What Is a Pet Sitter? More Than You Might Think!

When people first hear the term pet sitter, they often think it just means someone who takes your dog for a walk or feeds your cat. While walking and feeding are key parts of the job, professional pet sitters, like our team at Bull City Pet Care, do much more. A recent client review highlighted how our walkers and sitters not only cared for her strong, energetic dog but also helped him become a better leash walker, provided dependable care, and poured genuine love into every visit. That’s what makes a true pet sitter: safe, reliable care that supports both pets and their families. Today, I’m answering the question, “What is a Pet Sitter?” to highlight all that goes into each of our pet care visits.

What Pet Parents See

When walking dogs, our dog walkers and pet sitters provide more than just a quick stroll. We focus on safe, attentive walks that meet each dog’s individual needs. For a strong puller, for example, shorter training walks with supportive guidance can help improve leash manners. For an older or shy pet, walks can be tailored to stay gentle and predictable. Exercise keeps pets balanced, healthy, and happy, but the benefit of exercise comes when we tailor the activity to the pet in our care, their fitness levels, and physical needs, cats included!

Our dog walkers and pet sitters also give dogs the opportunity to relieve themselves, keeping them healthy and comfortable in their families’ absence. We make notes and inform pet parents of upset stomachs, loose stools, and other concerns because communication is a key part of what we offer.

Feeding and Medication Administration

Professional pet sitters also manage pet’s daily feeding, according to their usual routine. Feeding is not just about filling a bowl, it’s about keeping pets on schedule, ensuring they have access to fresh water, and monitoring how much they eat and drink. Our team takes note of appetite, moods, or anything unusual, because those small details sometimes indicate bigger issues. Whether it’s breakfast or dinner while you’re traveling, or mid-day meals for puppies during dog walks, consistent, personalized care reduces stress and keeps pets thriving.

From commercial kibble to homemade meals, our team feeds pets according to their guardians’ instructions, ensuring we follow quantities and frequencies to the letter. If there is a need for medication administration, we do that as well.

Hygiene and Waste Management

Another key part of pet sitting is maintaining a clean environment. Cats appreciate a freshly scooped litter box, and all pets feel more comfortable when indoor accidents are cleaned up promptly. Our sitters also make sure food and water bowls stay clean, because pets, just like people, love good hygiene. Keeping feeding areas tidy helps prevent odors, bacteria buildup, pests, and stress for both pets and their humans. It’s one more way professional sitters support a healthy, happy household.

We also pick up all pet waste and discard of it properly, whether indoors or outdoors. Keeping Durham clean is a key responsibility when walking dogs, whether as a professional or pet parent.

Training Reinforcement

Pet sitters often play an important role in reinforcing the training and manners you’ve worked hard to instill at home. For example, many clients have shared how their dogs improve their leash walking with our sitters’ guidance. Others have remarked on their pets’ increased ease when friends and family come over, having become accustomed to positive interactions with our team.

By using patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, our pet sitters are happy to practice cues, boundaries, and other training with your pets. We know all too well that small, repeated habits build good manners and contribute to a calmer home life and safer outings. We encourage you to let us know what you’d like us to practice so that we can get into the habit of doing so during visits.

Affection and Socialization

Beyond the basics, pets crave love and companionship. Pet sitters don’t just check boxes of tasks, we bond with pets and develop loving, respectful relationships with them. We provide belly rubs, ear scratches, and a friendly presence you and your pets can count on.

Dogs and cats alike benefit from social support and play, which break up long days alone and provide emotional enrichment. For pet parents, there’s comfort in knowing your pet is not just cared for, but also truly enjoys the visits with a trusted human outside their immediate family.

Knowledge, Emergency Prep, and Peace of Mind

Finally, pet sitting is about more than loving animals, it’s about professionalism. Our team is trained to handle emergencies, recognize signs of distress, and follow care instructions closely. Whether it’s noticing if a pet seems unwell, preparing for inclement weather, making homes appear occupied in your absence, or knowing how to reach a vet quickly, professional pet sitters and dog walkers are prepared for anything.

Our knowledge and professionalism gives pet parents peace of mind. By leaving your pets in our care, you can enjoy your workdays or travels knowing that your furry best friend is in capable, loving hands.

The Best Pet Sitters in Durham, NC

What is a pet sitter? A pet sitter is the complete package: exercise, care, love, structure, and readiness. At Bull City Pet Care, we’re proud to deliver all of that and more, helping pets thrive, while making life a little easier for their humans!

Join the Bull City Pet Care family by contacting us via bullcitypetsitting@gmail.com or 919-740-7481. We offer dog walking, dog sitting, and specialty services, including nail trims and medical assistance. 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.