28/07/2026
I know this might be unpopular.
I've seen so many new dog walkers and pet sitters popping up lately, and I genuinely support that. We all had to start somewhere.
What I don't support is seeing pet care advertised as cheap or as a way to earn a bit of pocket money.
Because this isn't pocket money.
This is a profession with real responsibility.
I'm still a relatively new pet sitter and walker myself, so the irony isn't lost on me. But in these (almost)two years I've invested thousands of pounds into insurance, training, first aid, courses, equipment, transport, systems and continuing education. I've done that because someone's pet deserves more than someone who simply "loves animals."
Loving animals is the starting point, not the qualification.
Professional pet care means understanding behaviour, recognising illness and injury, spotting potentially fatal risks like grass seeds, managing dog interactions safely, knowing how to respond when something goes wrong, protecting clients' homes, carrying the right insurance, and accepting that the responsibility sits with you.
And it's not just dogs. Cats can be frightened, anxious, stressed or defensive. A cat swipe isn't "just a scratch"- cat claws carry bacteria, and injuries can become serious infections if not treated properly. Cats are highly susceptible to many illnesses if they stop eating or drinking, theres so much to be mindful of. Every species comes with its own risks, responsibilities and knowledge.
Every time we market this industry as "cheap" or "just pocket money", we diminish the skill, investment and professionalism that so many pet care professionals bring to their work.
Our industry deserves better than that. Our families, deserve the very best. Our charges, deserve the very best.
