during what could have been a stressful situation.
Better Communication
With multiple family members involved in the sit, communication often improves:
- Different family members may connect with different details worth sharing
- Kids often take amazing pet photos (honestly, my daughter’s pet photos get way more likes than mine!)
- Multiple perspectives in updates give owners a fuller picture
- Someone is always available to respond to owner messages quickly
Several owners have mentioned that family updates feel more comprehensive and engaging than the brief, functional updates they received from solo sitters.
A Vacation for the Pets
Many pets are part of a family home. When they suddenly go from a bustling household to a single person, it can be jarring. Our family maintains that familiar family dynamic:
- Pets used to children don’t have to adjust to a child-free environment
- Animals accustomed to multiple people don’t suddenly feel isolated
- Routines that involve different people (morning person feeds breakfast, night owl handles evening walk) can be maintained
One dog owner told us her retriever got depressed when staying with single sitters because he was used to a family of five. “With your family there, he didn’t even seem to miss us as much,” she laughed.
Finding the Right Match
Of course, family pet sitting isn’t for every situation. We’re careful to match our family to the right pet sitting opportunities:
- We respect that some pets truly do better with minimal human interaction
- Certain collections of valuable or fragile items might not mix well with children
- Some spaces simply aren’t set up to accommodate a family
But for many homeowners, especially those with multiple pets or animals used to a family environment, having a family as pet sitters creates the perfect solution.
Breaking the Misconception
The next time you see a family applying for your pet sitting needs, consider the unique advantages they bring. That family might just offer the most comprehensive, loving care your pets could ask for.
And for families looking to break into pet sitting: don’t get discouraged by those “singles or couples only” listings. Keep looking, because there are plenty of pet owners who will see your family as a feature, not a drawback!
