Why the Kid Next Door Is Not a Pet Sitter

When planning a trip or long workdays away from home, it can be tempting to ask the kid next door to “keep an eye on things.” After all, they’re nearby, familiar, and usually happy to earn a little extra cash. But when it comes to the safety of your pets and the security of your home, convenience doesn’t equal competence. Pet sitting is a responsibility that requires far more than good intentions, which is why the kid next door is not a pet sitter. Let’s discuss!

What is a Pet Sitter?

The term pet sitter gets thrown around in a lot of contexts. Because there is no regulation in the pet sitting industry, there is no official guidance behind the term. That said, a pet sitter is someone you hire to care for your pet(s) while you’re at work or traveling. A pet sitter will feed your pet(s), scoop litter boxes, walk your dog, play with your cats, and maybe even spend some time playing in the yard with your dog, etc. Some can medicate your pet, assuming it’s an easy task.

While the term pet sitter is commonly used, smart consumers know that a professional pet sitter is where peace of mind and pet care come together. A pro pet sitter, emphasis on pro, is usually a licensed (if needed in their service area,) insured, vetted, and trained pet care provider who has made pet sitting and/or dog walking their career. It’s not a temporary gig. Rather, it’s a part or full-time job.

Why the Kid Next Door Is Not a Pet Sitter

As explained above, the kid next door could get away with calling themselves a pet sitter, but we’d have to challenge the term used in this context. A kid, usually a person under 18, is a child and therefore usually won’t have the level of responsibility required to refer to themselves as a pet sitter. They definitely can’t be a “professional pet sitter” because they wouldn’t be able to secure licensing, insurance, or bonding at that age.

Kids can certainly care for their own pets in their home under their parent(s)’ supervision, but a pet sitter usually goes into a client’s home to care for their pets unsupervised. This means that, when you engage the kid next door to care for your pets, you are giving a child access to your home unsupervised. If the parent will be present, you’re technically hiring the parent, which may work out better while still somewhat risky.

Dangers of Hiring the Kid Next Door As a Pet Sitter

Let’s talk about the dangers of hiring the kid next door to care for your pets:

Unwanted Guests

Parties, friends stopping by, or unexpected guests can quickly turn a casual pet sitting arrangement into a stressful situation for your pet and a security concern for you and your home.

Home Security & Safety Risks

Speaking of security, unlocked doors, propped-open gates, or people coming and going increase the risk of pets getting lost and theft or damage to the home.

There’s also the issue of access to alcohol, firearms, and pharmaceuticals. Curiosity, friends, or poor judgment can lead to dangerous situations, both for your pet and for liability concerns you never intended to take on.

Limited Knowledge

Even kids who “love animals” may not recognize early signs of illness, stress, or injury. Subtle changes in appetite, litter box habits, mobility, or behavior can easily be missed. Professional pet sitters are trained to observe and respond appropriately and to know when a situation requires escalation or veterinary care.

Bite or Scratch Risk

Many children and teens haven’t been taught how to read pet body language or respect boundaries, especially with animals they don’t know well. Subtle warning signs, including stiff posture, avoidance, growling, tail flicking, or lip licking, are often missed by inexperienced caregivers.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children are among the most common victims of dog bites, in part because they are more likely to misinterpret or overlook stress signals. Veterinarians and animal behaviorists consistently emphasize that improper handling, rough play, or forcing interaction can provoke fear-based reactions, including bites or scratches. Even a well-mannered pet may react defensively if it feels threatened or overwhelmed, creating a safety risk for both the child and the animal.

Forgotten Visits

Forgetfulness is also a possibility, and, even though it’s rarely done maliciously, it can impact your pet and your home. Missed feedings, skipped walks, improperly scooped litter boxes, or inconsistent medication administration can happen simply because the kid’s life gets busy or they forget. Pets thrive on routine, and disruptions can cause anxiety, digestive issues, discomfort, or behavioral problems. Plus, pet messes and accidents can cause damage to your belongings, including your wood floors!

Undeveloped Skills & Responsibility

Developmentally, children and teens are still learning time management, accountability, and follow-through. If they get sick, have a last-minute schedule change, or lose interest, the responsibility often shifts to their parents, people who didn’t agree to care for your pet and may not be available or willing to step in. And that’s if you’re lucky to have the parent step in. We’ve heard horror stories where the parents were none the wiser, and the pet suffered alone for days at home because the kid didn’t show up.

Why a Professional Pet Sitter is The Best Option

At Bull City Pet Care, pet sitting isn’t a side gig; it’s our profession. We use reliable scheduling software to ensure no visit is missed, maintain detailed care notes for every pet, and carry insurance for your peace of mind. Our team is trained, experienced, and supported by management, which means there’s always a backup if a sitter is delayed, ill, or unavailable.

Why would you pay for a kid to care for your pets when you have access to Durham’s most trusted pet care company? It doesn’t make sense and could cost you in the long run. Plus, developing a relationship with an established pet care company like ours helps make pet parenting a lot easier on you and your family. Set up your account for the upcoming holiday season, and you can count on us into 2026 and beyond!

The Best Pet Sitters in Durham

Your pets deserve consistent, knowledgeable care, and your home deserves respect and security. When it matters most, trusting a professional isn’t a luxury; it’s the responsible choice. With Bull City Pet Care, you’re hiring a team built to show up and do the right thing, every visit!

Join the Bull City Pet Care family by contacting us via bullcitypetsitting@gmail.com or 919-740-7481. We offer dog walking, cat sitting, and specialty services. You can also get started by clicking this link to schedule your meet and greet.

We proudly serve the following areas of Durham: Downtown, Lakewood, Tuscaloosa, Old West Durham, Old North Durham, Northgate Park, Watts-Hillandale, Trinity Park, Duke Park, Erwin/LaSalle, North Durham, Southside, Croasdaile, Walltown, Braggtown, Historic East Durham, Hope Valley, and Forest Hills.