Private dog sitter working for a private family

A private dog sitter for is tasked with the care and companionship of a client’s cherished dogs. This role demands a deep understanding of canine behavior and health, ensuring that each pet is nurtured according to the highest standards of welfare and affection. Private dog sitters are responsible for maintaining a routine that supports the physical and emotional well-being of the dogs, making sure they are healthy, happy, and active at all times.

  • Primary missions:
    • Feeding and maintaining a nutritionally balanced diet
    • Regular exercise and play
    • Grooming and hygiene maintenance
    • Health monitoring and coordinating veterinary care
  • Live-in or live-out
  • Salary: $35,000 – $70,000+
  • Type of job: Domestic staff

A private dog sitter is the devoted guardian of a client’s dogs, ensuring each pet flourishes in a loving and attentive environment.

Dog sitter job description

A private dog sitter individuals provides luxury-grade and personalized care for dogs in a private household setting. This role requires someone who understands dog behavior and health needs deeply. The primary duty is to ensure that each dog under their care receives proper nutrition, regular exercise, and emotional support.

The dog sitter is responsible for daily feeding, planning and administering exercise routines, and ensuring that the dogs are groomed regularly. They also monitor the health of the dogs, taking them to veterinary appointments as needed and managing any treatments or medications prescribed.

This job can be live-in, where the sitter resides in the client’s household, or live-out, depending on the employer’s needs. It is essential for candidates to be compassionate, attentive, and knowledgeable about dogs to succeed in this role. The position not only demands practical skills in canine care but also a significant emotional commitment to the well-being of the pets.

Missions and responsibilities

  • Feed the dogs according to a nutritionally balanced diet specific to their health and age requirements.
  • Plan and execute regular exercise routines to ensure the dogs remain physically healthy and mentally stimulated.
  • Perform grooming tasks including bathing, brushing, and nail trimming to maintain the dogs’ hygiene.
  • Monitor the health of the dogs, recognizing signs of illness or distress and taking appropriate action.
  • Schedule and manage veterinary appointments, including follow-ups and administering any prescribed medications.
  • Provide companionship and emotional support to ensure the dogs feel safe, loved, and happy.

Work conditions

Private dog sitters for ultra-high-net-worth individuals typically work full-time, often residing at the employer’s residence, where they may also receive benefits such as accommodation and meals. Their work hours can extend beyond a standard 40-hour week, as the role may require evening, overnight, and weekend commitments depending on the owner’s schedule and the needs of the pets.

Work Hours and flexibility

  • Usually 40-hour week
  • In cities like New York or London, where clients may have demanding social and business lives, dog sitters often work longer and more irregular hours.
  • The type of dog can also influence the schedule; for example, high-energy breeds like Border Collies may require more frequent exercise sessions.

Living arrangements

We are on search of candidates for live-in or live-out private dog sitters positions.

  • In urban environments, live-in accommodations are often more compact, sometimes within the apartment or house of the employer.
  • In contrast, estates in rural areas like the English countryside or the outskirts of major European cities may offer more spacious living quarters for live-in staff.

Travel requirements

  • The need for travel can vary; in regions like the Middle East or parts of Asia, our clients often travel extensively, requiring the dog sitter to accompany them and navigate varying international pet travel regulations.
  • The breed of the dog might also affect travel ease; larger breeds or those with specific health issues may necessitate more detailed travel preparations.

Work environment

  • In regions with harsh winters, such as Canada or Scandinavia, indoor amenities for dog care are crucial, including indoor exercise facilities.
  • Conversely, in warmer climates like California or the Mediterranean, outdoor activities and ensuring the dogs are kept cool and hydrated become priorities.

In either case, as a private dog sitter, expect to spend a lot of time outdoor.

Autonomy and responsibilities

  • Depending of the satff, there may be more direct oversight by other household staff such as a butler, estate manager or the employers themselves.
  • Responsibilities might also include managing breed-specific health issues, such as the grooming needs of Poodles or the hip health of German Shepherds.

Emotional and physical demands

  • Emotional bonds can be influenced by the breed’s characteristics; for example, Labrador Retrievers are often very affectionate and require a lot of emotional engagement.
  • Physical demands can be higher in larger properties or with more active breeds, requiring sitters to maintain excellent physical condition.

Contractual and compensation details

  • Legal and contractual norms vary by country; in the EU, employment rights for live-in workers are typically well-defined, while in the U.S., arrangements might be more flexible.
  • Compensation can also reflect local economic conditions; for instance, salaries might be higher in cities with a high cost of living like San Francisco or Zurich.

How to become a high-end private dog sitter?

ecoming a high-end private dog sitter, especially for ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) individuals, requires specialized training and a unique set of skills to meet the high standards expected in this role. Most of the candidates we recruit have followed specific courses and acquired certifications.

Education and certifications

United States:

  • Karen Pryor Academy offers a variety of online and in-person courses including a comprehensive Dog Trainer Foundations course.
  • Animal Behavior College provides online programs featuring practical skills and real work experiences across the country.

United Kingdom:

  • The Academy for Dog Trainers, led by Jean Donaldson, is known as the “Harvard University of dog training,” offering a comprehensive range of courses in dog behavior and training.
  • Milne and Mutt Dog Training offers detailed programs in puppy training and advanced dog training, including scent detection.

France:

  • Centre de Formation Canine in France offers a range of dog training courses. These programs cover everything from basic obedience to advanced training techniques, catering to various aspects of dog behavior and training needs.
  • École des Chiens provides training programs in Paris and in many major cities, focusing on both practical handling skills and theoretical knowledge about dog psychology and behavior. Their courses are well-suited for individuals looking to professionalize their dog training skills.

Australia:

  • Certificate III in Companion Animal Services at TAFE provides a broad introduction to animal care, focusing on practical skills in animal handling.
  • Certificate IV in Companion Animal Services teaches advanced knowledge about canine behavior and training techniques.

Canada:

  • Cultured Canines in Canada specializes in obedience training and behavior issues, offering innovative approaches to dog training.
  • Paw Z Tracks Dog Agility Training focuses on agility and behavior modification, enhancing communication and trust between dogs and owners.

Experience

To work for UHNW individuals, we usually ask for at least 2 years of experience in a similar role and familiarity with luxury or private household settings. The following experiences are also appreciated:

  • Experience in veterinary care is a strong advantage.
  • Background as a professional dog trainer.
  • Skills in pet grooming and health management are beneficial.

Salary

Here’s an overview of the avarage salary for the job offer Morgan & Mallet International filled in the last years.

LocationExperience LevelExpected Salary Range
USAEntry-Level$25,000 – $35,000
Experienced$35,000 – $75,000+
UKEntry-Level£18,000 – £22,000
Experienced£22,000 – £35,000+
AustraliaEntry-LevelAUD 40,000 – AUD 50,000
ExperiencedAUD 50,000 – AUD 70,000+
CanadaEntry-LevelCAD 30,000 – CAD 40,000
ExperiencedCAD 40,000 – CAD 60,000+
FranceEntry-Level19,000€ – 24,000€
Experienced25,000€ – 37,000€

Top cities to find jobs as an estate manager

Major cities around the world offer the most job opportunities for dog-sitters: Paris, Monaco, New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dubai, London, Hong Kong…

Estate manager job growth trend

The private dog-sitter job market is experiencing significant growth, with projections showing an annual compound growth rate of 9.56% from 2022 to 2030, ultimately reaching a market size of $5.41 billion. This surge is largely driven by increased spending on pet services and rising pet adoption rates, particularly in regions like North America and the Asia-Pacific​ (StraitsResearch)​.

Typical day of a private dog-sitter

Here’s an example of an private dog-sitter day looks like.

  • Early Morning: Start the day by preparing specialized, diet-specific meals for the dogs. Ensure fresh water is always available.
  • Morning Walk: Take the dogs for their first walk of the day in a private park or along a designated trail, focusing on light exercise and socialization.
  • Mid-Morning: Conduct a grooming session including brushing and, if necessary, baths. Coordinate with professional groomers for detailed care.
  • Noon: Facilitate a training session with a professional dog trainer to maintain discipline and enhance skills.
  • Afternoon: Arrange for a vet visit for routine check-ups or specific treatments. Manage transportation and handle any medications prescribed.
  • Late Afternoon: Engage in interactive play sessions to stimulate the dogs mentally and physically.
  • Early Evening: Prepare and serve dinner, adhering to nutritional guidelines. Provide comfortable resting areas for the dogs.
  • Evening: Take the dogs for a final, shorter walk to settle them for the night.
  • End of Day: Update the employer or family office on the dogs’ health, behavior, and any incidents from the day. Prepare for the next day’s schedule.

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